Seeking advice on that first handgun or next weapon purchase? Ask AW!

[GO_AV8_DevilDog]

Here's a lil 1911 porn since all of you seem to be a fan

This is my baby, a Colt series 80 with white dot sights

also in this picture is my blackwater holster bout 50 rounds of .45ACP FMJ and a flashlight.
why? because no home defense kit is complete without one. This IS my everyday cary pistol and I love it.

sorry about the poor quality, next time I'll use a better camera (i.e. not my phone)

 

[BigRed389]

My TO weapon in the Marine Corps was at times a 1911. I qualified expert with it 3 years in a row. I've owned 1911's in a Series 70 Colt, a Kimber and an Ed Brown Special Forces. The Ed Brown is my all time favorite pistol and that says a lot.

Even so the pistol I keep on my night stand is a Glock 21SF.

I've heard something to that nature from a lot of people....many of whom don't even "like" Glocks, but I've heard plenty of people say their immediate go to gun for home defense is a Glock of some variety.

If you don't mind my asking what's the reason?

I like my Glock 19, but after having shot a number of different pistols since purchasing it, I've got to say there are other pistols that "feel" better.

 

[Rocketman]

I've heard something to that nature from a lot of people....many of whom don't even "like" Glocks, but I've heard plenty of people say their immediate go to gun for home defense is a Glock of some variety.

If you don't mind my asking what's the reason?

I like my Glock 19, but after having shot a number of different pistols since purchasing it, I've got to say there are other pistols that "feel" better.

I'm in love with my Ed Brown. I felt the same way about the Series 70. They are super weapons and almost works of art. But if everything is on the line, for me it's all about simplicity, utility and reliability.

My G21 is not as accurate as my EB but it's damn close. It doesn't fit my hand as well either. In fact until the slim frame came along I didn't even own a G21. There is no safety to fumble around with and I like that. Never ever have I had a FTE with my G21. It shoots everything I feed it all the time period.

I can't say that about my 1911's. I will say that they all were eventually broken in to the point that the FTE's went away completely. But I will always have that slight doubt in the back of my mind.

IMHO a 1911 is a pistolero's weapon. You need to shoot a lot to really fight it well. I don't shoot all that much anymore so the G21SF is an easy choice for me.

A 1911 is sexy and a Glock is not but I'm to old to give a shit.

 

[poprlj]

Rocketman I am envious of your Ed Brown 1911, always wanted one. I also tend to agree with you about you need to practice a lot with a 1911. My wife bought me a Dillion reloader and that helps a LOT. Store bought ammo is getting very pricy.
I had a Glock in 40 Cal., standard size (do not remembe the model #)and I did not care for it. It was a good pistol and shot well so that was not the problem. Maybe it was the looks(?), at any rate I gave it to one of my sons who lost it in a divorce.

Mrs. Pickle, the cup is what I keep my big gun in.

Semper Fi

 

[Rocketman]

More 1911 Porn: Ed Brown Special Forces

Stock Photo, Mine doesn't have the Ambi safety

 

[poprlj]

Rockerman, Gotta rub it in , don't you.

Semper Fi

 

[Slammer2]

It was for your viewing pleasure

 

[Rocketman]

It was for your viewing pleasure

Yup. Can't show you my Kimber because Lt Rocketman swiped it.

 

[poprlj]

Rocketman,
Think I'll go out to the shed and reload a couple of hundred rounds and go to the range today.
Wife would kill me if I bring home another gun, but I can look and dream.

 

[2ndGen]

Are you only looking at steel frames, or are you open to polymer frames as well. I love my M&P, it is dead nuts accurate, light weight and if capacity is a concern, its 17+1. I haven't carried it yet, so I can't chime in on that, but its not bigger than a 1911.

 

[LowWingLoad]

Rock Island 1911 ?

I didn't want to start a thread for a simple question so this was the closest one I could find to match my search.

I have found an online gunstore that has Rock Island 3.5" 1911's for $450.00.

Does anyone have an experience with them?
Construction, fit, reliability etc...

Seems a decent price for a short 1911, but wondering if your getting what you paid for on this one as they look a little rough/unfinished.

Thanks

 

[Bevo16]

I have a Colt 1911 and love it, but I understand the price issue.

I was in a gun shop yesterday afternoon and noticed the price on the Rock Island 1911, and I was interested enough to ask to handle it. I was not impressed. It just felt cheap.

If you can't afford the original and are looking for a nice 1911 on a budget, check out the Springfield Armory 1911. It is more than the Rock Island, but you will know where that money went as soon as you hold it. If you are in the gun shop and you have never heard of the manufacturer that is stamped on the side of the weapon and the most attractive thing is the price, keep looking.

You can find the SA Mil-Spec 1911 for around $580, and the GI model for $520ish. The low marginal cost is well worth it in peace of mind and respect at the range.

 

[LowWingLoad]

I have a Colt 1911 and love it, but I understand the price issue.

I was in a gun shop yesterday afternoon and noticed the price on the Rock Island 1911, and I was interested enough to ask to handle it. I was not impressed. It just felt cheap.

If you can't afford the original and are looking for a nice 1911 on a budget, check out the Springfield Armory 1911. It is more than the Rock Island, but you will know where that money went as soon as you hold it. If you are in the gun shop and you have never heard of the manufacturer that is stamped on the side of the weapon and the most attractive thing is the price, keep looking.

You can find the SA Mil-Spec 1911 for around $580, and the GI model for $520ish. The low marginal cost is well worth it in peace of mind and respect at the range.

Thanks for the advice, not my first handgun won't be my last but I agree entirely with your statement that if the price is all that attracts you then something is wrong.

I was basically looking for a knockaround .45 that can get beat up and not get concerned about it.

However, if you say it feels cheap in person that is good enough for me to just buy another XD.

Thanks

 

[PropAddict]

I've shot one and came really close to buying one as a knock around range gun/loaner.

It's not gonna compare to a Kimber in terms of fit and finish, but they shoot well for the price (pre-2009 they ran in the low/mid $300's) and you can probably sell it for what you paid, when you decide to upgrade.

 

[sodajones]

+1 on the springfield 1911 mil spec. Good sights, lowered ejection port that can handle any aftermarket ammo.