The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: billt on June 30, 2010, 06:20:11 AM
-
I've been on a big 1911 kick since I bought a new Kimber Stainless II a few months back. Up until then the only 1911 I owned or shot was a Series 70 Colt Gold Cup. It's been a flawless performer, but I just can't get enough of this new Kimber. It's making me take a look at many of the other "new" 1911's on the market.
I really like the "all steel solidness" of the platform. Like wine, some things just improve with age. 2 that I have my eye on are the Springfield "Trophy Match", and the "Loaded" 1911.
http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?model=9
http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?model=8
A shop near me has both in stock. I think I'll take a ride across town and check them out. Springfield sure builds a good looking 1911. I especially like the Stainless models. Another one that looks good is the new Remington "R-1" 1911 they just came out with. They are still new on the market, but another place I frequent has one, so I might swing by and check it out as well.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=175496582#PIC
It's a basic no frills model, but it looks to be well made. I like to see the dovetailed front sights instead of staked like on some. Melanie is going to be doing some major cleaning today, so I've learned to get out of her way. Time for a trip to the gun shop! Bill T.
-
I would avoid the Remington this year, From experience I guarantee that the production will be a c/f for the first 6 months or so as they get the line running and tweak dimensions, set ups, and processes.
As for the Springfield's, I would get either the GI, or Mil Spec and build up what I wanted.
Might check out a Para P 14 as well, you will be surprised how comfortable the grip is.
-
I have a parked Loaded that I got about 5 years ago and have put many thousands of rounds downrange in classes and competition. Although I have not changed it yet, my biggest gripe about it is the 2 piece guide rod. Since it is a 1911, I can change it myself :)
-Bidah
-
My bet is he will buy all three.
-
My bet is he will buy 2 of all three.
FIFY
Got to Keep The Mrs. happy too ;D
-
FIFY
Got to Keep The Mrs. happy too ;D
Bill - "Honey I bought myself two new guns today, and I also got this one for you."
;) ;D
-
FIFY
Got to Keep The Mrs. happy too ;D
They have Mel's name written all over them... ;)
;D
-
Melanie is going to be doing some major cleaning today, so I've learned to get out of her way. Time for a trip to the gun shop! Bill T.
Wouldnt it be cheaper just to hire a maid?
-
I have a parkerized Loaded that I got second hand. It has had a trigger job and has a Kart barrel (and bushing?) in it. What a sweet shooter it is. My only complaint with it is that it has standard iron sights - I prefer the three dot or night sights. Either Springfield will serve you well and rate a definite "thumbs up." Have you thought about the TRP? ;)
-
(http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/billt460/SpringfieldHK45s003.jpg)
(http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/billt460/SpringfieldHK45s002.jpg)
(http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/billt460/SpringfieldHK45s013.jpg)
(http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/billt460/SpringfieldHK45s011.jpg)
(http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/billt460/SpringfieldHK45s009.jpg)
(http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/billt460/SpringfieldHK45s008.jpg)
(http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/billt460/SpringfieldHK45s001.jpg)
(http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/billt460/SpringfieldHK45s004.jpg)
You guys are getting to know me too well! A Springfield Armory Trophy Match, and a "Loaded" 1911 A-1, and a H&K USP 9 MM. I was really impressed with all of them. The black and Stainless look of the "Loaded" Model is really an eye catcher. The Trophy Match is a beautiful gun as well. They really did a nice job on the checkering on the front strap, and the Cocobolo grips really stand out. I did look at a TRP, and it is a hell of a gun. I just preferred the brushed Stainless look of the Trophy Match. Both guns are quite similar feature wise. The "Loaded" black and Stainless Model came with Tritium Night Sights as well. They are some of the brightest I've seen.
This is my first H&K, and I really liked how it handles. I prefer the styling of the standard USP to the newer models. I also like the SA / DA over double action only. The USP handles similar to my Glock 17, but it balances a little nicer in my hand. It does have a slightly higher bore axis in relation to the hand. Similar to a Springfield XD, but not quite as high. About the only drawback to the H&K pistols are the costly magazines. I was checking Midway for prices and found H&K makes a 31 round model, but good Lord, $150.00 a pop!
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=190845
I won't get a chance to light them up until next week. I've got a lot of different ammo I want to run through them, as well as some handloads. I'm not sure what weight recoil spring Springfield ships them with. I've tried to find out, but there is no information on their website. A have a Wolff Spring Kit with several different weights, so I'll just wait and shoot them both, then go from there. I don't load at the red line so I think an 18 pound would do fine in both guns, if they don't have that weight in them already.
I originally was going to look at a Remington R-1 they had, but when I saw the black and Stainless "Loaded" Model, I quickly changed my mind. There was nothing wrong with the Remington, it looked like a real nice pistol, but when I compared it to the black and Stainless "Loaded" Springfield, my mind was made up. It is a lot more gun for the money. All in all it was a good day. Expensive, but good! Bill T.
-
BillT
All I will say is that you are so damn easy its a good thing you weren't born a girl. You are an inspiration to us all. Don't ever change. ;D
FQ13 who is both ROFL and jealous. Post a range report as those are some sweet guns (unsurprisingly, I am more interested in the Tupperware. How does that H@K handle?). ;)
-
(unsurprisingly, I am more interested in the Tupperware. How does that H@K handle?).
