So I've been following several of the recent "which 1911" to purchase. My one and only 1911 is a Kimber Crimson Carry. Although it is more accurate than I am, and now runs fine, it has been finicky with ammo in the past. Knock on wood, I've finally got that past me. I'm now wanting to get a 9mm 1911 primarily for unofficial IDPA type shooting. This is nowhere near a need, as I have several plastic fantastic guns I can run, as well as a mid 80s Ruger, but I want to shoot something artistic as well. I really like the look of the Kimber Stainless Target II (
I've looked online at the Springfield Range Officer P19122L and handled a couple of similar ones from Springfield, and the basic Range Officer doesn't seem to have the fit and finish I'm looking for. The RO elite models feel better to me, but I just don't care for the black finish on them, nor have I found one set up with the sights I want. If they were an honest to goodness blued finish, I'd probably be all over them.
I thought I had finally decided on the Smith Performance Center Pro 178047, even though it doesn't have the front fiber which I want. It seems much smoother to operate than the others I was handling. However, reading Churchmouse's comments made me question Dan Wesson. However, I hadn't been able to see one in person until this past weekend when I was able to fondle a Discression at Cabelas in KC. Wow. That felt nice. The slide felt like it was on ball bearings. The finish was immaculate and even though it didn't appear to be a traditional blued finish, had some depth to it.
Looking online at the CZ site, it looks like the PM-9 has everything I'd like, but I'm nervous about ordering a gun this expensive (at least to me) without at least seeing one example of it. I'd also like to have a dealer that can stand behind it, just in case something is wrong with it.
So.. my basic question is where can I go to see more Dan Wesson's to make a better decision? Is it really worth it over the Smith Performance Center? I'm in Lafayette, but willing to drive several hours if that is what it takes.
Just to head off the inevitable... I've looked online at Les Baer, Wilson and Nighthawk without finding what I would like. Now I could have lived with the Cabot Damascus with Mammoth tooth grips, but alas it sold!
Hopefully somebody will be willing to let me in on the secret "fishing hole" where I can pull in the perfect pistol!
--Rick
Edited to correct misspellings...
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, and although it has the sights I want, with the past experience, not that interested in it. I've looked online at the Springfield Range Officer P19122L and handled a couple of similar ones from Springfield, and the basic Range Officer doesn't seem to have the fit and finish I'm looking for. The RO elite models feel better to me, but I just don't care for the black finish on them, nor have I found one set up with the sights I want. If they were an honest to goodness blued finish, I'd probably be all over them.
I thought I had finally decided on the Smith Performance Center Pro 178047, even though it doesn't have the front fiber which I want. It seems much smoother to operate than the others I was handling. However, reading Churchmouse's comments made me question Dan Wesson. However, I hadn't been able to see one in person until this past weekend when I was able to fondle a Discression at Cabelas in KC. Wow. That felt nice. The slide felt like it was on ball bearings. The finish was immaculate and even though it didn't appear to be a traditional blued finish, had some depth to it.
Looking online at the CZ site, it looks like the PM-9 has everything I'd like, but I'm nervous about ordering a gun this expensive (at least to me) without at least seeing one example of it. I'd also like to have a dealer that can stand behind it, just in case something is wrong with it.
So.. my basic question is where can I go to see more Dan Wesson's to make a better decision? Is it really worth it over the Smith Performance Center? I'm in Lafayette, but willing to drive several hours if that is what it takes.
Just to head off the inevitable... I've looked online at Les Baer, Wilson and Nighthawk without finding what I would like. Now I could have lived with the Cabot Damascus with Mammoth tooth grips, but alas it sold!
Hopefully somebody will be willing to let me in on the secret "fishing hole" where I can pull in the perfect pistol!
--Rick
Edited to correct misspellings...
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