Need some help from the masses please!

[alamo5000]

My post got deleted on my phone. Here it is again.
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For example on some guns like Kimber they are super tight and considered high end. Other high end guns have zero variance in tolerance. The chambers on some of those guns (the few that I've shot) were so tight that if the guy doing the loading at XYZ ammo factory didn't have the crimp just perfect the gun wouldn't work.

Yes they were perfect by spec but practical not as much.

Same story with slide weight or spring tension. Some of the guns are built so good that only one or two types of high end ammo will work in them.

Several other things can be mentioned as well

[alamo5000]

Ahh, okay.

I’m not worried about concealment. This isn’t gonna be a CCW gun.

Trigger work DOES help immensely. Trigger work, and trigger time.

End use, is home defense and range gun. Like I said previously, I’d like to run a can on it eventually. Hence a threaded barrel, but the more I look, the fewer threaded ones I see. I can always fit one to it. But I would like the rail for either a light or laser. This would be a bedroom gun to keep beside the bed. Retire the RIA to a range/truck gun. So. I need something I can completely 100% trust with my life and whomever else could possibly be with me in the house.


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Without actually handling the guns it's hard to say. Trigger time matters. Those "mid pack" guns will be a better fit for your use since you aren't going to have it on display in a museum.

The other things other than external design features is to make sure the gun is in time with various ammo. One of my cousins bought a Taurus that was a piece of shit. Couldn't get through a mag because of timing issues which goes back to weight and balance of certain components.

That mid pack will be the place to look, then just go finger bang a few. Barrels are easy to fit. I fit one on a CZ and it runs like a champ.

You might want to get a good midrange gun and do select upgrades on it, like barrel, sites, trigger etc.

[RiverRat]

I have exactly that Springfield Loaded Parkerized. I did a little A/B at the store, found one with a great trigger and jumped at it. It's run flawlessly. I can see some folks not liking the guide rod, I had to work in a couple of pretty sharp corners and I've migrated to WC 47D mags for it. Based on that experience, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

For a little more cash, and if you're OK with an alloy frame, you could be looking at a Dan Wesson Vigil. I think that's my next 1911, in 9mm. If it's ANYTHING like my DW Specialist in terms of workmanship, it'll satisfy nicely. I suggest giving the DW catalog a very long look to see if something clicks for you.

[UWone77]

I only own a few 1911's.

A Colt 80 Series, plain jane. It shoots, but I rarely take it out.

A Wilson Combat CQB 1911. Fun shooter, great trigger, accurate, just a great overall pistol

My Kimber Pro Carry II... only reason I own it, it was my Duty gun for 10 years. I broke it often, and even though we bought them at a time when Kimber's reputation was a lot better than it is now, it made me realize a 1911 is not optimal for duty.

Honestly out of those guns the Wilson gets shot the most, simply because it's such a great gun. I will admit I bought it used, so putting more rounds down range with it wasn't going to bother me. Maybe if I had a pristine one, I'd be more reluctant.

Anyhow, I'd get the one that you find you will actually shoot. Safe queens are an expensive paper weight.

[UWone77]

I have exactly that Springfield Loaded Parkerized. I did a little A/B at the store, found one with a great trigger and jumped at it. It's run flawlessly. I can see some folks not liking the guide rod, I had to work in a couple of pretty sharp corners and I've migrated to WC 47D mags for it. Based on that experience, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

For a little more cash, and if you're OK with an alloy frame, you could be looking at a Dan Wesson Vigil. I think that's my next 1911, in 9mm. If it's ANYTHING like my DW Specialist in terms of workmanship, it'll satisfy nicely. I suggest giving the DW catalog a very long look to see if something clicks for you.

RR also brings up a good point, use some good mags with that 1911. I only use WC mags, even our department issued 7 round WC mags with the Kimber.

He also voted for the Dan Wesson... can't stress enough those are great guns for a little more $.

[FortTom]

RR also brings up a good point, use some good mags with that 1911. I only use WC mags, even our department issued 7 round WC mags with the Kimber.

.

Can't over emphasize the WC mags. Have never had a problem with one.

FT

[mustangfreek]

This thing was the first real 1911 I bought -new.. had many rocks, citadels, few SA,1sig...I’ve been way down and got up again...couldn’t sell it....but even if I end up broke and homeless..this and one certain m&p will always be kept...plus my oldest loves it , so one day it’ll be his.

Nothing real fancy, but out of the box it has ran well, eats everything and WC and cmc mags all day. This is bone stock other then the grips..

It’s a 2012 model, less then 200 of these roughly that year, so there not a custom per say , but next to it. Tight out of the box and after a few K it’s damn near the same and just won’t miss a beat.

