Hi all,
After extensive research into the pros and cons of the 10mm cartridge (much thanks to CastleBravo and viesczy for excellent info), I have convinced myself that my next 1911 should be chambered for 10mm. It seems that performance-wise, it is superior to the .45 in most respects (price and availability are another issue, though). However, I am still at ends with myself deciding what platform I want to shoot 10mm from, and whether it is indeed worth it (financially) to acquire a 10mm gun. The main purpose for this gun would be primarily for carry (once I am old enough to even have a CCW) and possibly for hunting. Here is what I've been thinking about:
OPTION 1: P-16 CONVERTED TO 10MM
The benefit of this option is mainly the hi capacity (18+1 I think?). I have read the posts from viesczy on his conversion, and my main question here concerns the magazines. I have a P-14 w/ 5 hi-caps; will these hi-caps take and feed 10mm, and fit in the P-16, or would I need to buy P-16 mags for it? If so, how many rounds of 10mm does a P-16 magazine hold? Also, if I did go the P-16 route, I would probably want to get a Commander length slide and Bar-sto barrel for carry purposes; does the recoil on a Commander length 10mmm suck badly? I also understand that sight acquisition is faster with shorter slides/barrels.
OPTION 2: SINGLE-STACK CUSTOM
In this case, I would probably purchase all the parts myself from Brownell's and Caspian, and have my gunsmith assemble all the parts for me. Once again, I am leaning towards a Commander length slide from Caspian, but I would like to hear anyone's experiences shooting 10mm from a 4.25" barrel. The advantage here would be smaller size and weight (especially if I went with Caspian's new titanium frame), which would make it more suited for carry purposes. However, I have read several posts about 10mm magazines (CMC and Metalform) that have had problems feeding-- will this be a big issue?
Another issue/dilemma/big freakin' problem is the price and availability question. I get to shoot a whole lot of .45 for free (on the West Point Pistol team), but if I were to get a pistol chambered in 10mm, I would be paying for it out of my own pocket, which is thin enough already. How much more expensive is 10mm compared to .45 of the same brand/type? Would it behoove me to purchase a reloader if I plan to shoot 10mm? I like the fact that there is such a wide variety of loads for 10mm, which are suited for self-defense or hunting.
Thanks in advance for any advice y'all might have for me. I don't plan to make this purchase until early next year...should I wait???
USMA Pistol
P.S.-- TO clear up any confusion from this post:
1) I don't turn 21 until August 2002. I don't really "own" my P-14; my coach is also an FFL dealer who "holds" it for me until I am of age, and I am only allowed to shoot the pistol at the range anyways. I plan to get a Concealed Carry permit for whatever state I happen to be in after graduation (hopefully Texas- Ft. Hood, or Colorado- Ft. Carson).
2) I only plan to buy this pistol AFTER I get my cadet loan in March...I am blowing too much money on guns and booze as it is
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