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AR15.COM
12/29/2010 7:54:58 AM EDT
Well new to the 1911 that is. I have my eyes set on a couple different models and I was hoping from some insight from the guys who would know more then me about 1911's.

My uses are/is; home defense, some 3 gun/ pistol competition, and must have a rail and night sights. This will not be a daily carry gun. price range no more then $1200


I picked up and played with this guy yesterday,I didn't like the wrap around grips, no big deal I can swap them out, but I wasn't sure if the front strap was checkered underneath them.  Overall it felt really good, trigger felt good (don't know what a good trigger on a 1911 feels like but this one felt good) fit and finish (didn't like the 2 tone) was nice the safety was a little big for me but still usable.
SA Operator

This is the pistol that really sparked my interest, felt great in my hands but didn't like that there wasn't front strap checkering, the trigger felt good, the safety was like the Operator a bit big but usable.
Kimber warrior

This one looked like winner, but... I liked the magwell but it wasn't very smooth it had a small step to it, didn't like that the grip safety didn't have the memory pad on it, not sure if i need to change my grip or if was the gun but once during dry fire it failed to fire because it wasn't engaged. Thumb safety was the same as the others. Now that i think about it, I'm not sure sure I like this one as much anymore.
Kimber Tactical II

I saw this one and I wasn't really to sure about Sig 1911's but after playing with it I like this on the most. Magwell was smooth, trigger was nice, front strap checkering I liked, thumb safety wasn't to big and easy to manipulate, didn't like that it didn't have front slide serrations, but not sure if I really need them. I did notice that this one had a external extractor, not sure if this is a bad thing or not otherwise this one seems to have the most votes for it.
Sig 1911 Tactical Operations


so based on what I have looked at what advice/ recommendations can you guys give me?
12/29/2010 8:11:52 AM EDT
[#1]
top 2.

try a grip with your thumb on top of the saftey,
12/29/2010 1:36:54 PM EDT
[#2]
I did try placing my thumb over and under the safety, I preferred the under the safety hold, and the smaller style safety seems easier to manipulate or have less of a chance of getting accidentally pushed on when firing.

Any one know if the Operator front strap is checkered under the wrap around grips?

What about the external extractor on the Sig ? pros/cons?
12/29/2010 2:07:37 PM EDT
[#3]
My MC Operator is baby butt smooth under the wrap around grips.
I liked my Warrior.
I wouldn't get a Kimber that didn't have the Kim Pro finish, their black oxide will rub off with a harsh look.
I personally don't like any 1911 with external extractors like the Sig.

Out of the ones you listed, I'd go with the Operator
12/30/2010 5:57:58 AM EDT
[#4]
get a springfield, also look into wilson combat if you can increase the budget slightly
12/30/2010 6:03:45 AM EDT
[#5]
consider also the Colt rail gun.
The only right way to hold a 1911 with a firing grip is with the thumb on top of the safety.
I personally hate front strap checkering- never felt a need for it ever.even with wet hands has never been a problem for me. if you really feel you need extra grippiness in front strap slap on some skate board tape.
Of the guns you mention both sig and kimber 1911's are hit and miss the SA has a good reputation but I prefer a 100% made in USA 1911 so my preference for Colt.
12/30/2010 6:45:10 AM EDT
[#6]
Look around for a used Springfield TRP, if you like the Operator.
12/30/2010 7:12:15 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Look around for a used Springfield TRP, if you like the Operator.


+1 on that.  Love my TRP Operator.  Other than that, of the four I'd get the Springfield.  I've got six (soon to be seven) Colts and the Springfield TRP.  I would not hesitate to get another TRP.
12/30/2010 9:08:31 PM EDT
[#8]
played with a TRP today and wow that is a nice pistol, the front strap checkering is like teeth on a chain saw.

After looking at SA website I see that the railed TRP has adjustable sights, do they not make a model with Novak night sights?
12/30/2010 10:30:25 PM EDT
[#9]



Quoted:


played with a TRP today and wow that is a nice pistol, the front strap checkering is like teeth on a chain saw.



After looking at SA website I see that the railed TRP has adjustable sights, do they not make a model with Novak night sights?


The TRP without a rail has Novak sights.



The TRP with a rail has the adjustable sight and bull barrel; no option for a Novak. You can replace it with a fixed sight by Harris I believe.



I would recommend the MC Operator. Had one and sold it, worst gun mistake I ever made. The front strap is not checkered underneath.



Good luck.



 
12/30/2010 10:56:27 PM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
get a springfield, also look into wilson combat if you can increase the budget slightly


And by slightly he means 2 - 3 times as much.  
12/31/2010 5:52:32 PM EDT
[#11]
Is the mag well on the MC operator beveled?
1/2/2011 8:00:48 PM EDT
[#12]
bump anyone???
1/3/2011 3:51:17 AM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:
Is the mag well on the MC operator beveled?


Yes. It's not much, but it helps.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
1/4/2011 2:19:35 PM EDT
[#14]
I was in the same dilemma as you recently,  I was looking for my first 1911 and in that price range.  I was going back and forth on the SA MC Operator, Kimber Desert Warrior or a Spartan.  I decided on the MC Operator and I think I will be happy with the choice.  I ordered it back in Sept. of 2010 and it is still on back order.  I don't know if this is the average wait time or not, so keep that in mind.
1/5/2011 3:48:39 AM EDT
[#15]
I was in the same boat too not that long ago. I always loved the kimbers so that's what I ended up getting and I love it!
1/5/2011 5:21:02 AM EDT
[#16]
Based on your criteria, the Springfield or a Colt rail gun.
1/5/2011 5:25:07 AM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
Quoted:
get a springfield, also look into wilson combat if you can increase the budget slightly


And by slightly he means 2 - 3 times as much.  


aint that the truth....

OP, I would stay with the top two guns, and when you shoot, all ways keep your thumb ON TOP of the safty.
1/5/2011 10:35:35 AM EDT
[#18]
This one also caught my eye as well, haven't had the chance to play with one as there is only one guy locally that carries STI and I haven't been over there yet.
STI Duty One


Opinion's