[OneGearhead]

My post got deleted on my phone. Here it is again.
---
For example on some guns like Kimber they are super tight and considered high end. Other high end guns have zero variance in tolerance. The chambers on some of those guns (the few that I've shot) were so tight that if the guy doing the loading at XYZ ammo factory didn't have the crimp just perfect the gun wouldn't work.

Yes they were perfect by spec but practical not as much.

Same story with slide weight or spring tension. Some of the guns are built so good that only one or two types of high end ammo will work in them.

Several other things can be mentioned as well

Seriously. Why build a gun THAT tight on tolerances? I understand they want it to be a high end gun, but it should at least work properly. Maybe they think people buy them and don’t shoot them and just want them to look good? Overpriced paper weight, much? Haha

Without actually handling the guns it's hard to say. Trigger time matters. Those "mid pack" guns will be a better fit for your use since you aren't going to have it on display in a museum.

The other things other than external design features is to make sure the gun is in time with various ammo. One of my cousins bought a Taurus that was a piece of shit. Couldn't get through a mag because of timing issues which goes back to weight and balance of certain components.

That mid pack will be the place to look, then just go finger bang a few. Barrels are easy to fit. I fit one on a CZ and it runs like a champ.

You might want to get a good midrange gun and do select upgrades on it, like barrel, sites, trigger etc.

I do want to find somewhere where I can handle all these variations. But I’m afraid I won’t be able to find somewhere. Kimber. SA. Sig. Sure. Not a problem. They’re everywhere. But the more I see people saying Dan Wesson, I want to find some and handle them.

Well. It WAS a Taurus. What do you expect? Lol.

I would trust myself with barrel fitment. Even trigger work. So, I’m not afraid of buying one, then changing out stuff I want to upgrade. Thats half the fun. Becoming one with your firearm. Good times.

I have exactly that Springfield Loaded Parkerized. I did a little A/B at the store, found one with a great trigger and jumped at it. It's run flawlessly. I can see some folks not liking the guide rod, I had to work in a couple of pretty sharp corners and I've migrated to WC 47D mags for it. Based on that experience, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

For a little more cash, and if you're OK with an alloy frame, you could be looking at a Dan Wesson Vigil. I think that's my next 1911, in 9mm. If it's ANYTHING like my DW Specialist in terms of workmanship, it'll satisfy nicely. I suggest giving the DW catalog a very long look to see if something clicks for you.

It seems like SA’s are a hit or miss with people. I run CMC mags in my RIA. Seems like also, a lot of “problems” I hear about, are alleviated with mag changes to WC or CMC. I’m okay with that!

Is the Specialist an alloy frame too? I’ve actually been eyeing that one...How is recoil with an alloy compared to a steel frame? Negligible or noticeable?


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[OneGearhead]

I only own a few 1911's.

A Colt 80 Series, plain jane. It shoots, but I rarely take it out.

A Wilson Combat CQB 1911. Fun shooter, great trigger, accurate, just a great overall pistol

My Kimber Pro Carry II... only reason I own it, it was my Duty gun for 10 years. I broke it often, and even though we bought them at a time when Kimber's reputation was a lot better than it is now, it made me realize a 1911 is not optimal for duty.

Honestly out of those guns the Wilson gets shot the most, simply because it's such a great gun. I will admit I bought it used, so putting more rounds down range with it wasn't going to bother me. Maybe if I had a pristine one, I'd be more reluctant.

Anyhow, I'd get the one that you find you will actually shoot. Safe queens are an expensive paper weight.

I hear good things about Wilsons, but definitely not in my budget. Well. It could be actually. But I don’t want to spend that much. If I was, I might venture towards Nighthawk first. But either way, no. Lol.

I never knew you were a LEO. Broke it?! Damn.

Good for you though. Somebody else took the hit on it. Now you can shoot it and enjoy it!

I’ll shoot whichever one I get. No worries there. No safe queens in my house!


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[OneGearhead]

RR also brings up a good point, use some good mags with that 1911. I only use WC mags, even our department issued 7 round WC mags with the Kimber.

He also voted for the Dan Wesson... can't stress enough those are great guns for a little more $.

CMC 10rd’ers here. Love them. Balances the gun VERY WELL, when its fully loaded.

Seems like they’re more popular than I thought. And here when I saw them before, I kinda scoffed at them. Didn’t Wesson used to not have a great reputation? And then CZ bought them, or they’ve always owned them? And I’ve heard not so great things about CZ’s shotguns. .22’s are phenomenal. People seem to love their pistols though. Seem to be hit and miss there too for some reason.

Can't over emphasize the WC mags. Have never had a problem with one.

FT

Never had a problem with my CMC’s either. Have close to 1k rounds through them.


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[OneGearhead]

This thing was the first real 1911 I bought -new.. had many rocks, citadels, few SA,1sig...I’ve been way down and got up again...couldn’t sell it....but even if I end up broke and homeless..this and one certain m&p will always be kept...plus my oldest loves it , so one day it’ll be his.

