Posted: 10/5/2006 6:35:00 AM EDT
Ok, I have a problem that I need to "tinker" with things. I can never just leave something stock. My Jeeps, my bikes, my guns, always need something adjusted/tweeked. So, I finally pickd up a Commander length 1911 (something I've wanted for a long time), a Kimber Pro Carry HD II. Now that I've got it, I can't decide what to do with it. Here's what I'm considering: Bobtail - I have handled and shot Bobtail's, and find them both very comfortable and attractive to look at. However I'm scared to chop up a perfectly good frame (I would attempt the work myself, with a jig of course). Magwell - I appreciate a good mag well, and like the grip it adds, as well as the functionality of the mag well. Plain Jane - I'm toying with the idea of making the entire grip semi-smooth (it has a smooth frontstrap, I'm considering a smooth MSH, and maybe semi-smooth slim-line grips). But I'm not sure if that will make the gun too "slippery." Basically the only sharp areas on the gun would be the rear cocking serrations. I wouldn't mind carrying this Kimber, but it's not necessary since I have plenty of carry guns. So that is not really a +1 for either direction. Of all three ideas, the Bobtail just barely nudges out the other two ideas. However, it is "irreversable" so I don't want to jump into it. And the other two ideas are not bad either. What would you do? |
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Check to see if your frame is alumnium first...that should alter the landscape a bit (a lot harder to weld back together that if you flub or want to un-do a bobtail). I need to check out a bobtail some time...I hear they fit and feel a hell of a lot better than they look. Not to mention hide a lot better. Swapping out MSH's for a flat non-serrated/checkered one is a snap, as are smooth grips...and yes, it'll be a bit TOO smooth. I have a set of smooth Ajax grips on one of my 1911's and while it's a breeze to carry as nothing snags on it, it also likes to twist a bit when shooting, especially if you're sweating. There's plenty of drop-in magwells that work..if you mean one of the weld-on-and-shape magwells, that's a whole different catagory.. |
My Kimber Pro Carry HD II has a Stainless frame. I know that makes it a little heavier, but that's not a big deal. I've always like the way the bobtail looks, but never enough to mangle a gun. That was untill I got to handle on and shoot a bobtailed 1911! Now I can't stop thinking about them. To me, they are VERY comfortable.
If I went with the magwell, I'd go with a drop in. Either Smith and Alexander or Ed Brown. |
I beg to differ... The 4" gun is more likely to be carried when SHTF, and when SHTF, a fast mag change that requires eyes on the target/surroundings instead of the magwell seems like a hell of an important benefit. Makes more sense to have monster mudders on a 4x4 Dakota that gets outdoor use than a leather package Yukon that's never seen anything but asphalt. Here is mine:  Hardly monster mudders sprouting from the grip, eh? 30 seconds later, I quick detach it and you have this:  So, the Wilson speed chute doesn't add a whole lot of length and it can be dropped in a heartbeat. Now, what advantage do you receive?  Vs.   Which would you rather have on your CCW when the SHTF? As far as the bobtail goes, I think it's an abomination, but that's my own taste. Nevertheless, it adds little to the pistol for the cost/work involved. I say go with the Wilson speed chute. It's an important tactical/competitiom add-on and it can be dropped easily if your taste changes. If you really like to tinker and you have a beveled Mag well you can try blending the metal on the chute to the same countour as the beveled mag well. Wilson did this at the factory for me, so if I rub my finger on the seem I can't feel where the speed chute ends and the magwell begins. |
After spending some time shooting it this weekend, I made the decission........ I like the feel of the gun pretty much as is, so I'm only going to tweak it "a little": - I ordered a flat "chainlink" MSH from Ed Brown (to replace the plastic Kimber MSH). - I'm going to find some slim-line grips and bushings (probably either Alumagrips or VZ 320's). - Eventaully I'll send the slide to Novak for nightsights (not important right away, but eventually...) |