steviesterno Posted March 13, 2016 Share Posted March 13, 2016 hey all, i've been hit by the "I want a new gun bug" and have had an itch for a 2011 for a while. I prefer a single action trigger, and I carry a 1911 and shoot one in single stack. I'm thinking I should consolidate stuff again, get one pistol to shoot all events that I shoot (steel, 3 gun, USPSA, HD, range toy with eventual suppressor, maybe carry). I'm really liking the STI Tactical or new 3 gun pistol. I feel like I could shoot that in any division I'm interested in shooting. However, I'm having a hard time stomaching the cost. I already have an M&P pro and full size, and enjoy shooting them well enough. we just had our first kiddo (6 weeks old yesterday) so in my head I know I won't be shooting any serious matches or competitions in the near future. I can't tell if it's worth the 2 grand when I have a college fund and day care and stuff to worry about. But, if I sold the M&Ps I would only have to come up with maybe $800, which seems reasonable. but at the end of all that, I would have a 5" 9mm with extended mags and a rail.... which I already have in an M&P. So is it really worth all that trouble and expense if I want a 2011 but won't shoot it to it's capacity? Should I buy one now before what I bet are prices going up, or not bother if it's not going to get used for a few years? Should I just slap an apex trigger and heavy guide rod in the M&P and shut up about it? I know the "life is too short to shoot guns you don't like" argument, but i already have my custom 9mm CCO for carry and a les baer. Range sessions seem like they will be a few minutes to stay fresh, rather than all day affairs like they used to be. Another consideration is I'm getting an NFA trust for my anniversary (badass, right?). should I just save up and spend some of that "gun money" on shooting toys (a centerfire can and short shotgun, which I have wanted for a decade). so many toys, so little time and money... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hi-Power Jack Posted March 13, 2016 Share Posted March 13, 2016 Buy a used 2011 ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerTrace Posted March 13, 2016 Share Posted March 13, 2016 I'm here to tell you that you are gonna be shooting a lot less, if any at all for the next few years. Which, isn't a terrible thing, because you are going to be spending time with the kiddo. So, I wouldn't sell the MPs, keep them to shoot when you get the chance. However, if you plan to use the trust to buy a can or two, you better get busy, because the rules change this summer and it's going to be a lot more trouble to buy NFA items. If you need to cash to pay for the can and tax stamp, go ahead and sell the MP...you can always buy a used STI on here later........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steviesterno Posted March 13, 2016 Author Share Posted March 13, 2016 Trace, I thought it was going to get a bunch easier since we don't need LEO sign off? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken_Bird Posted March 13, 2016 Share Posted March 13, 2016 Steve. I was shooting a 2011 Open, 9mm when we met. I was doing OK with it but due to peer pressure was convinced to give the almighty Glock a try. Well, I did. 17 and a 34 9mm in open and stock. All great and cheaper then a 2011 but could not shoot a Glock. The reason is a valid one for me and I do not want to start a debate here. Enough said for Glock's, they went bye bye. Then all my great buddies, said go to M&P. They have a closer to 1911 grip angle. OK, did that and yes I did shoot them better but still not to the extent of the 2011 gun I had. So last effort was with Sig. Had a couple of very nice Sigs. 226 and X5 they shoot well but I still did not like them as well as my 2011. So you might wonder why not just buy another 2011. WELL ! Dam good point, so I did have two now and no plan to change again in the future. All this just means to me, if you like 2011 and shoot it well then that is what you should have and shoot. A gun is like a woman, find a good looking one that fits and makes you better and you have a keeper. OK Ladies, sorry. Glad you kiddo is here and you and mommy are doing well. You will have many years of joy with you kid, till they get a mouth, and about age 14. That is when you will shoot more. Just Saying MHO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polymerfeelsweirdman Posted March 14, 2016 Share Posted March 14, 2016 There is also the CZ tac sport and the new tac sport orange, they should be cheaper than a 2011. The tac sport is a great shooter and is about 1000, and if you want you can add a few things like switching for a metal trigger for not too much more money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJH Posted March 14, 2016 Share Posted March 14, 2016 Yes , but you can also get a para and rock island double stack, either of which will be miles better than the m&p for less money. Either way, drop the plastic you will be happier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJART Posted March 14, 2016 Share Posted March 14, 2016 I'm here to tell you that you are gonna be shooting a lot less, if any at all for the next few years. Which, isn't a terrible thing, because you are going to be spending time with the kiddo. So, I wouldn't sell the MPs, keep them to shoot when you get the chance. However, if you plan to use the trust to buy a can or two, you better get busy, because the rules change this summer and it's going to be a lot more trouble to buy NFA items. If you need to cash to pay for the can and tax stamp, go ahead and sell the MP...you can always buy a used STI on here later........ I'm here to tell you thats not true. OP, you can build out an 80% 2011 with STI parts for around $1300, if you want to do the work yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bajaholic Posted March 14, 2016 Share Posted March 14, 2016 The real question is do you want us to give you permission to buy the 2011? I say this tong and cheek but there is some truth to the question. Lets face it, the gun is the tool, the shooter is the skill. You can become the best shooter in the country if you are good enough and as much as I hate to admit, the gun is again, just the thing that goes bang to make you look and sound good. That said.... I have (4) 2011's so far and really enjoy looking at the gun porn on some of the build threads... So, yup you need that one you are looking at... Makes you shoot better, is a great investment, gives you respect, will help you wake up in the morning and have a perfect day, but most importantly, it will make you feel great to own it. That hopefully covers it for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twodownzero Posted March 14, 2016 Share Posted March 14, 2016 I have a 2011 and yet I have purposely taken my M&P to matches and shot Limited with it. It doesn't make much difference at all; it's just preference. I got 5th place overall out of 31 shooters last month with a single stack. I know I beat at least one open shooter and several limited shooters. In other words, equipment does not matter. We focus on equipment here because we like tinkering, but tinkering does not win matches. Shooting, and more specifically, stage breakdown and efficiency, wins matches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steviesterno Posted March 14, 2016 Author Share Posted March 14, 2016 I'm here to tell you that you are gonna be shooting a lot less, if any at all for the next few years. Which, isn't a terrible thing, because you are going to be spending time with the kiddo. So, I wouldn't sell the MPs, keep them to shoot when you get the chance. However, if you plan to use the trust to buy a can or two, you better get busy, because the rules change this summer and it's going to be a lot more trouble to buy NFA items. If you need to cash to pay for the can and tax stamp, go ahead and sell the MP...you can always buy a used STI on here later........ I'm here to tell you thats not true. OP, you can build out an 80% 2011 with STI parts for around $1300, if you want to do the work yourself. I'm not set up here in the garage to do 80% builds at the moment. otherwise I would do a couple of ARs and 1911s like that. But one thing I'm finding is I don't have much time to shoot, or time to spend in the garage making a racket and firing up the tools. The real question is do you want us to give you permission to buy the 2011? I say this tong and cheek but there is some truth to the question. yeah, I really think this is what I'm doing. Trying to justify the cost. i don't know why I want one so bad, but I have wanted a railed 1911 style for a while. Might have to just say screw it and get the new range officer operator. 1/3rd the price and has the rail, so for HD it will work just fine. I don't know.... one problem with this whole baby thing is I'm stuck at home and screwing around on the internet too much. he's asleep now, but I know if I try and do anything he will wake up and scream. It's easy to get lost in gun porn on this and similar forums. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerTrace Posted March 14, 2016 Share Posted March 14, 2016 I'm here to tell you that you are gonna be shooting a lot less, if any at all for the next few years. Which, isn't a terrible thing, because you are going to be spending time with the kiddo. So, I wouldn't sell the MPs, keep them to shoot when you get the chance. However, if you plan to use the trust to buy a can or two, you better get busy, because the rules change this summer and it's going to be a lot more trouble to buy NFA items. If you need to cash to pay for the can and tax stamp, go ahead and sell the MP...you can always buy a used STI on here later........ I'm here to tell you thats not true. OP, you can build out an 80% 2011 with STI parts for around $1300, if you want to do the work yourself. If he keeps his priorities in the correct order, it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Honeybooboo Posted March 14, 2016 Share Posted March 14, 2016 It's worth it. I have a small child. Shooting is one of the things I still get to do. It's all priorities. I don't get to do all the hobbies and things I did before a child, but shooting is something that I still have plenty of time for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hallz Posted April 1, 2016 Share Posted April 1, 2016 IMO unless you are going to move over to a .40 you could just send it off and have Dan Burwell do a full comp trigger on the M&P, add a heavy magmell, extended base pads and heavy guide rod and can still be competitive with the M&P and the trigger will have a little to no creep, short reset and reliable (less "tuning" and "lite strike issues" than any of the apex setups (I have the Apex kits in 3M&P's). IMO I prefer striker fired pistols for 3gun for the simplicity and no saftey to worry about in the dump. If you want a new toy but feel guilty on the expence, The CZ Tac sport is sweet, considered possibly the best out of the box trigger out there (my current limmited gun, wife shots the M&P in limited) Another option is to look at the other various CZ's, the single actions have a nice short reset and can be set up to duplicate the CZ TS trigger as single action only. Very sweet triggers! 2011's are sweet but they take a commitment of time ans money to set up and keep running. Mags at $80-$130 each and need tuning. The tight tolerances require manininace more than every 500k and twice a year. Just food for thought, Good luck and congrats on the addition to the family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCTaylor Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 (edited) I've had the same thoughts as you Stevie, in a very similar position as well! Kiddo (first one!) is 8 weeks old, got a Glock 34 & 35, and have an itch for a 2011. I've loved 1911's for the longest time and once the world of competition shooting and 2011's entered my mind, it's been a bad thing! Anyhoo, I'm still shooting 1 local match per month and plan on a "big" match every quarter; we have the Texas Open here in Rosenberg next month. With that said I've dropped 3 gun in favor of USPSA, due to time requirements, ammo cost & availability of local matches. My opinion, take it for what it's worth, just pick ONE sport right now. My wife and I worked out a deal that I get essentially 1 day per month that is solely Scott time and 1 hour a day for dry fire drills. This will change as our son gets a little older but for now, it is the fair and right thing for the family. One general question I have for the crowd regarding 2011's, what is the maintenance schedule and/or expected reliability? I have heard they are finicky to keep running? Multiple times at locals matches guys have them apart (field stripped) between stages. I want a killer 2011 but not willing to sacrifice time & reliability for the cool factor. Edited May 20, 2016 by SCTaylor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJH Posted May 21, 2016 Share Posted May 21, 2016 SC, people don't run them for the cool factor, they use them cause they are better for USPSA. They are very reliable with good ammo and mags, just like a glock or 1911. 95% of gun issues are ammo and mags 4.5% home gunsmith, and .5% gun issues. This seems to hold true with all gun types. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steppenwolf Posted May 21, 2016 Share Posted May 21, 2016 I recently purchased an STI Marauder. I like 1911s, CZs, Glocks, . . . The 2011s are nice guns. If you clean them and keep them lubricated they will run well. The key issue right now is the shortage of STI magazines. You can buy tuned magazines (cost more than STI mags). I will be shooting my 2011 in 3-gun, IDPA, and USPSA (Limited Minor--I know . . ., but no better way to give it a test run). A 2011 is pricey and I put getting one off for over a year, but now I'm glad that I jumped in. I will still shoot my Glock 34, Dan Wesson 1911, and SP01 occasionally. As I move up the food chain of competition shooting I will probably focus on one gun. I think most of the stories about jams are a result (as RJH noted) of home gunsmithing (trying to get more capacity in magazines) or not keeping them clean and lubricated. They do tend to like certain types of ammo better (once you figure out what they like you feed them that ammo). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toothandnail Posted May 21, 2016 Share Posted May 21, 2016 YES ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megamind Posted July 25, 2016 Share Posted July 25, 2016 Go for it get an STI you won't be sorry they are great guns and they hold there value if you take good care of them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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