[Gideon]

Well Bumper, I did call Andrews leather. Not sure who I talked to but they said it's true about the acid found in most tanned suede, however, he said they treat their Suede once the holster has been fashioned with Silicone which they feel either conteracts or serves as a barrier to the tanning acid as well as a barrier to moisture. They feel the softer suede will do less harm in the long run than regular cow hide but they do offer a thin cow hide lining if a customer wants that.

On your Hybrid Saddle, do you have a thumb release strap? At this point, I don't plan to carry my SA very often if hardly at all and when I do, i don't expect to carry it cocked and locked so I'm thinking I'll get either the regular saddle or they hybrid without the thumbstrap. I'm an absolute newbie with a 1911 so if you've done alot with both types and are confident that I'm more than likely going to come to the same conclusion you have when I've had some experience, please let me know. If the thumb strap is definitely the way to go, i'd be willing to listen to the voice of experience.

I ordered two Wilson mags today, have a pair of kingwood grips on the way from a man named Hedin, and have 300 rounds layed up so far. Lord have mercy but I almost feel like a kid! I paid for the weapon today and got to look it over. Now I'm waiting for the permit to acquire which we have to get here in Missouri. It felt great and I can't wait to shoot it!

I've decided to go with an OWB for now because I have my Kahr for IWB.

Bumper, (or anyone else), have you ever used a kydex holster? If so, how was it on the finish? I was thinking of picking up a cheap fobus paddle holster in kydex (or plastic) just for range use until I get a leather holster.

Thanks again for all the good advice!

 

[Gideon]

answering my own question

Well, I just read a thread in the other section about strap vs no strap. I can see you say no to'em Bumper. I guess for an OWB I'm a little nervous about retention but I'm not going to carry cocked and locked. Most of my carry will be at a range, in the woods, etc., so I'm leaning towards Andrews regular saddle OWB. It's too bad you can't try these things out more. The hybrid looks infinitely better to draw from but it doesn't look like theres much holding such a large heavy gun. Well, I'll think about it for a day or so. I don't think I can go wrong with the regular Saddle.

thanks all and God Bless

Gideon

 

[Bumper]

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....

 

[Gideon]

Thanks Bumper for the extra input. I think I will get the hybrid, I'm just going to mull over the strap or not. I really appreciate your input! I'll probably get a fobus paddle to hold me over at the range but I like leather too for OWB and I think this rig with a good belt will make for a good carry. Thanks again for all the input!

Gideon

 

[Bumper]

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.

 

[ExSoldier]

You probably spoke to Sam himself. I have a hybrid saddle, it was one of my first from Sam many years ago. I still carry my 1911 in that, cocked and locked with a thumb break and that is the only way to go. IMHO trying to carry condition TWO (hammer down on a loaded chamber) is less safe than cocked and locked.

I also have a lot of experience with Kydex. I actually now prefer my Blade Tech IWB to any other holster for comfort, draw speed and security. Try http://www.blade-tech.com A good belt is absolutely essential! I love mine from Dillon.

 

[ExSoldier]

Any Excuse to Wear Leather?

I just like leather....

Oh you KINKY Devil, you.

 

[Bumper]

Oh you KINKY Devil, you.

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

 

[ExSoldier]

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

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

 

[Deke45]

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

Way too much information....

 

[Gideon]

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. It'll take a little bit to get the hang of breaking this think down. I did do a lot of research on the cock and lock and have come to the conclusion that it's the best way to carry for CCW. Otherwise it'll be condition 3 or totally empty.

I appreciate all the advise and input. I feel like I got just the right gun with all your help! I didn't have a minute there when I wondered if I should have gotten a micro or compact with a shorter grip, but then I'm not intending this for carry, but rather to use at the range, plinking, or if the US ever gets invaded.

Thanks all!

Gideon

 

[Bumper]

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

 

[Bumper]

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:

 

[Euclidean]

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. It'll take a little bit to get the hang of breaking this think down. I did do a lot of research on the cock and lock and have come to the conclusion that it's the best way to carry for CCW. Otherwise it'll be condition 3 or totally empty.

I appreciate all the advise and input. I feel like I got just the right gun with all your help! I didn't have a minute there when I wondered if I should have gotten a micro or compact with a shorter grip, but then I'm not intending this for carry, but rather to use at the range, plinking, or if the US ever gets invaded.

Thanks all!

Gideon

Keep us posted! Some of us are interested in that gun and how it does.

I feel if you're only going to own one 1911, it should be a real deal full size one.

I've been told if you're going to try something new, don't get the cheapest one and don't get the most expensive one either. If you get a cheap one you'll get the wrong impression, and if you spend too much money you're going to be stuck with something you don't understand and probably don't want. I think the Mil-Spec fits that requirement nicely.

