View Full Version : OK, I am going to refocus on 1911s and my new carry blaster is a Wilson Lightweight
The Dumb Gun Collector
08-11-19, 20:40
Gentlemen and ladies (not that I can recall a lady on here).
I picked up a super duper fancy Wilson Combat and barring disaster, I plan on shooting the living crap out of it. After last weekend's unholy trinity of shootings I started thinking about rethinking my daily carry. Most of the time I carry a J-frame (with the first shot a snake shot since I live on a large piece of wooded property with snakes galore). I have on with me unless I am in the shower, bed or Superior Courthouse. But I started thinking I wanted to have a gun that would be the perfect handgun for dealing with an armed, motivated opponent. So, there is no reason for me to abandon my J-frame which resides in my pocket anyway. So I started thinking about the attributes I like in a gun. I have a lot of guns, I have a USP 45, B92G, BHP, 5 inch 45s, Glock 19, etc. They are all great, but they are all big and awkward to carry. The B92 is a beast. The 1911 and the G19 are kind of tied. While the .45 is heavy, it is very thin and comfortably rides in the waistband. The G19 is a bit lighter, but not so comfortable in my waistband, and frankly the only gun that I shoot worse than it is my Shield. So I decided to look for a lightweight 1911. I remembered having a Colt CCO years ago and thought I really should look for one of those. But then I looked into the DW Valor which seems pretty damn nice. Then I found a Wilson lightweight Commander compact that looked perfect. It had the Ameriglo HD style sights, cary melt, and was in 9mm with a fairly serious carry melt. Since I don't think any gun shoots better than a 9mm 1911 and the CCO grip would make it an easy carry I decided to buy it. It wasn't cheap....
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48476835086_2eddf8c517_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gRJsau)pix771186228 (https://flic.kr/p/2gRJsau) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickrhttps://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48515656757_32e977275f_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gVaquD)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2gVaquD) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickr
I have shot it three time since Thursday when I got it. I shot it the first night, Friday at an indoor range, and Today. I have shot the following ammunition....
50 147 HST
68 147 Hydra Shock
50 147 Ranger T
100 124 grain Blazer brass
150 115 Atlanta Arms (reloads at range)
50 115 Blazer brass
9 124 Gold Dot
50 S&B 115
(527 rounds)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48515664927_7514322343_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gVasVv)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2gVasVv) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickr
The gun functions flawlessly. I did not clean the interior of the weapon while performing this "break in" routine. I think Wilson Recommends 200 full power rounds to break in before cleaning. I did however spray some oil inside the gun.
I have been pretty lazy with my practice over the last year. I have a pistol pit with steel plates but I really have just been plinking (with some shooting on the move, etc), but rarely a timer. I am going to refocus my practice again. I want to Improve my times and accuracy. Today I did some El Pres drills, and I made time, but it wasn't anything to write home about. But I also need to focus on accuracy. I have been shooting nothing but steel this year, so I am going to have to put up some paper targets and maybe do some dot drills. I did a bit of practice at 30 feet at the indoor range. The face shoots are double taps from concealment (not timed).
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48515483741_13d547d866_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gV9x4B)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2gV9x4B) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickr
As you can tell, I don't negotiate with hostage takers.
I ordered a TT Gunleather XC Slim on the recommendation of a friend. Now I am running it in a Milt Sparks for a full size. I am really going to try an keep carrying this thing all the time. Wish me luck.
Anyway, I will be keeping a log here of 1. my times and drills with the guns and 2. any malfunctions or quirks. So far so good. The reliability has been 100 percent. The ejection is PERFECT. The trigger is perfect, and it is cosmetically amazing.
I’m sure I will not be able to resist some comparison shooting with my Glock 19 and my Beretta.
Issues? Nothing. The only knit-pick so far is the 9mm ETM mag is a bear to download. I also don't care for the look of the grips and am looking for some Ivories or something close to class her up.
sierra 223
08-11-19, 20:50
Looks nice and will definitely be an upgrade to a j frame by itself.
I have been considering a Dan Wesson Vigil in 9mm for future purchase.
hotrodder636
08-11-19, 21:21
A WC 1911 in 9mm has been on my want list for a while. I see myself getting one in the future.
Drifting Fate
08-11-19, 22:34
I am not an island, parallel development, and whatever other idiom one chooses to throw at the problem... I went through almost the exact same transition. From J-frame to 9mm 1911 after the recent mass murders. The only difference was I went with Nighthawk, though it was a close call for Wilson.
Now, I've been meaning to upgrade for awhile, but I kicked things into top gear even if lightening is a greater threat. After all, we don't carry because the odds are in our favor. And, a 1911 will work just fine in all of the close-quarter stuff the J-frame excels at.
So, cheers! Great minds think alike and all of that.
For the Glock crowd, the G19 is compelling indeed, but I gave up capacity and corrosion resistance for the 1911 trigger. Is what it is. I don't denigrate the Glocks at all, just not for me. I'm returning to my roots, FWIW.
I picked up a super duper fancy Wilson Combat and barring disaster, I plan on shooting the living crap out of it.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48515483741_13d547d866_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gV9x4B)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2gV9x4B) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickr
.
