Long Slide 1911?

alexbrodeur

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I have always loved the standard sized 1911 and really enjoy shooting them. They have always felt "right" in my hands. I am looking to purchase a 1911 and have thought about maybe getting a "long slide" version... Just a 6" barrel instead of the standard 5". I am looking for any feedback from anyone who might own a long slide 1911. I know a longer sight radius, more muzzle velocity, a bit more weight would be some pros for having an extra inch. I have not found any long slides for sale in Canada. It seems Kimber and RIA make a long slide in .45ACP and Remington has one in 10mm. But not much else for "commercial" manufacturers. Then most of the custom shops/race gun outfits offer them too, but at a price point that is out of the budget... anyone have an AMT Hard Baller for sale...??? :p Bottom line, is the extra inch worth it? Any real world comparison from members? Thanks!
 
I used to own an AMT Longslide build in Corvino California. It had spotty record of accuracy. Tiny groups here, tiny groups over there? Big mystery. Then one day the barrel bushing literally let go at the outdoor range. The mainspring and guide rod ejected forward about 40 feet into the grass. Never found the factory barrel bushing.
Seems out of spec front end of slide was a common theme with these AMT 1911s.
I sold it for a song with disclosure

My advice is to avoid any AMT Longslide like the plague.
 
I think the AMT was a bit ahead of "their time" on stainless guns, I have had 2 or 3 of the 22mag ones, finicky, but with some tuning they where not bad.
More of a collector gun, I have not had a long slide 45, Brutus, I wonder if a hi end match bushing and a barrel fitting would have fixed it? To late now I know.
 
I have heard nothing but good things about the Trojan. Its a shame STI stopped making them but if i had the $$$, a 2011 with a 6" barrel would be awesome! Might have to keep my eyes open for a used Trojan
 
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I think the AMT was a bit ahead of "their time" on stainless guns, I have had 2 or 3 of the 22mag ones, finicky, but with some tuning they where not bad.
More of a collector gun, I have not had a long slide 45, Brutus, I wonder if a hi end match bushing and a barrel fitting would have fixed it? To late now I know.[/QUOT

I have zero experience with AMT or there handguns but it seems that is the general consensus online! Ahead of there time, finicky, hit or miss with reliability and accuracy (duds or tack drivers) But, they are cool looking, and a symbol of gun pop culture (Terminator, Hitman games and movie)
 
My personal favorite 1911 6" long slide .45 ACP:

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I personally like the longslides. I have had a few, but all 10mms because that calibre is meant for a longslide! (jmo of course)

They are obviously a little more muzzle heavy. It has never bothered me (in fact i like it as it helps with recoil of the 10) but most guys I know who have extensively shot 5" 1911, prefer the balance of the shorter barrel. Also less energetic rounds have longer cycle times in the long slide so if you like quick double taps, it can be a different rhythm.

Not too many reasonably priced models around. Wolverine brought in some SAM 45 longslides a few years ago for less than a grand. I had Para/Remington 10mm hunter which was around 1200-1300. The Kimber 10mm longslide was listed for 1400.
 
STI Trojan and Targetmaster were the first and second guns I bought when I first got my licence 8 years ago. I still have them, but don't shoot them as much as I compete in the production div in IPSC.
In addition to the longer sight radius, the Targetmaster has better sights. The fibre optic sights on the Trojan are great for quick target acquisition, but the big blocky sights on the Targetmaster are better for precision shooting. The Aristocrat rear sights can be pre-set for 3 different distances, so going to shoot it in PPC semiauto division once I work up some loads for it.

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I love my 10mm longslide. I’m fortunate to have a wilderness atc for work so I pack it daily. Extremely accurate and a pleasure to shoot. I definitely shoot it more accurately compared to my 4.5” striker fired 10mm.
 
I personally like the longslides. I have had a few, but all 10mms because that calibre is meant for a longslide! (jmo of course)

They are obviously a little more muzzle heavy. It has never bothered me (in fact i like it as it helps with recoil of the 10) but most guys I know who have extensively shot 5" 1911, prefer the balance of the shorter barrel. Also less energetic rounds have longer cycle times in the long slide so if you like quick double taps, it can be a different rhythm.

Not too many reasonably priced models around. Wolverine brought in some SAM 45 longslides a few years ago for less than a grand. I had Para/Remington 10mm hunter which was around 1200-1300. The Kimber 10mm longslide was listed for 1400.

Good point about the cycle times. It shouldn't be much of a problem for myself as this will be used as a recreational paper puncher and the range I frequent is not too fond of rapid fire.

I am leaning towards a Kimber version now... They seem to be going for about 870 to 1000 USD on some sites in the states. And Korth Group does all the distribution and warranty claims for Kimber in Canada, and they are just a few hours south of me as well.
 
STI Trojan and Targetmaster were the first and second guns I bought when I first got my licence 8 years ago. I still have them, but don't shoot them as much as I compete in the production div in IPSC.
In addition to the longer sight radius, the Targetmaster has better sights. The fibre optic sights on the Trojan are great for quick target acquisition, but the big blocky sights on the Targetmaster are better for precision shooting. The Aristocrat rear sights can be pre-set for 3 different distances, so going to shoot it in PPC semiauto division once I work up some loads for it.

View attachment 336529

I wish I would have jumped on one a few years ago now! Oh well, hindsight is always 20/20. Still wish STI offered these! If you would ever consider parting with one I might be your guy!
 
I love my 10mm longslide. I’m fortunate to have a wilderness atc for work so I pack it daily. Extremely accurate and a pleasure to shoot. I definitely shoot it more accurately compared to my 4.5” striker fired 10mm.

An excellent choice for a wilderness carry I would say!
 
Would the good people at STI make you a TargetMaster out of their Custom Shop? Maybe, but it would be expensive. Perhaps you might try posting a WTB ad on the EE on this site.

If I had the funds I would go the custom route in a heartbeat! The STI 2011 is a thing of beauty in my eyes.
That is my plan eventually once I am approved and have access! Until then, I will continue to scour the internet and other classifieds haha.
 
I had an AMT Longslide .45 last century. It wasn't well fitted or finished, but it worked. It felt good, but I sold it.
Whenever I see one for sale, I think it would be neat, but looking at the photos, uninspires me quickly.

I had a Trojan Longslide in 9 mm. which was very elegant and shot well. It would have been a "Forever" gun, but I couldn't use it for ODPL matches, so I traded it off for a standard length 1911.
On occasion I miss it, but I now have a 210A to ease my torment.
 
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