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Selecting A Handgun

Silverfox44

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Joined
Oct 23, 2007
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82
Location
Tukwila, Washington, USA
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I am currently reading the Gun Digest Book Volume (2) of the 1911 by P Sweeney. very in depth on the Use, Care, Repair etc, etc, of the 1911. While @ a recent Gun Show I was told look no further than Kimber or Springfield when purchasing a 1911. I have started the process but would appreciate help in deciding which model is best for carry. Thanks
 

Wheelgunner

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Oct 8, 2007
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Location
Kingston, Washington, USA
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If you are dead set on a 1911, may I recommend a aluminum frame Commander size weapon.

Often considered a Expert's choice, the Combat Commander format is as good as the 1911 can get without sacrificing reliability. 10mm is a good caliber, allowing softball loads and full power loads. 45 ACP would be second choice.

On paper .357 Sig equals a .357 Mag in an Auto, though I have heard that itcan be unpleasant to shoot, expensive to feed, and life span is shorter.

Most importantfeatures:

1. Reliability

2. Reliability

3. Good trigger, good sights, good balance.
 

Drewesque

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May 18, 2007
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178
Location
Lacey, Washington, USA
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[align=left]I like Springfield, personally, but the best budget 1911 out there right now (if you want the options) is probably the Taurus. It's pretty fantastic. So if you want to save a few bucks, check one out.
[/align]
 

Phssthpok

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Cadillac? Kimber! $$$$$$$$

Sherman Tank? Springfield. $$$$

Either way....anything less than .45 ACP is a sacriledge. Nuff said.

(this is not to say that a Kimber is less durable/reliable, simply that it is more refined)
 

Preston1911

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Oct 2, 2007
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My favorite weapon is the 1911. it all depends on budget. my 1911's are the most accurate in my arsenol. I prefer the Springfield over other brands. It is one of the oldest names in the 1911 business and holds more national championships than any other brand.
 

sv_libertarian

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Aug 15, 2007
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Olympia, WA, ,
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Okay, on the REAL cheap end of the spectrum where my budget lives right now are the Rock Island Armory guns? I have seen a few and read some reviews. They of course are pretty "plain jane" but I am tempted to get one, as they look like an affordable and generally well recieved way to get into the 1911 game...
 

Trigger Dr

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Phssthpok wrote:
Cadillac? Kimber! $$$$$$$$

Sherman Tank? Springfield. $$$$

Either way....anything less than .45 ACP is a sacriledge. Nuff said.

(this is not to say that a Kimber is less durable/reliable, simply that it is more refined)

Kimber may be the "Cadillac", But Sig is the "Rolls Royce"

Jim
 

Preston1911

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Trigger Dr wrote:
Phssthpok wrote:
Cadillac? Kimber! $$$$$$$$

Sherman Tank? Springfield. $$$$

Either way....anything less than .45 ACP is a sacriledge. Nuff said.

(this is not to say that a Kimber is less durable/reliable, simply that it is more refined)

Kimber may be the "Cadillac", But Sig is the "Rolls Royce"

Jim

Trigger Dr.

I agree that the Sig is a fine weapon. I have owned a 226 and have a family member in an elite unit who carries one in a thigh holster in the middle east. As fine a weapon as the Sig's are, in their price range I would have to disagree that they are the Rolls. I have 4 figures invested into each of my Springfields.
 

Trigger Dr

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Are those the Springfields made in the USA or the ones made in Brazil?

I have rifles that cost in the $1000's (Sharps 4 of them and Hiwalls 3 of them), and a double rifle that I had made for a specific hunt. They are for the most part "eye candy" as they do not shoot any better than my $900.00 Pedersoli sharps.

Dollars don't make the gun.

No insult intended, just my point of view.

Jim
 

openryan

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Apr 18, 2007
Messages
1,602
Location
, Indiana, USA
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Trigger Dr wrote:
Are those the Springfields made in the USA or the ones made in Brazil?

I have rifles that cost in the $1000's (Sharps 4 of them and Hiwalls 3 of them), and a double rifle that I had made for a specific hunt. They are for the most part "eye candy" as they do not shoot any better than my $900.00 Pedersoli sharps.

Dollars don't make the gun.

No insult intended, just my point of view.

Jim
Although there is somewhat of a positive correllation between price and performance, you are right, just because one is two or three times the price of the other, don't expect 2 or 3 times the performance.

Although with some firearm, you pay for the history, experience, and name, they are 'trusted'.

Never shot a hi-point, but have heard other say they are comparable to firearms that are 3-4 times their price.

Have a photo of your special made rifle?
 

Trigger Dr

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Yes, I do, I can't seem to get more than one pic attached. Any Help?
 

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Trigger Dr

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Oct 3, 2007
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Water Buffalo, There is a place in Oregon that run these on about 4000 acres. $1500 for a meat animal and $2500 for a trophy.

Hell, I can go there 10 times for the price of one trip to Africa.

Yeah, 45/90...566gr cast bullet (30:1) 92 grains 2ffg Black Powder, 1440 fps =

2464 ft# at the muzzle Almost as much as my 50/70 Sharps
Jim
 

Johnny Law

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Nov 6, 2007
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462
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Puget Sound, ,
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Another thing you may want to consider is single or double stack. As a rule I prefer double, but own several examples of each. A personal favorite in double is Para-Ordnance. They are exact 1911 spec. with the excetion of the mag, grip, and related surrounding items. They are median priced, and are high quality. The only issues I have ever had with any Para were the mag springs. They tend to weaken over timeto the point of failing to feed properly. I Replaced them with Wolf springs and never again had any problems.

.45 is my favorite, but I usually carry a stainless Colt Delta Elite 10mm. off duty, as it is single stack, and a little less bulky. I agree that more $ dosen'talways mean better quality or even accuracy. Some of the guys will buy Les Baer customs or similar, and spend 2-3k or more on them. I have yet to see them outshoot most stock high quality guns. The exception is if you are going to shoot IPSC or other competitions, but these guns are not what you want to carry every day on the street.

Go rent/shoot anything and everything thatyou are considering purchasing. Make sure it fits your hand, and you can operate all the controls. This will allow you to make a much better decision.
 
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