Your new gun shot low right :)
And you will sell it to me in a year.
The Dumb Gun Collector
08-12-19, 08:19
Your new gun shot low right
Yeah...yes that’s my story
Gentlemen and ladies (not that I can recall a lady on here).
I picked up a super duper fancy Wilson Combat and barring disaster, I plan on shooting the living crap out of it. After last weekend's unholy trinity of shootings I started thinking about rethinking my daily carry. Most of the time I carry a J-frame (with the first shot a snake shot since I live on a large piece of wooded property with snakes galore). I have on with me unless I am in the shower, bed or Superior Courthouse. But I started thinking I wanted to have a gun that would be the perfect handgun for dealing with an armed, motivated opponent. So, there is no reason for me to abandon my J-frame which resides in my pocket anyway. So I started thinking about the attributes I like in a gun. I have a lot of guns, I have a USP 45, B92G, BHP, 5 inch 45s, Glock 19, etc. They are all great, but they are all big and awkward to carry. The B92 is a beast. The 1911 and the G19 are kind of tied. While the .45 is heavy, it is very thin and comfortably rides in the waistband. The G19 is a bit lighter, but not so comfortable in my waistband, and frankly the only gun that I shoot worse than it is my Shield. So I decided to look for a lightweight 1911. I remembered having a Colt CCO years ago and thought I really should look for one of those. But then I looked into the DW Valor which seems pretty damn nice. Then I found a Wilson lightweight Commander compact that looked perfect. It had the Ameriglo HD style sights, cary melt, and was in 9mm with a fairly serious carry melt. Since I don't think any gun shoots better than a 9mm 1911 and the CCO grip would make it an easy carry I decided to buy it. It wasn't cheap....
Seems like a good plan. In a similar vein, maybe you've seen the thread (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?36213-Seriously-considering-going-back-to-the-1911-for-carry-Anyone-else)over on pistol-forum about going back to carrying a 1911. I was surprised when the thread started, I expected all the Glock fanbois to come out of the woodwork and do a beatdown on the guy with all the usual tired cliches (design outdated, the 1911 is like a chick you dated in high school but now...., blah blah). But really few did, was actually glad to see that. Which points out that folks are realizing the 1911 has some virtues of its own. First and foremost (and as you said): you can shoot it fast and accurately.
Evel Baldgui
08-12-19, 11:21
IDK, 1911's are cool, but I have always questioned their reliability. Yes, I know there's guy who had put 1M rds throught his "brand of choice" 1911 without a single malfunction, but the reality is I would trust an out of box G19, PPQ, CZ, VP9, over any 1911, regardless of brand/cost.
The Dumb Gun Collector
08-12-19, 11:31
Definitely sounds like you should get one of those then.
That's BEAUTIFUL!
I've been thinking this way too. I carry an air lite scadnium j-frame only, well over 50% of the time. Full or semi-compact double stacks are too thick for comfortable carry. Even my little Sig P365 pushes it for concealed. The j-frame is always in the pocket though.
Reason number two... Single stack 1911s "should" be safe from common sense compromise for at least my lifetime. Should be. With that said, I have two "good" 1911s now. I'm bitten. I may have to trade them for ONE top tier like a Wilson, Night Hawk or GC.. I agree. NOTHING shoots better than a properly functioning 1911. Maybe as good, but not better.
MountainRaven
08-12-19, 12:39
Definitely sounds like you should get one of those then.
If he's just going to buy a pistol, slap some ammo in it, and start carrying it without verifying reliable function and POA/POI with his carry ammo, anyway.
Greg, thoe 9mm 1911 mags are a bitch to load. Buy one of those UpLula loaders if you don't already have one. I preloaded 600 rounds in mags for the Saturday shoot and if I didn't have the Uplula my thumbs would have been bleeding. They make a 1911 adapter which is nice but not critical.
I'd like to grab a EDC X9 for carry. That Wilson tickles my fancy.
Did you buy the Wilson NIB ? 1911 prices are insane but you get what you pay for and WC is top shelf stuff. Good luck with your new carry piece.
PB
True stuff PB.
The Tripp, Mecgar and CMC 10 rd mags are a nightmare to load without a loader.
This is one of the main reasons the Metalform 10 rounders are my mags of choice; easy to load and they have worked flawlessly through 6 or 7 9mm 1911’s and 30K+ rds. No loader needed.
I use the Dawson slam pads, which are metal, for range and the OEM plastic base pads for carry.
The carry pads I use a knife makers style belt grinder and take the base pad profile down to a nubbin.
Their 9 rd don’t require a BP.
58463
True stuff PB.
The Tripp, Mecgar and CMC 10 rd mags are a nightmare to load without a loader.
This is one of the main reasons the Metalform 10 rounders are my mags of choice; easy to load and they have worked flawlessly through 6 or 7 9mm 1911’s and 30K+ rds. No loader needed.
I use the Dawson slam pads, which are metal, for range and the OEM plastic base pads for carry.
The carry pads I use a knife makers style belt grinder and take the base pad profile down to a nubbin.
Their 9 rd don’t require a BP.
