1911 in 9MM?

[KBCraig]

Don't forget the STI "LS9" model. It's a 9mm single stack with a 3.4" barrel. As STI guns go, it's practically bargain basement, at $789 MSRP (I've seen them offered under $700).

It's also a skinny-mini... barely more than 3/4" wide across metal, and right at 1.0" across wood. Highly concealable.

Kevin

[age_ranger]

That sounds like a great carry piece! I've heard mixed reviews on the STI pistols in regards to feed jams and that they're touchy unless fed a certain ammo. Some say they like longer noses on the bullets while others seem to not have any problems.

I checked out a Springfield 1911 in 9mm and liked it alot. Still on my list of pistols to shoot before I buy.

[Ron C]

Have you considered letting your daughter try shooting a heavier .45?
I was surprised that the recoil wasn't as bad as everyone said.

Haven't yet. Maybe I should give her a spin on one and see what she thinks. She isn't afraid of recoil, as she shoots my sportsman weight 30-06 and hangs in there with me at the range. Just that she shoots the lighter caliber rifles longer and enjoys them more. Heck, the same goes for me.

There's also the ammunition cost difference between .45 and 9mm. 9mm is pretty darned cheap.

[longtooth]

Cost is a great difference. If you consider reloading it is really affordable though. She may like to do that w/ you too. My Mother love so load w/ me.
Since you say she is not recoil sencitive she may really like a 1911 like VP said. My wife is a small lady. She shoots my Kimber & has said the only reason she lets me keep it is the weight.
I carry a CDP so it aint that heavy.

[G.C.Montgomery]

...It's ergonomically and cosmetically the same as a 1911, with only a few practical differences...

John Moses Browning is turning over in his grave...And I've got a cranberry juice soaked keyboard.

[Thane]

...It's ergonomically and cosmetically the same as a 1911, with only a few practical differences...

John Moses Browning is turning over in his grave...And I've got a cranberry juice soaked keyboard.

Ya got me.

Internally, the two pistols are quite different. The Stars don't have any grip safety, the thumb safeties are put together differently, and the Star trigger, while cosmetically similar and sharing a relatively short reset, rotates on a pin rather than sliding backwards like the 1911. These, among other mechanical dissimiliarities, are the "practical differences" I mentioned.

To all 1911 purists, no offense was intended. I'm well aware of the mechanical differences between the pistols. However, if you're looking for an inexpensive 9mm platform that emulates a 1911 in the hand, the Stars are quite a good deal.

[jrosto]

I will have to agree that the star is a good choice if you are looking for an inexpensive 9mm that feels like a 1911.

[KBCraig]

I will have to agree that the star is a good choice if you are looking for an inexpensive 9mm that feels like a 1911.

There's always its cousin, the Ballerina Molester --er, Ballester-Molina-- in .45 ACP, too.

I think the grip panels will swap with a 1911, but that's about it.

The other Argentinian .45, the Sistema Modelo 1927, is a true 1911 clone, produced under license from Colt.

Kevin

[Tote 9]

Have you considered letting your daughter try shooting a heavier .45?
I was surprised that the recoil wasn't as bad as everyone said.

Haven't yet. Maybe I should give her a spin on one and see what she thinks. She isn't afraid of recoil, as she shoots my sportsman weight 30-06 and hangs in there with me at the range. Just that she shoots the lighter caliber rifles longer and enjoys them more. Heck, the same goes for me.

There's also the ammunition cost difference between .45 and 9mm. 9mm is pretty darned cheap.

The same with my wife. Although she shoots my 45 she had rather shoot
my 9mm. if she is going to shoot very much. as you said the cost factor
on amnunition is a heap difference too.

[flintknapper]

I've shot a friends full size Springfield (1911) in 9mm several times.

It was extremely manageable and pleasant to shoot. Follow up shots were instantaneous...owing to the mild recoil.

[Ron C]

I'm really leaning strongly towards the 4" Kimber. $700 and looks to bee a really nice pistol.

Thanks for all of the great replies. Keep 'em coming if ya'll are still willing.

[badgerw]

Ron -

Grab that Kimber.

I went looking for a 9mm 1911 earlier this year. Found the Kimber 4" at Dury's Gun Shop in San Antonio. They sold it to me for $675.

I like shooting it. Compared to my Kimber Ultra Carry .45 ACP (my EDC gun), the 9mm's recoil is soft.

Now, the bad news. My Kimber was used. Looked like less than 100 rounds thru it. First time to the range, I had a Failure to Extract every 3rd or 4th round. Changing magazines made no difference. Changing ammo made no difference.

The FTEs were bad. To clear them, I had to:

1. Lock the slide back

2. Drop the magazine.

3. Let the slide run forward.

4. Rack the slide to eject the empty case.

5. Insert the magazine.

6. Rack the slide to chamber a fresh round.

Dury's guarantees any gun they sell for life. So back I went to their gunsmith.

"Lots of carbon built up in the chamber." He cleaned it thoroughly, test fired a magazine, and returned it to me.

Back to the range. Within 10 rounds, the FTE reappeared.

Back to Dury's. "We'll replace the extractor." Another magazine test fired, and back to me.

Back to the range. FTEs reappear within a few rounds.

So it's back to Dury's tomorrow.

YMMV one heck of a lot.

Bill

[Diode]

Bill, Do you know Kimber had problems with the external extractor? If it has one send it back to Kimber, they will replace the whole slide if need be. Either way I'd send it to Kimber, they will resolve it.

[badgerw]

re: the external extractor problem.

1. My 9mm Kimber (the one with the FTE problem) is an internal extractor model.

2. My .45ACP Ultra Carry, with the (supposedly) jam-prone 3" barrel system, has been utterly flaswless in the 1000 rounds I've fired this year. And it has an external extractor.

YMMV one hell of a lot.

Bill

[Diode]

Isn't that about the way it goes. Just making sure you knew .

re: the external extractor problem.

1. My 9mm Kimber (the one with the FTE problem) is an internal extractor model.

2. My .45ACP Ultra Carry, with the (supposedly) jam-prone 3" barrel system, has been utterly flaswless in the 1000 rounds I've fired this year. And it has an external extractor.

YMMV one hell of a lot.

Bill