1911's?

[Glock22xd9]

Maybe I could be swayed into a nice 1911? Any thoughts?

[Glock22xd9]

Or maybe you would like to share some information about your favorite 1911? Hmmm?

[TonyF]

Be prepared for the eventuality to possibly commit a significant amount of money either getting it to run right or custom mods that you can't resist having that may in fact be of dubious value in a lethal force encounter.

The bad rep the 1911 has regarding reliability stems mostly from kitchen table gunsmithing or manufacturers that don't understand the intricate geometry of the FCG and extraction / ejection or those who purposefully cut corners.

If you limit your investment in custom mods to a trigger job, beavertail grip safety, a good set of sights and have a competent gunsmith knowledgeable in the 1911 system tune your extractor you'll have the 20th century version of a light saber (IOW an very elegant weapon).

If you're not willing to invest after the initial purchase, forget about a 1911 and buy a glock, SA XD or an S&W M&P.

[Glock22xd9]

very interesting. what kind of 1911 do you suggest? what mods other than trigger, sights, and the safety?

[TonyF]

very interesting. what kind of 1911 do you suggest?

Colt. Specifically the new manufacture series 70's. The most highly regarded 1911 gunsmiths report that these are the best series 70 pistols (no FP lock) Colt has ever produced. I'm referring to guys like Chuck Rogers, Bob Rodgers, Hilton Yam and John Jardine.

what mods other than trigger, sights, and the safety?

Nothing. And that is the key to keeping the cost down. Most people don't realize that you don't actually have to spend $2000 on a Colt 1911. Sure, all that gingerbread is nice (metal checkering, exotic finshes, match grade barrels, etc.) but think minimalist. It's a handgun designed for fighting.

Colt series 70, trigger job, sights, beavertail and extractor tuning. That's all you really need.

[GRIZZLYBEAR]

I have been carrying the 1911 platform as a CCW firearm on and off (Switch off to Revolver in winter months) since 1968 and believe in the Keep it Simple Stupid school of thought when it comes to a carry 1911 vs a 1911 used for pistol games.

Long ago, Jeff Cooper noted that all one really needed was sights one could see and a trigger one could use. I don't think that this observation has been invalidated.

I have compiled this list from my own experiences and observations and this is MY OPINION:

Suggested have *, others optional

1. Reliability (A lot of the newer top line 1911 have most this work done before they leave the factory, that's why they are top end 1911's)
a. Throating*
b. Lower ejection port*
c. Feed ramp- angle and polishing*
d. Extractor tension and shape*
e. Magazines- #1 source of malfunctions*
f. Ammo*
g. Proper recoil springs*

2. Sights
a. Fixed & high visibility*
b. Night sights/gold bead/colored insert
c. Front sight silver brazed
d. Opened up for better picture

3. Action Work
a. Correct trigger length & weight ( 3 ½-5 lbs)*
b. Honed action
c. Lock work- hammers, sears, connector bars, etc.)
d. Firing pin/ mainspring

4. Frame Modifications
a. De-burr/soften all edges*
b. Bevel magwell
c. Grip safeties
d. Grip panels/stocks
e. Different style mainspring housings
f. Checkering, stippling, serrations
g. Finish- hard chrome, Teflon, Parkerizing
h. Smooth trigger face for revolvers/chamfer chamber mouths*

Modifications that I would not recommend are:

1. Cut away front of trigger guard
2. Add trigger shoe
3. remove coils or weaken springs in any way
4. install stocks that block ejection or interfere with loading
5. install extended slide release
6. install extended magazine release
7. install Dwyer Group Gripper or similar device
8. install muzzle brake, compensator, port barrel
9. perform target grade accuracy job

My recommendations for a M1911 are the Detonics Series of M1911's from the Detonics USA...most if not all modifications needed are present on these from the factory.

http://www.detonicsusa.com/streetmaster.html

http://www.detonicsusa.com/combatmaster.html

I have a Combat Master in the .38 Super caliber on order as I type this.

I have carried a Detonics Combat V in .45 ACP for years as a back up gun. This was the forerunner of the Colt Officers Model, and another thing I like about the Combat Master is it from the factory without the grip safety.

These a just my opinions and like everything else, everyone has an opinion.

My number one 1911 carry pistol is a Colt Delta Elite and running a close second is a Valtro.

grizz

[dgg9]

I could say: "just buy a Glock and use all that extra money saved for training" but perhaps that's not in the spirit of the thread.

[jdlv4_0]

Grizz and Tony sum it up pretty well, the 1911 is probably the most effective combat pistol ever issued to our troops, and the GI version was as basic as you can get, the beaver tail is a must, my 70 Commander bites like rabid ferret, have to get that replaced eventually, and get some Novaks or equivelant sights.

Rock Island Armory just started offering a "Tactical Model" that should be fair in price and be an out of the box performer, now I wouldn't want to shoot a bulls-eye competition with it, but it will do the job.

[TonyF]

I could say: "just buy a Glock and use all that extra money saved for training"

You're right.

but perhaps that's not in the spirit of the thread.

No, it isn't.

[TonyF]

Colt. Specifically the new manufacture series 70's. The most highly regarded 1911 gunsmiths report that these are the best series 70 pistols (no FP lock) Colt has ever produced. I'm referring to guys like Chuck Rogers, Bob Rodgers, Hilton Yam and John Jardine.



Nothing. And that is the key to keeping the cost down. Most people don't realize that you don't actually have to spend $2000 on a Colt 1911. Sure, all that gingerbread is nice (metal checkering, exotic finshes, match grade barrels, etc.) but think minimalist. It's a handgun designed for fighting.

Colt series 70, trigger job, sights, beavertail and extractor tuning. That's all you really need.

Should have added an extended thumb safety.