Wife Buying me a 1911

[ilmbaba]

I recently bought my first 1911. I did not have deep pockets, and after doing a lot of research, settled in on the Rock Island Armory 1911A1. $439 and virtually nothing but great reviews everywhere I looked. This gun has been a dream for me. Not a single FTF, FTE, or FTAnythingElse. I was shooting tight groups right out of the box, and I'm a lousy shot. It doesn't have a lot of extras, but I never had a 1911, so I don't know that I'm "missing" all these great things. I did put on Hogue Rubber Grips and an Extended Slide Release, both easy and inexpensive, and no modifcation necessary.
I, by necessity, do my shopping with an eye on savings, and it has never let me down...except for maybe that old Ford Pinto way back when, but even that ran good for awhile.
If you are looking at spending $1000 or more, get the RIA and your PM45.

[HenryinFlorida]

If you want to go the less expensive route you can do what I did. I bought a MetroArms American Classic II from Bud's in January for $446 delivered to my FFL. It's a really well made pistol IMO. I have only shot a little over 200 rounds through it, but it has functioned perfectly.

Just another way to go.....

[yqtszhj]

I recently bought my first 1911. I did not have deep pockets, and after doing a lot of research, settled in on the Rock Island Armory 1911A1. $439 and virtually nothing but great reviews everywhere I looked. This gun has been a dream for me. Not a single FTF, FTE, or FTAnythingElse. I was shooting tight groups right out of the box, and I'm a lousy shot. It doesn't have a lot of extras, but I never had a 1911, so I don't know that I'm "missing" all these great things. I did put on Hogue Rubber Grips and an Extended Slide Release, both easy and inexpensive, and no modifcation necessary.
I, by necessity, do my shopping with an eye on savings, and it has never let me down...except for maybe that old Ford Pinto way back when, but even that ran good for awhile.
If you are looking at spending $1000 or more, get the RIA and your PM45.

Not a bad idea there. 2 guns for the price of one. Or a RIA and a CW45 for about $900. Then you can get $300 worth of .45 ammo.

[Markis82]

I spent a little more and got a 1911 MADE IN AMERICA! I'm sure the Philippines can use the business. But, we here in American, we should get it first. Besides, Made In American some how looks right on the side of the gun. Actually mine says, Made In Yonkers New York. I'm so gosh darn happy with my Kimber, I cannot even express it.

[TheTman]

You think Kimber would notice if I broke the external extractor off with some needle nose pliers and sent it in to get fixed? The question is rhetoric, my conscience would never let me do that. Now if it was WalMart, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

[Bawanna]

You might just send them in inquiry and tell them honestly that you don't have an issue but it's nagging in the back of your head and you worry about it.
You can sensationalize without being dishonest.

For a long time they refused to admit there was a problem and they finally accepted it and just started doing the right thing. I never could figure how Smith had such good luck with external extractors, Sig seems to work too, but Kimber just couldn't make it gel.

They just might take care of you. Nothing to lose and a nice new slide to gain.

I can't recall how many times my darn Missouri honesty has cheated me out of some good opportunities but I sleep good at night, course that could be the scotch too.

[Tinman507]

Nah, a momentary lapse in honesty can create a whole world of bad karma.
Not worth it.

[JFootin]

Nah, a momentary lapse in honesty can create a whole world of bad karma.
Not worth it.

That's quite a statement from George Castanza!

[Deano]

I'm just marveling that you have a wife that's going to buy you a 1911. I have to buy my guns in total secrecy. How'd you do it?

[Tinman507]

That's quite a statement from George Castanza!

Ironic ain't it? :israel:

[itsthelaw]

I'm just marveling that you have a wife that's going to buy you a 1911. I have to buy my guns in total secrecy. How'd you do it?

She has her vices too, so it is a trade off. Her vices are related to her looking good, so it is a benefit to me too. More likely, it is because this is my second marriage. This one was put through a much more strict and mature vetting process.

[Deano]

She has her vices too, so it is a trade off. Her vices are related to her looking good, so it is a benefit to me too. More likely, it is because this is my second marriage. This one was put through a much more strict and mature vetting process.

Vetting process... I like that. Live and learn I guess. Anyway, good luck with your 1911 search.

[jlottmc]

If you want to go the less expensive route you can do what I did. I bought a MetroArms American Classic II from Bud's in January for $446 delivered to my FFL. It's a really well made pistol IMO. I have only shot a little over 200 rounds through it, but it has functioned perfectly.

Just another way to go.....

This is what my Commander is, in all stainless. Good gun, works well, and is MILSPEC. Here's my take, first make sure that it is MILSPEC (parts and commonality bit, more on that later), second the full size is a work of art, but the balance and feel of the Commander make them feel better. Thing about that part though, the Commander (it's not a Commander unless it has a 4 1/4" bbl, not a 4", just me) is still a bit of a connoisseurs gun, but it is damn sexy and pleasant to carry all day. The full size is right and feel good when firing, and can be damned accurate as well. I mentioned the MILSPEC thing, what that does for you is allow parts to be changed easily, and things like grips to be changed, by making everything a common size, pattern etc. you'll appreciate that later. My advice, get a pair of Metro's (one each Commander and Full sized) or Rock Island etc., or go down and handle some at your LGS. Remember there is also a huge difference in feel with an arched mainspring housing, vs. flat, and the grip safety variations. There's my .02, spend it wisely.