1911 owners... a question

[mongo]

Southern Cross' thread about his new incoming Colt got me thinking...
How many here have 1911's?
Favorite?
Arched or Flat mainspring housing?... and why.



Me? I have two COLTS, a series 80 Govt., and my forever favorite... a CCO. I favor a flat mainspring housing because I just shoot it better. My CCO came with one, and I changed over my Govt... and promptly started shooting it more accurately. I'll see if I can post up a pic of the two.

[lachrymalex]

i've owned two, and plan to buy more. my first was a piece of crap Llama i got for $150; it was stolen a few months back. i bought a Taurus PT1911, and it's awesome. my next will either be a RIA, or a Sig Sauer C3.

[mongo]

The bottom pic is one of my homages to the bureau of ATFE.:devil1: I'll see if I can post up another...

[Evamore]

I've owned two and sold both. Nothing wrong with them I like them and plan to pick up another in the future. I had an RIA GI when they first came out and had a SA Black Stainless Target. I kept the SA stock but the RIA I placed a extended slide release and an arched mainspring housing because to me it fills my hand more and giving me a more positive grip.

[Lrshot]

I think it's all about how your hand feels with the fit. Myself I use the arched variety because it settles into my grip so it is more controllable when firing.

[IWantThatKnife]

I own too many!

4 Colts, 2 Kimbers, 3 Rock Islands, 1 Sig, 1 Taurus, 1 S&W, and 3 ParaOrds. I've never really given much thought to the main sping housing shape before...
I just like the gun design; I recently traded two different pistols for 1911s...

[Southern Cross]

With the Colt on the way that makes two for me...both with flat mainspring housings. I've shot both and prefer flat. Its just a comfort thing with me. I have small hands so the smaller the grip the better for me. I do prefer the aesthetics of the arched A1 look though.

[TheBadGuy]

I only have two. Both Kimber. One is a Series 1 Custom Classic. I have had it for 11 years and its always been perfect and my second is a CDP II Pro that I got a couple years ago and its probably my favorite handgun I own all together

http://www.jerzeedevil.com/gallery/files/1/8/kimber_009.jpg
http://www.jerzeedevil.com/gallery/files/1/8/newpictures_030.jpg

[IWantThatKnife]

Bad Guy - my 2 Kimbers are very similar to yours; a Custom Classic I and a Tactical Pro II. I got the Classic at the local Gander Mountain for $500 and traded a Browning High Power .40 (that I paid $650 for) for the TACPRO II.

http://iwantthatknife.com/Gallery/albums/EBR/kimber_ct_3.jpg
http://iwantthatknife.com/Gallery/albums/EBR/tac_pro_1.jpg

The knife is a Searles Bowie made by Ed Kalfayan of Michigan. As soon as the weather gets a little better I'll take them to the range.

[Southern Cross]

Very nice. I got raped on my Kimber. I can't remember but I believe I ended up paying $1650 when all was said and done with taxes. Don't know what the hell I was thinking. You know how it is sometimes though...pay more and get it now or pay less and wait.

I would like to add a straight GI 1911-A1 from RI or SA. Just so that I have a box stock WII type 1911 to go along with my Garand. With the prices of ammo lately I figure I'll use the bonus check and taz refund for guns. Its either another 1911 or I've been doing some serious thinking about getting the Microtech that goes boom. I love the ergonomics and looks...but the fact that they have so many revisions on a relatively new gun...and the fact that there are so many on GB and GA gives me pause. Who knows...If I don't get the MT Aug and opt for a 1911...think I might make it a show piece and slap a big ole full-size compensator on it so it looks like a laser pistol!

[rbmcmjr]

I prefer the Commander with a flat mainspring.

Why I like the Commander: Shorter barrel, lightweight frame (carry version, steel for the range). But it isn't so short that it is unreliable.

Why I like the flat versus arched: I have a meaty hand. The heel of my palm makes the arched version point high in a natural grip. With the flat version, I look and point the same direction without conscious thought.