58463
I'm going to buy some of those metalforms. I have the Dawson base plates on my tripps now.
PB
In Greg's case, he's using a 9 round magazine that's semi flush fit in an officer's length grip frame. His gun does not have the full length government grip.
Ok. So it's a Commander length slide and "Officers" grip frame.
That complicates things a bit, but I'd use the 9 rd. mags sans base pad in the gun and carry a 10 rd. spare as you point out.
It should carry and conceal nicely.I had a Wilson "Carry Comp" in .45 that was similar that I gave to my daughter.
I ended up putting an S&A magwell on it as the gun bucked around a bit too much (the comp on a .45/Standard pressure ammo, did about squat) with the shortened grip frame.
The extra 3/8" was enough additional "grip" for me to shoot well and it made carrying standard 7 rd. mags easier.
Your 9mm should be a dandy to shoot and for carry.
https://i.imgur.com/iKkM5Kz.jpg
Well, this thread was all that it took to get me to do what I'd been thinking. I went to the LGS and there it was... A LNIB custom order Wilson Tactical Supergrade Compact in 45 ACP. I traded BOTH of my Springfield TRP Operators in and got a sweet deal. I was not planing on doing this anytime soon, but this was just meant to be. It was the right pistol for me at the right time and it was not going to last long at the LGS. Yes, this will be an EDC.
Since I only have ONE 1911 now, I opted for .45.. Sometime down the road when my bank account recovers, I'll get a 9mm also. I've ALWAYS wanted a top tier 1911. It only took 50-something years. Thanks Greg. This is YOUR fault.
shadowrider
08-13-19, 10:52
Greg, thoe 9mm 1911 mags are a bitch to load. Buy one of those UpLula loaders if you don't already have one. I preloaded 600 rounds in mags for the Saturday shoot and if I didn't have the Uplula my thumbs would have been bleeding. They make a 1911 adapter which is nice but not critical.
I'd like to grab a EDC X9 for carry. That Wilson tickles my fancy.
Did you buy the Wilson NIB ? 1911 prices are insane but you get what you pay for and WC is top shelf stuff. Good luck with your new carry piece.
PB
True stuff PB.
The Tripp, Mecgar and CMC 10 rd mags are a nightmare to load without a loader.
This is one of the main reasons the Metalform 10 rounders are my mags of choice; easy to load and they have worked flawlessly through 6 or 7 9mm 1911’s and 30K+ rds. No loader needed.
I use the Dawson slam pads, which are metal, for range and the OEM plastic base pads for carry.
The carry pads I use a knife makers style belt grinder and take the base pad profile down to a nubbin.
Their 9 rd don’t require a BP.
58463
I also use Dawson or Brownells Metalform pattern mags in my STI Trojan. Loading them is no problem at all. Now unloading them is a whole nuther matter unless you are using the gun to unload them. :cool:
IDK, 1911's are cool, but I have always questioned their reliability. Yes, I know there's guy who had put 1M rds throught his "brand of choice" 1911 without a single malfunction, but the reality is I would trust an out of box G19, PPQ, CZ, VP9, over any 1911, regardless of brand/cost.
I've now been shooting 1911s for just about 45 years. Also teach Forensics, which includes firearms/ballistics, so I've read about a gazillion articles, reports, etc., over much of that time. There are a lot of both myths and legends about old slabsides - with most centering around stopping power (which we now know doesn't really exist) and reliability (which does exist). In my opinion - a well build and maintained 1911 is as reliable as any other well build and maintained modern pistol. Everything - yes, including a Glock, - can be made to malfunction via user error. Carry what you shoot best. One thing I have noted over the decades - aside from the 1911 having a better trigger than just about anything else on the planet - I personally tend to shoot it better "one handed" than anything else. And yes - my red dot Glocks are more accurate at distance, buy I'm sure if I was to put a dot on my DW, it would kick ass at 100+ yards as well!
As always - YMMV.
geezer john
Maybe. I used to carry a 1911 also. Bag that single stacker, and get a modern gun: Glock 19, M&P9, VP9, etc.
Your threat nowadays may be a mass-shooter. You don't want to run out of ammo. Modernize now.
Maybe. I used to carry a 1911 also. Bag that single stacker, and get a modern gun: Glock 19, M&P9, VP9, etc.
Your threat nowadays may be a mass-shooter. You don't want to run out of ammo. Modernize now.
Just why. There are million Glock fanboy threads for you to hit. I'm a big believer in carry any gun that you shoot well. If a J frame is comfy, better than your pecker in your hand, if you can handle the weight of a 1911, you know your going to shoot better than most. If you want a plastic wonder, I rock a P320 compact sometimes. Mass shooter as you said . Shooter being the key word. 8 rounds should be enough 99% of the time for a shooter.
PB
The Dumb Gun Collector
08-13-19, 20:24
Maybe. I used to carry a 1911 also. Bag that single stacker, and get a modern gun: Glock 19, M&P9, VP9, etc.
Your threat nowadays may be a mass-shooter. You don't want to run out of ammo. Modernize now.
