Posted: 8/16/2011 5:47:09 AM EDT
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So, guys I need some help and suggestions.
I want to get myself a 1911 to carry. So preferably commander size. And, just as a totally personal thing, I'd like to slowly modify it to suit my needs/preferences instead of spend a lot up front. Think longer term project gun with more emphasis on personal connection. Now that leads me to ponder where to start. I have always thought about picking up a Colt 1991 Commander. Why? Literally just because its basic and its a Colt. What I am asking is, is that a good platform to build on? I know its got the series 80 safeties, which doesn't totally bother since this will be for carry use, I don't necessarily want a super duper fine trigger. My main concern is if/when I want to upgrade it will it be more of a hassle to use this gun as opposed to another base model? Suggestions welcome. |
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You're silly, I have a polymer framed handgun. Now: 
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Quoted:
So, guys I need some help and suggestions. I want to get myself a 1911 to carry. So preferably commander size. And, just as a totally personal thing, I'd like to slowly modify it to suit my needs/preferences instead of spend a lot up front. Think longer term project gun with more emphasis on personal connection. Now that leads me to ponder where to start. I have always thought about picking up a Colt 1991 Commander. Why? Literally just because its basic and its a Colt. What I am asking is, is that a good platform to build on? I know its got the series 80 safeties, which doesn't totally bother since this will be for carry use, I don't necessarily want a super duper fine trigger. My main concern is if/when I want to upgrade it will it be more of a hassle to use this gun as opposed to another base model? Suggestions welcome. i hear a lot of folks suggesting to start with one of the entry level / mid range springfield's... easily upgraded and a good platform to start on. again, this is what i've seen in doing my own looking around. YMMV and i am by no means any authority. I just want one too... |
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Buy a ready built gun the way you want it and learn the system through use and training. 1911s are not like AR15s, Glocks, etc where you can just plug and play parts. If you can't disassemble the gun down to the smallest parts, identify each piece and how it works you've got a long road ahead of you BEFORE you should start tweaking 1911s. I highly recommend the Larry Vickers 1911 Operators course to get the basic knowledge down once you get a pistol.
Just my 2 cents but what do I know. |
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Surf some of the 1911 forums. Good ones are http://forum.m1911.org/ and http://forums.1911forum.com/index.php
Good resources and a wealth of knowledge. Good Luck 
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I spent more money in the long run tweaking a Springfield Mil-spec than if I had just bought the pistol in the configuration I wanted. I am sorry I took some people's advice to buy the "entry level" pistol and build it up over time. Much more of a hassle doing that.
I personally like full-size 1911s and that is all I'll own. I've tried carrying a Commander-size pistol and it really isn't any more concealable than a full-size pistol. The standard size pistol (to me) handles better and I like the longer site radius. But as they say, YMMV. I don't share the "it's a Colt so it is great/the best/more desirable/better than anything else" opinion some folks have. Get what you want but I wouldn't pass over Springfield, Kimber and some other good manufacturers while shopping. You'll find a lot of 1911 guys are VERY biased, opinionated and picky. More so than in any other segment of the firearm enthusiast world in my experience. Best of luck to you. Mark |
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Quoted:
I spent more money in the long run tweaking a Springfield Mil-spec than if I had just bought the pistol in the configuration I wanted. I am sorry I took some people's advice to buy the "entry level" pistol and build it up over time. Much more of a hassle doing that. I personally like full-size 1911s and that is all I'll own. I've tried carrying a Commander-size pistol and it really isn't any more concealable than a full-size pistol. The standard size pistol (to me) handles better and I like the longer site radius. But as they say, YMMV. I don't share the "it's a Colt so it is great/the best/more desirable/better than anything else" opinion some folks have. Get what you want but I wouldn't pass over Springfield, Kimber and some other good manufacturers while shopping. You'll find a lot of 1911 guys are VERY biased, opinionated and picky. More so than in any other segment of the firearm enthusiast world in my experience. Best of luck to you. Mark No, I totally understand where you're at. I realize I'll probably end up spending more in the long run having the work done and all that. Im kinda looking forward to the journey instead of the destiantion if you catch my drift. And I don't believe the colt nonsense either. I just want it b/c its the original thing. Literally a rollmark only type deal. Although I am open to idea. On the other hand I was thinking about going Wilson CQB and be done with it. Hence my dilemma. |
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Quoted:
Buy a ready built gun the way you want it and learn the system through use and training. 1911s are not like AR15s, Glocks, etc where you can just plug and play parts. If you can't disassemble the gun down to the smallest parts, identify each piece and how it works you've got a long road ahead of you BEFORE you should start tweaking 1911s. I highly recommend the Larry Vickers 1911 Operators course to get the basic knowledge down once you get a pistol. Good advice on both parts. Buy what you want. You can still learn the gun or "enjoy the journey" without having to build your way up to something you are happy with. Buy what you want, learn your way around it, then do a build if you want .... just for the experience. I took the Larry Vickers Operator's course last summer and found it very helpful in learning the pistol. We did a half day in the classroom doing detail strips, learning where/what to check/adjust/tweak/etc. and what can really F you up if not right. I love a 1911 and still own two (an Ed Brown and a Wilson) but as with most of my pals in the same class ... I know longer carry a 1911 as my EDC. On the other hand I was thinking about going Wilson CQB and be done with it. Hence my dilemma.
No arguing with that plan. 
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| Mark is right, a lot of us are EXTREMELY biased, opinionated and very picky.For instance, I like steel guns, I have an aluminum frame 4" Kimber that's ok but doesn't really feel right in my hand. 1911 is not only a gun, its addiction! IHMO. if you want to make it your own you could build one, its not that hard and you could start with a Caspian or Wilson Combat Frame and then choose all the parts yourself. |
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Quoted:
You're silly, I have a polymer framed handgun. Now: http://img.chan4chan.com/img/2009-01-22/1232660894656.jpg 
c'mon you know someone had to say it! |
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I am kind of going through the same mental hoops right now. I already have a 5 inch Smith and Wesson railed PD edition that I love and serves as my nightstand pistol so I am VERY familiar with the 1911 platform. I am leaning towards a commander size 1911 for my new fall/winter carry gun.
The two that I am considering are the S&W Gunsite Edition and a modified Springfield GI. I had a Gunsite before and freaking loved the damn thing, but I know that a lot of the things that make it a Gunsite are going to be changed based on my 1911 preferances. I think I am going to end up wih the Springfield GI. I know I want a front tritum site and 10-8 serrated rear. I know I want VZ gator grips, a Guncrafter integral lanyard loop checkered MSH, skateboard tape front strap and 10-8 flat trigger. Check this link for awesome 1911 info. (Hilton yam has some solid ideas) http://www.10-8performance.com/pages/Choosing-a-1911-for-Duty-Use.html |
