new gun help

[moodyskydiver 0]

Ok, so I have my TX CHL and I'm looking for a good carry weapon.I've been carrying a Norinco 1911A1 .45ACP and I would like to stick with something similar.I really love the 1911A1 and would like to keep my choices limited to that frame model (cant go wrong with a frame thats lasted almost 100 yrs right?) I'm also looking to keep the caliber a .45ACP.Also, I'm looking for something a little more compact that the standard 5" barrel.Basically I'm just looking for a new 1911 that is better suited for concealed carry.

I dont like the way Kimber fits my hand (or my wallet) So I dont want a Kimber.I've looked at Para Ordinance,Auto Ordinance and Springfield thus far.

Before anyone starts a flame on the use of a 1911 for a CCW, please know that I also have a Springfield XD .45GAP as a backup.Plus, I'm just really familiar with and comfortable with my 1911 and so thats what I trust myself with most.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.Where to look? where to buy?What to look for?

I know I kinda put a tight search criteria up but any advice is appreciated.Thanks in advance.

"...just an earthbound misfit, I."

[rushmc 23]

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Ok, so I have my TX CHL and I'm looking for a good carry weapon.I've been carrying a Norinco 1911A1 .45ACP and I would like to stick with something similar.I really love the 1911A1 and would like to keep my choices limited to that frame model (cant go wrong with a frame thats lasted almost 100 yrs right?) I'm also looking to keep the caliber a .45ACP.Also, I'm looking for something a little more compact that the standard 5" barrel.Basically I'm just looking for a new 1911 that is better suited for concealed carry.

I dont like the way Kimber fits my hand (or my wallet) So I dont want a Kimber.I've looked at Para Ordinance,Auto Ordinance and Springfield thus far.

Before anyone starts a flame on the use of a 1911 for a CCW, please know that I also have a Springfield XD .45GAP as a backup.Plus, I'm just really familiar with and comfortable with my 1911 and so thats what I trust myself with most.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.Where to look? where to buy?What to look for?

I know I kinda put a tight search criteria up but any advice is appreciated.Thanks in advance.

If you got the jack Kimber makes a great one. I would have to go the othe web site to find the model

"America will never be destroyed from the outside,
if we falter and lose our freedoms,
it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
Abraham Lincoln

[moodyskydiver 0]

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If you got the jack Kimber makes a great one. I would have to go the othe web site to find the model

As I've said, I'm not a big Kimber fan.I havent found a Kimber that will fit my small hands and although they may be a great weapon I think they're too proud of their prices.There are plenty of other good companies that make products just as good for a more reasonable price.

Just IMHO.

"...just an earthbound misfit, I."

[jm951 0]

I've used a Springfield for quite a while. It's had probably 100k rounds through it, one KB, and a couple barrels. Not a bad record for a GI replica. It has now started to have problems though. I moved from it over to a Glock 21C because of arthritis in my hands made the 1911 controls problematic at times.

I wouldn't hesitate on another GI replica from Springfield if I were to go 1911 again. Para Ord makes a good piece. I have no direct experience with Auto Ord, but my second hand observations would rate it a distant third to Spfld or Para. Before writing off Glocks, go down to a range and try one of the small 45acp models. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

[moodyskydiver 0]

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I've used a Springfield for quite a while. It's had probably 100k rounds through it, one KB, and a couple barrels. Not a bad record for a GI replica. It has now started to have problems though. I moved from it over to a Glock 21C because of arthritis in my hands made the 1911 controls problematic at times.

I wouldn't hesitate on another GI replica from Springfield if I were to go 1911 again. Para Ord makes a good piece. I have no direct experience with Auto Ord, but my second hand observations would rate it a distant third to Spfld or Para. Before writing off Glocks, go down to a range and try one of the small 45acp models. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Thanks for the input.I'm actually looking at the Springfield GI .45 "Champion" model with a 4"barrel.Its a hair smaller than the full sized 1911s but its not so small that its going to kill my wrist with recoil from the smaller barrel either.

I looked at Auto Ord. but they seem to only make the full size 5" barrel 1911s and thats not what I'm looking for.I already have one.

Para Ord. has several good choices too.I like the Para Ord. LTC .45ACP w/a 4.25" barrel.

I really dont want a Glock.I've tried a few and they just didnt fit my hand well.I liked the Springfield XD better.But I'm not looking for either one right now.I'm in the market for a concealable 1911.

Thanks again!

"...just an earthbound misfit, I."

[skycop 0]

Auto-Ordinance sucks, I had a AO 1911 "Pitbull" a few years back. It was very compact but it never functioned properly. I would recommend a Para-Ordinance compact.
If you have small hands maybe you should look at a .40 cal., almost the stopping power of a .45 but (usually) a smaller more user friendly gun.
Good luck!

[rushmc 23]

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If you got the jack Kimber makes a great one. I would have to go the othe web site to find the model

As I've said, I'm not a big Kimber fan.I havent found a Kimber that will fit my small hands and although they may be a great weapon I think they're too proud of their prices.There are plenty of other good companies that make products just as good for a more reasonable price.

Just IMHO.

Agreed, they are very pricey and they do have to fit. I like Springfield Arms too

"America will never be destroyed from the outside,
if we falter and lose our freedoms,
it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
Abraham Lincoln

[moodyskydiver 0]

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Auto-Ordinance sucks, I had a AO 1911 "Pitbull" a few years back. It was very compact but it never functioned properly. I would recommend a Para-Ordinance compact.
If you have small hands maybe you should look at a .40 cal., almost the stopping power of a .45 but (usually) a smaller more user friendly gun.
Good luck!

