Aluminum-framed 1911 with ramped barrel?

[rbernie]

I'm looking to add an aluminum framed Government or Commander sized 1911 to the collection, and am specifically looking for one with a ramped barrel.

What are my options?

 

[orionengnr]

Later Kimbers, for starters.

 

[Quack]

Springfield uses ramped barrels on their alloy frames.

 

[Shipwreck]

Yes, Springers do.

Unless you get the smallest sized Kimbers (sub 4") - they do NOT have ramped barrels (the 5" and 4" models do not).

I would not buy an aluminum framed 1911 again if it did not have a ramped barrel, personally...

 

[rbernie]

I would not buy an aluminum framed 1911 again if it did not have a ramped barrel, personally...

Agreed - my CDP's fed ramp didn't do really well on a diet of HPs and when using a proper magazine follower. I really wish that Kimber would use them on their larger guns, and that Springfield would use proper barrel bushings on their Lightweights.

Other than Springfield - who else makes 'em?

 

[ugaarguy]

and that Springfield would use proper barrel bushings on their Lightweights.

My full size Lightweight Operator has a standard barrel bushing. I wish they'd switch their Champion size pistols from 4" to 4.25" with a standard bushing.

 

[Ric]

Para uses ramped barrels

 

[Husker_Fan]

If I remember correctly, the Dan Wesson CCO has a ramped barrel. I don't know about their other lightweight models though.

 

[rbernie]

Both S&W and Sig appear to offer somewhat non-traditional Commander or Officer sized 1911's with aluminum frames - do either of them use ramped barrels? Their web sites don't speak to that sort of detail....

 

[ugaarguy]

Both S&W and Sig appear to offer somewhat non-traditional Commander or Officer sized 1911's with aluminum frames - do either of them use ramped barrels? Their web sites don't speak to that sort of detail....

(Most of, all of?) The lightweight S&W 1911s use Scandium based Aluminum alloy frames. When I asked about the Scandium alloy frame revolvers a few years the S&W rep told me a large part of the expense is machining. The Scandium makes the alloy very abrasion resistant, more so than steel, and as a result wears tooling out pretty quickly. All that to say, whether or not the Sc alloy Smiths use ramped barrels or not probably doesn't matter.

ETA: Probably doesn't matter if metal magazine followers scratching the frame ramp are the reason for wanting a ramped bbl.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

This is not an endorsement as my personal experience has not been good, but most Para-Ordnance pistols have barrels with integral feed ramps and a corresponding cutout in the frame. You might get lucky and get a good one ...

 

[Husker_Fan]

Aluminum framed Sigs have a frame-integral feed ramp.

 

[MCMXI]

A different approach:

The Ed Brown Kobra Carry Lightweight has an aluminum frame, but also has a steel insert for the feedramp rather than a ramped barrel. If I were looking for an aluminum framed 1911 for CC, this would be my choice.

http://www.edbrown.com/kobracarrylw.htm

 

[BullfrogKen]

Wondered the same myself, bernie.


After some searching I simply bought an old Colt and had one cut in.

 

[rbernie]

I hear ya.

My last gunsmithing survey pointed to the machine work and barrel cost for a ramped conversion costing around four Franklins, and having a steel insert installed instead of using a ramped barrel to be about two Franklins. If I find the right used gun, it may make sense to do that. If, OTOH, I only find new or close to new, then it probably makes sense to try to find a ramped barrel unit.

 

[45crittergitter]

Les Baer does (or did), I know for a fact.

 

[DenaliPark]

I'm looking to add an aluminum framed Government or Commander sized 1911 to the collection, and am specifically looking for one with a ramped barrel.

What are my options?

Depends on how much cash you wish to liberate from your pocketbook? If you're talking mid-tier I'd suggest the Springfield Armory loaded "Service Lightweight" .45 ACP, Buds has one listed at $770.00! Of course you could go Wilson "Ultralight Carry" but that will likely head you north of $3300.00....