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Buying a Colt 1911
Like many collectors I started out buying Mausers that in most cases are junk. Plus there are so many variations that I can't possibly know enough about them to make it fun. So in the past couple of years my interest has switched to US military arms. Not really exotic stuff, mostly the rifles the typical grunt would carry. The wanted list includes most anything from the 45-70 trapdoor Springfield to the M16. So far I have a Remington 03a3, a Winchester Garand and a Colt AR15 with carry handle (closest I can get to a Vietnam era M16).
While I don't think the typical grunt would carry one, I'd like to add a nice 1911, most likely a Colt. Does anyone have any words of wisdom about these guns? I've never even shot one. What are the big gotchas I should watch out for? Price expectations? I'm not opposed to getting a more modern one. I'm more interested in a good shooter than an original GI gun.
Thanks in advance, Dave
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Buying a Colt 1911
For starters, I'd suggest cruising through "gunbroker.com" to look at current auctions giving you an idea of what certain guns are going for. Currently there is a Colt 1911 original with holster going for $1675.00. There are some other "Commanders" going for $475.00.
I don't like the safties on the 1911's and don't want one. So many manufacturers are making copies with improvements. Kimber makes the most sought after models for professional target shooters. Plan to spend about $1,000.00 or more on one of those. Otherwise you should be able to pick something up for $500.00-$700.00.
In my opinion most of the older Army pistols have had allot of rounds through them and they have lost their accuracy. If I wanted a .45ACP that shot well and felt good in my hand, forgetting nostalgia, I'd go with the Springfield Armory XD. I like shooting my guns rather than just looking at them. It is good when you can do both while they look good and shoot accurately.
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Buying a Colt 1911
Unless you have a thinner type hand, an original configuration (WW1 type) 1911 will make you bleed. The hammer spur will pinch off a piece of flesh if your muscles bulge over the top of the grip safety flange as mine do.
The WW2 configuration with the thinner, shorter hammer spur is better but not perfect. This is why virtually every modern edition of the 1911 has an up-swept beavertail on the grip safety.
That said, some folks do very well with the older designs. Several manufacturers are now making perfect replicas of WW2 1911A1's and very reasonable prices. Check Kahr and Springfield Armory web sites and others.
Kahr is also making a very close replica of the M1 carbine if you are looking for that model, and a cool semi-auto Thompson.
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Buying a Colt 1911
"Kahr is also making a very close replica of the M1 carbine if you are looking for that model"
Someday, yes. It's also on the list, but getting away from general infantry arms. I saw it in American Rifleman. It's a reasonable price too. Like many ignorant Americans I didn't think much of the M1 carbine. Conversely, I always thought the Thompson would be a much more deadly firearm because it LOOKS deadly. But simply in comparing the ballistics of the 45 ACP to the .30 cal carbine changed my mind.
Dave
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Buying a Colt 1911
I just bought a Springfield 1911 in stainless a month or so ago. Its the full size 5" barrel it is a fun shooter. 45acp is very reasonable.
I still have to find a competent instructor and take a couple of lessons how to best shoot one of these semi-autos. Biggest hurdle is eyes, sight and target.
The other thing I like about the 1911 in the recoil is very mild and does not bother my arthritis fingers as much as the 44's do.
I am looking at the Kimber ultra carry II for my daily carry.
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Buying a Colt 1911
If you having accuracy problems shooting, the two handed grip is as important as the sighting. If blurry vision is a problem focus on the front sight so it is clear. The rear sight and object can be a little fuzzie but the front sight must be clear. Always shoot your first round in single action if possible. Pull the trigger with the tip of your finger not at the first joint. Pull back and stop just before it trips, hold your breath and get your target sighted and then gently pull the remaining amount.
Hope this helps. Seeing and following the instructor's suggestions is good way to avoid bad habits.
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Buying a Colt 1911
Yooper
You are right, the two handed grip is best, and use the PUSH PUll method, pull back with one hand and push with the other, give your wrist a slight twist to the right.
Also Pistol shooting is NOT about dressing it up, it is more like Controlled Jerking.
The Marine Corps has a unique way of training their Competitors.
Take a six foot, 6 inch wide board, paint it White and mount it horizontially about chest high off of the ground at 17 meters (normal competition distance or 25 meters). Pull the weapon and fire, do not use sights, fire from the hip and keep practicing until you can get the rounds anywhere in the Horizontal board. When that is accomplished, make the board VERTICAL and do it again, keep practicing until you can get all your rounds in the Vertical Plane. NOW, take two 6 foot by 6 inch White boards and make a Cross. You will find that instinctively you will shoot the center every time, no sights needed.
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Buying a Colt 1911
Harvey
I once fired 500 rds of 45 ammo in a single day. I had no clue what I was in for. For a week after I fired that ammo, my elbows felt as if I had fallen face first on cement and landed on my elbows. Maybe not bad for the fingers, but the elbows take a beating.
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Buying a Colt 1911
wing..... your enthusiasm has gotten way ahead of your knowledge.
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Buying a Colt 1911
DR
"wing..... your enthusiasm has gotten way ahead of your knowledge"
What is this suppose to mean? I should have known better? smile? Like I said I said I never claimed to be a Great pistol shot, I did want to be better and had only so much time to do so, before the match.
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