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I have a late 80s Colt Officers 1911. It's my carry gun. Find out getting parts is kind of difficult now. Love that 1911! I shoot it better than any 1911 I own. What would be a good replacement? Probably should get something a bit lighter. Don't want a $2000 carry gun. Any suggestions?
I have the Kimber Ultra Raptor, .45ACP and absolutely love it. It's the same size as the Colt officers model I believe, so your holsters, etc will all work most likely. It's compact and easy to conceal, fun to shoot, and a damn fine carry pistol.
You have to shoot it in, as Kimber advises a minimum of 500 rounds before you trust it with your life, and I have experience with three of them, and that is vitally important. It comes so tight from the Kimber Custom shop, that you have to loosen it up gradually by firing it. A competent gun smith could smooth it out for you, but shooting it is fun, so that's what I did.
The Kimber finish is notoriously horrible, and for the life of me I don't understand this. Unless you buy a stainless pistol, you'll quickly be disappointed with the blued finish. I had mine treated with the "Black T" finish, by Wally Birdsong and Associates, just south of Jackson, MS. Their finish is outstanding, will NOT rust ever, and if it's good enough for our Navy SEAL teams, it's good enough for me. Paid just under $100 bucks to have the pistol and two mags treated a couple of years ago. This fine family business doesn't advertise, but you can find them by googling Wally Birdsong and associates. Real good people too.
Kimber bashers will tell you to buy a GLOCK, and there is nothing wrong with that choice either, but if you're used to a 1911, why switch now?
BTW, have you checked Midway or Brownells for your parts? I'd bet they have everything you need to keep that Officer's model humming for years to come. Good luck, and welcome to the forum. Be safe.
Since you like the Colt Officer's model so well, why not stick with Colt 1911s and get a Colt Defender, which is still in production? It should cost under $1,000, and you can find parts and holsters easily. I've had mine for 5 years and it has performed perfectly.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...Defender01.jpg
I really like my Colt New Agent. Same size as your Officers.
If you want to stick with the 1911 pattern, a Colt Defender would be a good choice.
However, if, as you say, you want to go lighter. Try out the Glock 36. It will really surprise you.
KBSR, that's the worst endorsement of a Kimber I've ever read. :danceban:
I really like the STI Shadow. Alloy frame should lighten your load. A bit pricey, but it comes with night sights from the factory and it's way under $2k. I've been very happy with mine.
Nothing but the truth Sir, as I know it. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by OldVet
If you shoot it well and trust it I'd stick with your OACP, springs and parts are readily available. I carry one off duty and have no plans to change.
You're right... it is impossible to find parts for those things. I feel as if you should sell it to me so I can ensure that nobody is stuck in a position where they need to get parts for it or have other problems with the gun. Lots of great options have been listed for you here, you shouldn't even miss it!!
I'm sorry but I guess I'm missing the point. What parts are hard to get. 1911's are being built everyday. Where are they getting the parts.
And besides how many of the model you have were built. I'll bet they made more than 3 of them. I bet you could find more than one that could be used for parts. I would venture a guess and say that with the number of great 1911 pistol smiths out there you could get that pistol repaired for the rest of your life time. And if you had a backup or 2. Then the thought just crossed my mind maybe you just want a new pistol to carry which having problems getting parts would help convince myself I needed a new some thing. Anyway just some thoughts I bet you wouldn't have a problem selling the one you have. Good luck with that.
R
Either the Colt Defender or a 3" Kimber are excellent choices. As KBSR said the black finish on Kimber fades pretty easily, so I would recommend the stainless or having the gun either cerakoted or use the black t finish.
FWIW I just got rid of my 1911 for an HK45c. Can carry it cocked and locked with the safety on and it weighs a lot less.
If you love it, you can shoot the snot out of it... just buy the parts you need for it. Hell, send it off to a reputable smith if you have to. Honestly, if you can't find parts for a 1911 you're not looking hard enough. I'm surprised walmart doesn't carry them.
IBTG19
What parts do you need? Do you really want to replace it?
Alloy frame, polymer frame - each would be lighter. There are sooo many choices...
Austin