Yeah, I'm not too impressed with AO right now.But I'm really liking what I'm seeing from Para Ord. and Springfield. I havent checked out all the manufacturers yet.I've only look at Springfield,AO,PO,S&W,Colt,CZ, and Rock River Arms thus far.I still need to check out H&K,Sig,Tarus, Ruger, etc.

But, so far I've got things down to 2 different models.
One is the ParaOrdinance LTC .45ACP.It holds 7+1 weighs 35oz (empty) and has a 4.25" barrel w/3dot sights.MSRP: $919.00

The other is the Springfield GI .45 Champion 1911A1 .45ACP. It holds 7+1,weighs 37oz. (empty) and has a 4"barrel with military sights.MSRP:$559.00

These are my top 2 choices right now,but I'm still open minded and still looking.

As for getting a .40...no thanks.I've already had a Springfield XD .40 and I didnt care for it.The XD .45GAP is much better.Besides, I just really like and am comfy with the .45ACP caliber.I'm not sure if its b/c my hands are small that guns like Glock and Kimber dont fit my hand or if its just the way I hold a weapon comfortably that makes it difficult.

"...just an earthbound misfit, I."

[narcimund 0]

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As I've said, I'm not a big Kimber fan.I havent found a Kimber that will fit my small hands and although they may be a great weapon I think they're too proud of their prices.There are plenty of other good companies that make products just as good for a more reasonable price.

Your hands must be really small then. My Kimber 1911 ultra-carry (.45) is very comfortable and my hands are quite small.

First Class Citizen Twice Over

[moodyskydiver 0]

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Your hands must be really small then. My Kimber 1911 ultra-carry (.45) is very comfortable and my hands are quite small.

Well, my hands arent super small,but they're small enough.I'm not sure if its the size of my hands thats the problem or if its how I'm gripping the gun or what.But Kimbers just feel weird in my hands.

"...just an earthbound misfit, I."

[steve1 5]

You guys know a lot more about pistols than I probably ever will, but I was wondering what you thought of Smith and Wesson? It seems like their popularity has gone way down hill, over the years. They do have several smaller versions.

I don't like the feel or looks of Glock, but for a defensive pistol, what a weapon! No safety to worry about, just point and shoot. But then again, I've sold several rifles over the years, because I just didn't like their looks or feel. So, I don't know if I'll ever buy a Glock. Maybe it takes a while to learn to like this weapon....Steve1

[ExAFO 0]

I recommend the Cassowary Arms 2000 SUX. It has the ability to throw a great deal of manganese downrange, dissuading the most determined of bandicoots from defiling your supply of marzipan.

Illinois needs a CCW Law. NOW.

[SWATcop 0]

I have carried Glocks, H&K and SIGs for on duty and off duty carry (Glocks preferred). If I was going to carry 1911 type weapon for concealed carry, the Springfield V-10 would be my choice.

http://www.gunshopfinder.com/springfield/PX9171L.asp

These guys also make great quality concealed carry holsters at a reasonable price.

http://www.donhume.com/

Kevin

Muff Brother #4041
Team Dirty Sanchez #467

[moodyskydiver 0]

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I have carried Glocks, H&K and SIGs for on duty and off duty carry (Glocks preferred). If I was going to carry 1911 type weapon for concealed carry, the Springfield V-10 would be my choice.

Thanks for the input.I'll check out the V-10.I've already narrowed my list down from about 20 to 3, the Para Ord. LTC,the Springfield GI.45 Champion and the High Standard Crusader Combat. I'm still open to suggestions though.

I wont be needing a holster.My dad's friend is a saddle maker and he makes custom fit leather holsters for me that are damn good.
Keep it coming guys.I'm loving the input!

"...just an earthbound misfit, I."

[jm951 0]

My only complaint with the 1911 GI replicas are the sights. I would absolutely change the factory sights on most handguns. The ones that I most prefer- Heinie Straight 8, followed by Heinie rear with Dawson fiber optic front.

The ParaOrd trigger will take some getting used to, similar to a Glock. It's DAO, and if you're used to the single action of a 1911, it will take some getting used to. Other than that, they make some decent stuff.

[moodyskydiver 0]

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My only complaint with the 1911 GI replicas are the sights. I would absolutely change the factory sights on most handguns. The ones that I most prefer- Heinie Straight 8, followed by Heinie rear with Dawson fiber optic front.

The ParaOrd trigger will take some getting used to, similar to a Glock. It's DAO, and if you're used to the single action of a 1911, it will take some getting used to. Other than that, they make some decent stuff.

Yeah,even though the PO is my first choice I'm leaning towards the Springfield.That way I'll still be getting a good gun but the $ I save with the Springfield I can use for any smithwork...and new sights would be first on the list.

"...just an earthbound misfit, I."

[skydemon2 0]

I have a full size para-o, I really like it god only knows how many rounds I put thru it and it still shoots awesome. It does have tight tolerences and tends to jam if you try to put more than 300 rounds thru it without cleaning it! But as long as its clean its rock solid!

Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone!

I like to start my day off with a little Ray of Soulshine™!!

[LouDiamond 1]

Have you considered the Colt Commander with the 4 1/4 barrel?

"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

[moodyskydiver 0]

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Have you considered the Colt Commander with the 4 1/4 barrel?

Yup, I considered the Commander.I'm looking for a dark finish not stainless.Plus after 1991 when Colt started making all the internal parts out of teflon and aluminium instead of steel I kinda got away from their products.Just a personal prefrence.

"...just an earthbound misfit, I."