Posted on 07/13/2008 2:26:19 PM PDT by zeeshan
need advice on handgun
Add whatever everybody else recommends.
What sort of work should one expect to have done on a 1911 after purchase? Trigger work, I imagine . . . what else?
Try the new HK45c (Compact)
Looks to have all of the features you’ve specified.
I hate the grip safety on my Kimber. I shoot a much cheaper Ruger P-95 DC.
Based on your list of needs do you practice simply pointing and shooting? I find it almost as accurate, a lot funner, faster and confidence building.
It also eliminates some of the problems/items that you mentioned, like casing extraction, sights and diagonal barrels. This is a pistol, not a match rifle.
Although not addressed to me I thought I would take a shot at answering...
For turning a stock 1911 into a custom fighting 1911...
1) Slide to frame fit should be tightened
2) Barrel bushing should be fit to slide and barrel
3) All MIM internal parts should be removed and replaced with tool or carpenter steel parts
4) Ejection port should be opened and flared
5) Chamber should be throated
6) Trigger should be polished and set between 3.5 and 4.5 lbs
7) Combat sights installed with tritium bead in front
8) Heinie mag well installed
9) Barrel either recrowned or replaced depending on accuracy
The last three are optional but the first six would be my must have’s for work performed on a stock 1911 to improve performance.
There are many things you can do from an aesthetics standpoint - checkering front and back strap, flatten and serrate top of slide etc that do not impact reliability or accuracy.
Thanks. I’ll have the translators take a look at your comment. ;)
Why not a revolver instead of an automatic?
Definitely consider the Para LDA. It has a true double action trigger, so the issue of decocking it goes away. Very consistent and smooth trigger and pull force is not an issue. It will remind you of a revolver, except better. The firing pin is locked out unless you both pull the trigger and compress the grip safety, plus it has the standard thumb slide safety. It essentially cannot fire accidentally due to dropping the gun because the firing pin is disengaged when the gun is not gripped in your hand. Flip off the slide safety when you put the gun in hand and you are ready to shoot. The recent models have the power ejector, so the spent casings fly out high and to the right. It won’t eject weakly and into your face. With respect to durability, a Para .45 holds the record for most rounds fired with no jams. You can watch the video on the internet and see for yourself. Shoots a lot of different ammo due to ramp design, unlike some other .45s which are very picky, especially with hollow points. Avoid dirty ammo and clean the gun after each practice session and you will not have a problem. I like a product called Gun Butter to lube my Para. LDA comes in diffent sizes. You will want one of the compact models it sounds like. Para also has non-LDA models that are also worth considering.
http://www.eaacorp.com/handguns-witness-steel-description.html
Would it be worth it to take a cheap Armscor .45 (Phillipine manufactured 1911 clone) to a smith?
Wow.. That list brings me back to my 1911. I bought a Auto Ord M1911-A1C several years ago. It was my first semi-auto pistol. I couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn with it. I thought it was the sights so I went to replace them. The gunsmith suggested combat sights, opening the ejection port, National Match bushing, tapered barrel, trigger, polishing the bluing off the safeties, new hammer and beaver tail and a few other things. On my first post upgrade test drive, I hit a playing card 5 out of 5 rounds at 7 yards. It was worth the high cost of the upgrades.
If I had to do it over again, I would have bought a better pistol to begin with. I guess we all learn from experience.
The Glock 21 was my first .45 purchase and I have never regretted buying it. It's light, dependable, accurate, and has high round (13) capacity. Some people are wary of the Glock's "Safe Action," but I've had it for 10 years and never experienced a problem or accidental discharge. My biggest complaint is the chunkiness. I only carry it on colder days when concealment is not a problem.
For regular concealed carry, though, I chose a compact 1911 Kimber Ultra Carry II. It has night sights and Crimson Trace lasergrips. The bull barrel, though short, is accurate for the distances you'd need for defense. Tuning the lasersight with the included tool would give you fast, accurate follow up shots. In the event the lasersight battery ever needs replacement or if your taking cover and don't want to give away your position with a bright red beam, the 3 dot Trijicon sights on it are very good.
You won't find a shortage of opinions and advice in this forum. The best thing would be to find a range where some of the features you're looking for are available on a rental gun so you can actually try it out. Good luck and good shooting.
Alright! Listen up!
This is about fun. Buy the best 1911 model you can afford. Nothing less will do. Nothing.
Colt, Springfield, Wilson, Kimber, Para-Ordinance. All good. Some slightly better than others. Lots of price range there.
Hey Vaquero, I bought a Ruger Vaquero a few years ago because I liked the way it looked. Has been my favorite gun ever since. It’s a 45 that never jams.
I didn’t open this thread to get in on the debate. I just love looking at pictures of the guns that folks post.
i carry 9mm double action only and have a trigger pull of 12 pounds. it only goes off when you want it to!
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