I own or have owned all those guns, plus a lot more. I have a G19 Gen5 MOS with fed type sights. I have Beretta 92s. I've owned VP9s, CZ P10s, M&Ps you name it. They are all fine. None of them can be shot (by me) as quickly and accurately as a 1911. The combination of weight, sight radius and crisp, light straight- back trigger is unsurpassed by any other gun (for me). If you read my original post, the concern about mass shooters is actually what made me think about this. But then I realized what I really wanted was a gun that helped me end a fight fast, not repel hoards of zombies. At first I thought the same thing you did, get a combat autoloader with the maximum capacity. Then I realized none of those guns are as easy to cary as a single stack 1911. They are typically wider and boxier. Whereas the 1911 has a very narrow slide, which is very handy for IWB carry. So I thought, if a 1911 can combine near micro 9 portability (especially in the CCO format) with competition gun shoot ability then it made the most sense.
As far as reliability. I have shot endless rounds through 1911s, and they are reliable. Are they as trustworthy out of the box as a G19? Nope. They are old-world fitted handguns and they need to be tested. This gun has already been shot with a wide variety of high quality duty hollowpoints and a fair amount of ball and reloads without a single malfunction. I'm satisfied and I am carrying it.
Again. This is a gun for me. If you want to carry something more modern, the gun store is awash with endless variations on the Glock for you to buy. For me, I want the gun that combines the attributes I most need: portability and shootability and if that means carrying a 10 round handgun over a 15 round handgun that's fine with me. If I change my mind and I want to favor absolute capacity over precision my Beretta 92G SD and my G19 are easy to get out of the safe.
I really like the Amerigo front sight. I took off the gold bead on my Fullsize .45 Wilson and put one on it so both of my 1911s have nearly identical sights.
The Dumb Gun Collector
08-13-19, 20:56
Well, this thread was all that it took to get me to do what I'd been thinking. I went to the LGS and there it was... A LNIB custom order Wilson Tactical Supergrade Compact in 45 ACP. I traded BOTH of my Springfield TRP Operators in and got a sweet deal. I was not planing on doing this anytime soon, but this was just meant to be. It was the right pistol for me at the right time and it was not going to last long at the LGS. Yes, this will be an EDC.
Since I only have ONE 1911 now, I opted for .45.. Sometime down the road when my bank account recovers, I'll get a 9mm also. I've ALWAYS wanted a top tier 1911. It only took 50-something years. Thanks Greg. This is YOUR fault.
Hell yes!! Old farts unite!
I own or have owned all those guns, plus a lot more. I have a G19 Gen5 MOS with fed type sights. I have Beretta 92s. I've owned VP9s, CZ P10s, M&Ps you name it. They are all fine. None of them can be shot (by me) as quickly and accurately as a 1911. The combination of weight, sight radius and crisp, light straight- back trigger is unsurpassed by any other gun (for me). If you read my original post, the concern about mass shooters is actually what made me think about this. But then I realized what I really wanted was a gun that helped me end a fight fast, not repel hoards of zombies. At first I thought the same thing you did, get a combat autoloader with the maximum capacity. Then I realized none of those guns are as easy to cary as a single stack 1911. They are typically wider and boxier. Whereas the 1911 has a very narrow slide, which is very handy for IWB carry. So I thought, if a 1911 can combine near micro 9 portability (especially in the CCO format) with competition gun shoot ability then it made the most sense.
As far as reliability. I have shot endless rounds through 1911s, and they are reliable. Are they as trustworthy out of the box as a G19? Nope. They are old-world fitted handguns and they need to be tested. This gun has already been shot with a wide variety of high quality duty hollowpoints and a fair amount of ball and reloads without a single malfunction. I'm satisfied and I am carrying it.
Again. This is a gun for me. If you want to carry something more modern, the gun store is awash with endless variations on the Glock for you to buy. For me, I want the gun that combines the attributes I most need: portability and shootability and if that means carrying a 10 round handgun over a 15 round handgun that's fine with me. If I change my mind and I want to favor absolute capacity over precision my Beretta 92G SD and my G19 are easy to get out of the safe.
I really like the Amerigo front sight. I took off the gold bead on my Fullsize .45 Wilson and put one on it so both of my 1911s have nearly identical sights.
“Preachin’ to the choir” bro.
Well said.
I own or have owned all those guns, plus a lot more. I have a G19 Gen5 MOS with fed type sights. I have Beretta 92s. I've owned VP9s, CZ P10s, M&Ps you name it. They are all fine. None of them can be shot (by me) as quickly and accurately as a 1911. The combination of weight, sight radius and crisp, light straight- back trigger is unsurpassed by any other gun (for me). If you read my original post, the concern about mass shooters is actually what made me think about this. But then I realized what I really wanted was a gun that helped me end a fight fast, not repel hoards of zombies. At first I thought the same thing you did, get a combat autoloader with the maximum capacity. Then I realized none of those guns are as easy to cary as a single stack 1911. They are typically wider and boxier. Whereas the 1911 has a very narrow slide, which is very handy for IWB carry. So I thought, if a 1911 can combine near micro 9 portability (especially in the CCO format) with competition gun shoot ability then it made the most sense.
