Thinking about getting into 1911's, where do I start?

[MountainRaven]

Are we talking about the regular production M45A1 or the Colt Custom Shop version?

[newyork]

Regular


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mr McSimon]

That M45A1 is pretty sweet and certainly gives me the motivation to take a second look at Colt as well. I did have a chance to get my hands on a few Springfields yesterday. The TRP 1911-A1, a TRP Operator, and a Mil Spec. I really like the Operator, but I have smaller hands so I think no matter what I'm going to need a short trigger as my grip on the Mil Spec felt the best.

What do you guys think, am I better trying to find something with the short trigger or just plan on bucking up for some custom work after the fact? I assume that's not something I want to try change myself. I'm not seeing a lot of good choices with a stock short trigger, so at this point it seems like the latter.

I'm loving all the feedback, thanks, and keep it coming.

[newyork]

I think Colts, unless basic s70 or s80 models (short triggers) come with long triggers and except for the Springfield milspec, SA comes with medium. I think.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MountainRaven]

Regular

The CCU was designed with input from Ken Hackathorn for the "ultimate" duty-ready Colt 1911 pistol.

The M45A1 was designed for Marine Raiders.

I believe the M45A1 comes with Wilson Combat magazines and has tritium night sights. That might contribute to the difference in price, if the CCU does not (which I do not recall).

Most likely, the cachet of being designed for Marine Raiders is likely what makes the M45A1 the more expensive pistol.

(It looks like there's a Custom Shop M45A1 that does have front strap checkering.)

[newyork]

Looks like 2 Wilson mags. Ccu has black rear and front tritium and a magwell and checkering. Maybe the finish and you’re probably right the stigma of the Marine Raiders.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[glocktogo]

That M45A1 is pretty sweet and certainly gives me the motivation to take a second look at Colt as well. I did have a chance to get my hands on a few Springfields yesterday. The TRP 1911-A1, a TRP Operator, and a Mil Spec. I really like the Operator, but I have smaller hands so I think no matter what I'm going to need a short trigger as my grip on the Mil Spec felt the best.

What do you guys think, am I better trying to find something with the short trigger or just plan on bucking up for some custom work after the fact? I assume that's not something I want to try change myself. I'm not seeing a lot of good choices with a stock short trigger, so at this point it seems like the latter.

I'm loving all the feedback, thanks, and keep it coming.

A short trigger is cheap and not that hard to fit, but may be more than you want to do yourself. IMO, STI makes the best short trigger on the market. The polymer shoe doesn’t show frame drag marks the way aluminum does, but more importantly it has adjustments for both take-up and overtravel. I spec STI triggers in all my 1911’s, including my Dan Wesson. I get them from Dawson Precision.

[Mr McSimon]

A short trigger is cheap and not that hard to fit, but may be more than you want to do yourself. IMO, STI makes the best short trigger on the market. The polymer shoe doesn’t show frame drag marks the way aluminum does, but more importantly it has adjustments for both take-up and overtravel. I spec STI triggers in all my 1911’s, including my Dan Wesson. I get them from Dawson Precision.

I would "want" to change it out myself, but from what I read it's not like an AR and unless you're qualified you shouldn't be doing your own work on them. I guess I'm just trying to confirm if that would be the case for a replacement trigger.

[Norseman]

If it helps.

I have owned a Colt M45 for I think for 5-6 years now. Mine is the non custom shop version with the matte barrel hood, which to my understanding is most similar to the issue pistols for the USMC.

PROS,
The gun has been an absolute runner. No ammo sensitivity, does not care about mags, puts rounds where you want them. Novak night sights are good. Dual recoil spring setup is cool and makes it a puppy dog or shoot. Especially with a light attached (mine has had a SF X300 from pretty much from the get go).

If it has any MIM I can’t find it, but not sure I really care to be honest.i

CONS,
mine is the old cerakote version they first came out with, it sucks. Just looking at it and it chips. Not a huge deal to me since it is a shooter, but if I was looking today I would get the ion bond for sure.

Spare recoil springs can be challenging to find.

Holsters are not real abundant for sure. Not a carry piece for me per se, so not a huge deal in my world. I do have an older Safariland duty holster, not sure the #, that was originally for a 1911 with the Surefire MR07/SF light that works like a charm, so good enough for my uses.

Sorry can’t be of help on how it compares to the CCU, I have not even actually seen the CCU in real life but I am sure it is just fine.

Hope this helps.

[Diamondback]

Do get the two Kuhnhausen shop manuals on the 1911, also.