 

[Gideon]

WOW, Made it to the range!

I took my 1st 1911 to the range tonight! WOW. I'm an experienced shot, qualified marksman w/pistol and M16, used to shoot bumble bees off clover with my Daisy Red Ryder as a kid but this gun was really something! first of all, I might not have killed a couple of men charging me over a bunker but I sure would have scared'em! Seriously, I was only able to shoot at 25 yards. The first shot I take with any new gun I basically put a safe death grip on it and hope it doesn't fly apart. funny, I keep doing that even though none ever had! Well talk about some RECOIL. I'd fired a .45 many years ago but had forgotten the real push! Now I've shot a lot of .40's, +p in .38, ext. but WOW. My 25yrd backstop was in a row with some 50 and a 100yd line so the earthen bank was 75 yards back from the big plywood target holders. When I shot I could see big puffs of dirt!

My accuracy wasn't the best but they we're all sufficient to stop a person. I'll need to practice to get a handle on this. The trigger was excellent and the gun worked flawlessly. Not one issue. I'd purchased 2 Wilson Combat 47D magazines on Bumpers advise and they were great. I can see the value of that raised base! The magazine that came with the gun worked perfectly too but you have to think more about seating it all the way because the bottom is so flat and disappears into the mag well.

I know this won't be the best carry gun for me due to accuracy and the fact that it's heavy as all get out, not to mention how hard it is to followup quick for me but It's still just a fantastic combat weapon period! I practiced loading, unloading. Boy what a thrill! Just seeing it cocked and locked! I just finished breaking it down, cleaning it, and putting it back together. Quite easy.

And no hammer bite! I had to ask what that was because I couldn't see how the hammer could get anyone but I guess it's the slide everyones worried about, well no problems there!

So, if a guy wanted to improve accuracy on one of these but didn't care about looks, weight, or reliability, what would the be the number 1-3 mods that would do the most for just accuracy?

Just curious mind you... :biggrin:

I held my J frame. 38 after my session and boy what a difference. If I had to really fight a battle, I'd want this one by my side. From my anemic unreliable Kel-Tec .380 to this, WOW, not even on the same planet!

Well, I've ranted on enough. Can't wait to get the wood grips I ordered

OH, YES, how hard is it to tap the rear sight a bit? I'm shooting consistenly a little left at 25 yards. I don't intend to do anything until I've fired a few hundred more rounds and practiced some at 7 & 10 yards, but how hard is it to tap it if I want to move the point of impact a pit?

Thanks everyone again for the advise!

Gideon

 

[Bumper]

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:

 

[QKShooter]

Gideon ~ Animal Skin And NOT Kydex

You being a Pastor & a Man of God ~ using a Kydex holster would be a mild sin. The original Torah & the Scriptures & all the books of the Bible were all written on Animal Parchment & never on Kydex.
Go on the web & search (The Bible Parchment) and then search (The Bible KYDEX)
"When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments." (2 Timothy 4:9-13 RSV)
Finally, the use of parchment as the medium for these holy books ensured that they, like the Word of God, would endure through the ages.
So why would you not use a leather holster?

Also: If you are shooting left & this is your first time out with your .45...I would not drift my sight yet. Chances are that you are initally shooting more left than the pistol is shooting left.
It's just my opinion that it's a bit too soon for you to start moving your rear sight around.

 

[Gideon]

I Repent!

I Repent QK..., I've ordered a leather holster from Andrews custom leather shop. Enjoyed talking to them as I placed the order. I have a friend who makes horse saddles, bridles, etc. I told him about gun belts. He made a belt for me that's so stiff it's impossible to fold the top towards the bottom. It'll be nice.

My wood grips from a guy named Hedin came in today as well. They're made of Kingwood which looks like a dark walnut but is supposed to be harder with less pours. I got them without any checkering and love the way they look. I'll post some pics when I get a chance.


Gideon

 

[CLASS3NH]

Oh MYYY!! we have a "repenter" here.....LOL.......Leather always dresses up the weapon, or is it the weapon alwsys dresses up the leather?.... Either way, Lookin good Gideon :thumbsup:

 

[ExSoldier]

BLESSED be KYDEX for it is ETERNAL.....

I Repent QK..., I've ordered a leather holster from Andrews custom leather shop. Enjoyed talking to them as I placed the order. Gideon

Sam's a GREAT guy. I've known him about 15 years and I have five of his holsters. Most with my initials on them. But when push comes to shove; I've learned to let KYDEX be my guide to LIFE for it is eternal and indestructible.....