1911 shopping help

[HenryinFlorida]

I am still lusting after a Ruger SR1911, but the AO 1911A1 is really sexy in a minimalist kind of way. Just basic GI with no frills or doo dads. It speaks to me.

I also wanted a Ruger SR1911, but they were impossible to find. I setteled on an American Classic II by Metroarms, sold by Bersa. It's one of the Philippine factories, but let me tell you, for $442 from Buds. It's a great gun. It has shot perfectly with over 200 rounds of a mixture of FMJ and HP defensive rounds. It has turned out to be a great purchase.

[gb6491]

FWIW, The Marksman air pistol used in that photo has been around in one form or another since the 1950s. It seems even toy 1911s are long lived
Regards,
Greg

[Tinman507]

1950's? She doesn't look that old

[Deano]

I don't know what a rep point is.......if it's a good thing maybe just tell the boss not to fire me?

Did you see the Fathers Day 1911G thread. Another fine endorsement for the MRI.

Rep points are kinda like message board currency, but different. If you have none, you wish you had it, but can't get it, unless of course someone gives you some, or you earn it. Once you have it, you don't need it so much, people envy you, and no one wants to give you more. You can only give it if you have it, but don't have to have it to receive it. If you don't have any, no one cares, cause you can't give them any. KNOWHUTIMEAN?

[Tinman507]

You mean it's like forum sex?

[Bawanna]

Ummm, sounds like I'm being recruited to be a democrat or maybe a communist.

I don't have any but if I did it wouldn't matter but nobody likes me cause I don't have any but they'd envy me if I had some but I should give it away unless I don't have any then I can't.

Man I should get in politics, I have no idea what I just said, but it had a nice ring to it huh?

[Deano]

You mean it's like forum sex?

More like a reward for satisfying your internet brethren... I think?? Are we drifting sideways now??? What were we talking about? Oh yeah, my first 1911. Someone want to send me one instead of rep points?

[Deano]

Ummm, sounds like I'm being recruited to be a democrat or maybe a communist.

I don't have any but if I did it wouldn't matter but nobody likes me cause I don't have any but they'd envy me if I had some but I should give it away unless I don't have any then I can't.

Man I should get in politics, I have no idea what I just said, but it had a nice ring to it huh?

Dude, you catch on real fast like.

[GROTMAN]

Ummm, sounds like I'm being recruited to be a democrat or maybe a communist.

I don't have any but if I did it wouldn't matter but nobody likes me cause I don't have any but they'd envy me if I had some but I should give it away unless I don't have any then I can't.

Man I should get in politics, I have no idea what I just said, but it had a nice ring to it huh?

Umm, I think I almost kind of understand that.. If I had any I would give them to you but then everybody would envy you and yada,yada,yada..
That right?

[Bawanna]

More like a reward for satisfying your internet brethren... I think?? Are we drifting sideways now??? What were we talking about? Oh yeah, my first 1911. Someone want to send me one instead of rep points?

I'd do that but what if I send you one that you don't like. Then you'd hate me, never give me none of them forum sex points and nobody would envy either one of us. Could I live with myself in that event. I'm not sure I can risk the sadness and rejection.
But you know we'll help you to the very end finding the right 1911 just for you.

[Tinman507]

[Bawanna]

Hey Deano's the OP here and we're still helping him find the perfect 1911. He's the one that tried to lure me into the broom closet with green stamps or rep points.

Hey Deano?, you like related to Dean Martin, maybe you are Dean Martin?

Ok Tinman, now we took a turn.

[jg rider]

I've got the itch for a 1911. In my search for what would be my first 1911, I've made a couple of observations.
1) Models by Colt, SA, Ruger, S&W are impossible to find. When searching I've found the annoying "Out of Stock" at every web site.
2) I went to the gun show this past weekend and handled a few used ones, and observed that they generally felt uncomfortably large in my small hands. My thumb was not long enough to reach the slide release lever on any of them.

As an example, my CW45 feels perfect in my hand. My Glock 19 gen 3 grip feels large to me, although I still shoot it pretty accurately. So I was wondering if anyone has recommendations on one that you can currently find "In stock" that would be a good pistol for someone with pretty small hands. I do not plan to carry, but do plan to use around the house for self defense, and for putting holes in targets that have been bad.

As someone that's shot and competed with 1911's, there's lots or things to get used to with them:

1- I don't know of anyone that can reach the standard length slide stop lever. The way it's done now is by pulling back on the slide and release. I do it the old way, and so do competitive shooters.
If the slide locks back, drop the mag, insert a new one. As your bring you're left hand up to grip, you use your left thumb to push down on the lever. Left handers can probably use their index finger

2- The best way to drop a mag, if you're right handed is to rotate your grip so that your thumb reaches the mag release button. You tip the pistol so that you can see the mag well and insert new mag. Your weak hand helps rotate the pistol back into position as it goes into place.
This is the technique used by all the world class shooters (including me ). People have tried using different techniques like in the above video, or using the left hand index finger to push the button. When there's no stress they work some of the time. But when going fast the button is released too soon and the mag gets caught in the gun. I think this happens because the left hand want to go for the new mag ASAP.
Left handers have it easy. They use their strong hand index finger.

3- I guess I have small to medium sized hands based on glove sizes. I prefer long triggers. I want the pad of my index finger to contact the the trigger, not the first joint. The shot breaks cleaner that way. If I use a short trigger I have to stick the index finger's second joint way out.

4- Bawanna is right about thinner grip panels, but also think about whether you like an arched or flat mainspring housing. For me an arched MSH causes me to shoot high in rapid fire. The flat MSH allows me to point naturally

That's what I know, I'm sticking to it

[GROTMAN]

LOL.. again !! Now I'm going to to give you all my rep points.. if I ever figure out what they are and get any .

[Bawanna]

Good point on the main spring housing JG. Many of the GI's will have the arched, don't see many enhanced in any way 1911's with anything but flat.
That's a real easy swap if a nice GI version is found and one prefers the flat.

Many come with plastic main spring housings too which really shouldn't matter but I don't like them. I swap for steel.