Nothing real fancy, but out of the box it has ran well, eats everything and WC and cmc mags all day. This is bone stock other then the grips..

It’s a 2012 model, less then 200 of these roughly that year, so there not a custom per say , but next to it. Tight out of the box and after a few K it’s damn near the same and just won’t miss a beat.

Nice looking gun. Heritage? Dan Wesson? Some other brand? Are those the Dahmer grips? I like them!

Reliable is good. Its what we want.


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[mustangfreek]

Nice looking gun. Heritage? Dan Wesson? Some other brand? Are those the Dahmer grips? I like them!

Reliable is good. Its what we want.
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Thanks

Yes a Dan Wesson heritage with Dahmer grips..it doesn’t usually wear them as they are a somewhat project set and just haven’t finished them.

These are right around the $1k mark.. Like I said, I’ve had some higher end SA’s and they weren’t anything this DW is fit and finish, triggers, accuracy. Even though , these and there pointman and another are on Dan Wesson’s “low end” of there offerings ,this thing is full high quality materials out of the box and no MIM parts or plastic mainspring housings etc.

Even the $1k colt 1911 rail model I had didn’t hold a light to this thing.....traded that sloppy mess away..quickly.

Finding shops that carry DW’s aren’t as common but the good/bigger stock stores somewhere around you should have some.

Only problem with this Dan Wesson or any other is...

You will want more..lol..the valor would be my next one or the 9mm guardian...but that new Razorback 10mm...hummm....

[Airborne_EWO]

I own both Sig and Springfield 1911s; 2 Sigs (Scorpion and Nickel) and 2 Springfields (Micro Compact and Full rail TRP).

Having shot 1000s of rounds through them, I would say that you can not go wrong with either the TACOPS or the TRP. All of them have functioned flawlessly and all 4 of them are dead on accurate. The Sig's recoil is slight more than the TRP due to the lighter weight frame and lower spring #. However, the lower spring # does make the Sig run like butter. I would absolutely say that the trigger on the TRP is far superior to either of the SIGs. Its hard to explain but it really does feel like a glass break point on the TRP. The Sigs have good trigger feel also but the TRP is just crisper.

The Sigs are assembly line guns whereas the TRP is a semi-custom gun that has a few hand fit parts.

If I had to choose, I would definitely take the TRP over the Sig everyday of the week and twice on Sunday.

Dan Wesson Specialist is another semi custom gun that lots rave about and should be on par price wise with the TRP, but I have never shot one, so I can not give you any first hand feedback on that.

One key difference that you will immediately notice between them is how the extractor functions. The TRP is an internal extractor that may need to be adjusted over time and the Sig is an external extractor. Some purists prefer internal and some dont really care. Also the profile of each 1911 is different. The TRP has the standard rounded slide profile and the Sig has more of a squared profile.

Everyone that mentions magazines are absolutely correct that you need good ones to function. I would say that the WC mags and far superior to the CMC mags based on the follower. The WC mags that I own have a solid follower and the CMC mags have a split follower. The CMCs can be a PITA to load due to the way the follower is made. The Sig mags are great as well, I would consider them to be slightly below WC but better than the CMC mags.


ETA: The front grip serrations are a big difference also. Sigs are way more comfortable. The TRP will make your fingers raw if you shoot too much without gloves

[RiverRat]

Is the Specialist an alloy frame too? I’ve actually been eyeing that one...How is recoil with an alloy compared to a steel frame? Negligible or noticeable?

Forged stainless. Specs at https://danwessonfirearms.com/product/specialist/

I don't own an alloy 1911.....yet. The Vigil may be my first and it won't be .45 ACP anyway. It would take a pretty dedicated 1911 collector to have comparable models with the same recoil system and grips, but different frame composition. Maybe Jerry?

[Jerry R]

I've been a little reluctant to chime in here because I am nowhere near an expert (former drip under pressure ) but I do have a dozen, or so, 1911's. Anywhere from a Colt I assembled from a factory second slide and frame from J&G (somewhere in Texas) back in the late 70's to a couple of Les Baer's - one with the 1.5" guarantee, and a Ruger that John Harrison did a full-house conversion on. All but the Ruger are in my carry rotation, and I shoot it a lot at the spring and fall shoot, just don't want to carry it. I have been very fortunate in that all have been flawless so far. If you want a "low high end" I have to agree with other posters about the Sig 1911. I have a Tac-Ops TB that shoots (with my old eyes) as well as the Les Premier II with the inch-and-a-half guarantee. They all feed anything from my reloads to any factory profile I choose to carry. I have some Wilson magazines, and like them a lot. I also have a crap-ton of Chip McCormick 8-round Power Mags. They are on sale more often than the Wilson, and are great magazines.

You can find Sig's on gunbroker under a grand pretty often. Would be a great choice.