[AKMac]

Hi, I'm totally new to 1911's, and handguns in general. I really want to get into some competition shooting, so I want a good 1911 .45 in case I ever decide to give it a try. Maybe even make it a project, and learn along the way as I add accessories, change sites, etc.

So where do I start? What brand? Wide body or not? What finish? I would like to keep the price down, since I may be changing a lot of things on it (So a $1200 Kimber is out of the question)

I've heard that springfield is a good base to make a competition 1911, and the price seems reasonable. Any suggestions?

 

[Silver Surfer]

If you're going to shoot IPSC the wide body is the way to go, but the mags(preban)are big bucks$$

 

[dsk]

Get yourself a good Colt M1991A1. It'll be a great base gun that you may or may not want to make changes to later. Even if you do you have the quality to build from.

------------------
D. Kamm
USGI M1911/M1911A1 Pistols Website
http://www.geocities.com/M1911_M1911A1

 

[atilla]

Get a Kimber. New in the box classic model is probably all the gun you want (can get target model if you need adjustable sights, but all of mine hit to point of aim with the fixed) for a lot less than $1200. $800 is more like it. I have colts and springfields and the Kimbers have better triggers and feed everything I put into them right out of the box.

 

[Bluetooth]

AKMac,

Welcome to the sport, there is no exit. You can't go wrong with an SA or Colt. Shop for the best price. Then get the 1911 gunsmith videos from AIG and have a blast.

I agree with you, there isn't a 1911 made that I am not tempted change something on.

SS is my metal of choice. It rarely needs refinishing after modifications.

Timothy

 

[col132]

If price is a consideration, find yourself a 1991A1 with bomar sights already installed. You can do several other of the bells and whistles if desired yourself.

 

[Shmackey]

I was in the exact same spot and I was all set to get a basic Springfield. But I found a Kimber Classic for about $100 more than the cheapest Springfield, and I'm glad I got it.

 

[Arrowman]

Kimber Classic stainless are going for $675 new in this area.. Springfield "Loaded" models are going for $650 new... It's worth the $25 to get the Kimber.

 

[bountyhunter]

If you're planning to buy a 1911 and upgrade it to match-quality, consider buying one that starts there to begin with: STI.

 

[AKMac]

Thank you all for you opinions. I was looking at some of the Kimber classics, and they look like a very nice piece, and they aren't to pricey. I suppose I'll have to hold each of them in my hand, and feel the trigger. So far though, I haven't seen a 1911 that I felt was put together cheaply. Once again, thanks.

 

[jason10mm]

What type of competition are you interested in? There are several different shooting sports in which the 1911 excells. THe three (maybe 4) I'm aware of are IPSC, where the goal is to shoot fast and you can have any kind of gun you want; IDPA, which tries to be more tactical and restricts what you can do to a gun; and bullseye, which is all about accuracy. Somewhere in there is NRA action pistol. A stock 1911 can perform well in all three competitions, but if you like the tricked out guns of IPSC or bullseye and really want to be competitive, then you may want to start with a different 1911 than you'd use in IDPA. I'd recommend going to a match or 3 of these different types and see what the competitors are using. I can't think of any shooter who won't wax poetic on why their gun is the best and how you can get one just like it. Might even be able to pick up a good deal on a used (or "broken-in"

gun. LAter.

[This message has been edited by jason10mm (edited 11-01-2001).]

 

[7th Fleet]

Look around and find a Series 70 or even a pre Series 70 Colt and build yourself what you want.

7th

------------------
Support Your Local Police