1911 models ????

[chuwee81]

Hiya folks, just acquired a PT1911 (taurus) from a friend who needs money so bad. He offered 200 bux for it and it found a new home.

Anyway, i was looking for ahem,...accesories and at midway, there are 3 models listed: Officer, Govt, and commander. So the question is; which one do i have and what are the differences between the 3 ?

Also any recommendation for good and cheap mags? Any higher capacity single stack out there ?

O yea, we went to the range last month and that thing shot great.

 

[Mags]

You have a Goverment model, and for the mags I reccomend Chip McCormick Shooting Star magazines for reliable range mags. The high cap mags arent worth your time. BTW I will give you 300 for your Taurus you will make 100 bucks.

 

[KyJim]

To expand on the explanation a bit.

Government size -- This was the original, GI-sized handgun. It comes with a five inch barrel and full size grip frame. It traditionally holds 7 rounds in the mag but mag makers also make 8 round mags in the original length plus a very slightly extended 8 round mag. They also make larger capacity mags but I don't know anyone who uses them is serious situations. Checkmate makes good mags at reasonable prices. Other reasonably priced mags include ACT/Novak, Wolff, and MecGar.

Commander size -- Same size grip frame as the Govt. but the barrel is shortened to 4 and 1/4 inches. You will also see 4 inch barrels referred to as Commander size, though this is technically incorrect.

Officer Size - The barrel size is 3 and 1/2 inches. Grip frame is shortened and mags hold one less round.

You may also see a reference to Compact size. This generally refers to a three inch barrel and with the same, shorter grip frame as the Officer.

 

[tlen]

10 round CMC power mags work fine. Get them when on sale at Midway.

 

[Yo Mama]

Also any recommendation for good and cheap mags? Any higher capacity single stack out there ?

I don't get it either, but mags for 1911s aint cheap. You're looking at 30 bucks for a good Chip McCormick.

Wilsons lately haven't been very good to me, so I'd go with Chip.

 

[mesinge2]

I use 8 round Chip McCormick power mags for carry (1 in the gun, and a spare), and I add a couple 10 round Chip McCormick Power mags at the range.

I have never had a problem with my Colt Combat Elite or my Para GI Expert with this mags, but my Kimber SIS Ultra hates them.

 

[Frank Ettin]

It's worthwhile to get good magazines. Most 1911 problems are really magazine problems. McCormick, Checkmate, and MecGar are good brands.

Just to put it in perspective. Magazines for my H&K P7M8 run about $70 to $80, so even the most expensive 1911 magazines are a bargain.

 

[smartshooter.45]

just a little note about mags. i baught a few kimber KimPro tactical 8 rounders when i had a pro carry 2. the pro carry 2 never did work 100% so i ended up getting rid of it but i kept the mags.

i now have a RIA tactical and a dan wesson cbob. the kimpro mags cause ftf's in my tactical and i havent even had a chance to fire my cbob yet. anyways its very likely that my original problems with my pro carry 2 were due to these p o s kimber mags. my tactical runs fine using other mags.

stay away from kimber mags...

 

[1911 Operator]

you honestly won't know what works with your gun till you test it out at the range.

metalform mags are cheaper than wilson or chip's and are great. never had an issue with one.

i got a 7 rounder & a 10 round metalform from midway the other day and went to the range with it yesterday, they both work flawlessly. but then i have a springer, not a taurus.

 

[John828]

chuwee, enjoy the gun. You got a great deal on a good gun. I bought one new a year-and-a-half ago and have had absolutely no problems. No hiccups, no FTFs or FTEs, nothing.

I think the finish is terrible and I hate the billboard advertising on the slide, but the gun itself is incredibly reliable. I hope yours is as well.

When I bought it, I ordered four Chip McCormick mags and never looked back, BUT I clean them. Mag cleaning gets overlooked sometimes. Keep them clean and lightly lubed--lightly lubed.