Posted: 4/29/2009 6:11:00 AM EDT
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I'm looking to buy a single stack 1911 pistol to be used in USPSA matches.
I really don't want to spend more than $2000.00 on one, but was wondering if the Wilson Combats were really that much more of a pistol than some of the less expensive offerings from Springfield Armory, Kimber, etc. So what factory produced pistol , brand and model would you choose for a purely competition rig? |
| Be very careful that whever you get is REALLY compliant with USPSA Single Stack division rules. I was an RO and the Western States Single Stack Classic this year, and was surprised to hear about the number of shooters who failed to meet the dimension and weight limits. If the gun you are looking at has a full-length dust shield, a light rail, a big mag funnel, tungsten guide rod, big mag bumpers or heavy grips, it could well fail. Also, be aware that a bull barrel is illegal - you need a regular bushing-type barrel. |
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Quoted:
Be very careful that whever you get is REALLY compliant with USPSA Single Stack division rules. I was an RO and the Western States Single Stack Classic this year, and was surprised to hear about the number of shooters who failed to meet the dimension and weight limits. If the gun you are looking at has a full-length dust shield, a light rail, a big mag funnel, tungsten guide rod, big mag bumpers or heavy grips, it could well fail. Also, be aware that a bull barrel is illegal - you need a regular bushing-type barrel. Thanks for letting me know. I had no idea bushingless barrels were not allowed. |
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I find a frame with the cut out under the trigger guard where front strap meet, to be the most comforable.
I use an old Kimber pre series II. Look at Springfield Armory, STI, Colt. They sell what you need., A well built basic 1911 with a good trigger and good sights. Bull barrels would be a no-go in single stack, but your good to go in ltd 10. |
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Wow, I can't believe a light rail would disqualitfy you...that's crazy talk.
I would have said a SA Operator...but given the light rail issue I'll say a SA Loaded (or Colt), then send it to a competent smith for additional work mainly: Cleaned up trigger / sear / hammer / barrel ramp / mag well Front Strap checkering Make sure slide fit is perfect Target crown the barrel muzzle Get some sights you like and a grip that feels right for you. Remove ambi safety for normal unit |
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Wow, I can't believe a light rail would disqualitfy you...that's crazy talk. I dont think the light rail itself disqualifies but they have very strict dimension and most of them fall outside. I know I couldnt use my TRP because it has the bull barrel and full dust cover Like was pointed out above I would go over the rules and go from there. Decide if you want adjustable sights or fixed. Once you figure out what you want most any of the big name guns will do fine. |
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Prohibited modifications
and features •External modifications or features such as weights or devices to control or reduce recoil (such as, but not limited to, thumb rests or components which could be used as such). •Coned barrels, bull barrels, or barrels with flanges, except in 1911 compact pistols with a barrel length of 4.20 inches or less. (Note: All other barrels must have barrel bushings and conform to factory profile). •Slide lightening, cuts, ports, or any milling deemed to provide a competitive advantage. Permitted features •External extractors, firing pin blocks, and other factory safety features. •Slide – milling permitted only to duplicate a mass-produced factory slide available to the general public or as required to insert sights. •Factory installed light rail attachments if the dust cover is no longer than 3.25 inches measured from the rear of the slide stop pin to the front of the dust cover. Maximum weight Yes, 43 ounces with empty magazine Maximum size Handgun and all magazines Yes, handgun with empty magazine inserted must fit wholly within a box with internal dimensions of 8 15/16” x 6” x 1 5/8” (tolerance +1/16”, -0”) (8.938” x 6” x 1.625”) (227.01mm x 152.40mm x 41.28mm) |
| You have 2K to spend? I would either have a gunsmith that shoots USPSA build you one or take a Springfield loaded model and send it to one of them to be tuned with all the goodies. In my opinion no box 1911 is going to be the best at USPSA. Everybody wants something different with their guns. I prefer a .40 with a SVI magwell, wide ambis, FO front sight in the .090 width, extreame trigger guts, SVI long flat trigger, and if the barrel needs to be replaced a egw bushing with a Schuemann barrel. They just don't come from the factory like that and if you look at the parts there isn't much left but the frame and slide. That is why I suggest having one built. If you just want a nice 1911 that your going to be shooting gun games with then yeah a box gun probably would work but if you want the best gun to shoot gun games with it needs to be setup for you. |
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You have 2K to spend? I would either have a gunsmith that shoots USPSA build you one or take a Springfield loaded model and send it to one of them to be tuned with all the goodies. In my opinion no box 1911 is going to be the best at USPSA. Everybody wants something different with their guns. I prefer a .40 with a SVI magwell, wide ambis, FO front sight in the .090 width, extreame trigger guts, SVI long flat trigger, and if the barrel needs to be replaced a egw bushing with a Schuemann barrel. They just don't come from the factory like that and if you look at the parts there isn't much left but the frame and slide. That is why I suggest having one built. If you just want a nice 1911 that your going to be shooting gun games with then yeah a box gun probably would work but if you want the best gun to shoot gun games with it needs to be setup for you. In SS? First person I've ever known to be shooting a .40 in that division. How much clearance in the box does the SVI magwell leave you? To the OP: If you're after something without too many frills, a Springfield Trophy Match (or just a loaded) or the STI Spartan may serve you well. Be warned, however - you will soon want to dump ungodly sums of money into this sport. 
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In SS? First person I've ever known to be shooting a .40 in that division. How much clearance in the box does the SVI magwell leave you? Drop me an email and I'll send you pics....it clears quite nicely with Tripp research system mags. Hell come down to our USPSA match sunday and I'll show you! www.bgslinc.com Send me email if you want to discuss it I don't want to hijack the OP thread. |
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If you're just getting into competition, I would suggest going with a production 1911, SA, STI, Dan Wesson, Colt, or even a S&W, something under $1,000. You're going to learn a lot in just the first few months of shooting competition, and its quite likely you'll change your mind on what you want more than once in that time.
I'm a big fan of SA, and if you're set on spending over $1,000, I'd suggest looking at a TRP without the rail. |