As far as reliability. I have shot endless rounds through 1911s, and they are reliable. Are they as trustworthy out of the box as a G19? Nope. They are old-world fitted handguns and they need to be tested. This gun has already been shot with a wide variety of high quality duty hollowpoints and a fair amount of ball and reloads without a single malfunction. I'm satisfied and I am carrying it.
Again. This is a gun for me. If you want to carry something more modern, the gun store is awash with endless variations on the Glock for you to buy. For me, I want the gun that combines the attributes I most need: portability and shootability and if that means carrying a 10 round handgun over a 15 round handgun that's fine with me. If I change my mind and I want to favor absolute capacity over precision my Beretta 92G SD and my G19 are easy to get out of the safe.
I really like the Amerigo front sight. I took off the gold bead on my Fullsize .45 Wilson and put one on it so both of my 1911s have nearly identical sights.
This is pretty much what I have arrived at. I shoot 1911s better than anything else and I have tried all of the modern 9mm's over the years. I just don't shoot any of them as well as a 1911 and with me being on the thin side the 1911 conceals better for me. For me the 9 rounds I carry is better than the 16 rounds in my G19 that I can't shoot for crap. I don't think that either is "better" but I think one should carry what they are most comfortable with and shoot the best. For me that is the 1911. If something else works better for someone else...then rock on with that.
sierra 223
08-16-19, 18:57
Carry what you shoot best
I thought Greg would be all over this one:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190726/d23c33c128558d0234f843e0751a9549.jpg
https://www.nighthawkcustom.com/pistols/1911s-compact/counselor
The Dumb Gun Collector
08-16-19, 20:47
That’s a little too jazzy for my taste
And.....
....a minor consideration for some....
Those of us in the Republik of Ill Annoys could conceivably be be looking at magazine capacity restrictions at some point in the not-too-distant future. That won’t concern 1911/45 carriers too terribly much.
geezer john
And.....
....a minor consideration for some....
Those of us in the Republik of Ill Annoys could conceivably be be looking at magazine capacity restrictions at some point in the not-too-distant future. That won’t concern 1911/45 carriers too terribly much.
geezer john
Agree and made that comment myself in another thread here recently. It's basically one legal threat that's less likely to be a hassle for 1911 shooters. But in fairness, won't the plastic gun manufacturers just quickly crank up their production for options like this? I don't see them rolling over and giving up all those sales due to mag changes.....
https://gunmagwarehouse.com/smith-wesson-magazine-s-w-m-p-9mm-luger-10-round-194420000.html
grizzlyblake
08-16-19, 22:29
With Sig and Glock hitting the market with their 10rd wonders recently I almost wonder if someone on the inside tipped them off that 10 would be the new max capacity.
Agree and made that comment myself in another thread here recently. It's basically one legal threat that's less likely to be a hassle for 1911 shooters. But in fairness, won't the plastic gun manufacturers just quickly crank up their production for options like this? I don't see them rolling over and giving up all those sales due to mag changes.....
https://gunmagwarehouse.com/smith-wesson-magazine-s-w-m-p-9mm-luger-10-round-194420000.html
I’ve got 10 rounders for my Glock 17s. Would prefer my .45 1911 any day. Still shoot it better and faster than ANY tupperware pistola:)
As always - YMMV.
geezer john
I’ve got 10 rounders for my Glock 17s. Would prefer my .45 1911 any day. Still shoot it better and faster than ANY tupperware pistola:)
As always - YMMV.
geezer john
Yes I'm with you there. What I had said in the other thread was, if faced with a state-imposed 10rd mag limit, I'd rather be shooting my 9mm 1911 with 10 rds vs an M&P Gen 2 with same capacity.
With Sig and Glock hitting the market with their 10rd wonders recently I almost wonder if someone on the inside tipped them off that 10 would be the new max capacity.
Just good biz, planning ahead. Already reality in some states, the grabbers will be trying it in others, including my home state here in WA. The atty gen is already talking about hi cap mag bans after latest shootings.
The Dumb Gun Collector
08-18-19, 20:20
I took out three blasters today. Shot 100 rounds of 115 Blazer and 50 rounds of 124 Blazer B and accidentally about 4 HST before I realized I was shooting my cary ammo. I shot it against my Beretta which is probably my all time favorite 9mm and"Christine" my possibly cursed Wilson CWB Elite. All the guns ran perfectly (I ran steel garbage through the Beretta). I did a series of El Prez drills, Devil or 6/6/6 drills (which I do from concealment) and was able to make time with all the guns, including the full power .45. I was not able to clear 6 seconds with the Beretta cold but was able to make it on the second pass. I noticed a few things.
1. the Officers' grip, even with the mag well, doesn't lock in the grip quite as nicely as the full size. I have exactly average sized hands, and it isn't that my hand hangs off the bottom, it just doesn't inspire quite as much confidence. Some of this may be acclimation as I did notice it less as I ran though the drills.
2. I can't tell any difference between the u-notch and square notch when shooting. I originally intended to swap out the square to match my U-notch on the CQB Elite. I think that would probably be a waste of money now that I have a little practice.
