First 1911?

[Tin Can Sailor]

My Para LTC has been on my hip nearly every day for at least 4 years, been through Massad Ayoob's Stressfire and a 4 day defensive handgun course at Frontsight. It keeps on pugging along. I think I paid about 750$ for it.

[Pat Cannon]

.45 and a reloading press!

[Rem700]

What ever you get just make sure its doesn't say Taurus or Kimber on the slide. Maybe try a Springfield if it has to be a 1911, otherwise look for a Glock. They are a lot better mouse trap.

Kimber is working just fine for me.

And me
b

Mine also but there all pre series II

[bstrawse]

Re: Kimbers

I own several - some are series two and some aren't. I haven't owned any with the ill-fated external extractor design so I can't really comment on the issues that those created for others.

Let me highlight a couple experiences with Kimbers:

* Ultra CDP II
- Purchased new
- Has functioned flawlessly after the break in period. Break-in issues were primarily related to me limp-wristing the pistol (it's rather snappy)
- This was my previous carry weapon for most of 2009

* Classic CDP II
- Purchased used in 90% condition (my estimate)
- Had a bad desire to fail to return to battery when I first took it to the range, also had extraction issues
- Replaced extractor with new stock part from Wilson Combat - set proper tension
- Replaced recoil spring w/ new Wolff spring at an increased spring strength
- Problem solved

* Pro SIS
- Purchased new
- Have had zero problems with this pistol that weren't of my own creating after break-in period
- I did replace the stock recoil spring with a new Wolff spring out of the box given my experience with the Classic CDP II above
- This is my carry weapon
- I used this gun yesterday in DonL's Defensive Handgun Training class

Like most of you, I own a number of different brands and calibers have handguns - I think the concept of "best" choice is going to be different for different people - and I know that Kimber has had some challenges in the past. I've been quite happy with mine, however, and look forward to buying... more of them

B

[DanM]

I put an order in for a 1911 today off of GunBroker. Will post pictures when it comes in.

Ordered from Oak Hill Enterprises. Came in Monday. Thunderjohn did the transfer yesterday. Got the magazines from Morbius today.

Sorry for the distant picture, couldn't figure out how to crop it properly.

[Norsesmithy]

OOO, Spartans are NICE.

Just wish they didn't have such a massive roll mark.

[JoeH]

Sweet! Well done!

[BBeckwith]

Like the look of that gun. Very similar to what I am hoping to get soon.

[ComradeBurg]

The first 1911 I purchased was a Springfield Mil-Spec and it's been a terrific gun. I don't really know what to say beyond it's been reliable, is a nice shooter, and is kept fairly simple (no internal firing pin safety although there is an integrated lock similar to Smith and Wesson revolvers but it's very easily removed). The only bad thing I can say about it is it tends to be a little rough on brass.

One thing I do hear about the Springfields is they are good platforms to build upon. So if you want to work it up (such as turn it into a competition gun or some other such nonsense) it'll be a good and relatively inexpensive base to start from.

[Bessy]

Spartans are a bargain, if for nothing else than the parts they come with. They sometimes need tweaking, but no more than any other 1911. You made a wise a choice.

[JohnC]

Little late but here is a good article on a first 1911.

http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2008 ... -1911.html