1911 metal - am I making a big deal out of nothing?

[krausb]

I've been looking for a GSG 1911 myself! Haven't found one in AB yet though.... I have always been a big fan of the Armco tuned Norinco 1911s. You cannot go wrong with one! If you are considering getting one, I say buy one! You'll be happy you did.

 

[Freedom Ventures]

I also notice that Kimber makes quite a few models with aluminum frames, but whenever I think of aluminum, I think of a soft metal, and think that it wont stand up to the test of time.

The objective of Aluminum is to make it light for carry. Since we don't carry, it really makes the aluminum frames here a novelty.

Have you looked at STI?

 

[coldfire]

no matter what you buy get a norinco, 1911 for parts, that way if your gun goes down you got a parts "gun" to fix it till the warranty parts show up, in case of a Para-Ord this would be never! seems how para does not honor there warranty in Canada anymore.

 

[survivalofthefittest]

GSG 1911's can be had at Milarm in Edmonton

 

[dinhulks]

If I was to make an investment out of 1911s, I will always, always buy the Colt gold Cup target pistol. That's all you need and they are damn accurate!
Don't waste your money....

 

[tjhaile]

If you want to buy a 1911 as an investment, GI issue 1911/1911A1s or Series 70 or older commercial guns are the sort of guns you should be looking at.

 

[Canuckistanman]

Which 1911 to Buy

Well, here's another shameless shill for the STI 1911 style pistol.

IMHO, you can't beat STI's manufacturing techniques and their after-sale customer/warranty service is second to none. I have three STI pistols and not one of them has ever given me any problems. They're very accurate right out of the box and "tight as a toiger."

STI's Spartan line of 1911's is a good starting point for your first purchase. However, you should know that the Spartan line is assembled entirely in the Philippines by Armscor to lower manufacturing costs and provide customers with an affordable, well-made gun. STI ships their internal parts to Armscor for assembly with the Armscor made frame, slide, and barrel. All other STI 1911's are made in the good ol' USA.

 

[redivivus]

I'm looking to buy my first pistol. Thanks to friends and fellow club members, I've had a chance to test drive quite a few different calibers and makers, and I'm pretty much set on a 1911 in .45 ACP, most likely a Kimber. The main use will be target shooting.

How big a deal is the metal used for the frame & slide on 1911s? I've heard some first-hand stories of frames cracking after a few years of use (S&W and Colt in particular). Whenever making a substantial buy (and I consider any firearm purchase an investment) I don't mind spending as long as its for quality equipment. I immediately looked at the stainless-steel Kimbers, but find that they are a bit more expensive than the blued steel ones. I also notice that Kimber makes quite a few models with aluminum frames, but whenever I think of aluminum, I think of a soft metal, and think that it wont stand up to the test of time.

So in the end, as long as it's proprly maintained, is there any reason a steel frame/steel slide, basic Kimber Custom II should not last my lifetime?

Thanks.

No. Based on my personal experience with 1911s as long as your steel Kimber Custom II is properly cared for and cleaned per the manufacturer's recommendation and used within the parameters of the design, there is no reason why it should not last your lifetime - or perhaps even outlast it. There may, however, be wear and tear items (eg. springs) that may need to be replaced as per the replacement interval set out by Kimber.

Personally, I try to stay clear of aluminum, composites, or cast steel based pistol designs as I fear them to be marginally less durable - but this is based solely on my reseach and may be influenced by my personal affinity for heavy forged steel pistols!

Kimber, as do many of the big names manufactures, make a quality product that is designed and manufactured to compete in a very crowded and fiercely competitive market so there is also little reason to be wary of your choice especially given that you seem to have done your research on the matter. If the ergonomics (sp?) work for you and it fits your requirements, buy it and enjoy shooting it!

 

[choochoo]

I know when I was looking, I did a lot of research on line (here and other forms). I liked what I read and heard about Colt, STI and others, but I decided on a Kimer Custom II. Solid construction, comfortable and natural grip angle settles you quickly and easily on target. Take your time and get what feels right to you. Having said that..... if you have the funds I would point you twoards the Kimber display case!!

Good luck, and have fun

 

[subneural]

Thanks everyone for the pointers and suggestions. I've certainly looked at Colts, STI, Springfield 1911s in addition to the Kimbers, but I find the value of the Kimber to come out on top. Its not the cheapest, but you do get what you pay for. It looks like I have my choice narrowed down to two very different pistols - either a Kimber Custom II in .45, or a Sig 226 in 9mm. I think eventually I will own both, but reality has set in that I can shoot the Sig far more often given the cheaper cost of 9mm ammo, so the .45 may have to wait a while.