Rick

[Bruce]

7, at last count. 2 US military Colt 1911s, 4 Colt 1911A1s (2 WW2 military and 2 post war commercial) and a WW2 issue Remington 1911A1. :bruce:

[DaBird]

All of my 1911s have flat mainspring houseings ---- I have small "girly man" hands and they help me contril the gun in rapid fire.


Lets see --- my favorite " Stock Class " 1911;
Semi-custom Colt Gold Cup I've used for 20+ years in IPSC/Action Matches;
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b199/Jailbird123/ColtGoldCup45.jpg


My favorite Bowling Pin gun;
Full custom Colt Delta Elite 10MM with compinsator etc,
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b199/Jailbird123/ColtDelta10MM.jpg

My favorite " I'll never sell it " ,
Colt MkIV .45acp custom Jim Clark Sr. PinMaster;
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b199/Jailbird123/Clark45PinMaster.jpg

My favorite "Hi-Cap Big Bore "'
Mild custom Para-Ordnance P-14 Limited in .45acp;
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b199/Jailbird123/Para-Ord45.jpg

TOP To BOTTOM;
My favorite "Open Class" Unlimited gun --- ParaOrdnance P-14 converted to .38 Super with red Dot etc.

My favorite "CCW" carry gun - ParaOrdnance C7.45 LDA {light double action"

Bottom --- same Para P-14 Limited as in photo #4;
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b199/Jailbird123/Para-Ordnances-2.jpg

[KDOG]

2 Para's and climbing....P-12 and LDA P-14 Stainless.

[pete1958]

Lets see....Colt 1991A...2 Dan Wessons (which I love) and 1 Rock Island.

I have no negative comments on any of these models or brands.

Jay

[perado]

Currently a pair of 1991s, both with flat housings. No issues. Flat fits better.

[ouhunter]

I have a Springfield A1 1911 and it shoots like a dream!:demented:
http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww346/ouhunter2506/Guns%20Antiques%20Indian/DSCN0472.jpg
http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww346/ouhunter2506/Guns%20Antiques%20Indian/DSCN0471.jpg
http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww346/ouhunter2506/Guns%20Antiques%20Indian/DSCN0470.jpg

[shooter1]

I have 2- a Colt Mark IV and a Kimber TLE II. The Kimber has a flat mainspring housing and a long trigger, the Colt will be going in for the same, plus a few extras. And I am p[utting a Combat Commander on layaway.

[MilDot]

My Favorite is a Vandenburg Custom Colt Delta Elite 10mm. I also have a Vandenburg Custom Colt 70 Series Gold Cup National Match and a Les Baer Commanche. The Les Baer is i bit easier to conceal due to the commander size. All have flat mainspring housings. Ed Vandenburg once told me "You don't grab the big end of a baseball bat." in explanation to his preference for flat mainspring housings.

[longbow]

Flat on my CCO, best carry gun ever commercially manufactured imho. keepem sharp

[sickboy]

I had a sig that I loved. Had to sell it to pay bills when things were tight. It was the TIGHTEST gun I ever had in my hands. I was very impressed. I have had a Kimber Pro Carry II. Nice gun. I currently own and carry a Kimber Eclipse Pro Carry II. I LOVE it. My first pistol was a Llama 1911. It is on loan to one of my employees. When you shake it, it sounds like a rattle, but always went boom. Always.

sickboy

[El Gringo]

Flat MSH and long trigger. Taurus 1911.
Second thing I found that fits my hand so well since I was 16 years old.:bwah:

[YOUROPFOR]

