Your father's 1911. This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or random as a Glock; an elegant weapon for a more civilized age. For over a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times... before the polymer guns.
Developed over a hundred years ago, the 1911 pistol is still about as good as it gets when you're looking for good sidearm. Reliable, accurate, and well-made. If Arthurian knights lived today, they would carry a Colt 1911.
The next firearm I buy will very, very likely be a 1911 like this.
Be careful which brand you get. According to Hamilton Yam (one of the very top 1911 gunsmiths) Colt and Springfield Armory are doing the best 1911s today. Certain other brands may do well (I'm impressed with Ruger's 1911s), but there are a lot of mediocre manufacturers out there.
ReplyDeleteLeaning towards a Colt now for both the quality of the manufacturing and the history. Springer is a close second based on value.
DeleteYou have any specific recommendations?
The Kimber is probably the best. Although I have several old Colts I am not sure that I would want a Colt. Now - if you want to step up to such a weapon you will need to study the writings of Col. Jeff Cooper. You should study his writings anyway - quite a man - now deceased. Interestingly Cooper had as one of his personal heroes our Wade Hampton. I was surprised when I learned from the Col. that he did not know of the role of Wade Hampton in the Deliverance of South Carolina in 1876 - I sent him William's book.
ReplyDeleteHampton's Redshirt
Bryan, when I get home, I'll try and run down the exact page on Hamilton's opinion. Hopefully I can post a link.
ReplyDeleteHR, the Clackamas Kimbers were well done, but over the last decade or so, Kimber is very, very spotty when it comes to QC on their firearms. Unless you have the tools to fix'em, I would not recommend Kimber.
I think this post on Tamara's blog has the best selection of links to *Hilton Yam's thoughts.
ReplyDeletehttp://booksbikesboomsticks.blogspot.com/2011/02/but-it-says-custom-right-on-gun.html
* Yes, my goof.
you can get wrapped up in all sorts of theoretical nonsense - there is nothing more reliable or safer than a full sized GI 1911 or its equal. One of my carry 1911's is a Norinco - made in China - perfectly reliable and the Chinese have built more guns than anyone. A friend also had one and used it in competition for 20 years so as to prove all this fine gunsmithing and crap is not necessary.
ReplyDeleteBTW, looks like Colt is tanking quickly. I'd either hit Gunbroker or canvas (via phone) the local gun stores and get one PDQ, if Colt is your brand of choice.
ReplyDelete