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My first 1911

exelci

New member
Joined
Jun 7, 2010
Messages
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Hi guys..

Im on the market for my first 1911 and would very much appreciate your expert advice.

Im set on either sig 1911 tacOps or a Colt defender in .45acp. My main concern is barrel size and reliability, i understand they had a hard time perfecting" the "science" of shooting a .45acp out of a 3" barrel.. But.. That has NOW been conquered right? Nothing to worry about? Or should i just go Full size? I love the look of 3" 1911's and the fact that they had to do an extra effort to make it reliable on a 3" barrel makes me think of officer model 1911's as if they are in a weird manner, studied further?? Than a full size?? Like a more modern version of the 5" full size.. It's Kind of like seeing an ipad next to an iPad mini.

Thank you for your time and happy holidays.
 
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MontanaResident

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2013
Messages
160
Location
Montana
Go full size. Expect to spend $600 to $1000. Below 600 and you might have some quality functional issues. Over a grand and you'll be paying for marketing or gunsmithing that doesn't make the pistol any more reliable or accurate.
 

MAC702

Campaign Veteran
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Jul 31, 2011
Messages
6,331
Location
Nevada
Full-size! In addition to being STILL more reliable, they are easier to shoot. Depending on how you carry it, barrel length doesn't need to be a limiting factor in comfort. I'm a skinny guy, and my 1911 conceals if I need it to, and looks and feels much better when OC'd or being shot.

That said, yes, the compacts are much more reliable than they used to be, and are still very accurate, but slightly harder to aim, which just means more practice, though.
 

exelci

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Jun 7, 2010
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Thank you all for your replys.. Im a little ashamed to say that after doing tons of research and setting my mind on a 1911.. Today I visited the local gun shop.. I ran in to an HK VP9 and bought it!! 😕 I'll have to get the full size 1911 when i save up my money again.. Hopefully not to far from now.

Stay safe and happy holidays! Best wishes to all of you.
 

davidmcbeth

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Jan 14, 2012
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earth's crust
Thank you all for your replys.. Im a little ashamed to say that after doing tons of research and setting my mind on a 1911.. Today I visited the local gun shop.. I ran in to an HK VP9 and bought it!! 😕 I'll have to get the full size 1911 when i save up my money again.. Hopefully not to far from now.

Stay safe and happy holidays! Best wishes to all of you.

That's a nice gun...enjoy.

Now onto the 1911 build....;)
 

Firearms Iinstuctor

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2011
Messages
3,428
Location
northern wis
It all starts with one gun then one safe then two then a whole room for you gun stuff.

Are 1911s the gate way guns to a habit that is hard to get rid of. :banana:

More likely the addiction starts with lowly bb gun at a very young age then a .22 before long a shotgun then a rifle then a pistol once one is addicted.

One finds ways to divert money to keep on buying more.

Then one hears it from love ones why do you need more can't you just stop.

Now you see the reason one needs to band all guns things from schools its a horrible addicting habit started at a very young age.
 
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HPmatt

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Aug 18, 2013
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Location
Dallas
I sure like my 92FS Inox - just a thought...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

exelci

New member
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Jun 7, 2010
Messages
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That's a nice gun...enjoy.

Now onto the 1911 build....;)



I will seriously look in to building my own.. There are plenty of mass production guns out here that are very fine firearms but when it comes to a 1911.. I feel as the 1911 is A handgun you should only get once you have had extensive experience with others.. Kind of like having lots of girlfriends and finally selecting the one you will marry... I guess im not ready for that type of commitment yet.. But when i do she will be a series 70 in 45acp..

Stay safe.
 

MSG Laigaie

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jan 10, 2011
Messages
3,239
Location
Philipsburg, Montana
My first pistol was handed to me by the United States Navy. A very plain jane, 1911a1, made by Remington Rand. Nothing special, parkerized and a bit worn. For the three years I had it in my possession, it rarely failed me, and those were ammo probs. It helped keep me alive and I miss it.

Today I have a commander size, 3.5 bushingless barrel, in .45 and I am EDCing it now. It runs like a clock and I have had zero issues. I did polish the feed tray a tad, I try to cut down on jams.

Try a few pawn shops instead of gun shops. The weapons are usually in excellent shape 'cause the guy that pawned it could not afford to shoot it. Good deals can be had IF you know your way around firearms (caveat emptor).
 

MAC702

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jul 31, 2011
Messages
6,331
Location
Nevada
My first pistol was handed to me by the United States Navy. A very plain jane, 1911a1, made by Remington Rand. Nothing special, parkerized and a bit worn. For the three years I had it in my possession, it rarely failed me, and those were ammo probs. ...

What kind of ammo problems did you have, assuming you were using nothing but factory-fresh FMJ issued ammo? That's a little disconcerting.
 
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