Doug Koenig SW1911 Unimpressed

[Navy joe]

No one would sell any guns were they not money makers. MIM is just a cheesy way to cut bottom line. I think a 1911 can be worth 3K plus, if the appropraite level of material quality and hand attention is there. Noting this I haven't uttered "Wilson" once. Good parts, good mags, not sure you get what you pay for with their pistols. That is what this thread is about, not 1911 hate, not motorcycles, not my Glock is better.

I believe that a 1911 should cost more than a Glock when you look at the number of Mfg. operations required and level of hand attention needed just for basic production guns. The issue is what does $900 get me in a Kimber or SW that I don't get in a $400 GI Springer? The side issue is that Glocks cost $500+ due to market forces(like $900 1911s making them look like a deal ) not the $70 it costs to make them.

DMF, no pics, I did watch a MIM thumb safety fall off, the internal nub broke off and out it fell on the shooting line. Not my gun, but I was standing right there. Nothing like a fully loaded .38 Super, no safety, a grip safety that may or may not be functional(Those wacky IPSC guys) and a 2lb trigger. I've seen other hammer sear sets that wore before their time. I have no pics, because I have no MIM 1911s. Some MIM in the new S&W revos, we'll see how it holds up.

 

[Ash]

Well, I believe high-end 1911's cost too much.

I also believe that Glocks cost too much.

While we are at it, the SIG 220 at more than $700 costs too much.

I like 1911's, but there are few people who could claim a need for a $3,000 pistol, and in no case would self-defense fall within that category. Heck, for self defense, get a SIG, Glock, CZ, or something else. Get a $400 Springfield Armory and shoot it. If it proves reliable, get it over something 5 times more expensive.

Ash

 

[SnWnMe]

I apply the value/satisfaction equation selectively in different parts of my life.

I drive a no frills 93 Tercel that has no AC, has a manual tranny and a broken driver's side door lock 140 miles everyday.

Once inawhile I put my $4000 mtn bike on it. Oh and a $1500 pistol in the trunk.

Some of us like nice toys.

Someone who is really value conscious should buy a Jennings.

 

[SnWnMe]

Just to respond to the original post: Colts rattle too.

Movement in the barrel hood area probably indicates... not a whole lot.

 

[Navy joe]

Yes, Colts rattle. Fitted, high end 1911s don't. If I was value concious I would get what I pay for. If I was a cheap moron I'd buy a Jennings.

Movement in the barrel hood area indicates a loose and therefore inconsistent barrel to slide lock-up which means crap accuracy. Not exactly what I'd call "not a whole lot".

 

[Ash]

I hit the trail with a $400 Giant mountain bike.

When I hit the mountains, I use a $50 Kelty external frame pack, $30 boots from Wal-Mart, use an East German mess kit ($3 and a heck of a lot better than commercial kits), and use a North Face tent from Sam's. I hike the mountains of Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and Alabama. I've hiked in Yellowstone, but I find I enjoy hiking the eastern trails more. I've hiked the Pinhoti, portions of the Appalachian, the Sipsey Wilderness, and other places. I can go just as far as a guy with a $200 pack and $200 boots (and without blisters). I've hiked 45 miles in 2 1/2 days in sub-freezing mountainous terrain (dubbed the Frozen Chosen, a play on Korea) by a captain in the Army Rangers who hiked it with us with a full pack (not flat land, but mountains with some good switch-backs) where the water froze in our packs while we hiked.

My point is that I don't mind fellows who spend more. I've biked with folks who have more expensive bikes than me, hiked with guys who had more expensive gear, kayaked with guys who had kayaks that cost twice what mine cost. I crossed the Mississippi River south of New Orleans in a $200 apical kayak in 12 minutes while dodging freighters. All in all, I kept up or set the pace, depending on the subject. My CZ-75 that cost less than a SIG 226 does the job quite nicely. Though I would never consider a pack or bike from Wal-Mart, I wouldn't use a Winchester-made knife, boots from Payless, or a Jennings 9mm, I am experienced enough to know what works and what does not, and what I can use to get the job done. I'll bet my Savage will shoot just as well if not better than a Steyr Forester but for much less and I know I can out-shoot some with my 870 Express (I have, for that matter).

That I feel some hand guns are too expensive does not make me a novice.

Ash

 

[BluesBear]

I am still trying to figure out why my unmodified Colt Government MkIV Series 80 Enhanced, that I bought used from another THR member has been able to flawlessly digest over 7000 rounds of every type of ammo I can find from a hodgepodge of NINE different magazines. And there's not a CMcC Powermag or a Wilson in the bunch.

I am also wondering how I have managed to own almost a dozen Colt Governments and Commanders that could so the same thing.

According to all of the "experts" it's an impossibility.

 

[Old Fuff]

Well they'd work a lot better if ya' got um' covered with 30-line checkering ...

 

[Mr Bangdango]

My SW1911 came with 2 Wilson Combat 8 rounders not Armscor. I don't keep track of how many rounds I shoot but it must be up to around 2000 in this pistol. Not one failure of any kind. Went round and round with the famed Smith and Wesson customer service but ended up satisfied. I bought it becouse I wanted a decent 1911 pistol to carry. Oh, I don't ride motorcycles but if I did I'd probably get a Harley. Just seems like the American thing to do. That and the fact I have an uncle that rebuilds them and I could get one on the cheap.

 

[Kevinch]

Guns & Motorcycles

The only thing better is when your wife (or best girl) gets into guns & motorcycles too!!

 

[nico]

eh, I'll take guns and cars but to each his own