Trading Remington 1911 for Ruger LC9?

[Mitlov]

A while ago I bought a Remington 1911 from a friend. I love the history of the 1911 and the SAO trigger, but setting that aside, it's simply too big for my hand (I'm a 5'6", small-framed guy), far to big to carry, and .45 ACP is nearly twice the price of 9mm.

This same guy has an LC9 with a laser (don't remember if it's crimson trace and lasermax). He's expressed some regret about selling the Remington and is also thinking about getting rid of his LC9 because he owns a ton of .45s but only that 9mm, and it's a bit small for his hand (much larger than mine). I've shot the LC9, and despite the DAO trigger, I shoot it better than the 1911 because it's more my size physically, and the cheap ammo would be a real bonus.

I'm thinking about offering him a straight trade, 1911 for LC9. But two questions:
(1) I have no idea what the used value of these guns is. Would either of us be getting taken to the cleaners on such a trade?
(2) Are there any known issues or problems with the LC9 that should make me wary?

 

[likesguns]

An lc9 without laser has a realistic trade in value of under $200 as low as $150,I would want some money on his end if I were you.

 

[Mitlov]

An lc9 without laser has a realistic trade in value of under $200 as low as $150,I would want some money on his end if I were you.

Oh wow. That's good to know.

 

[Manny]

You would be getting hosed on the deal, big time. A decent 1911 should be worth several hundred dollars more than the little Ruger, and I say that as a big fan of Rugers in general.

 

[toivo]

Yeah, you'd be much better off selling the 1911. Then take the money and buy an LC9s Pro if you like the LC9 platform. Much better trigger, no unnecessary doodads, etc. You might even have some cash left over.

If you want to stay with 1911s, look for a compact 1911 in 9mm, like a Kimber Pro Carry or a Springfield Compact Range Officer. You may have to dig deeper into your pockets a bit, though.

 

[Mitlov]

Thanks everyone for the advice; due to the significant difference in value and the fact that I don't care about the laser on this guy's LC9, I won't propose a trade.

 

[toivo]

Another option to consider would be a SIG P939.

http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p938-brg.aspx

It's not exactly a 1911 (no grip safety), but it's pretty close, being SAO and designed for cocked-and-locked carry.

 

[ku4hx]

Check prices at various gun sellers online: Buds, Grab-A-Gun, Gun Broker. From what I've seen, price wise, you on the losing end of this deal.

 

[Normandy]

If I got rid of all the pistols I own that are too big to carry, I'd be left with 10% of my collection. I consider most of them to be range guns. Any pistol collection (if you collect) should have at least one 1911 in it, in my opinion.

If your budget will allow, hang onto the 1911 for a range gun, and enjoy it occasionally. Shop around for a smaller 9mm. Be sure and check out the KelTec, Ruger, and S&W carry 9mm for a start. Nothing wrong with the Ruger, but check out the others first, for hand fit, eye appeal, or whatever floats your boat.

 

[Quentin]

I agree with those who suggest hanging on to the R1 for a while, it's a good 1911.

The LC9 is ok but that long DA trigger, well that's why so many are traded in for a big loss, often for the nicer LC9s or LC9s Pro. The good thing about these Rugers, they're small and concealable. The bad thing, they're small and hard to shoot compared to larger 9mms.

I'd say start comparing 9mms and see which ones you prefer. You may find you need a small one and a larger one to cover all the bases. There are nice 1911 9mms, a good smaller one is the Springfield Range Officer Compact 9mm but it's in the $700 range. Polymers will be cheaper and there's a lot to choose from, for example the $350 S&W Shield which may be just the right size for a small hand.

 

[Lord Teapot]

A while ago I bought a Remington 1911 from a friend. I love the history of the 1911 and the SAO trigger, but setting that aside, it's simply too big for my hand (I'm a 5'6", small-framed guy), far to big to carry, and .45 ACP is nearly twice the price of 9mm.

This same guy has an LC9 with a laser (don't remember if it's crimson trace and lasermax). He's expressed some regret about selling the Remington and is also thinking about getting rid of his LC9 because he owns a ton of .45s but only that 9mm, and it's a bit small for his hand (much larger than mine). I've shot the LC9, and despite the DAO trigger, I shoot it better than the 1911 because it's more my size physically, and the cheap ammo would be a real bonus.

I'm thinking about offering him a straight trade, 1911 for LC9. But two questions:
(1) I have no idea what the used value of these guns is. Would either of us be getting taken to the cleaners on such a trade?
(2) Are there any known issues or problems with the LC9 that should make me wary?

terrible deal on your end. your 1911 is worth much, much more than the lc9 based on some basic research i just did.

Remington:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21_925/Handguns/Remington/page/1/sort/6a

Ruger:


http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21_49_1815/Handguns/Ruger/page/1/sort/6a

 

[Lycidas Janwor]

You might just want to keep the 1911 anyway, even though you don't shoot it on a regular basis and it's not your pistol of choice for self defense. It's a great pistol and to have one around never hurts. The Ruger LC9 is a great little gun and very affordable too. Any reason you can't have both?

 

[Mitlov]

"If I got rid of all the pistols I own that are too big to carry, I'd be left with 10% of my collection. I consider most of them to be range guns. Any pistol collection (if you collect) should have at least one 1911 in it, in my opinion."

"Any reason you can't have both?"

Yeah, keeping the 1911 and getting a cheap small 9mm to supplement it for practical use probably makes the most sense. While the 1911 is way too big for me (not just for carry but even for home-defense use; my thumb doesn't reach the magazine release without shifting out of a shooting grip), I still like it for historical/sentimental reasons and as a range toy. I'll then look at the Shield and the LC9S for a cheap compact 9mm practical option to supplement it without breaking the bank (the Sig 938 is awesome for me--hell, I can get all three fingers on a Sig 238--but is a bit more than what I want to spend).

 

[drband]

If you like the LC9 ergos be sure to check the LC9sPro. It's everything the LC9 should have been. Trigger is MUCH better.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I buy a CW9 Kahr and keep 1911 Then might try thin grips , flat mainspring housing and short trigger . Then you hand will more than likely fit

My 5'2 daughter shoots a 1911 pretty well She wants my Colt Defender for her CC pistol when gets her CC