Duty 1911's and Budgets

[The Ruckus]

After browsing the 10-8 forums I've noticed a trend in which fellow 1911 fans find spending less than 1,500 on a duty 1911 is unrealistic. Now, I may only own a 92FS but are you kidding me?

I just don't buy this at all, John Browning himself didn't have no foo foo full length guide rods, or special skeletonized triggers with travel adjustments, magazine wells, massive beaver tails, night sights, or rails.

Why would any real 1911 fan believe more parts on a gun (higher chance of failure) would make a weapon worth duty? Want my opinion on this matter? Give me a Springfield GI series or Colt Govt Series over a Wilson any day. Tell me, is my opinion wrong?

 

[MaterDei]

No, Ruckus, you're not wrong. If you like Springfield GIs better than Wilsons then so be it. Personally, I'd MUCH rather have the Wilson. But that's just me.

To each his own.

 

[MICHAEL T]

A stock out of box Colt or Springfield Gov type will do job. Shoot it enough to make sure Relieable . Cooper never loaded a pistol with all the lastest junk . He keep them close to stock.

 

[The Ruckus]

Mater, don't get me wrong I don't think I'd choose a 550 dollar pistol over a 2,300 dollar pistol. However I don't believe people when they say a 1911 that doesn't require a personal loan isn't capable of duty carry.

 

[MaterDei]

Ruckus,

When I was in the Army my personal sidearm was a plain jane M1911A1. It was certainly capable of duty carry for me and a bunch of other guys too.

 

[Jimmie]

Mechanics that can afford Snap-On don't use Harbor Freight, even thought Harbor Freight works just fine.

 

[TAB]

Mechanics that can afford Snap-On don't use Harbor Freight, even thought Harbor Freight works just fine.

Um... harbor freight tools do not hold up to light use, let alone professional use.

 

[Old Fuff]

For the most part today's 1911 platform makers don't make true service pistols, they make big-boy toys. The most important feature of a service pistol is reliability, and we see more complaints about failure to work concerning current 1911's then all other pistols combined.

Couldn't the makers turn out pistols that were consistantly reliable? Sure. and for a lot less then $1,500. But like car makers they push models that are loaded with useless gadgets and accessories, because each increases their profit, and many buyers want them - either because they don't know any better, think that tactical is cool, or want them for bragging rights.

I have come to the conclusion that if you want a truly reliable but relatively inexpensive service pistol, forget current 1911's and look toward CZ or Ruger. :banghead:

 

[possum]

there are many great guns out there that can be had on a budget 1911's yes them too. check out taurus pt1911, they have lots of bells and wistles but for the gi price. the sa 1911's are good to go and the best around not just for the money but 1911's production grade imho. all of there models are nice, but for duty i would take one of the loaded models. also the sti's are sweet and many people rave about the ria's 1911's though i can't comment because i have no experience with them.

 

[BADUNAME15]

One of my friends has been in three shootings (police Officer). In each case his duty gun was siezed as evidence. He has not gotton any of them back, just issued replacements. I would be fearful of loosing a $2000 1911 if I was involved in a shooting on duty. I wonder if your agency would pay to replace it, or would you be on your own?

My agency doesn't give you a choice, issued weapon only so I am a little jealous you have a choice

 

[gym]

Good point, on the seizure, I had a similar incident, and although I got mine back, it was scratched beyond even fixing. The case number was etched right accross the frame and slide. I know a lot of guys who feel a carry weapon should be left alone, like anything else, the more crap you put on it, the more things can go wrong. Easy Lads I'm not critcizing your custom guns, just carry or duty guns.

 

[The Ruckus]

They etched numbers into the gun, is that even standard procedure? Man, if a bad guy walks into my home, I'm hitting him with a stick.