Which M1911 45 ACP is best for me?

Vanity

[TNoldman]

I am looking to get a 1911 45 ACP for recreational shooting, home defense and sometimes Carry. I currently have a .357 Taurus snub nose that I carry with .38 +P Personal Defense Ammo.

I would like an older, used Military Pistol and am leaning toward a M1911A1. I am not interested in modern day knockoffs at this time.

Anyone out there please advise pros and cons of the various vintages of 1911's. Is there a preferred Manufacturer?

[B4Ranch]

Be Careful. You will end up buying the one you think is best then in short order, fall in love with it and not have enough money for ammo. Just be careful what you do.

Trading in Momma’s jewelry so you can buy ammo will not make you popular in your own home. Use restraint!

[gunner03]

Love my M-4 also, but to reach out to touch some one, the M14 was the one to turn to (except for 1000 yds then it was M70 Winchester)

[gunner03]

Love my M-4 also, but to reach out to touch some one, the M14 was the one to turn to (except for 1000 yds then it was M70 Winchester)

[Chuckster]

Sorry, I was unclear. I meant that the caliber was chosen for its effectiveness. FMJ is mandated by the Geneva Convention, as we all know. Joe's point is well taken. Any ammo carried for defense should be thoroughly tested in the piece you carry before depending on it for that purpose.

[Gaffer]

I hope this works.

[IMG]http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n482/zagnuts/100_0097.jpg[/IMG]

[Gaffer]

[mormonsniper]

The vast majority of the model 1911s available today are all relatively good and very functional. Basically, you can't go too far wrong with any of them. That said, if you want to conceal carry a full size 1911, be prepared. The older (and some newer) models that are all steel can be heavy after just a few hours, not to mention they are quite large (5 inch barrel). I recommend a little research. As an example, the Kimber Ultra Carry is a 3 inch, aluminum framed 1911 that is very “portable” at 25 ounces empty. The full size Warrior series are 14 ounces heavier (almost a pound)... and they are bulkier, of course, with the added barrel length. Both are accurate, enough. The Springfield and Rock Island 1911s are not as expensive and can be had in the 3 inch size. The more expensive models from the likes of Wilson Combat and Nighthawk are very good, and well accessorized. There are others of course on both ends of the financial spectrum. The venerable 1911 and it's variants (2011 from STI for example) and some of the new style polymer framed weapons in 45ACP from FN and Springfield should also be checked out. What ever “1” fits your hand and “2” fits your budget. I recommend buying at a price point that you are comfortable with remembering that your life may depend on it and if you use it, you will most probably lose it to the police since it will become evidence. Have a back up. Acquiring two of the same model carry gun is not unheard of. Get training, practice, and get more training.

On a side not, you mentioned that you are more of a traditionalist. New technology can be a good thing, at times. Weapons with rails although not very pretty are very functional if used properly. Laser sighting devices have their place as well. Remember, anything that is mechanical or electronic can fail at any time. Train for that eventuality.

Back to lurking,
ms

[Gaffer]

If you turn over the M-3 Shoulder holster you’ll see the name BLIZZARD inked in on the back....you can google they guy. A small statured P51D pilot who flew out of England in 1944-45 IIRC....he crash landed at least once. What makes me believe it is legitimate is how the adjustable part of the holster was set. For a very small stature torsoed pilot.....

[HeadOn]

Ha! I inherited a Remington-Rand .45 from my Father-in-Law, who served in Patton’s Army. A GREAT piece. If I have that bad boy in my hand when the bad guys show up, there won’t be any bad guys left standing.

I have fun telling my friends I took my typewriter to the shooting range...

Somebody told me I should get it re-furbished, but I think I’ll keep it as-is.

[B4Ranch]

Don’t dare update anything on that prize except the springs and keep those secure too.

[Gaffer]

Somebody told me I should get it re-furbished, but I think I’ll keep it as-is.

If you want to make it worth a bunch less, you shouldn't do anything that involves permanently altering it. Springs, barrel, etc. that can be refitted and replaced are okay, but keep the original stuff to put back on if you need it.

[HeadOn]

Yeah. That’s what I was thinking. Thanks, guys.

[HeadOn]

Oh - did I mention he had (now I have) a .22 conversion slide?

It’s a pain to change out, so I usually just shoot .45’s

[Gaffer]

If you want to shoot a good 22....get a Ruger Revolver...or go total cowboy with an Uberti Replica revolver in 22 — a good Cattleman 1873 is a nice shooter Single Action....

[dainbramaged]

That’s more than I figured, thanks.

[Jack Hammer]

You can always find a well-used and broken in piece in your price range by checking out: http://rockislandauction.com/

Plus, they take telephone bids for all auctions, and are very knowlegeable, expert, honest, and helpful.

[Jack Hammer]

You might also want to click on this link for an excellent selection of vintage .45’s:

http://www.simpsonltd.com/index.php?cPath=156_165_159&osCsid=bb9a199e164aa8bcae80e6dd07547fe7

[TNoldman]

Thank you fellow Freepers. I will digest all this info and make an informed decision.

Your time and efforts to share this info is what we are all about.

More later.

[B4Ranch]

Use Militec-1 on your slides and practice changing them out. The Militec-1 is like putting satin sheets on your bed the practice teaches you how to do it properly and effectively.

You can also use Militec-1 on your knives.

[Armedanddangerous]

If you cant find a nice series 70 colt 1911, get the para ordnance copy of the military 1911, or the one by Taurus. The taurus can be found discounted for just over $400 at the big box stores.

HOWEVER, a really good quality plain 1911 is the new one made by Remington Arms..the hunting gun guys..about $599