M1911-pattern pistols having firing pin block?

[Naphtali]

Many years ago I owned a stainless steel series 80 Colt Officer's Model 45 ACP that I gave to my father-in-law. For my small hands and size, this was among the most comfortable handguns to carry and use I have owned. The only comparable revolver, for me, are Freedom Arms' Model 97s (45 Colt) with 4.25- and 5.5-inch barrels. With my custom-designed belt rigs, my 97s are a delight.

I think I want to acquire another 45 ACP M1911-pattern pistol with the following features:

1. Series 80, or other, firing pin block (a deal-breaker);

2. Stainless steel components, excepting frame;

3. Frame can be single- or double-stack pattern so long as grip frame w/grips remains essentially standard M1911 size;

4. Prefer integral plunger tube housing, but this is not a deal-breaker;

5. Frame can be stainless steel or comparably durable alloy or plastic. I am not enthusiastic about aluminum;

6. Barrel length and grip frame height are not issues.

Please identify any M1911-pattern pistol that you believe meets my wants.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The S&W SW1911 comes most readily to mind, with several models in all stainless. It does have a firing pin block, but it is activated (or deactivated) by depressing the grip safety instead of by the trigger.

 

[Steve C]

1. Series 80, or other, firing pin block (a deal-breaker)

There's nothing wrong with the firing pin block. Its a good safety feature. The only down side is it makes a trigger job a take a little more time. A gunsmith or someone with a little patience and knowledge can put as good a trigger job on one as any 70 series or earlier. I have 2 80 series 1911's a 70's series Combat Commander and 2 pre 70 1911's all with trigger jobs that are indistinguishable from each other.

 

[omegaflame]

Same for any Kimber with a II after the model.

 

[Hk Dan]

Well, Brownells seels a cap for the little levers and the plunger on a Series 80 that basically makes it a Series 70. You remove the 4 parts of the plunger and activator (you have to remove the rear sight), fit this cap inside the frame where the levers go, and it's over.

A double stack 2011 will NOT have the same grip profile as a 1911. The Para P-14 is going to feel like a 2x4 if what you're after is a single stack feel. You're stuck with single stack if that's what you want.

In my limited experience: Colt, Springfield, Rock River, Sig, and S&W make good guns. Obviously Wilso and Nighthawk Custom, STI--top notch. I would stay away from Armscor, Norinco, and Kimber. The upper end Charles Dalys do okay as well, but really those first two lists are the only ones that I would own.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I think the OP is specifying a FPB, if I read it correctly.

 

[gwnorth]

Why not just get a Colt again? A defender or a lightweight XSE commander? If you want all stainless steel, get a 1991 series Combat Commander (I have one - love it!).

You say you are okay with alloy, but not comfortable with aluminum. yet almost any gun that offers an "alloy" frame is talking about an aluminum alloy frame (of course, even steel - carbon or stainless - is technically an alloy too). Even a S&W scandium frame is an aluminum alloy with a very small amount of scandium.

 

[JTQ]

In my limited experience: Colt, Springfield, Rock River, Sig, and S&W make good guns. Obviously Wilso and Nighthawk Custom, STI--top notch. I would stay away from Armscor, Norinco, and Kimber. The upper end Charles Dalys do okay as well, but really those first two lists are the only ones that I would own.

Just a few errors from the recommendations posted above (aside from the already posted error correction about the Brownells parts to get rid of the firing pin block - thanks The Lone Haranguer).

Rock River no longer makes 1911's. They haven't made them for at least two years.

Charles Daly is no longer in business. When they were, their 1911's were made by Armscor.

Norinco's are not imported into the US, and haven't been for several years.

Springfield, Wilson, Night Hawk, STI, and Armscor don't offer a firing pin block safety.

Colt, S&W, Kimber, and Sig all should have something that meets your requirements.