GJeffB
February 12, 2011, 09:35 PM
posted here and elsewhere
OK, a little background: I've been handgunning 30+ years, revolvers and autos. I *really* prefer 1911 platforms, and shot them in IPSC back in the day. So, I'm in the mood for a new auto.
Current carry is a Taurus PT-145 MilPro 3rd Gen (i.e., SA trigger). It actually functions much like a 1911 in that it's carried basically condition 1 without an external hammer. It's .45 (not interested in any other caliber), compact (~3" barrel), very light (25oz empty), and has been 100% reliable with everything I've fed it. Only two downsides: I just can't stand the Heinie Straight Eight sights (I know, they can be changed) and it's a staggered 10 rd magazine. That means my small hands just can't quite get a proper grip *always*.
So I'm looking to go back to a regular SA trigger (no DA or safe actions), 1911 platform, and looking hard at the RIA 1911A1 Tactical Compact ($450-500-ish). But, it's pretty heavy, 31oz empty; other consideration is Springfield Armory Lightweight Operator 4" (more or less Commander) at almost twice ($8-900) the RIA price. Kimber could be in the mix, but that's getting really pricey, same for my beloved genuine Colt. And, I'm not sure a fully loaded 31oz gun with 6 or 7+1 would be heavier or lighter than a 25oz with 10+1 rounds
Anything else I should be looking at in a 3-4" alloy/lightweight 1911? Thanks for any recommendations, suggestions, or comments.
-jb
OK, a little background: I've been handgunning 30+ years, revolvers and autos. I *really* prefer 1911 platforms, and shot them in IPSC back in the day. So, I'm in the mood for a new auto.
Current carry is a Taurus PT-145 MilPro 3rd Gen (i.e., SA trigger). It actually functions much like a 1911 in that it's carried basically condition 1 without an external hammer. It's .45 (not interested in any other caliber), compact (~3" barrel), very light (25oz empty), and has been 100% reliable with everything I've fed it. Only two downsides: I just can't stand the Heinie Straight Eight sights (I know, they can be changed) and it's a staggered 10 rd magazine. That means my small hands just can't quite get a proper grip *always*.
So I'm looking to go back to a regular SA trigger (no DA or safe actions), 1911 platform, and looking hard at the RIA 1911A1 Tactical Compact ($450-500-ish). But, it's pretty heavy, 31oz empty; other consideration is Springfield Armory Lightweight Operator 4" (more or less Commander) at almost twice ($8-900) the RIA price. Kimber could be in the mix, but that's getting really pricey, same for my beloved genuine Colt. And, I'm not sure a fully loaded 31oz gun with 6 or 7+1 would be heavier or lighter than a 25oz with 10+1 rounds
Anything else I should be looking at in a 3-4" alloy/lightweight 1911? Thanks for any recommendations, suggestions, or comments.
-jb
