Help me spend my discretionary funds

[muncherndn]

Hello kind and learned members of The High Road,

I am in the unusual position of having discretionary funds. I will be coming home from Afghan. just in time to make it to Wannenmacher's Gun Show in Tulsa. My lovely and generous wife has seen fit to let me add to my collection. I have already decided on a Savage 10FCP w/ McMillan stock to be topped with a 4 X 16 Vortex Viper PST. I received great advice on that decision and am hoping for more.

I have enjoyed adding a 1911 to my collection after every deployment. I have a Kimber Custom CDPII and a Kimber Custom Crimson Carry. I have $1500 to spend and while I still love Kimber (more so after break-in period), I have been lusting after Springfield Armory's TRP. I also like the Dan Wesson Valor. I don't care for the rails on a lot of the newer offerings. I know many appreciate it, but I just don't see myself putting a light on a 1911.

If at all possible to keep the cost down to $1300, I could also swing a CZ 453 or Savage BVTS both in 22lr. I have new access to a range less than 4 miles from my house w/ 200 yds to play with. I found another one 35 miles away that goes to 1K. I know that some pistols just "feel" right when you pick them up, and it seems that 1911's just make me smile. I would appreciate any advice/recommendations. I do know I want a Government model and I do not want a rail. Tritium sights are a def. plus as it will be a daily carry. I comfortably carry either my CDPII or Crimson Carry in a Crossbreed.

I have been burned by gun shows in the past, but Wannenmacher's has yet to disappoint. I've heard that the prices have been going up lately, but am not adverse to buying a decent used weapon. I appreciate your time and your sage advice. Thank you and I hope this finds you well.

 

[0to60]

IMO, wanting to buy something before knowing what that something is is like putting the cart before the horse. Why not wait until you are lusting for something and then get that?

 

[Putt380]

Save

You have alot, how about a concealed gun?

 

[muncherndn]

0t060,

I do understand and agree with your logic. The only problem is that I have been collecting weapons for some time, and my wife has started to question the reasoning behind my additions/addiction. I am trying to strike while the iron is hot. I really want a 1911, but have a hard time viewing pictures here, and video reviews are a definite no-go. The powers that be decided that videos are unsafe for our eyes and blocked them.

I have experience w/ Kimber pistols and found that there are some (albeit few) FTE issues while it was brand new. I also HATE the fact that you only get one subpar magazine with the weapon. I guess I was looking for advice on that front. I hate to say it, but I may go a non-Kimber route just because of the magazine issue. Granted, I'm not in the Les Baer/Ed Brown price range. While the quality of the weapons that fall in my price range is very nice, the standards between brands are minor at best. The magazine issue might be the deciding point.

I definitely want a 1911, the only issue is whether or not to stray from my brand loyalty. I have seen nice pictures and read what reviews I can find. I know nothing can tell me as much as holding one or shooting one if at all possible. Unfortunately, my circumstances don't allow for it. I have to be content for now with pretty pictures and from the collected experience of The High Road. Thank you for your reply 0to60. I appreciate your time and patience.

 

[0to60]

So basically, you're saying that the wife has given you the thumbs up, and you'd like to move before she changes her mind. I suppose that does make some sense.

Here's my suggestion, albeit it might be hard to pull off depending on your wife's vigilance. Since it sounds like you have that mid-tier 1911 area pretty covered, save the money for now and wait till you get another green light, then go for a top of the line 1911, like a Nighthawk. Pick exactly what options you want and have it custom built. You'll have a one of a kind 1911 built to your exact specs, and you prolly won't have to buy another 1911!

 

[muncherndn]

Putt380,

Thank you for your reply. I have been blessed with an understanding wife that has turned a blind eye to my growing collection. As such, I have attempted to involve her (sadly, unsuccessfully) in range trips/get her CCL. I got her a S&W 442 and later a Ruger LCP. Unfortunately, I hadn't read the article where it is explained to my boneheaded self that she should pick out her own weapon.

I have other CCW's that I depend on as well. I just really want another 1911. It's a tradition that I'd like to keep going. In the cooler months, I'll even get to CC with it. I'm pretty excited about the whole thing and am trying to occupy myself with whatever research I can to make the time go by faster.

