1911 carry

[Hunter88]

Im looking to buy my first 1911. Im willing spend 1200 but really under 1000. I want a carry model and if its possible a double stack. Caliber wise I would like a 9mm just in case my girlfriend needs to ever use it. But 45 is fine also. Springer, colt, kimber or whatever else. At least a 4" barrel

 

[Tomfoolery]

I carry a 1911 and for all the bells and whistles attached to Kimber and Colt I gotta say I am still in love with my Rock Island.

(stock image)

I understand the apprehension of buying anything that says "Made in the Philippines" but trust me here these are good guns. I have one, my father has one, my friend is going to get one because he likes them so much (and he earns enough to buy from Wilson Combat regularly). @ $500 a pop they are a runaway deal compared to most other 1911s and in this economy you can't argue with economics lol.

Here is their compact modal. I haven't fired one yet but if they are built as well as their standard sized counterparts they'll go bang every time.

 

[Double T]

Double stack 1911's are notoriously finicky, unless you buy a tuned comp gun. If you want a 9, why not go for something similar? Like a BHP or CZ?

Not knocking your choice, but you could be a lot better in the long run in 9mm in another similar platform.

 

[Hunter88]

I was looking at a Cz 75b two tone. Private seller locally has one for 500. I love the love and feel of the 1911 platform. But I would like something with a rail

 

[Hookeye]

OP wants a double stack 9, single action..........that to me just screams P35!
IMHO as classic a rig as a Colt 1911.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

Gotta go with Hookeye and ask, have you considered a Browning Hi-Power? You get the double stack 9mm you want with the John Moses Browning goodness you crave.

Once you get into a double stack and 9mm, you aren't really getting a 1911. You're getting a "1911 style". Nothing wrong with that, really, but you aren't getting the true JMB 1911 experience. The modified grip just isn't the same.

At least with the Hi-Power you are getting it as designed, plus they aren't as prevalent as the 1911 so you get some hipster cool going, too. Accessories are still readily available, its still a sweet shooting pistol, etc. etc.

Dang it, I'm starting to talk myself into one. That's just what I need, another caliber. **walks off muttering to self**

 

[Hunter88]

Im open to all options. I like a little weight to my pistol. Not a fan of the poly. 1200 max of what I want to spend. 9mm and a rail if possible

 

[Double T]

Beretta?

 

[BehindBlueI's]

Im open to all options. I like a little weight to my pistol. Not a fan of the poly. 1200 max of what I want to spend. 9mm and a rail if possible

Well, if you aren't set on a 1911 style, want an all metal 9mm with a rail, and want a double stack I would check out:

Sig P226R (R meaning with rail).
CZ-75 SP-01

 

[Hunter88]

Double stack isn't a must but I keep liking for a 1911. 9mm that I can carry.

 

[JetGirl]

Im looking to buy my first 1911

a double stack.

Never gonna happen. There's no such animal.

 

[SmokinSigs357]

Never gonna happen. There's no such animal.

I thought Para made double stack 1911's

Para's Latest Double-Stack 1911: the PXT Tactical - Guns.com

 

[60Driver]

OP,

Many have given good advice concerning a doublestack 9mm "1911", bottom line is to get one that would be trustworthy as a carry sidearm will be an expensive process.

1. 9mm 1911's are notoriously difficult to make run "well", the design was built around the 45 ACP and while it can be adapted, it takes far more tuning. That said good example are truly a blast to shoot, very fast follow up and excellent accuracy with the cost savings of 9mm for practice.

2. Double stack frames also take a great deal of tuning and are GENERALLY relegated to competition platforms. Can a well tuned PARA or better still STI run...yes but they are finicky! The FBI HRT briefly transitioned to Para Framed Les Baers SRP's (in 45 ACP) to replace High Powers. Beautiful guns that seemed the holy grail for defensive precision sidearms, hand built, tack driver accuracy BUT the Mags proved VERY tricky to keep running. Net out, they went "back" to the now famous single stack Springer Pro.

If you want a first 1911 get one in 45, and I humbly suggest a single stack for starters. 45 honestly does not push that much in the platform, I have taught MANY new shooters with great results on the "BIG" 45. Think 12 gauge push compared to 300 WIN MAG crack.

If you want the capacity of a 9mm, and this pains me as a 1911 guy, look at other platforms. Personally I run a 226 and have run a 228 as my higher capacity sidearms, reliable accurate (for me) good SA trigger with a consistant DA first pull. The High Power is a legend for a reason ... as is the CZ 75 series.

If you HAVE to have a double stack 9mm 1911 listen to the competition shooters who have built and run them over the years, they will speak from experience and provide knowledge on what runs. I would look at STI.

My humble

 

[Hoosier8]

If I carry 45, I will carry the 1911. The 1911 seems to carry very well due to being thin. I carry a 4" model with a full size grip and it is the grip that prints but I have big hands so like the fill size grip. The Kimber I carry has an aluminum frame and the weight is just about perfect.

I have been carrying a 9mm lately and my fav is the Bersa Thunder Pro high capacity with 17+1 of HST. I am more accurate with the Bersa than my 1911's. I really like this gun and I also don't worry about it getting knocked up since I only paid about $300 for it. For the money, it is a very solid gun and good shooter, just not as refined a finish as some guns.

I have the earlier version without the rail.

 

[JetGirl]

I thought Para made double stack 1911's

Para's Latest Double-Stack 1911: the PXT Tactical - Guns.com

What I'm saying is...
You're after a double stack that looks/functions similar to a 1911 (which Para does indeed make...along with others). However, it's not *really* a true 1911 or 1911A1. Since the new CQC for the USMC should really be called something like "1911A2", maybe Para's LDAs should be called "1911ishA3".

 

[Fordtough25]

Nothing wrong with carrying a good .45! Make sure you have a great belt and holster to support the weight. And there's nothing wrong with 8+1 capacity either, I carry with that all the time. Get a mag pouch and carry an extra mag if you feel the need. But if you want a 1911, get a single stack 45. They shoot great.

 

[twfshelton]

Emp is single stack 9mm, I tried to carry full size Kimberly eclipse but it wasn't for me, I can carry my smith 1911sc all day. It is scandium with bob tail, very sexy too

 

[JetGirl]

Kimber[STRIKE] ly.[/STRIKE]

Just sayin'.

 

[mshogren]

I highly recommend a 1911 "compact" as a great carry gun. By "compact", I am talking about 4" barrel with Officer size shortened grip.

I have had a few different ones. Currently I carry a Wilson Combat Bill Wilson Carry model with a Sig 1911 RCS as an alternate. The Sig would fall in your price range and they make some really nice 1911s for the money.

Mark

 

[Hunter88]

Kimber America | Stainless Pro Carry II

SA 1911 operator

Cz 75

1911Carry Nightmare

I've shot. 45 before and I love them. Wanted a 9 for the fact of my girlfriend handling it. But she should be fine handling a 45. Any other suggestions are welcomed. Also I don't mind spending money for something that will save my or my girlfriends life. But can't afford the customs