3. The large orange front sight is faster, but feels less precise...initially. When I shot my Beretta at first I found it easier to shoot precisely with the finer tritium sights. But after hammering 50 rounds with the .45 and 150 with the ULC I realized it is really just a different sight. I did walk back with the 9mm all the way to 50 yards while shooting at an A-zone sized target and I just didn't find the large sight to be a hinderance.
I picked up a bunch of spare mags. I am now running 2 9s and 1 10.
This gun has now run 677 rounds without a single hiccup or even hint of a hiccup. I did clean it as it past the 500 round mark. I think I am going to just clean it every 500
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48571391306_e650e1895f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2h165r9)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2h165r9) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickr
50 147 HST
68 147 Hydra Shock
50 147 Ranger T
100 124 grain Blazer brass
150 115 Atlanta Arms (reloads at range)
50 115 Blazer brass
9 124 Gold Dot
50 S&B 115
100 blaser brass 115
50 124 Blaser Brass
3 147 HST
Sell that cursed Christine ! Maybe you can find a Pro at a good price :)
The Dumb Gun Collector
08-18-19, 21:13
She would just come back.
The Dumb Gun Collector
08-19-19, 18:32
Fake ivory grips while I ponder pricey investment in real thing
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48580068922_22ca99e63a_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2h1RxZd)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2h1RxZd) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickr
Those are beautiful, but will sure be slick and hard to grip well in the hot GA summers. Anything more practical that doesn't do Wilson's advertising from 20 feet away? Not that there's anything with that.
MountainRaven
08-20-19, 13:09
Those are beautiful, but will sure be slick and hard to grip well in the hot GA summers. Anything more practical that doesn't do Wilson's advertising from 20 feet away? Not that there's anything with that.
Ken Hackathorn uses ivory stocks on his carry guns and has stated that they've helped him develop a very strong grip.
;)
Ken Hackathorn uses ivory stocks on his carry guns and has stated that they've helped him develop a very strong grip.
;)
Interesting. Being new to 1911s (swore for 30+ years I'd never have one, but now LOVE them) I thought the opposite. I have more research to do. THANK YOU. So much to learn on this forum.
Gary1911A1
08-20-19, 14:15
Fake ivory grips while I ponder pricey investment in real thing
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48580068922_22ca99e63a_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2h1RxZd)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2h1RxZd) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickr
Ken Hackathorn also mention these fake VZ Ivory Grips that have some texture on a video I watched. Can't find it now, but here's a link to them: https://vzgrips.com/pistol-grips/1911/320s/320-ivory-g10 I purchased a set and I like them and plan on getting another set the next sale.
The Dumb Gun Collector
08-20-19, 18:04
I am not going pretend that my main reason for white grips isn't that I just like the look. I like the look. HOWEVER, there are at least two advantages as I see it: (1) they don't snag on your clothes, especially when drawing. I had a M&P 2.0 compact that had an incredibly "sticky" grip. The texture, which was excellent for shooting, was terrible on the draw and I snagged my cover garment while drawing and the gun "turned in" and pointed towards my hip. I keep my finger off the trigger so it was fine, but its definitely concerned me. (2) smooth grips are FASTER on the draw. I can sink in a repeatable grip on the draw better with slick grips than heavily textured grips. Your hand just slides into place.
That being said, after you start shooting, the lack of side texture requires a very firm grip (always good with a handgun anyway). Fortunately, this gun has excellent front and rear checkering.
I got ANOTHER set of white grips. These are from wood caliber. I like them because they will make the grips to spec. These are non Ambi compact with Magwell grips made of Holly. I prefer them to the duragrips because they don't shine quite as bright and have a more natural yellow tint. However, the duragrips were $25 and the real wood grips were $80 so that is a big difference for a pretty minor difference.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48588029766_19c2beda03_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2h2ymt9)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2h2ymt9) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickr
Black gun and white grips do go together quite nicely.
After a weekend of carrying my old CQB around, the checkered grips chaffed my love handle, they actually put imprints of the checkering on my flab. It was a super hot weekend so I didn't wear an undershirt. I decided to put the set of go to town ivory on the piece and it felt much better. Took it to the range and ran some drills with it and it felt satisfactory. I'll leave it on until at least winter. It's not the first time I put the ivory on this gun, I change grips like little girls change accessories on her barbie doll.
https://i.imgur.com/O9So0vu.jpg
The Dumb Gun Collector
08-25-19, 18:47
I did a little comparison shooting with my G19 today. I always find comparisons difficult because the gun that gets shot first is usually the weakest performer, so I usually try and rotate the guns every few mags. That probably reduces over-all performance with both guns, but it makes comparisons a little fairer. I did 6/6/6 drills, bill drills and El Prez and honestly, neither gun has any speed advantage, except a slight advantage for the 1911 on the bill drill due to split speed (and that is really, really small). The only real area of performance where I found that either gun had an advantage was accuracy. I am far more likely to miss on my small steel plates (smaller than a shoebox) at speed with the Glock. On my larger IPSC sized torso targets there is no difference.
I really enjoyed my new pimp Holly grips. And the gun performed without issue, although I only fired 100 rounds of Blazer brass. The Glock didn't jam but it does have a weird idiosyncrasy where the last case out of the gun is often spinning on top of the slide when it locks back. Weird.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48620615807_3853b06810_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2h5rnar)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2h5rnar) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48620616337_e3efdd7121_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2h5rnjz)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2h5rnjz) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickr
Hunter Rose
08-25-19, 21:54
Seems like a good plan. In a similar vein, maybe you've seen the thread (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?36213-Seriously-considering-going-back-to-the-1911-for-carry-Anyone-else)over on pistol-forum about going back to carrying a 1911. I was surprised when the thread started, I expected all the Glock fanbois to come out of the woodwork and do a beatdown on the guy with all the usual tired cliches (design outdated, the 1911 is like a chick you dated in high school but now...., blah blah). But really few did, was actually glad to see that. Which points out that folks are realizing the 1911 has some virtues of its own. First and foremost (and as you said): you can shoot it fast and accurately.
As the one who started that thread on Pistol-Forum, I was surprised as well to see how it went. It seems we've finally come off the "anything but a Glock 19 will get you killed" mentality, and more folks are willing to acknowledge different pistols have different pros/cons.
While trying to get back in to the 1911 did not work out for me, and oddly enough led me back to the HK USP series, I'm interested to see how Greg's experience goes. I value reliability most, so when looking at the 1911 I was only considering 5" 1911s in .45 Auto. Curious to see how the Wilson 9mm does in reliability, as a CCO sized 9mm seems like it makes a very concealable while still easily shootable pistol.
Black gun and white grips do go together quite nicely.
After a weekend of carrying my old CQB around, the checkered grips chaffed my love handle, they actually put imprints of the checkering on my flab. It was a super hot weekend so I didn't wear an undershirt. I decided to put the set of go to town ivory on the piece and it felt much better. Took it to the range and ran some drills with it and it felt satisfactory. I'll leave it on until at least winter. It's not the first time I put the ivory on this gun, I change grips like little girls change accessories on her barbie doll.
https://i.imgur.com/O9So0vu.jpg
Sam , those grips look amazing. Is the major draw to Ivory grips "looks cool as Patton" kinda thing? Ive never had a set of ivory grips. What do they cost, on average? Do I have to go poach a wild animal in Africa? Educate an amigo about Ivories.
PB
PB:
Thanks. I like it because it looks cool, yes, maybe Patton had some influence but mostly I like it even if Patton didn't like them. The grips are way more beautiful in person.
Here goes my limited knowledge of ivory, did I say limited, yes, very limited.
My set were made from mammoth ivory, which I think are perfectly legal to own, sell, trade, etc. They are quite expensive, right around $400 from 8 or 9 years ago. Elephant ivories are even more expensive. How did I justify it? we have $2000 or more custom 1911s, so what's another $400 on grips? I'm sure some glock, Lorcin, Davis and high point owners would stroke out on the cost of ivory grips that cost more than multiple of their guns.
It's weird that parts from extinct animal is legal to deal with but parts from currently living animal is not. I believe several states don't allow the transaction of elephant ivories and of course you can't go to Africa and poach them. How are you going to bring the pieces back to the US through custom?
I read that if the ivories were obtained before 1947, they are legal to own, sell, trade. How do they know when such ivories were harvested?
Like Greg mentioned, there are much cheaper alternatives that look like ivory. That material he has sure look nice and very close to real ivory, I would need to look at it in person. G10 materials are also good substitute but doesn't feel like ivory.
That's what I think I know. I'm sure someone will come along and say I'm full of s h i t.
I did a little comparison shooting with my G19 today. I always find comparisons difficult because the gun that gets shot first is usually the weakest performer, so I usually try and rotate the guns every few mags. That probably reduces over-all performance with both guns, but it makes comparisons a little fairer. I did 6/6/6 drills, bill drills and El Prez and honestly, neither gun has any speed advantage, except a slight advantage for the 1911 on the bill drill due to split speed (and that is really, really small). The only real area of performance where I found that either gun had an advantage was accuracy. I am far more likely to miss on my small steel plates (smaller than a shoebox) at speed with the Glock. On my larger IPSC sized torso targets there is no difference.
I really enjoyed my new pimp Holly grips. And the gun performed without issue, although I only fired 100 rounds of Blazer brass. The Glock didn't jam but it does have a weird idiosyncrasy where the last case out of the gun is often spinning on top of the slide when it locks back. Weird.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48620615807_3853b06810_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2h5rnar)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2h5rnar) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48620616337_e3efdd7121_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2h5rnjz)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2h5rnjz) by stoiclawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/52942291@N00/), on Flickr
In my opinion, those "smaller than a shoebox" targets are where the real value is at. People's vitals are pretty small.
Story time- I used to shoot with a couple guys who were on the "Glock only, speed draw, full size silhouette steel targets, blah blah..." train. Great 3 gun types. They always ran courses like shoot once/reload/shoot once on full silhouette steel. Or double tap three full size silhouettes from 15 yards, then reload and repeat.
One day I set up the same courses with appropriate 1/3 size reduced silhouettes and watched them run mags dry. Double tap three 8"x12" targets from 15 yards with a timer going? Nope, it's going to take most, if not all, of the 17 round mag. The "light bulb" moment was when one of the speed focused guys became offended because someone else made a Glock joke, so he challenged the joker to the Vickers 10-10-10 drill. (Joker has never heard of the drill before.) The joker scored as high as the offended dudes 1st and 2nd score combined, and then the offended dude blamed ME for making him look bad!
Moral of the story? Practice the small hard stuff.
MountainRaven
08-31-19, 00:25
You know, I'm aware of the history that nickel-plating and stainless steel have as a functional enhancement to a firearm, not just as an aesthetic one. I wonder if there's a similar history behind ivory stocks, or if it's just appearance.
(I personally like the aesthetics of an ivory-stocked pistol. It wasn't something that I'd seriously considered until I watched the video that Ken Hackathorn did about the Wilson Combat Hackathorn Special, and then I tried it. And I like it. Not enough to buy a set of real ivory grips, though, G10s are close enough for me. Although I have been giving thought to getting a set of polished ivory-colored micarta stocks from VZ or a set of those Wood Caliber holly grips with WC medallions.)
theorangecat
08-31-19, 12:22
Like Greg mentioned, there are much cheaper alternatives that look like ivory. That material he has sure look nice and very close to real ivory, I would need to look at it in person. G10 materials are also good substitute but doesn't feel like ivory.
That's what I think I know. I'm sure someone will come along and say I'm full of s h i t.
I want to like G10 grips, but aside from a few small folding knives that need something which is impervious to dang near anything, I really don't care for it as a grip material. It feels exactly like what it is, with no pretensions to being a substiture for something organic.
I had some (paper?) micarta grips for a Ruger Vaquero that were a decent substitute for ivory, but that was near the end of the Lett operation and when the right side of the pair started to spontaneously delaminate, they refunded rather than replaced. I would invest in something similar for a 1911, but nobody seems to offer "ivory" micarta with a double-diamond checkering pattern... and I am currently in a dd phase.
toc
The Dumb Gun Collector
08-31-19, 12:51
Try woodcaliber, the holly grips are a dead ringer for ivory and aren’t even fake. They are just very light wood.
theorangecat
08-31-19, 16:42
Try woodcaliber, the holly grips are a dead ringer for ivory and aren’t even fake.
Thanks for the tip... I just looked on their site and saw that they can do Holly with a dd pattern. Most tempting!
toc
Nah. I dumped 1911 EDC after 20 years in favor of M&P9.
Active shooter? Gang of Thugz? 1911 goes to slide lock very quickly. 18>7 if it's your life. 1911 is now nostalgic range gun.
The guy with the 1911 will be hitting his intended target. Not laying down supressing fire in Starbucks.
The guy with the 1911 will be hitting his intended target. Not laying down supressing fire in Starbucks.
Ouch !!!! take that grock fanboys.
BTW, Greg's gun holds 11 not 7.
Ouch !!!! take that grock fanboys.
BTW, Greg's gun holds 11 not 7.
Let them hate. Are THEIR pistols shooting on helicopters? I think not.
https://youtu.be/qCR_kuXySAY
MountainRaven
11-21-19, 12:56
Any updates?
I get the feeling that he lost focus.
The Dumb Gun Collector
11-21-19, 21:45
I am still shooting my 1911s! But yes my usp 45s have been getting some work lately!
I picked up an Ed Brown EVO KC9 last month and have been shooting it twice a week since picking it up and have about 900 rounds downrange now. I traded my last 2 Glocks plus some cash for it, but have zero regrets. I think it will be soon replacing my Les Baer TRS as my daily carry gun. The only problem I have had with the KC9 is letting my wife shoot it (she wants one now lol).
Business_Casual
11-28-19, 07:44
I’ve been a Glock guy. I picked up a 1911 recently and I’m thinking about, after mastering the trigger and safety regime, carrying a 1911. I’m curious if you leave yours cocked and locked for long periods (what is long?) or if you decock and reload the round? Obviously set back is a concern as is spring tension.
Any thoughts including get out of my thread accepted.
I’ve been a Glock guy. I picked up a 1911 recently and I’m thinking about, after mastering the trigger and safety regime, carrying a 1911. I’m curious if you leave yours cocked and locked for long periods (what is long?) or if you decock and reload the round? Obviously set back is a concern as is spring tension.
Any thoughts including get out of my thread accepted.
Leaving your 1911 cocked is not an issue. You could always replace springs at predetermined intervals if you prefer.
Col. Jeff Cooper related having fired a 1911 that had been “condition 1” for over 50 years.
It went bang each time he pressed trigger to slide lock, mag had been fully loaded.
Obviously set back is a concern as is spring tension.
With modern metals at least... It is the cycling of the spring that wears it out, not leaving it compressed. IMHO, the more that you shoot it will require more spring maintenance... Just like it will on your Sig, Glock, HK ect..
I am a lifetime Sig guy. The more I handle and research a 1911, the more I like the platform. I still mostly EDC a P365 or J-frame, but the 1911 is rapidly getting more carry time. My Wilson Supergrade is the nightstand gun... Yes... A 1911. If you'd have told me 20 years ago I'd have a 1911 and actually USE it for defense, I'd have laughed at you.
Enjoy the new 1911. :cool:
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