Should I:

[Fat Boy]

I have a 1911 .45 auto that was built from various makers parts. It currently has the standard grip safety, and an aftermarket hammer that is larger than the standard issue- I have always struggled with hammer bite when shooting a 1911, although I can shoot the 1911 with what for me is acceptable accuracy- I am concerned with durability, and functionability as well. I know I can replace the safety/hammer with a beavertail safety and compatible hammer. With this gun being made up of various manufacturers parts, I am not sure about sinking additional funds into it for this process and buying a conversion kit as well.

I have handled the Glock 21 and 30, and like the way these guns seem to sit lower in my hand. I have also handled the Springfield XD-45, and the CZ 97b- The Springfield feels the best in my hand, but I am not sure of durability/reliability with this gun. I have fired a cz97b, and it is quite large and handfilling to say the least.

I am interested in winding up with a .45 semi-auto that will also have a conversion kit to shoot .22's. The gun should be totally reliable, durable, and reasonably easy to carry.

If you are so inclined, please explain your choice-

Thanks for participating!!!

 

[knockonit]

should i

Change the beaver tail onit, the bite goes away, unless you live in arizona and cross the border then Mordida (the bite) bribe for crossing over.
fyi

 

[Walkalong]

Either keep the 1911, change the grip safety, and get a Marvel conversion unit, or check out CZ's.

 

[tbtrout]

If the gun works well, keep it and add the BT.

 

[crebralfix]

I voted to sell the 1911 and get a 22.

The gun to get is a S&W M&P 45 Compact. I was going advocate a SIG P220 Carry, but the M&P is far more concealable while maintaining a Glock 19 size. This gets you 8+1 capacity in a gun that 1/4" shorter than a Glock 19. Now that's efficient!

I found that the M&P (which I don't own BTW) is very, very controllable. I was able to shoot it very fast. It's pointability is adjustable due to the different grips that are available (this matters to some people). It works great with both sighted and point shooting.

As for the 22...any one of the major brands should be OK. I like the Ruger 22/45 and the Browning Buckmark.

I've had mixed results with 22 conversions. I had a Ciener kit that worked great on a Springfield Armory Loaded frame. My Advantage Arms 22 conversion for Glock is only fair in terms of reliability. You'll probably just end up buying a bunch of kits and guns until you find the combination that's right for you.

 

[jhansman]

I sold my 1911 for just about what I paid for it, bought a Buckmark and a ton of ammo, and never looked back. The Browning is now my favorite, most fun to shoot pistol in the safe.