1911 style .45

[Smokin Joe]

Originally posted by Sacamuelas
Smith/Alexander right??? Or is it a different maker?

Thats the one.

Good choice on the pistol too.

As far as changing your springs you can probably hold off on that for a while seeing how Kimber doesn't consider there pistols "broken in" until 900-1000 rnds.

I have 2500 + rounds through my TLE and I have yet to have any malfunctions with it.

Pay close attention to your Wilson Mags a few friends of mine and I have personally experienced malfunctions due to wilson mags. I don't know if wilson has fixed this or not but there mag springs were to weak. B/C of this we have all converted to the Chip McCormick Power mags (8 rounders). None of us has had a mag related malfunction since.

As far as getting front strap checkering done. Try shooting a 1911 with front strap checkering before you purchase it (if you can) some people do not like front strap checkering. Another "test" you can do is to put skate board "grip" tape on the front strap of the weapon. If you like it you will probably like front strap checkering but if you don't you just saved yourself the price of a frame.

Lastly I have a Springfield Champion (4 inch barrel) and a Kimber TLE (5 inch barrel) I carried the Champion for about 2 years, and have been carrying my TLE for about a year now. If anything I think I shoot faster with my Champion for some reason. I have yet to put it on a timer but I just feel faster with the Champion.

Psywar1-0 and QS I will be curious which one shoots faster. Please let me know.

[NousDefionsDoc]

Well congratulations Sacamuelas. Looks like you made an excellent choice. Enjoy your weapon.

[Sacamuelas]

Thanks Joe...
I gave the Wilson 8 rounder a trial yesterday with no feed troubles at all. That is why I am going with Wilson. The CM magazines would have to have a new plastic follower put in them to prevent damage to the feed ramp on my aluminum frame. If want to understand what I am talking about, check out this thread (it has pics of the damage).
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=61318

My Kimber already has front strap checkering. I like the solid grip on it when shooting with sweaty hands like mine. Does make you tough though ... like using newspaper for toilet paper - ROUGH! LOL

I've got an email into the S&A site about the mainspring housings. I am not going to get the integrated housing/mag well as TR suggested since it adds 1/4" to the length of the grip. With my uses for this one, I can do without the ability to reload Super fast and easy for the ability to conceal. Anyway, I sit on the couch/computer desk and practice dry fire trigger pulls and reloads to get the fast part without the extra length on the grip to conceal.

They do list that they make AL mainspring housings on the site. I asked in the email about their durability and friction resistance compared to SS. I also asked for weight differences between the two and their recommendation for a concealed carry defense weapon verses a target shooting/range gun. Will post the response when I get it if anyone is interested.

Thanks NDD.

[Sacamuelas]

Here is the response I got from S&A:
There is a 1 ounce difference the SS & AL will function the same. We are out of the Flat Neutral and probably will not have for a long time. We do have the black. If you have any further questions please call 1-800-722-1911

[.45ACP]

I know my knowledge and experience on this subject doesn't rate any more than a turd compared to all of you but I just wanted to mention I have the exact same pistol for concealed carry and I absolutely love it. I have shot about 1000 rounds through it so far. Had some malfunctions with the Kimber mags so I bought a couple of Wilson's and haven't had any problems since.

I spent a while searching for a good 1911 carry pistol, and when I picked this one up it felt so good in my hands my brother had to pry it from me with the phrase, "...from my cold, dead hands," running through my mind. It's very accurate, compact, nice meltdown treatment, reliable...funnest pistol I've shot yet. Pain in the butt to reassemble it after cleaning though...

Anyway, thanks for the posting space, I will just lope back on over to the Isolation board now.