Very nice! I've had my eye on one for some time. I wanted to check out the newer models as well. The standard USP was more to my liking. I don't care for the rounded style of the newer models. They look too much like a Ruger. Nothing wrong with Ruger mind you, I'm just not thrilled with that type of styling.
The 9 MM USP is quite a bit smaller than the .45 ACP model. It really has a nice balance to it. I'm not 100% sure, but I believe it weighs 27 ounces. About the only thing that takes a little getting use to is the ambidextrous magazine release. It works well, but until you familiarize yourself with it you can easily pinch your fingers in it. When you shoot a lot of different semi auto pistols it's hard to remember which buttons are where. I'm taking them out next week to wring them out. H&K builds a nice pistol, and I can't wait to shoot it! Hopefully I'll have a good range report. Bill T.
-
I'm looking forward to it. Enjoy the new toys!
FQ13
-
Damn! That was one expensive house cleaning.
Congrat on the new toys - you'll definitely enjoy them.
Let us know when you feel the need to clean out a safe or two.
-
He's like Paris Hilton walking into a shoe store.
-
Nice set, Bill.
I'm late to the thread, but I have the loaded SA 1911 that looks identical to your new toy, with exception of grips. Mine has the slim-grips with SA logo on them. I've had it for 5 years or so and it has performed splendidly for me. It'll shoot one-ragged-hole groups with good ammo and no FTF/FTE issues so far.
Congrats on the new guns, I hope you enjoy them.
Peg
-
I would avoid the Remington this year, From experience I guarantee that the production will be a c/f for the first 6 months or so as they get the line running and tweak dimensions, set ups, and processes.
As for the Springfield's, I would get either the GI, or Mil Spec and build up what I wanted.
Might check out a Para P 14 as well, you will be surprised how comfortable the grip is.
I myself would just stay away from all things remington! In recent years there overall quality and material are less than what they used to be. I have several personal experiences I could share but would require a short novel. I have had several shooting aquantances who have informed me that the Kimber products are on the same track. Kimbers plant is not to far away from me and it is full of non english speaking unexperienced gun builders. As far as my impression of springfield it is a gun that requires work after you purchase it, loose fit and rough heavy trigger. I have no input to Para products because I know no one whom owns one and nor do I. Smith & Wesson is a good choice. Ive shot a few of there 1911's and found them to be accurate. But the smith has a heavy trigger and will need to be lightened as well as a non-ramped barrel that can limit bullet choices. The unfortunate truth is that no production gun manufactured is going to be perfect, it is just the way of the production line practices. So buy a gun that has a good frame fit, a good trigger, and a ramped barrel. This will limit the quirks in performance and reliability. If I had to suggest a model it would have to be an STI Trojan. It is a gun where you will get a good trigger, a tight fit of the slide to frame, and a ramped barrel. It is comparably priced to Kimber and Springfield. I personally own a STI Spartan the lowest priced model in there line. It has a flawless fit of the slide to frame and a good trigger at 3.25 lbs with no creep. It is extemely accurate, Ive posted 5 shots @ 20 yds measuring .850" It is unfortunatly a non-ramped barrel and will only reliably feed hard ball. (I prefer semi wad cutters and without some work to the barrel feed lip they will be a intermittant problem.) Good luck with whatever you buy!
-
A regret from paying a divorce lawyer some years back, was sacrificing a few "items" back in the mid-90's, one of them was a NIB Springfield 1911A1, full size.
Wish I had it back, along with a few others. :'(
Congrats, billt. Looking fwd to a test drive analysis. OBTW, hope Mel enjoys her's also...... ::)
-
I've got to agree with SpottHogg on the STI's. I've been looking for a nice full size 1911 for a while now and just when I was about to start ordering parts to build my own the way I wanted I came across the STI Duty One.
http://www.stiguns.com/guns/DutyOne/DutyOne.php (http://www.stiguns.com/guns/DutyOne/DutyOne.php)
I was going to start my build with either an STI or Les Baer slide and frame which was going to run me anywhere from nearly $700 - a little over a grand just for a slide and frame. The MSRP on the Duty One is $1299 but I've got one ordered for $1150. I couldn't come close to building a pistol with those specs for that kind of money. I don't believe STI has any single stack 1911 cataloged for over $2K.
-
Check out something in 9mm. Ammo and components to reload are cheaper. Also check out a .22 conversion unit.
JMHOFWIW
Richard
-
...and don't forget all those 4-4.25" Commander-style guns....they need a home, too....
-
...and don't forget all those 4-4.25" Commander-style guns....they need a home, too....
I love Commander sized 1911's for concealed carry. I know all the "experts" say that a longer barrel and shorter grip is easier to conceal but this isn't the case for me if I'm going IWB. I have no problem hiding a longer grip along my belt line but don't like the extra inch of barrel inside my pants, especially if I'm driving. I can comfortably conceal a full sized 1911 but prefer to do it in a scabbard or similar outside the pants set-up. I'm just not a fan of short gripped 1911's even though I've given many a try. They just feel wrong in my big hands. If I want a short gripped pistol it needs to be a fat polymer one.