a move to a 1911?

[USMC-COL]

Wow, I've noticed quite a few of us carrying the G30 lately. Definitely a good choice. But since you're considering going to the 1911, I guess we're getting of your topic. In my opinion, it's pretty tough to go wrong with any of the major 1911 makes, and the majority of them seem to be producing smaller, more easily concealable models. My brother's off duty carry is a Para 6.45 LDA in stainless with cocabolo grips. It's an absolutely beautiful gun, and once he found the ammo it likes, he's had no trouble. It absolutely DOES NOT like anything 230 grains. With 185's or 200's it's accurate and reliable. I love my full size 1911, and I've considered trying the Kimber RCP. I'm just not sure about the sighting "trench" instead of traditional sights. As far as the mechanics of it, like others have said, just train with it and practice like crazy. It's like learning to drive in a standard. Even if you eventually get a car with an automatic, you'll find yourself reaching for the clutch and the shifter on occasion. The same thing applies with the 1911. Once you practice enough, it becomes second nature, and you start to "flip the safety" even on guns that don't have one! Good luck. I hope you find one you can trial shoot first.

Since Sipper5 asked, "Any thoughts...? Appreciate any input....//John", I didn't think we were getting off topic. I will reiterate that my G30 is a pig. It will digest anything, as oppose to some 1911s who are like vegetarians, picky eaters. I love my custom 1911s and still use them in some competitions, but I normally carry a GLOCK.

[Tactical_Texan_CHL]

Sorry, you're probably right, COL, didn't mean to step on your toes if I did. I just didn't want to try to talk him out of the 1911 if that's what he really wanted. I carry the G30 also, and you're right, it eats ANYTHING! I really am glad to see how many other people like and carry the G30! I'd recommend it to anyone.

[Skipper5]

Wow....great advice on all sides of it.... I really appreciate all the input...I take to the lesson of practice, practice, and practice perfectly each time.
I was looking to the sub-compact or compact 9mm 1911....saw the Para, in addition to the Aegis II of Kimber....

Well....still mulling over ....so keep your advice if you want going...haven't pulled out the checkbook yet!
Ha...Thanks yall!!

//John

[mgood]

I'm going to go 1911.

Before I purchased my first handgun in the early-mid nineties, I had been reading gun magazines for years. I'd seen lots of discussion of the advantages of the high-capacity 9mm pistols vs. the stopping power of the .45 ACP. I saw the
.40 S&W to be an excellent compromise between the two. I bought a double-stack .40, and then another.

Problem 1: I've found the fat grip of the double-stack mags difficult for me to conceal without radically altering the way I dress.

Problem 2: I have average or slightly smaller than average size hands. The large grip shifts around under recoil of the .40. I have to readjust my hold on the pistol every few shots.* Never going to get fast that way.

So I started thinking that maybe I should go to a single-stack magazine. And I figure that if I'm going to have less shots, I might as well punch a bigger hole. So I'm thinking .45 ACP. And that leads me to the 1911 type pistols. I've been looking at the Kimber Utra CDP II for quite some time (since before there was a II in the model name, I think).

*My Smith & Wesson Sigma is one of the largest handguns I've shot. (It's the SW40F, basically a copy of the Glock 22.) Something about the ergonomics of the grip really works for me. I have NO problems controlling it. But it is too big to conceal except in heavy winter clothing. I see it as an excellent weapon to keep in my pickup.

BTW, I like SIGs too. If I ever get another large, double-stack pistol, it'll probably be a SIG P226 in .357 SIG.

[USMC-COL]

Wow....great advice on all sides of it.... I really appreciate all the input...I take to the lesson of practice, practice, and practice perfectly each time.
I was looking to the sub-compact or compact 9mm 1911....saw the Para, in addition to the Aegis II of Kimber....

Well....still mulling over ....so keep your advice if you want going...haven't pulled out the checkbook yet!
Ha...Thanks yall!!

//John

Plz look at the SA EMP. Smallest 1911 platform in 9mm. Good reviews. A bit expensive.

Springfield EMP Semiautomatic Pistol
Manufacturer: Sprigfield Armory
Model: EMP (Enhanced Micro Pistol)
Operation: Recoil-Operated "short-action" autoloader
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 6.6 inches
Weight, empty 23 ounces
Safety: Manual safety, grip safety, passive firing pin block
Sights: Fixed combat sights with tritium inserts
Stock: Checkered cocobolo
Magazine Capacity: 9 rounds
Finish: Anodized alloy frame, stainless-steel slide
Price: $1253

Springfield also reduced the diameter of the pistol's grip frame. Grabbing a standard 1911 pistol that has thin, concealment grips, I compared the circumference of the grip frames. The EMP's grip frame diameter was 1/4 inch smaller.

The EMP's stainless-steel slide has had all of the sharp edges radiused for shooter comfort. And dovetailed into the slide is a set of fixed combat sights with tritium inserts. The EMP is fitted with an attractive set of thin cocobolo grips that are checkered and have the Springfield logo.

The EMP's frame is anodized alloy, and the black frame with the stainless-steel slide gives a pleasing two-tone look to this pistol. The frame is also fitted with ambidextrous thumb safeties and a beavertail grip safety.

[mgood]

USMC-COL,

Thanks for that. The EMP sounds like something I should take a serious look at.
(Not for my next hangun purchase, or even the one after that, but something I might like to have down the road sometime.)

http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_re ... mp_010807/

Hmm, they also make it in .40:
http://www.springfield-armory.com/armor ... ersion=137
I really like what I see. If the grip were a little shorter . . .

