Opinions/Comments on my first 1911...

[PAPACHUCK]

Hey all, I'm going to get my first 1911 and would like some feedback on what ya'll think of my choice.

First of all, the reasons I've picked this model are;
a) I want a 1911
b) I work for a LE supply dealer that handles Springfield Armory
c) I will be carrying this pistol daily
d) I love the look of it
e) I can afford this model

All that said, this is my choice;



It is a Springfield Armory Lightweight Loaded Champion with the OD frame and Armory Coat Black slide, with rubber grips and Novak night sights. It has a 4" bull barrel, skeletonized trigger and lightweight hammer, and uses std 7rd mags.

Does any of you have one like it, or have shot one like it?

I would love any feedback you have to give.

 

[USAFRetired]

I am also seriously considering this fine looking piece of hardware for a daily carry. Would be very interested in first hand (especially as a daily driver) experience.

Also love the looks. Planning on adding CT grips.

 

[Mags]

Great looking gun, but I would recomend a full size goverment model for your first 1911.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Nice looking gun. I like the balance and proportions of these "Commander" size guns. The alloy frame will make it much easier to carry all day. I found the weight of my all steel SIG to be a bit tiresome after a few hours.

 

[wditto]

is this one of the South American models?

 

[glocks rock]

I had one but it wasn't the light weight model . I liked it a lot . Oddly enough I went from carrying a commander to only carrying a full size 1911. You really don't save much weight from the all steel commander and the Gov. model handles better to me. Nothing wrong with a commander. A lot of folks like the balance of the commander better than a Gov. .

 

[Jason_G]

I had one but it wasn't the light weight model . I liked it a lot . Oddly enough I went from carrying a commander to only carrying a full size 1911. You really don't save much weight from the all steel commander and the Gov. model handles better to me. Nothing wrong with a commander. A lot of folks like the balance of the commander better than a Gov. .

Where I notice the difference is when sitting down. With a government model, the muzzle tends to strike the chair or whatever surface I'm sitting on, and then the rig gets pushed up or torqued one way or the other. With the commanders I don't have this problem. Of course, that may not be the same for everyone.

Jason

 

[weisse52]

While I think a full size is the best choice for a first 1911, it is just I would do

SA makes a good product at a fair price. They also stand behind what they sell. Never ignore good customer service when buying a new hangun.

Enjoy you 1911!

 

[MICHAEL T]

Commander is fine size for a 1 st 1911 My First 1911 I bought was in 1972 A commander and still have it. I have 4 at present 3 Colts and a Dan Wesson Like another member when sitting I have trouble with the 5" Non with Commander If you like commander size the get it. You will be buying other 1911's any way

 

[PAPACHUCK]

Thanks, guys.

I chose the 4" for the lighter weight, and the shorter length when sitting at my desk or in the truck.

 

[GodGuns&Guitars]

Personally, I think you made a fine choice. I carry a Kimber ProCarry II almost every day and have never been disappointed. Congratulations.

 

[benderx4]

Excellent choice! I think you'll be VERY happy with that gun! My only recommendation would be to pick up some Wilson or Tripp mags. Happy shooting!

 

[velojym]

I have the G.I. model Micro Compact, and I like it fine. The first few mags had about one failure each, until they just didn't fail any more. I just needed to break in the mags, I suppose, though I went ahead and polished the feed ramp anyway.

I got the base model as I wanted to try my hand at eventually customizing it myself. Haven't gotten around to it, and won't really save any money, but I have the most noble reason in the world: I wanted it.

 

[tmoore912]

You made a good choice. I have been carring mine for about 2 years now. Mine has a frame made in South America. I have about 2,500 rounds through it with no problems. The paint they put on it is not that great. But hey, it's a carry gun.

 

[TXHORNS]

Great choice, dont beat yourself up over your first 1911. It wont be your last. I think everyone needs at least one of each length; 3,4 & 5.

I have a Loaded Commander although not as pretty, and prefer that size to carry. Mine is steel and my next one will be aluminum. The loaded is a great deal.

 

[Wasz]

I'm really considering buying this gun as well. I'm very interested in knowing how the "paint" holds up and how the fit and finish are.

 

[USAFRetired]

Bad news for anyone considering this or other SA LW small or mid-sized units. Just emailed SA customer support:

Me: Greetings: Wanted to check on the projected availability of your LW Champion (P/NX9149LP).

SA: Thank you for your interest in our 1911 PX9149LP. On a new order you are probably looking at about a 12 month wait due to all of our back orders and production schedule.

Me: 1 year? Wow.
Are any of your other lightweight, Commander sized models looking any better?
Thanks

SA: I am sorry to say that all of the champions and micros are really tough to get right now and are all about the same on delivery. We can always hope for sooner!!!!!

Good Luck to all of us!!

 

[krs]

I like that. Is it available in 9mm? Maybe I'll trade my full sized 1951 lightweight Commander for one....
















not.

 

[PAPACHUCK]

Yeah, I got the same "indefinite backorder" story. I thought for a while of going up to a TRP, but the budget just isn't quite there. I am leaning towards a XDm9 in OD/Blk right now. I eventually wanted both anyway.

 

[sohcgt2]

I used to carry a full size stainless SA 1911 and it was never a problem for all day carry. I have since switched to a polymer gun for the increased capacity, but I still carry the 1911 occasionaly