I own only 1 currently but thru buyers remorse will add back a Kimber CDP as I love the smooth edges. On the main spring housing question I think it smart to always go with the flat unless you have banana hands/fingers and here is why.....
I have recently been tested at Physical Therapy at 54 LBS right hand/48 LBS left hand strength, but have medium length fingers(I use a CADET golf glove) but use a large(and they fit perfect) Oakley Assault gloves.....So what I am conveying is that after being told Males 35 years old(like myself) adverage just 24/26 LBS grip strength in their predominant hand does not indicate squat unless you can comfortably grip, control, and dominate the pistol......as you are responsible for it. I think a lot of people think they need the arched MSH but it is by choice and not really educated one :devilzeek

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b151/wallacewilliam/GunsandKnives005.jpg

[The Coach]

Just one for me, a Springfield Armory 1911 A1 that I bought many years ago. I have been slowly customizing it, but now that Ray's is closed, my gunsmith gone, I guess I'm done. Some day, I will get another.

[lachrymalex]

I own only 1 currently but thru buyers remorse will add back a Kimber CDP as I love the smooth edges. On the main spring housing question I think it smart to always go with the flat unless you have banana hands/fingers and here is why.....
I have recently been tested at Physical Therapy at 54 LBS right hand/48 LBS left hand strength, but have medium length fingers(I use a CADET golf glove) but use a large(and they fit perfect) Oakley Assault gloves.....So what I am conveying is that after being told Males 35 years old(like myself) adverage just 24/26 LBS grip strength in their predominant hand does not indicate squat unless you can comfortably grip, control, and dominate the pistol......as you are responsible for it. I think a lot of people think they need the arched MSH but it is by choice and not really educated one :devilzeek

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b151/wallacewilliam/GunsandKnives005.jpg

that an El Paso rig? it looks just like mine, except the loops on mine are narrower.

[RXX]

There might be 1 or 2 around here somewhere. :devil1:

I prefer the flat.

[Brian]

Flat on my Kimber Custom Target. I did replace the plastic mainspring housing with a steel one.

[seporith]

Not on your list but I prefer the Bobtail on my Nighthawk Predator II. Reason is how it sits in hand and the recoil controllability. Also points very naturally. Anthony

[Southern Cross]

I've always wondered what the purpose of the bobtail was. I couldn't see any advantage to it. Does it allow you to get more of your hand on the grips or just better placement?

[seporith]

With the Bobtail I have a better "wrap" hold on the pistol and have found that I shoot that pistol better than my others. YMMV. Anthony:devil1:

[YOUROPFOR]

No my good Devil, it is a Milt Sparks "summer special"

I must say I was queazy paying that much for a holster, but it is comfortable and in my case worth it.


that an El Paso rig? it looks just like mine, except the loops on mine are narrower.

[mongo]

I've always wondered what the purpose of the bobtail was. I couldn't see any advantage to it. Does it allow you to get more of your hand on the grips or just better placement?

It allows for easier concealability.

[Southern Cross]

Ah...both very good reason...that Ed Brown is a pretty smart fella. I looked pretty long and hard at the Special Forces while I was deciding on my dream 1911. When I first started looking and 1911s...and even after I bought my fist I had no idea how insanely huge the market is for them. Its like trying to pick or build an AR.

[DaBird]

That was a shitty photo of one of my .45s on page 1 --- a better one,
Para-Ordnance LDA C7.45 ;
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b199/Jailbird123/LDAC765.jpg

[sloth]

I had a sig that I loved. Had to sell it to pay bills when things were tight. It was the TIGHTEST gun I ever had in my hands. I was very impressed. I have had a Kimber Pro Carry II. Nice gun. I currently own and carry a Kimber Eclipse Pro Carry II. I LOVE it. My first pistol was a Llama 1911. It is on loan to one of my employees. When you shake it, it sounds like a rattle, but always went boom. Always.

sickboy

I too love my sig. The first handgun I ever owned I made in a coffee shop with a dremel and files (1911). It was a kit from essex arms and I had to fit everything. I did a poor job, but is works. It's not as accurate as some, but a great project! One other person I know has a llama and he swears by it. It rattles more than mine, but it's solid though not everything is interchangable from what I understand.