[austin]

Have to agree with CompVest...I ran 1911's for most of my early shooting career. Perfect practice and lots of it will make the difference.

Let's be realistic.

Most people don't have the 5-10 hours a week every week to train to where its not an issue. ( and I still say its an issue when you are off balance and stressed out. )

If you have that much time, then your time is better spent going to the gym or working on other combative aspects rather than learn to use a pistol for which there are better alternatives that require less commitment to become proficient on.

With my XD I can spend 30 minutes every two weeks doing draw and fire drills and stay current. The 1911 requires a lot more time and no matter how much I train, I cannot get as fast as I am on a Glock or XD.

My best time with my G23/XD45 from draw to first shot is around .60 sec but for my 1911 it is .85 sec.

Once I understood this disparity and had it demonstrated to me during hours of Force on Force training and saw that that it could mean life or death, I put my 1911 away.

The extra bullets in the Glock or XD is another important point as is the price tag.

Buy one and use the other $500 to get some training!

[CompVest]

Have to agree with CompVest...I ran 1911's for most of my early shooting career. Perfect practice and lots of it will make the difference.

Let's be realistic.

Most people don't have the 5-10 hours a week every week to train to where its not an issue. ( and I still say its an issue when you are off balance and stressed out. )

If you have that much time, then your time is better spent going to the gym or working on other combative aspects rather than learn to use a pistol for which there are better alternatives that require less commitment to become proficient on.

Don't have time or don't want to make the time? How much is your life and/or the lives of those you care about worth?

As to the rest I have a gun! By the way I do work out and I beg to differ about the lack of commitment needed to become proficient in any alternative. I believe that whatever tool you choose to use for personal protection (your body included) requires commitment, and work, and practice, and dollars!

That said I found that I could draw and fire COM my 1911 as fast as my M&P. I like them both.

[G.C.Montgomery]

+1...she's so much smoother than me about these things.

[USMCret]

Moving away from a 1911, somewhat reluctantly. Have one I am trading in on a new 9 mm pistol that the wife can handle. Don't get me wrong-- I love the 1911. Ergonomically, the best feel of any handgun, in my opinion. It's just that, as a breed, it's a high maintenance gun. Except for the ergonomics, the Glock 30 meets all of my requirements. Would love to be able to afford a Les Baer or Rock River commander sized 1911, but it would stay in the safe most of the time. 1911s are like Corvettes-- we'd all like to own one. The Glocks are like Toyota trucks-- the gold standard for durability, low maintenance, and dependability. Maybe if I hit that Lotto, I'll give Mr. Baer a call.

[Skipper5]

USMC-COL....appreciate your input and yes that is the bill of particulars on the EMP that I pulled from SA's sight as well....
Now a questions....as to grip handle size...you indicated that the EMP was 1/4 smaller than a standard 1911. While the grip seems fine for me on the EMP....I carry a 239 and/or my 229R (double stack)- basically can handle either well. have large hands...fortunately no arthritis....
Bottom line Colonel, (and this is a question), as long as it feels comfortable> you're not viewing the 1/4" less grip size a disadvantage...correct?

BTW...I tried to buy one from Jeff at the Gun show this weekend...he only had one ...he sold it first thing Sat. AM...for $1069.... Bachman was selling theirs about the same (none available)...and one other place there was selling it for $1019 (none available).

Use to have my dad's 1911 .38Super..but used it only as a range gun over at Winchester//now Elm Fork in Dallas.

Yall are great with you're advice here....and taking in all your suggestions!!
//John

[Skipper5]

USMC-COL,

Thanks for that. The EMP sounds like something I should take a serious look at.
(Not for my next hangun purchase, or even the one after that, but something I might like to have down the road sometime.)

http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_re ... mp_010807/

Hmm, they also make it in .40:
http://www.springfield-armory.com/armor ... ersion=137
I really like what I see. If the grip were a little shorter . . .

Hadn't seen the "Shooting Times" article....thanks for including it in your post!! Wow...pretty impressive article
//John

[mgood]

Hadn't seen the "Shooting Times" article....thanks for including it in your post!! Wow...pretty impressive article

I just Googled Springfield EMP and a bunch of stuff came up. That was the first or one of the first links. You might try it and find all sorts of articles.

[USMC-COL]

USMC-COL,

Thanks for that. The EMP sounds like something I should take a serious look at.
(Not for my next hangun purchase, or even the one after that, but something I might like to have down the road sometime.)

http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_re ... mp_010807/

Hmm, they also make it in .40:
http://www.springfield-armory.com/armor ... ersion=137
I really like what I see. If the grip were a little shorter . . .

Hadn't seen the "Shooting Times" article....thanks for including it in your post!! Wow...pretty impressive article
//John

I've purchased the SA Micro in 45 ACP and really enjoyed it. I have not owned the EMP, but have heard nothing but good reviews about it. The EMP is slightly thinner. I don't see any downside to the EMP except price. If it is a 9mm you're looking for in a 1911 platform, it may be your answer. Nowadays, I normally carry a G30 w/ 11 rounds of Corbon DPX ammo and a back-up 13-round mag ... or one of my other GLOCKs - G23/G32/G33 ....

[Barron76]

Right now I own mostly SIG & HK handguns, used to own a Kimber stainless pro carry II and sold it last year. Worst gun related mistake I've ever made, I've hated selling it ever since I did it. Can't wait to find a new one to replace it with!