First 1911

[Mike in SC]

Looking to buy my first 1911, but I can't come up with a rationale to help me decide what to buy. You know the old saying, if I had the money I'd take one of each...With the exception of a couple of Ruger MkII's, all my handguns are revolvers. The basic Mil-spec SA appeals, but so does adjustable sights. I am pretty sure I want a single stack, and as wonderful as they say the LDA trigger is, I want to learn the single action.

I guess what it all boils down to is I want a 1911 to become proficient with, maybe join in some of the idpa or uspsa matches at the local club, and decide whether or not to carry one concealed.

What features do I need to consider, and are there quality issues and service reputations out there I need to be aware of?

Thanks in advance, Mike.

[DMH]

I started with a 2 tone Springfiled Armory 1911, added Bomar rear and a good post front sight. A beavertail safety, ambi safety (I'm a leftie) and an S&A magwell. Shot that gun for years until finally going to a doublestack about 6 years ago. Today you can buy a Kimber or Springfield loaded model with any bell or whistle you want straight from the factory, ready to roll. It all depends on how much you want to spend. In the old days you bought a stock gun and threw half of it away over time. Now you buy one ready to roll...

[Mike in SC]

Never mind... I just came back from the gun store and bought something I didn't think I was in the market for... A 5" blued Colt with ambi safety, fixed 3 dot sights and a really nice trigger... I think I wanted my first 1911 to be a classic looking gun. It does have that full length guide rod, but everything about it spoke of a classic quality. Let's hope that holds true.

[Mike in SC]

Shot about 80 rounds through it today, no malfunctions of any kind. Pretty much to point of aim. My wife shot a couple of mags through it and she is no recoil junky. Looking forward to a long love affair with this one. (My wife I mean...)

Mike.