Thank you for your time Putt380. I hope this finds you well.

 

[muncherndn]

0to60,

I have been afraid that someone else would suggest that. I have been thinking about that very thing and thought of Nighthawk while I did it. It's like there are two angels sitting on my shoulders (when talking 1911's, neither one could be a devil), and one is telling me to buy production. The other is telling me that I have enough long guns, blow the whole wad on a Nighthawk.

I just found the 1K yard range near our city, so I won't have memories of semi-long range practice to haunt me. I sound like a big crybaby, but I'm torn between the two. I really want a precision rifle, but also really want a custom 1911. I think I've been fortunate to not experience a true cusotm job. I don't know what I'm missing. I've told myself that when I retire, I'll definitely get myself a custom job, but can I wait 8 more years?

It's upsetting. Although a good type of upset. I know years ago, when our children were very young, weapons-related expenses took a back seat. I guess I'm just a fat kid that wants his cake AND cookies. Thank you for your thoughts and for opening another can of worms. Hoping this finds you well.

 

[BCRider]

To add to the confusion I got to shoot an STI Rangemaster. Right out of the box it is pretty much as custom as almost anyone could wish for. Finish was superb, trigger was as find tuned and "breaking glass" like as anyone could ask for and just about right at around 3'ish lbs for the break.

My first magazine shot a group that matched my best with any of my own guns. The second mag's group was even tighter.

To say I was gobstruck would be putting it mildly. It's not cheap but it's DONE right as it comes out of the box other than perhaps slightly massaging the multi arm spring to tune the trigger to your own sordid desires.... Compare that to buying some other less preped gun and then paying for parts and skill to duplicate what this is as delivered.

 

[muncherndn]

Yet another tardy reply

Thank you all so much for replying to my Oh-so-lazy question. I was blessed to attend Wannemacher's with a pocket full o'cash and an understanding wife. I ended up getting a few things.

I took your advice and decided to go w/ a proven 1911 platform. A Wiley Clapp Colt Commander. It is my daily carry in a Crossbreed IWB. Now, the market is flooded with IWB's that look eerily similar for half the price, but I am thankful that Crossbreed thought of it, so I will continue to choose their product.

I also decided to pick up a 686+ because I already had a GP100, and this forum has had several discussions regarding the two. As has already been discussed (several times), the trigger is so much better on a 686, but the GP100 is like a tank. The trigger is awesome, but not on the level of S&W. However, the frame of the GP100 is much beefier (W/O feeling clunky) than the S&W.

The final addition is the S&W 632 PRO in 327 Fed Mag. I really enjoy shooting this mighty mouse of a pistol. Of course, I am an avid 1911 fan, so my carry piece is the Wiley Clapp even in shorts and a T-shirt, but it is yet another viable option.

Thank you all for your sound advice and attention. I look forward to sharing my knowledge with newer shooters as you have with me.


Respectfully,



Jesse A Murray

 

[Satasaurus]

Dang, really nice guns you got there! I've wanted a 686 since the first time I saw one. I personally think they're one of the coolest looking revolvers ever made. I have that, a Colt Python, and a model 29 on my revolver to get list. Thanks for your service and stay safe!

 

[bannockburn]

Wow that must have been some gunshow! I really like the Wiley Clapp Commander and plan on adding one to my collection some day. My own Model 686 is my favorite .357 and one I would never sell. I also like your choice of the Model 632 Pro as it has some interesting features to it and is definitely something you don't come across every day. I think you made three great choices in spending your discretionary funds. Enjoy.

 

[ku4hx]

My wife never understood buying guns either, and for years was afraid of them. Then she wanted to shoot one ... that's a looong story. Then she wanted to shoot another. Then she shot her friend's Ruger. All of a sudden we were in one of our LGSs and she bought a Ruger Mark III Target, then a .22LR rifle, then a shotgun, then a 30-30 (wants to hunt pig), then a Ruger KP9, then an SR9, then an SR9c and then an SR40. And she claims she's not done.

My advice on spending your money ... spend some on your wife and do your dead level best to get her involved. "Turning a blind eye" is easily reversed.