Debating on a new 1911

[casp625]

What holster(s) do you use?

For the 1911's I have a handful, but my 2 favorite CC holsters at the moment are-
Milt Sparks Nexus
JW Custom Kydex - version 3 IWB (25degrees and "extra tuck" which holds the grip tighter to the body

I don't own any Bullard leather but I've only hear great things over the years from those who do.


DevilDawg - I'm not a bad influence, I'm just helping you be more decisive with your discretionary dollars!

Sent you a PM.

[casp625]

So, I am looking at the Spring fields and noticed the Range Officer Champion and was comparing it against the Champion Lightweight Operator. Are there any major differences between the two, besides what I found, that should be considered? This would be primarily for carry. I am not too concerned with the rail or the ambidextrous safety.

RO Champion:
Fiber Optic Front & Low-Profile Combat Rear
30 ozs.
Forged Lightweight Alloy
One-Sided External Safety

Champion LW Operator:
Low Profile Combat, 3 - Dot Tritium
31 ozs.
Forged Aluminum Alloy w/ Integral Accessory Rail, Black Hardcoat Anodized
Ambidextrous Safety

[Taypo]

Depending on where it comes in price wise, they just released the RO Operator this week. Might be worth a look as well...

[Right2Carry]

casp625,

I know this was directed more towards that Evil flechero, but I use DM Bullard holsters for my 1911. I have used the Dual Carry for a couple years now, but only on the OWB application. I just ordered a Bodyguard with scroll on the border, should see it in a month or so.

Fine craftsmanship and Texas maker. Always a win-win in my book. They do hit the North Texas gun show circuit I think, so if your in the area you can probably meet the owners.

Lov my DM Bullard IWB and wanted an OWB but he doesn't do holsters with a thumb break. SMH.

[casp625]

Depending on where it comes in price wise, they just released the RO Operator this week. Might be worth a look as well...

I'm thinking the 40oz is a little heavier than I was wanting to go but thanks for the heads up!

[casp625]

So, I am looking at the Spring fields and noticed the Range Officer Champion and was comparing it against the Champion Lightweight Operator. Are there any major differences between the two, besides what I found, that should be considered? This would be primarily for carry. I am not too concerned with the rail or the ambidextrous safety.

RO Champion:
Fiber Optic Front & Low-Profile Combat Rear
30 ozs.
Forged Lightweight Alloy
One-Sided External Safety

Champion LW Operator:
Low Profile Combat, 3 - Dot Tritium
31 ozs.
Forged Aluminum Alloy w/ Integral Accessory Rail, Black Hardcoat Anodized
Ambidextrous Safety

My other consideration is now dealing with caliber choice. I'm starting to think I should go with the 9mm 1911 instead of the 45ACP considering I have a bunch of 9mm ammo at home. Or is this taboo for a 1911

[cbunt1]

My other consideration is now dealing with caliber choice. I'm starting to think I should go with the 9mm 1911 instead of the 45ACP considering I have a bunch of 9mm ammo at home. Or is this taboo for a 1911

9mm is not truly "Taboo" in a 1911, and in fact I have one, but my experience has been that it's far less finicky in .45 ACP as both God and John Moses Browning intended.

All kidding aside, a 9mm 1911 is a nice gun. My only issue is finding the "right" extra mags for them that work well with the ammo you choose. 1911's can be touchy about anything except factory ammo, and 9mm's display this behavior even more so.

[Pawpaw]

My other consideration is now dealing with caliber choice. I'm starting to think I should go with the 9mm 1911 instead of the 45ACP considering I have a bunch of 9mm ammo at home. Or is this taboo for a 1911

Nope! Especially if you get a Commander (4.25" barrel). The Colt Commander was originally chambered in 9mm.

As for mags, you can't beat Tripp Research. They ain't cheap, but you don't want to cheap out on a self defense pistol.

Bonus: The 9mm mags hold 10 rounds, instead of the 8 you get with .45 mags.

[casp625]

Well, I just shot a .45ACP Colt MK IV at an indoor range and it was pretty nice. I actually felt like my Shield 9mm has more recoil and the .45 was easier. They had a scale that was a little off and said it weighed just under 2.5lbs, so I am guessing around 38oz or 39oz. I think after shooting, I will go ahead and get the Springfield .45 from Buds since I can get it cheaper than anywhere else I have looked; only $688!!
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod ... 4%22+Black

On a side note, how much difference does 8oz make? I know the Springfield weighs In at 30oz with empty mags.

[casp625]

Here is a quick recap of my Colt MK IV 1911 shoot.

On the first picture, I shot at the right target at 3 yards and the left target at 7 yards, both with 16 rounds of ammo. (Ignore the little .22LR holes as my GF was shooting on the same paper.) The second picture, which wasn't that great, was at 15 yards with 13 rounds fired. What didn't help was the black silhouette of the target against virtually non-existent iron sights! The stainless steel had long faded and was just a stripped-metal color without any dots or real points of reference. Overall though, it was a fun experience.

[Pawpaw]

Well, I just shot a .45ACP Colt MK IV at an indoor range and it was pretty nice. I actually felt like my Shield 9mm has more recoil and the .45 was easier. They had a scale that was a little off and said it weighed just under 2.5lbs, so I am guessing around 38oz or 39oz. I think after shooting, I will go ahead and get the Springfield .45 from Buds since I can get it cheaper than anywhere else I have looked; only $688!!
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod ... 4%22+Black

On a side note, how much difference does 8oz make? I know the Springfield weighs In at 30oz with empty mags.

Not much, really. My V-Bob is about 35oz and my Guardian is about 28oz. I can't tell any difference in recoil between the two.

The .45 is a low pressure cartridge compared to 9mm. The result is .45 recoil is more of a "push" while 9mm is more of a "slap".