The joy of a 1911 without the agonies of $13/50 practice ammo (if you lack the room to reload)
the entries:
Kimber Tactical Pro II
cons: relatively expensive, complaints about Kimber finishes, aluminum frame (I prefer steel), 4" rather than full commander length, some dislike MIM
pros: checkering, I've liked the out-of-the-box triggers of the Kimbers I've shot, looks good, no front serrations, stock Meprolights
(also available: Kimber Pro Carry II, similar but fewer features)
STI Trojan 5.0 & Ranger II
cons: long wait for production, fiberglass trigger, front serrations (Trojan), strange sight options (Ranger II), giant rollmark on slide
pros: less expensive than the Kimber, made in my home state, purchase from Brazos Custom allows easy performance enhancement job, no front cocking serrations (Ranger II), excellent reputation
Springfield Loaded 9mm
cons: front serrations, no 'extra' features (checkering, etc.), internal lock MSH, made in Brazil
pros: stainless!, relatively inexpensive in this group
neither pro-nor-con: probably the best platform for gunsmith work (sights, trigger) if desired
Used Colt 9mm
cons: most expensive option to start in addition to whatever 'smithing makes it comparable in performance, not so great sights, possibly difficult to come by depending on the market
pros: best platform for 'smithing, can shoot it as it is until 'smithing money is saved up, classy, true 'Commander' if desired
I ignored the $2000+ Nighthawks, Wilson Combats, etc. - they aren't really an option right now.
Have I missed comparable options in 9mm? Anything I've mis-stated or gotten wrong?
the entries:
Kimber Tactical Pro II
cons: relatively expensive, complaints about Kimber finishes, aluminum frame (I prefer steel), 4" rather than full commander length, some dislike MIM
pros: checkering, I've liked the out-of-the-box triggers of the Kimbers I've shot, looks good, no front serrations, stock Meprolights
(also available: Kimber Pro Carry II, similar but fewer features)
STI Trojan 5.0 & Ranger II
cons: long wait for production, fiberglass trigger, front serrations (Trojan), strange sight options (Ranger II), giant rollmark on slide
pros: less expensive than the Kimber, made in my home state, purchase from Brazos Custom allows easy performance enhancement job, no front cocking serrations (Ranger II), excellent reputation
Springfield Loaded 9mm
cons: front serrations, no 'extra' features (checkering, etc.), internal lock MSH, made in Brazil
pros: stainless!, relatively inexpensive in this group
neither pro-nor-con: probably the best platform for gunsmith work (sights, trigger) if desired
Used Colt 9mm
cons: most expensive option to start in addition to whatever 'smithing makes it comparable in performance, not so great sights, possibly difficult to come by depending on the market
pros: best platform for 'smithing, can shoot it as it is until 'smithing money is saved up, classy, true 'Commander' if desired
I ignored the $2000+ Nighthawks, Wilson Combats, etc. - they aren't really an option right now.
Have I missed comparable options in 9mm? Anything I've mis-stated or gotten wrong?