What make an model do have and/or recommend?
I had a Kimber Target 9mm, but had to sell it.
It was accurate but the magazines were hit & miss, some worked and some didn't.
I've heard this is a common issue with 9mm 1911's.
And as for the "Get a .45" response I have several, and I like the 1911 platform in 9mm because ammo's alot         cheaper.
Was looking at the Para-Ordnance hi-caps, but don't know anything about them.
What say you?

I had an excellent Para in .45 that ran exclusively on original preban mags which NEVER gave me a problem. In answer to your para magazine question, I would be confident with their magazine platform (as I have never experienced problems WITH THEIR STAGGEREDS or recall hearing about many either)

I am no longer a Para advocate based on what they make (and how they handle it) these days, and would suggest you go elsewhere unless you are dead-set on the Para mag platform.

Quoted: Get an STI. Like this one:  www.talonarms.com/talonarms/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=108&products_id=453 The are well made, carry 17+1 rounds in the flush fit mag and have two other mag choices with even more rounds.

That's a nice pistol, but WAY outta my budget range.

Quoted: I am no longer a Para advocate based on what they make (and how they handle it) these days, and would suggest you go elsewhere unless you are dead-set on the Para mag platform

Has the quality or customer service gone down hill, or both?
I don't know anyone who has one, which is why I posted here among the experts.

I have a Para P18. I've only had 1 malthfunction in several thousand rounds, and that was do to an improper weak hand grip. I use mine for IDPA competition. I wouldn't recommend it for concealed carry, as the grip is very large & hard to hide. The stock trigger is pretty crappy, but the guy I bought mine from had already replaced it and given it a superb trigger job. The gun is very accurate.

I've got a Colt Combat Commander.  It's a great gun for what it is.  It's never been anything but reliable for me, and the accuracy is pretty good.

But I'd recommend an STI.  There is a lot to be said for having a $1500 STI instead of any two or three $500 1911s.  And you can find them cheaper than that if you shop around and buy used.

If you could find an older Para 9mm, that might be an OK way to go... but I wouldn't consider buying a new one.  And I would never consider their LDA system.

I've got a loaded springer 9mm and use kimber mags and never had a problem.  I got it in a trade.  If I was to buy a new race gun it would be a double stack sti, for a SS I would get either a trojan or another springer.

conver one of your 45's into 9mm. I run a converted 9mm using 38 super mags. sent 200 rounds down range last night no problems.

Quoted: conver one of your 45's into 9mm. I run a converted 9mm using 38 super mags. sent 200 rounds down range last night no problems.

Maybe you could give him the magic solution that worked for you, but the last time this topic was discussed it appeared by the parts replacement breakdown to be more cost effective buying a 9mm and having 2 pistols based on the expense of the parts needed.

Lets go with a 800 for a new Kimber 9mm.
all parts from Brazos  (1911 store)
STI 5" slide for gunsmith application.  161
STI serrations - rear only $15.00
STI/Bomar (adjustable) or STI/Novak (fixed) rear sight dovetail cut $40.00
STI front sight dovetail cut $20.00
Extractor, BCG - Pro Series Performance Tuned  $34.99
Firing Pin Stop, BCG - Oversized   $10.99
Firing Pin, STI - Stainless             $7.50
BoMar BMCS Target Rear Sight   $54.95
front sight Lightning Rod Standard (STI/SV)
STI/SV factory dovetail cut (0.300x0.060x60 degrees)  34.99
Ejector, BCG - Extra long (you cut to length and shape)  $19.99

Wolf gunsprings
Conventional 1911 Recoil Spring 14 lb   $ 7.89

total 407.3
plus shipping plus gunsmith fees

edit forgot key part
midway usa

Kart National Match Barrel 1911 Government 9mm Luger 1 in 16" Twist 5" in the White
134.99

total  542.29


I am lucky enough to have a GS in my area that charges good rates and knows how to work on a 1911.

when I went this route I used some no name 9mm barrel I got for 60 bucks. Pistol will print 2 to 3 inch groups at 25 yards 6 shoots using ae 115 fmj.

I picked up a nice Frank Glenn Commander in 9mm.  According to the seller, who had it built, Mr. Glenn recommends Springfield Armory mags over all others when it comes to 9mm mags.  He knows a few things about getting 9mms and .38 Supers to feed reliably, as evidenced by the number of top competitve shooters who use him for their match guns.  

Anyway, I have yet to shoot mine, but I got this gun for $850 with wood grips.  I added the ivories after.

Well.

I recently found a used Colt 70 LW commander in 9mm.  And it shoots just fine with the aftermarket mag i bought.

I also have a PO 18.9 LDA and its is sweet.  No problems either.  I took a chance in got some 38 super mags for the PO and they are the same as the 9mm.  they were cheaper too.  McGar has some that work great too.

note that i havent shot any HPs thru them since i shoot mostly 115 fmj,  al case blazers.

Quoted: I picked up a nice Frank Glenn Commander in 9mm.  According to the seller, who had it built, Mr. Glenn recommends Springfield Armory mags over all others when it comes to 9mm mags.  He knows a few things about getting 9mms and .38 Supers to feed reliably, as evidenced by the number of top competitve shooters who use him for their match guns.   Anyway, I have yet to shoot mine, but I got this gun for $850 with wood grips.  I added the ivories after. img475.imageshack.us/img475/7374/1000829xj2.jpg

NICE. Frank Glenn builds some nice guns.

Heres my Colt





Now that it shoots reliablely, I love it!  I plan on doing some upgrades to it as money permits.


Travis

I always think it's a shame that one of the better modern 1911 designs is so badly supported in the USA.
Charles Daly imports them, but doesn't seem to promote them.

My personal favourate the  Transmark BUL M5

If you can't get BUL mags, it will take STI magazines or Para magazines.
(I use STI magazines in mine)

I don't have photo's of my government model with me, however I do have photos of my IPSC model with me.

A very ordinary group @ 50 Metres, it can be made to shoot groups about half this size, If it's the right ammo, and more importantly if i'm having a good day.


Here it is front on, it has decent Bull barrel


In a holster (CR speed)

If with 140mm mags all your getting is 17 rounds of 40 I can see why.

STI you can get 20 reloadable  or 21 for a start mag. Gives you 22 at the beep.

the ammount of money they want to tune a mag is not worth it to me so I only have one thats 20 the rest are 19.

Zero problems in 3,000 rds with my Springfield Armory 1911 in 9mm.  I use SA & Colt mags with fiocchi 115 gr FMJ.  Great 9mm, if you like the 1911.  ALLONS11