1911 9mm choices?

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hank_45

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Hello,

Been lurking for awhile, but I wanted some advice so I thought I'd join in. I'm due for a new firearm. I'd really like a 1911, but the cost of .45 is really putting me off. So, I'm considering a 1911 chambered in the ever-so-cheap 9mm para. The pistol would be mainly used as a range gun to learn on, a primary home defense piece, and a carry gun when in the field (but NOT concealed). So, basically it needs to be a do-it-all firearm. I have a .22 also, these would be my only two guns (not including hunting rifles/shotguns).

So, what are the suggestions? I'd like to keep the price as low as possible, with $800 being the top. How does the STI LS measure up to fullsize pistols like the Springfield? Thanks guys,

-hank
 
It's tough to beat Springfield, value-wise. They also have that new micro 9, but I think that's pricing much higher.

On the other hand, if you are willing to haunt the used market, you can still find Colts at that price point.
 
Ummm.... sorry dude.

Only room for one Hank on this forum.

We'll have to shoot it out!

:D :D :D J/K:D :D :D

Welcome to THR!

I always liked the flashy 9mm 1911 Jule's (Sam L. Jackson) carried in Pulp Fiction.
 
I like my new Novaks completed Colt Combat Commander in 9mm.

ColtBMW.gif

Brian1911.gif

It started out as a basically stock pistol other than sights and trigger:

ColtCommander001.gif
 
OK. I really need to stop bragging about mine and post a pick. I'll do that today.


I'd shop for an old Colt, or Springfield. Kimber made some in target configurations. I like the Colts, especially in alloy frames. If you can't find a 9mm at a good price, open your search to .38 Super. You can get a 9mm barrel installed for less than $200. That's a nice caliber, and everything will swap directly over to to 9mm, and switch back.
 
I have 9x19 1911s from Baer, Colt, and STI, so my input might be helpful. The least expensive 9x19 1911 is a Springfield Armory gun; however, it costs only a bit less than the STI Trojan 5.0, a much higher quality pistol. After trying the SA Loaded and the Trojan 5.0, I went with the Trojan.

The LS is not the best choice for a range gun as it was designed to be a small carry gun. It is not as reliable as a five-inch 1911 and it has a few features which are not conducive to range use. As an example, the gun does not lock the slide open after the last round has been fired.

If possible, I would look for an STI Trojan 5.0 as the reliability is much better, the gun is a great range shooter, and new ones can be had for about $900. This $100 over the upper end of your price range, but used ones can be found for around $600 to $700.

Another possibility is to find a used Colt in either .38 Super or 9x23 and fit a 9x19 Kart EZ Fit barrel to it. My Colt started life as a 9x23, and the cost of the Colt and 9x19 barrel was less than $800.
 
SA "Loaded" Target 9mm

I must say that I love my Springfield 9mm 1911 (same as above picture); and my wife and I shoot it so well that I had to find abother one for her. After my 1911 'smith gave mine a trigger job (replaced the ILS mainspring internals with stock spring and parts, and installed a Nowlin sear spring) the pistol went from a 4 3/4 lb. pull to a slick 3 lbs. Today I'm having him do the same to my wife's new pistol. My pistol is so accurate, it's scary. The only problems with mine in 800 rounds have been several FTRBs with Magtech ball ammo. No issues at all with WWB ball. The two pistols average cost- $725 each which I consider money well spent. :)
 
I've had a loaded Springfield 9mm for a few years, about 8000 rounds so far. Fantastic gun. Accurate, reliable and a blast to shoot.
 
If you've made the choice for a 9, and want a 1911 design, i would second the vote from bigdaddy that you check out the BHP, and consider carefully. It should still be within your budget NIB, although the price can be subject to where you live to a degree.
 
Welcome to THR, hand_45!

A buddy of mine struggled to get her Kimber to perform properly. Once she we got Metalform mags for her it straightened right out. Ok, after the 1911 slide catch was built up and then ground to catch on the 9mm followers it straightened right out. Well, m'be after the overly heavy spring had a turn and half nipped off. But then it was as good as any out of the box 9mm 1911 should be.:banghead:

Get the Colt or the Springfield or the STI.
 
I think the Springfield would serve you well, but most would agree the STI is higher quality. Buy what you can afford
 
Thanks for all the responses! I really appreciate it.
So looks like the STI or Springfield loaded would serve me best. Are these guns ok do-it-all handguns though? Is it silly of me to ask if I could hunt (small game), target practice, and use it for home defense?
 
Both Springfield and Kimber have very nice 9mm 1911s; so far, I own three such guns and have been totally pleased with their performance. But you ought to take a look at Springfield's newest entry...the EMP...which is my current favorite gun of all time. The slide is of similar diminsions to that of a standard 1911, but the alloy frame has been reduced in size ever to slightly as to give an entirely different (and better) feel to the gun. It is priced a bit higher than you would prefer to pay, selling locally for about $960, but it is a true keeper.

Boarhunter
 
You might have a hard time with competitions that require hi-caps.

I've got two Springfield 9s: A Loaded and a Milspec. Also have a STI LS9.

Here's one of mine:

file5215a4wy.jpg


I'm looking to add a STI Trojan to the mix soon too.
 
$800 will buy a bunch of different 9mm handguns, although the new 9mm 1911 selection is limited. I recently bought my NIB 1998-vintage Colt 9mm model O1992 for less than you have to spend.

Colt199205.gif
 
After you have run a round or two through your Para Hawg, let us know what you think.

Boarhunter
Click to expand...

Will do.

I should be able to get it cleaned up tonight and maybe get to the range in the morning.
 
OK! The Warthog is cleaned, lubed and ready to go.

I'll shoot it tomorrow and report!

the barrel is as thick as a bull barrel! I forgot to mention, I went with the 9mm, because I think it will shoot better in a small pistol.
Of course the cost of ammo is a consideration too.
-
warthog.jpg

-
warthog_barrel.jpg


Sorry for the glare off the barrel. It is polished stainless.
 
After you have run a round or two through your Para Hawg, let us know what you think.

Boarhunter
Click to expand...
Shot the Hawg 9 this morning.

Standing without support and the target at 30 feet.

I pulled the first few shots to the left, but after I got used to the pistol, all shots were easy to keep centered.

Sights are fine, but my 74 year old eyes are not!

Trigger is what I would expect on a new pistol. I would guess about 5-6 lbs and It was a little gritty, but I'm sure it will smooth up with use.

I shot magazines loaded with the following__

Speer 124 grain Gold Dot

Winchester 147 grain JHP

Remington 115 grain JHP

WWB 115 grain FMJ

I had no failures of any kind.

I really like this pistol and I it has instantly become my favorite carry piece.
-
warthog_target.jpg
 
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