Glock fan looking for California approved 1911

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LiveLife

LiveLife

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After starting out with Sig 226/1911 and other "metal" pistols, we went to all Glock armory at home. Making a full circle back and we are adding metal pistols back again.

Although I would prefer the STI Trojan, I can't buy it new in California now. I am starting with 5" 1911 chambered for 45ACP for range/HD use and would like some comparison feedback for the following models (Our safe is a sea of black polymer so TIA for no comments about polymer):

Kimber Custom II/Team Match II
RIA Tactical
S&W
Sig Sauer
Springfield Loaded/TRP
 
I have a SA Pro, so I'm voting TRP. The fit and finish is better than the rest on the list.
 
It depends on if you're looking for a finished product or a starter gun you'll be modding further down the line.

At this mid-price level, i think the Springfield TRP stands out as a best buy...it is a SA Professional without the handfitting of the Custom Shop. I have a S&W 1911Sc, but I don't mind the external extractor, I thought Scadium just sounded cool and I got it got 1/3 the price of a TRP (they had them clearance priced)

Might I suggest you take a look at the Dan Wesson PM-7. the fitting is outstanding and even with the recent price increase is still a great value
 
It depends on if you're looking for a finished product or a starter gun
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Finished product, maybe change in grips. It won't be used for match shooting, just range plinking.

For 45ACP, I may end up doing a used Sig P220, entry level 1911 (<$1000) and mid-level 1911 ($1000-$1500) depending on which in-laws will be going to the range with me.

Plan: The in-laws in question will shoot the entry level 1911

Thanks for the Dan Wesson PM-7 suggestion, adding to the list.
 
If I didn't have a custom built Colt that is finally being finished up, I'd likely go the Dan Wesson route...I personally like the clean slide of the CBOB and I'd change out the slide stop pin for one made of tool steel.

Most of my .45ACP shooting is with a Sig 220ST...it's easier on my wrist, now that I'm older and makes be look like a better shot that my old 220 duty gun
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Don't overlook Colt, if you can find one. Their new XSE models, particularly the Combat Elite are really appealing and will hold their value.
 
I haven't looked at a Colt in a long while. Will check out XSE models.

I tell you, 1911/Sigs have special places in my memories ... good times, happy times. :D:D:D

With 10 years to retirement, things are slowly changing for me and I find myself slowing down to smell the flower (gun powder) more often.
 
While I did get a couple of Colts as base guns for custom builds, I don't recommend them as a good value unless you are looking at resale

My builder had to re-line my Colt to make it look right and they are known to hold pretty generous fitting tolerances...the hole in the slide for the barrel/bushing wasn't drilled on-center, but Colt considered it functional
 
Yes, all the listed pistols were checked off the California DOJ approved list. Dan Wesson PM-7, Colt XSE and Sig P220 are all on the list too.
 
bds, you might need to check mag capacity for all of them and specific requirements for 1911s ie. titanium firing pins etc. I've noticed alot of manufacturers have reduced cap. mag. editions specified as Cal. compliant.

I'm still waiting on my local guy's distributor to get hold of a S&W 1911 for me model SW1911 TFP, SKU 108309. It's based on the 70 series, SS slide and frame, forged in the USA, melonite coated (black on black), extremely reliable and just begging for a new set of grips and a different guide rod. The price quote I got was $870 but I do $100+ business at his shop nearly every week. Full retail is $1280 but S&W always sets it high.

The other pistols on your short list are solid choices, you'd never let your inlaws shoot that DW if you buy one (that's the one they'll pry from your cold, dead hands I hear) so consider it one for you and you alone. Check out Sarges Grips at the Finer Grain, a bit pricey but worth it and good luck with whatever you choose.
 
bds, you might need to check mag capacity for all of them and specific requirements for 1911s ie. titanium firing pins etc. I've noticed alot of manufacturers have reduced cap. mag. editions specified as Cal. compliant.
Click to expand...
Yes, we are still limited to 10 rounds :fire: I guess we'll just have to carry an extra magazine or make every shot count. :D


This is the list I used - http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/safeguns.asp

Select gun make [manufacturer] : All
Sort by: Make

Find
Click to expand...
 
Skylerbone, looks like DW PM7 is the one to beat and still available (although limited in production numbers). CZ website is still showing PM7 discontinued, but many posted that's because PM7 is produced only for California now. Will have to call and see what the availability is.

07-01-2010, wamphyri13 (1911forum):

Keith from DW posts on this forum and has stated that production of the new PM7's and Cbobs (forged frame and upgraded parts) will continue with only 200 units of each in .45ACP because that's what's on the roster and he doesn't want to leave us without Dan Wessons.
Click to expand...
 
If you're just going for a plinker, the RIA tactical is worth it's weight in gold. Feeds ball ammo with a hitch. They are fitted very well and shoot accurate. For the price you can buy 2. The popular thing with the RIA guys is to send it to Advanced Tactical and have a custom trigger job done and re-cut the feed ramp (if it needs it) and polished the ramp and throat for reliable feeding of HP ammo. You will still have hundreds of $ left over for grips, mags, ammo etc. The trigger is great out of the box. It has some take up but nothing to really complain about.
 
This is why I'm moving to Arizona shortly. The inmates that are running the asylum are seeking for full registration of Rifles and Shotguns in addition to Handguns. Not to mention the HG Ammo nonsense to go into effect 1/1/11. I refuse to paint my guns pink.
 
soless, I had my heart set on STI Trojan for some time, but can't buy a new one in California. Dan Wesson PM7 looks to satisfy that void (if it is still in production and available - might be a long wait at 200 units per year).

If PM7 availability becomes an issue, I am leaning towards S&W 1911 as Bud's got them around $850-$900 with free shipping.

As to having a second 1911 for "other" shooters in the family, I think RIA Tactical may fit the bill.
 
I forgot to mention that Taurus makes a gaudy, can't fit any more writing on the slide, accurate, inexpensive, shoots without issue out of the box 1911 that I would buy in a pinch. A buddy of mine just bought one and is now the fourth person I know who is completely satisfied with it's performance.

If you bought the funky gold trimmed one you could tell the inlaws it's a special edition; ) and you feel more comfortable shooting your Plain Jane 1911.
 
Taurus 1911 is not on the California approved list.

But I have been very happy with SA/DA stainless Mil Pro PT145 which has been reliable and digests all my 45 bullets, especially 200 gr SWC.
 
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