Citadel 1911 Thoughts

[smolck]

Trolling my local Academy Sports and low and behold, I spy a smallish 1911. Sure nuff, they have the Citadel 3" 1911. I pretty much swore off low cost 1911's when my American Classic Commander became a jam factory. Anyone have experience with the Citadel? Is it any better? My wife is starting to carry my M&P9C so I was thinking about picking this one up for myself. Thoughts?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[TX-JB]

I have a couple of friends that have Citadels and they are very happy with them. According to them they function 100% and tht's what I've observed when we've been shooting.

[Gary T]

smolck,
I've had a citadel Concealed Carry model (Officer's size) w/ 3.5" barrel for about one year. I've been very pleased w/ it. It's been my main carry gun during that time. I chose the Citadel instead of the comparable RIA model since the Citadel had a few upgrades I liked (Novak type sights, lowered ejection port, extended thumb safety/slide release, target trigger/hammer and beavertail grip safety). The only thing I don't like about it is the Parkerized finish (described by Citadel as "matte black", but it's really Parkerized) and the fact that the sights do not have any dots. Lots of folks complain about the factory mags (it comes w/ 2), but mine have worked well. It's had approx 300 rounds through and has been fully reliable. From my experience, I'd recommend it. OTOH, I would also recommend my Commander American Commander, as well as I've been just as pleased w/ it!

[WHEC724]

It seems with these low-priced 1911's, you lays your money down and you takes your chances.

Citadel, American Classic, ATI, RIA... Although RIA does seem to exceedingly have the best reputation, but you'll find owners that love and hate each.

My ATI dang near made a gunsmith out of me, but I went into it eyes-wide-open, expecting that it may become a hobby and that I'd learn a lot about 1911's in the process. It all came true, and I now have a trust-worthy gun, but I assure you that it didn't come out of the box that way.

[smolck]

My ATI dang near made a gunsmith out of me, but I went into it eyes-wide-open, expecting that it may become a hobby and that I'd learn a lot about 1911's in the process. It all came true, and I now have a trust-worthy gun, but I assure you that it didn't come out of the box that way.

Yes, this was my experience with my last 1911. I really don't want to get into that again. I just love the 1911 platform so much, yes it is heavy, but the thin profile makes carry easy. Oh bugger me.....

[XDM40cal]

MY buddy bought one when we were at cabelas, and he pick up a nice CC 1911.. At 5yds it a dead nuts 1911 even though it has no sights.. There are sights ,but there all black.

IMHO its a great gun..I would stake my life on that...