4"-4.25" 1911 Quest: My List-o-Specifics

[Samgotit]

That's right. It's another newbie 1911 thread. I'm looking for a 1911 with these few specs:

1. 4"-4.25" inch Barrel
2. Adjustable real sights (or ability to add them). What adjustables should I be looking at?
3. Single stack
4. $1- $1000 (will bump that by a couple hundred if the right gun presents itself)
5. Stainless Steel is not really my bag, but this point is negotiable.

1-3 are firm. Gun won't be for carry.

What are my choices?

Thanks

 

[CWL]

I think you should get a Dan Wesson CBOB for under $1000 and add your own adjustable rear sight.

In terms of quality and parts and fit, it would be the cheapest way to do it.

 

[Daryl Licht]

A Kimber of one of the Pro Carry varieties would fit all but #2. An aftermarket adjustable rear should be relatively easy to find.

I'm sure someone will correct me on this, but I believe adjustable rear sight on a 4" 1911 ain't real common from the factories.

The other 4 could be covered by just about anyone making a 1911.

 

[Samgotit]

Didn't really think of that. Updated point 2. Thanks.

 

[Kind of Blued]

Check out the Smith & Wesson Scandium-framed Commanders. They weigh in at 28 ounces with 4.25" of barrel.

Just out of curiosity, why not a 5" steel gun? If you aren't going to carry it I would think the more shootable and comfortable heavy Gov't models would be more appealing.

 

[USMCDK]

I am with MDeViney here on this one. If not for carry I would seggest a 5" barrel as the frame and slide will be slightly heavier than a 4" and with help reduce felt recoil, not to mention the recoil spring will be bigger and that will also help.

Per-say what is the 1911 going to be used for, that might help others on this thread help you in finding what your needs are.

 

[XavierBreath]

Adjustable rear sight....... Bomar. You will have to have the slide cut specifically for them. A Commander length slide with this type of cut (or sight) will not be available, to my knowledge, from the factory. The two are kinda mutually exclusive on the new gun shelves.

One that was available a few years back was the Colt Gold Cup Commander, although it didn't have a Bomar rear sight, it has an Elliason. Good luck finding one.....

 

[loplop]

Interesting! Adjustables on a Commander 1911, and not for carry? Odd combo, although I do know one guy who likes Commanders better than Gov'ts so maybe you're in that same boat.

Gold Cup Commander is what you want... Or buy a new Commander (about $700), and have the sights added. You'll be way below your mark.

 

[Samgotit]

It would be a plinker, basically. Honestly, I just like the looks of a 4" and I have small hands (I realize the 5" will have the same grip dimensions, but it just fells better, although I have not had the chance to shot one).

Ok, take a look at this Colt and Dan Wesson:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/images/15436.jpg
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/images/17999.jpg

Wouldn't they accept after market adjustables without cutting?


I did find one Kimber meets my list. Any thoughts:
http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/eclipse/eclipse_pro_target_II/


Thanks for all the recommendations.

 

[XavierBreath]

Wouldn't they accept after market adjustables without cutting?

The pistols you are looking at are cut for the low profile Novak style fixed rear sight. A Bomar adjustable rear sight takes a different cut.

The Eclipse Pro Target II is another pistol that fits your criteria. Whether you are OK with the history of MIM failures and the Kimber Series II firing pin safety is a personal decision.

As for my advice, I'd say a Colt Commander and having a Bomar rear sight with a Patridge front sight installed.

 

[rellascout]

Why not get DW Pointman?

The Pointman Seven is a 5” series 70 style 1911 featuring a stainless steel frame and forged stainless steel slide. Like all Dan Wesson 1911s, Pointman models incorporate top quality parts from the best names in the industry

· Forged, one piece match grade barrel and bushing.
· Round top slide with Bo-Mar style adjustable target sight
· Hand polished flat surfaces with contrasting bead blasted rounds
· Flat, all steel 20-LPI checkered mainspring housing
· Front and rear cocking serrations
· Beveled magwell
· All sharp edges dehorned by hand
· Lowered and flared ejection port
· Hand polished feed ramp
· Ed Brown slide stop
· Ed Brown memory groove grip safety
· Tactical extended thumb safety
· One piece full length stainless guide rod
· Commander style match hammer
· Match grade sear
· Aluminum trigger with stainless bow
· Extended serrated magazine catch
· Wolff springs used exclusively
· Diamond checkered coco-bolo grips
· Tuned, machined, internal extractor
· Test fired for reliability
· 38 ounces unloaded

 

[XDKingslayer]

Shame you didn't want to drop down to a 3.5" barrel, then I'd recommend the RIA Compact Tactical.

 

[rellascout]

For a non carry gun I think a 5" barrel is the way to go.

 

[crebralfix]

Download Kimber's catalog...they have just about every option possible.

You could also just get a Colt and add sights.

 

[Mot45acp]

S
T
I

 

[jfrey]

Check out the Collectors Firearms website. They have a hard chrome Briley Versatility that meets all your requirements. 4" bbl., adj. sights, single stack. It has everything you are looking for. The price is right in your budget too. Briley makes a fantastic pistol.

 

[funnelcake]

A couple of fully adjustable rear sights are made to fit the Novak rear cut (one by Novak themselves). Given that, I'd take an XSE Commander.

Funnel

 

[loplop]

Samgotit, I have small to average sized hands, too. As you correctly pointed out, Commanders have the exact same grip size as a Gov't. I personally fit stock 1911's just fine, but if you find you have problems, look into slim grips and/or a short trigger. Both reduce the reach to the trigger and are great for smallish hands. I do like the short triggers on the Colt S70 reproduction's; they give me a bit more purchase on the gun. If I added slim grips it would feel too small, so it's a fine line here.

Personally, I feel the gov't models balance better... But YMMV. I still want a Commander for carry, but if I only would have one, it would be a Gov't.

As mentioned above, the Colt XSE's are dovetailed for the Novak sights. A great option, right from the Colt factory. The ones I've seen lately are VERY nice.

 

[Jim Watson]

Caution, the Novak adjustable sight does not fit the Novak Low Mount fixed sight cut.

Champion makes an adjustable sight that does, available under several brand names.

 

[Samgotit]

Thanks all.

It looks like a Colt Commander for me as soon as I can source one.