genethedog
New member
Hey all. I stumbled onto this site while browsing reviews on the Norinco 1911.
I do not own a gun (ok, I have a pellet gun), nor have I ever owned one. However, I'm I do have some experience from when I was younger and from going to new shooter night at the local range.
At any rate, I am booking my training/testing for my non-restricted and restricted in January. Thinking to the future, I'm considering what my first (and maybe only firearm) will be, so some advice would be nice.
Basically, I really, really want a 1911-A1. It's the 'classic' firearm and I don't think anything that has the history that the 1911 has would still be around if it wasn't the (almost) perfect design.
Also, when it comes to the look of the thing, WOW, you just can't beat it. But I have some concerns.
First concern - Which brand? From the reviews I've seen (and the prices) I'm thinking about the full size Sprinfield Armory. Colts are way too much money and the Norincos seem cheap (but maybe still decent).
What are your thoughts?
Also, I've really only had handgun experience with 22LR. Pretty damn winpy compared to the .45 ACP. Is a .45 too much for a beginner? Also, I am considering the price of rounds. From what I've seen .45 ACP's are like a buck a shot. This hobby could get REALLY expensive at that price. And I'm not thinking of buying a 500 bulk pack to save some money (at least for now).
I'd be happy with a 9mm (or a .30 or .38) but my beloved 1911 doesn't come in that caliber (that I'm aware of). So I'm struggling to make up my mind.
Sure there are some other nice firearms out there that do come in those calibers but my heart is pretty set on a 1911. I think it might be hard to change my mind but you are welcome to give it a shot.
The Musts:
Must not be a 22.
Must have stopping power (but at a reasonable price for an enjoying evening at the range).
Must be versatile (as I'm not planning on having different guns for each occasion). Think - great for the range, pretty good for home protection.
Gun Size/Weight:
'My' gun is not intended for CCW, so I don't want some wimpy looking little compact 3" barrel deal that will feel nice in my wife's purse. The 5" 1911 is more my style. I want to know I'm holding a gun and I really don't care if my arms are going to be tired after 30 rounds, I'll suck it up.
Looks: Again, not wimpy. I'd really like Stainless or Blue. Not much of a fan of polymer but would consider it.
Summary: I want something that looks good, fires straight, feels right, that will last a lifetime.
I do not own a gun (ok, I have a pellet gun), nor have I ever owned one. However, I'm I do have some experience from when I was younger and from going to new shooter night at the local range.
At any rate, I am booking my training/testing for my non-restricted and restricted in January. Thinking to the future, I'm considering what my first (and maybe only firearm) will be, so some advice would be nice.
Basically, I really, really want a 1911-A1. It's the 'classic' firearm and I don't think anything that has the history that the 1911 has would still be around if it wasn't the (almost) perfect design.
Also, when it comes to the look of the thing, WOW, you just can't beat it. But I have some concerns.
First concern - Which brand? From the reviews I've seen (and the prices) I'm thinking about the full size Sprinfield Armory. Colts are way too much money and the Norincos seem cheap (but maybe still decent).
What are your thoughts?
Also, I've really only had handgun experience with 22LR. Pretty damn winpy compared to the .45 ACP. Is a .45 too much for a beginner? Also, I am considering the price of rounds. From what I've seen .45 ACP's are like a buck a shot. This hobby could get REALLY expensive at that price. And I'm not thinking of buying a 500 bulk pack to save some money (at least for now).
I'd be happy with a 9mm (or a .30 or .38) but my beloved 1911 doesn't come in that caliber (that I'm aware of). So I'm struggling to make up my mind.
Sure there are some other nice firearms out there that do come in those calibers but my heart is pretty set on a 1911. I think it might be hard to change my mind but you are welcome to give it a shot.
The Musts:
Must not be a 22.
Must have stopping power (but at a reasonable price for an enjoying evening at the range).
Must be versatile (as I'm not planning on having different guns for each occasion). Think - great for the range, pretty good for home protection.
Gun Size/Weight:
'My' gun is not intended for CCW, so I don't want some wimpy looking little compact 3" barrel deal that will feel nice in my wife's purse. The 5" 1911 is more my style. I want to know I'm holding a gun and I really don't care if my arms are going to be tired after 30 rounds, I'll suck it up.
Looks: Again, not wimpy. I'd really like Stainless or Blue. Not much of a fan of polymer but would consider it.
Summary: I want something that looks good, fires straight, feels right, that will last a lifetime.
