Well, here she is. My first 1911, finally in my hot little hands :)

[TahoeDust]

I was on the search for the best new 4" 1911 U could pick up in the sub $900 range. After a lot of reading and talking to difference trusted enthusiasts. I settled on a Springfield Champion Operator. I ended up picking it up for just under $850 after FFL. I only got to put 3 magazines through it this evening. Two magazines of Winchester 230g FMJ ran flawless. I also ran a magazine of Winchester 230g PDX1 and had the second from last round fail to chamber...it seemed like it got stuck on the feedramp. Hopefully it just needs more rounds through it.

Without further adieu...

 

[malakili]

Very nice pistol. I have the Loaded Parkerized .45 which seems identical except 5" barrel and no rail.

Your feed issue could be that particular magazine. Is the mag new or used? Could be a weak spring or damaged feed lips. You should mark that mag and see if the problem reoccurs when using it.

My Springfield has had one malfunction in 462 rds fired, a FTE/stovepipe when using Perfecta 230gr ball. I'm hoping it was an ammo issue.

Once again, nice gun!

 

[Tomcat47]

That is a nice looking pistol!
Love the Grips!

PS I would run minimum of 300 rounds through it before I worried about any issues with it.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Sweet! Range report after shooting please.

 

[TahoeDust]

I actually sold some very nice M&Ps to fund it. A Full size 9mm and a Shiled 9mm...both had True Glo fiber optic/tritium sights and Apex Carry/Duty Action upgrade. I just wanted something between the two to carry and could not keep them all.

Offtopic, can anyone recommend a good reasonable price holster. I am looking for leather with a single clip.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Nice gun. I had a Loaded for several years. It would feed any thing and shot really nice groups.....I feel like I just made about the same post a few days ago.

 

[TahoeDust]

Honesty question if you were in the market for a ~$850 comander 1911 would have you chosen any different?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I didn't have a commander sized gun. However, I sold my Loaded and bought a Colt Gold Cup National Match. It has better fit and finish than the Springfield. It also shoots tighter groups than the Springer. The price difference between what I paid for the Springer 6 years ago and I paid for the Colt a few weeks ago was less than 250 bucks.....Not knocking Springfield. Mine certainly was reliable and shot nice groups.

I sold my Springfield for within 50 bucks of what I paid for it new. I couldn't complain.

 

[TahoeDust]

Thanks for the words...I didn't see a colt gold cup in my $850 budget new. Although I am sure it is a fine piece.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I paid $985 shipped 3 weeks ago from Buds.

 

[TahoeDust]

I paid $985 shipped 3 weeks ago from Buds.

Again. I am sure it is a fine piece. I was looking for a NIE Commander sized 1911.

 

[CleanHarry]

850 budget

Are you kidding? What if it was 855? How about 856?

 

[WardenWolf]

That's a beautiful pistol. I'm loving those cocobolo grips.

 

[Delmar]

Nice pistol!

Now that you got it dirty, tear it down, scrub it up-including the magazines, really good, oil it and take it back out.

If you didn't oil the weapon prior to your outing, that might be why it hiccupped. If so, it might be the mag or needing some parts to get more "friendly" with each other.

 

[bannockburn]

TahoeDust

That's a sweet looking 1911; like the Commander size with the rail. Grips are nice too and your photos are great. Let us how things go after your next trip to the range.

 

[rskent]

Honesty question if you were in the market for a ~$850 comander 1911 would have you chosen any different?

What does it matter? You have a sweet commander. Clean it, lube it, Shoot it. Give it some love man.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Who made that...

and what model is it?

I can't quite read the markings.

Pretty nice for a first dive into the pool.

Todd.

 

[TahoeDust]

Springfield Champion Operator Light Weight

 

[9 fingers]

That looks really good, congrats!
9 fingers

 

[420Stainless]

That's a fine looking Champion. I don't own any Springfields, but some of the good shooters I know often recommend them to folks wanting to get a 1911.

 

[stevekozak]

Nice looking gun, minus the rail. Clean it up good, lube it more than you think you need to, and then run a couple of boxes through it. Is the Champion a true Commander (4.25) or a 4 incher?

 

[dakota1911]

Nice looking pistol. Have fun.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Springfield Champion Operator Light Weight

Really? Thanks.

I couldn't read the GIANT LETTERS on the pistol.

Todd.

 

[wojownik]

Really? Thanks.

I couldn't read the GIANT LETTERS on the pistol.

Todd.

^^^ LOL.

Nice pistol though. I'm not partial to rails on 1911s, but that really is a fine looking piece.

 

[TahoeDust]

Sorry, I missed the sarcasm. I know some people prefer a necked slide, personally I kinf of like it. I am proud to own this weapon and I don't care if other want to look and see what it is. I have a feeling that my next full-size 1911 will have a neck and slide.