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If the grip on a 1911 feel a bit much for you, I would recommend getting some of the new slim grips on the market. My new 1911 has AlumaGrips and it makes a big difference in the grip, as acparmed has said above. The Springfield Armory 1911's are good solid guns. I would shy away from anything with less than a 4" barrel because of some of the problems owners of the short barreled 1911's have had (not me personally). I would also opt for a model with an internal extractor and without the firing pin block. Stay as close to the original design as you can. And, as Euclidean said, stay away from the Charles Daly models.

 

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And, welcome to the forum, Gideon! We have several preachers here that carry and we are glad now to have another. :wink:

 

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Listen to TAPS CCW, he is right on the mark...

 

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I think I've made a decision. I think the SA mil spec would be a good choice.

Yup, I think a SA Mil Spec is a good 1911 to start with and a good base from which to start if you get hooked and want someone to work it over for you.... :smexico:

 

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1. Not too sure about grip recommendations, I will leave that to someone else since I have recently become converted to the slim AlumaGrips.

2. Wilson 47D magazines are the best I have found and the only ones I will trust with my life in a 1911. Use the one that came with it at the range.

3. Lot's of good holsters out there. If you want to carry OWB, I would echo what acparmed told me (and would tell you if he wasn't on walkabout) look at the Andrews Leather Hybrid Saddle holster. It may be a little more than you want to pay, but it will be the last OWB you will ever have to buy. My full sized 1911 honestly disappears on my hip with that holster. It carries high enough to be very concealable and is solid as a rock with a good belt.

4. IMHO you cannot beat Winchester "white box" for the range. I believe just under $20.00 is the standard Wal-Mart price and is very reasonable. :smile:

 

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Did we all just agree we like the Springfield Mil Spec to some degree?

Yes, we did. :smile:

Did I just agree I, the only non-1911 owner/devotee on this forum, a goober so devoted to the round gun, do in fact like a gun with a detachable magazine, an external safety, that facilitates cocked and locked carry?

Yes, you did. :smile:

I noticed it's a full moon tonight.

Yes, it is. :smile:

Now that we're all in agreement, when are you going to buy yours. Time's a wastin'....... :wink:

 

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Well, I guess we'll have to wait for your curiosity to get the better of you because my contingeny fund dried up this week. Completely. But I have some good stuff now so it is all worth it. :wink:

 

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Also, does the modified saddle holster from Anderews hold your weapon securely enought for every day wear? I noticed they have a cut down the front to allow you to draw and present the weapon faster, i.e., you clear leather sooner. The regular saddle version of this OWB has a full holster in front. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Gideon, I would recommend that you call Sam Andrews and talk to him about the tanning of the lining and would be interested in hearing what you find out. I can tell you that the lining is very soft and does not put a spot on my gun. Of course, I haven't had it long, but with the attention to detail in the holster I would be very surprised if Sam did anything less than the ideal.

Also, like you, I was a bit concerned about the design of the Hybrid. That long cut does look like it may make the gun vulnerable in a scufflle. The gun, amazingly isn't prone to any movement when in the holser at least when new. And, there is a tensioning screw at the bottom that allows you to tighten it up as the holster breaks in. Mine is completely loose at this point and the holster holds the gun securely. It is so form fit it almost clicks when you seat it all of the way down into the holster, but draws smoothly and effortlessly. I'm thinking a lot of thought and trial and error went into producing that design. The final design was worth the trouble. Sam is very knowedgeable and one of those guys that are just good to talk to. If the holster doesn't sound like it will be what you are looking for he will probably tell you. :wink:

 

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Honestly, Gideon, I don't think, if you tried a hybrid, that you would have any worry about losing control of the gun. If I snug that screw down (I just did to try it) you could do cartwheels without it coming out. But, if you aren't planning on actual concealed carry with it, you could probably go with the strap. I would still get the Hybrid with the strap, though. That cut makes drawing so much easier. I think if you try one of those holsters you are probably want to carry in it all of the time when you go OWB.

And, yes I have a kydex that I was very concerned about scarring the finish of my gun. It didn't wear on it at all. I still don't like it though but that is a bias on my part. I just like leather....

 

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You're welcome, Gideon, and be sure and let me know how you like it after you get your gun nestled in there. Strap or not, it's a hell of a holster.

 

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Oh you KINKY Devil, you.

Yeah, I especially like my backless chaps... :34:

 

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OK, You nailed that one. This is the first time I ever snorted milk thru my nose at 0600...

Then it was all worth it, lol :embarasse

 

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Well I picked it up today. My first 1911, SA Mil Spec. Feel a little guilty because its the first gun I ever bought for no reason other than I love the way it looks and feels. Lord knows I didn't need it. Still, it's a pleasure to just hold it! I could sit here and just look at it and point it, etc. I guess this must seem awfully silly for my wife to see a middle aged man fondling over his gun. Just like a big kid with his boy toys! Have two Wilson 47D mags enroute along with a set of wooden grips. I'm hoping to get off to the range this weekend.

He's hooked, I can tell. Actually, my wife always laughs at me when I am admiring one of mine. And just like a "kid with a new toy" is what she says I look like. Sounds a little goofy, maybe, but to me a 1911 is a legendary work of art and a masterpiece. I am hooked, too..... :wink:

 

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Glad you like it Gideon. Really good accuracy in a 1911 has a lot to do with the close tolerances of the slide to the frame and the barrel lockup. There are alot of good gunsmiths that can make some changes to improve the accuracy. You just have to be sure they don't do it at the cost of reliability. Around here (Phoenix) I would say either Robbie Barrkman at Robar Guns or Gordon at Big Bore. I know Robbie or Gordon either one could turn it into a masterpiece but it wouldn't be cheap.

The nice thing about a Springfield milspec is that it is a good platform from which to start building one hell of a gun. I would recommend shooting it alot and see how much tighter you can get your groups after you are completely familiar with the gun and it's characteristics. My groups got much tighter the more I shot my old 1911 up to a point. From that point on, I wheeled and dealed on different 1911s until very good accuracy and high reliability came together in one gun. A good 1911 sure gives you a sense of security and satisfaction. At least it does for me..... :smile: