|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Yeah, I am not sure if the cast frame issue is as big of a deal as it once was. Several quality pistols come with cast metal frames, including the FN Hi-Power and many SIG P-Series guns. Even the Hi-Powers in 40SW come with cast frames. The Israelis spec'd their service Hi-Powers with cast steel frames, because they were harder than the milled ones and they would run the very hot IMI 9mm NATO through those guns. That ammo is very hot 9mm and made to work the Uzi's action in the sand. My old 96F Beretta also has a cast frame and has seen thousands of 40SW ammo and the thing is holding up well and has never given me a lick of trouble.
The MIM parts seem to be made better than they used to, as well. I have quite a bit of rounds through a fairly stock Springfield Mil-spec stainless and all the MIM parts still seem ok. Probably approaching 5,000 rounds right now. The only thing I did to the pistol was change recoil springs and swap the extractor for a Wilson Bulletproof unit.
A friend recently bought a lightly used Springer Mil-spec for 400 bucks, so decent basic 1911s ARE out there at prices close to the RIA guns.
The type of "budget 1911' one buys might depend on what the user intends to do with the thing. Is this a range toy, a carry piece or headed to the IPDA matches?
-brickboy240
Last edited by brickboy240; 12-12-13 at 11:38.
Les Baer frames are forged but Les Baer doesn't always us a in house frame. Here is an example of a Les Baer sporting a cast Caspian frame.What? Les Baer is forged.
http://www.lesbaer.com/HC40.html
This appears to have been incorrect. Ignore.
Last edited by HKGuns; 12-12-13 at 22:00.
Casting is an issue when it's not done well, and especially if you modify it. Most high end smiths won't work on a cast frame 1911, even Caspian.
A lot of people like using the Foster (Caspian seconds) frames, but you hear a lot of horror stories of doing some mild filing like under cutting the trigger guard or fitting a beavertail, and uncovering a void, basically ruining the finish on the gun.
Cracks and failures you don't hear about much, but the voids are a pretty big issue. Basically, you don't know if they are there unless you either X ray it or file into one.
FWIW, remsport makes 1911 forged frames and slides really cheap, fitted barrel, too. I think a frame/slide/barrel setup is less than $400. At that point, you're just a parts kit away from having a Wilson (since remsport makes the frames for Wilson, and many others).
How's that for budget? It requires a good amount of skill, but this is what my next build will be. I think a whole gun with best of the best parts done this way is about $800 (I was looking at a CBOB type). You can get much cheaper parts, however.
There's a Rock Island at a local pawn shop in town that is going for $350... all the good reviews here might force me to take another look at it. I've always wanted to try my hand at building one. I'm a SA guy when it comes to 1911's.
I wouldn't get to hung up on the brand of 1911, at that price point.
I would just buy the one that is put together the best. Pick it up check the Barrel and bushing fit.
check the Frame to slide fit, check to see if there is movement in the barrel hood, is the trigger smooth.
next look at the machine work, is there front strap checkering, front slide serrations, is there a beaver tail, flat top, and what kind of cuts
do they use for there sights. The extra machining cost money and show they put some some thought into there 1911.
Some of the machine work is personal preference, Just my 2 cents hope it helps.
Was not aware khar made a 1911, I see magnum research is making one now, owned a desert eagle in .357 a few years ago, good weapon.
"SI VIS PACEM, PARA BELLUM"
A internet thread to look at is http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1269683
It is an excellent break down of features for 1911s at similiar price points. The reviews of the guns themselves do leave something to be desired (IE "At this time, I have only fired 50 trouble-free rounds through mine...") but for so many different guns there is no way a single user can do long term testing of each one.
Bookmarks