View Full Version : Thinking about a new handgun
Feeling like it might be time for another handgun.
Thinking I want a 1911 in a commander size in 9mm with a steel frame. Seems these things are few and far between, especially in the sub-$1,000 price range.
Looks like Rock Island offers several models but for not much more money Colt has their 1991 model as well. The 1991 is a series 80 and I am fine with that. I would probably upgrade the grip safety, the mainspring housing, and the trigger right away on the Colt but the Rock Island models I am looking at already have decent looking grip safeties, metal mainspring housings, and OK styled triggers. I was looking into Springfield Armory but it looks like their Champion series in 9mm only comes with an alloy frame.
Also, the little Walther CCP kind of intrigues me. Not sure why. Maybe the gas operated system fascinates me or something? It's about the size of the S&W Shield but is a bit wider. I doubt I'd ever carry it though and not sure how much fun it would be for a range toy.
Speaking of Walther, I've never owned a PPK either. Always thought they were kind of cool little pistols.
Of course, at one time I was wanting an HK VP9 pretty bad. That kind of passed though.
Anyhow, just sharing my thoughts I suppose.
Did you see Buffalobo's 9mm 1911 at the last match? He really likes it and had been shooting very well with it as well.
Did you see Buffalobo's 9mm 1911 at the last match? He really likes it and had been shooting very well with it as well.
Yeah. His is a Rock Island. People seem to have pretty good luck with them. His is a government sized (5" barrel) and I want the commander sized.
buffalobo
07-30-2015, 21:49
I have been more than satisfied with my recently acquired RIA. I shoot it better than any other pistol I have owned (including revolvers). The fit and finish is very good for its price range ($500).
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
buffalobo
07-30-2015, 21:52
I would have no hesitation(and hope to in the future) having Noah order in the compact model from RIA.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
buffalobo
07-30-2015, 21:54
At the price paid, it is also easier to part with the money to customize/upgrade.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
buffalobo
07-30-2015, 21:56
The next gun shop that sells a RIA pistol to a COAR member, owes me a commission.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
At the price paid, it is also easier to part with the money to customize/upgrade.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Says the guy who still hasn't bought a mag well yet. [Coffee]
thvigil11
07-30-2015, 21:59
I picked up a base model RIA a few years back. Great gun for the price. Ended up getting a new slide from Sarco with front serrations and Novak dovetails. One of my favorite pistolas.
This is the one I would get but I can't find it in stock right now.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/30/6f9cae178928cce3d2bf455fd91d5aa2.jpg
I can find this one but don't really want the full dust cover and rail.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/30/f99f071385f8239d7a83f720ae081752.jpg
Or I go with this Colt for a few bucks more.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/30/91e8b351af091d1d9416f6ff55ad7e94.jpg
Bang for the buck I'd go with RIA. The mods to bring the Colt up to the RIA would probably surpass $1k including price of the pistol. Not worth it IMO.
I have fondled the Para's at Noahs and to be honest the fit seem tight and the trigger doesn't have too much slop. I will say the warthog is the most uncomfortable gun I have ever felt but that's their sub 45. Have you checked out the Spingfield EMP? They might be right at your limit or slightly over.
Talk to Buffalobo about the difference between his Para and his RIA.
Yeah, probably not going to buy a Para Ordnance. They had a stretch where they had some quality control issues and some customer service issues and their reputation suffered. I'd rather have a gun made in the Philippines that has a reputation for working right out of the box.
buffalobo
07-31-2015, 07:28
Yeah, probably not going to buy a Para Ordnance. They had a stretch where they had some quality control issues and some customer service issues and their reputation suffered. I'd rather have a gun made in the Philippines that has a reputation for working right out of the box.
This^^^^^
Although in the end, Para stepped up and made it right. I might consider checking them out again in a couple years if the acquisition by Remington goes well.
As a side note, my compact Para 1911(Carry 9) carried very well and I really liked the LDA trigger, it was too bad it was unreliable mechanically.
Great-Kazoo
07-31-2015, 08:59
RUGER SR1911 Commander.
60002 60003
I never liked or cared for a S/action single stack pistol. Ended up with a RIA which was going to be a suppressor host. The cost at the time made it a soon to be sold gun. Was offered a smoking deal on the Ruger. Since i had lots of components for a 45, why not. hate to sell reloading items anyway (most of the time) Got the ruger, installed an Ed Brown threaded bbl and am a very happy camper. Not to say the stock bbl wasn't accurate. Just didn't work for a suppressor.
If you want to take a ride up here, bring some ammo and take it for a road test. The pistol with stock bbl was very accurate, likewise for the threaded one, be it factory or my reloads.
Not to take away from the RIA. The one i had, like this ruger was on the money.
Sorry, Kazoo. I don't think they offer the Ruger in 9mm.
Springfield Range Officer Champion 9mm
http://www.springfield-armory.com/products/1911-range-officer-champion-9mm/
Springfield Range Officer Champion 9mm
http://www.springfield-armory.com/products/1911-range-officer-champion-9mm/
Thanks. Unfortunately, I am looking for a steel frame gun.
Thanks. Unfortunately, I am looking for a steel frame gun.
Why does it need to be steel?
No particular reason. Lol.
I just want a steel frame.
Great-Kazoo
07-31-2015, 21:23
Why does it need to be steel?
His manly grip crushes anything but Steel.
Why does it need to be steel?
Did a little more digging. Seems Springfield makes two models of the Range Officer compact. One with a steel frame and one with aluminum.
Turns out I can get the steel frame model. You know, so I don't crush the aluminum frame with my manly grip.
Is that "crush the aluminum frame with my manly grip" an instinctive reaction developed from frequent handling of aluminum beverage containers holding carbonated alcoholic refreshment?
Is that "crush the aluminum frame with my manly grip" an instinctive reaction developed from frequent handling of aluminum beverage containers holding carbonated alcoholic refreshment?
Yes. And I'll be brushing up on that technique over the next several days. [Beer]
His manly grip crushes anything but Steel.
I've yet to personally meet Ray, so I'll take this as a clue....lol
Ray-If you plan to carry this one a bit, the lighter aluminum might sway you. It depends on your tolerance of the weight.
Well, turns out they don't make the Springfield with a steel frame. I was mistaken.
Anyhow, added another one to my list of consideration. The Walther PPQ. Ugly as sin in my opinion but everyone seems to think they are the bee's knees and the trigger is supposed to be about the best there is on a factory striker fired handgun.
Might have to stop by the Tanner show this weekend and fondle some stuff before I make a decision.
Birstlecone has like 50 different guns for rent. I figured I'd rent one or two that I had in mind, and try them out during a Bowling Pin match to see how they handle under pressure.
Rooskibar03
08-11-2015, 19:46
What about P239?
Its about same size as Shield and 43, albeit thicker and heavier. But it's a Sig, and shoots like one.
http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah253/Rooskibar03/972CBFBE-5846-4084-A156-9C6E36662B47_zpsdorp0nly.jpg
Oh, I like Sigs OK. Not really looking for a carry piece though. If I decide I want a Sig it will probably be a MK25.
Rooskibar03
08-11-2015, 21:11
Oh, I like Sigs OK. Not really looking for a carry piece though. If I decide I want a Sig it will probably be a MK25.
Who said anything about carry, I collect Sigs like a crack addict.
Haven't even taken the wrapper off my MK25.
http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah253/Rooskibar03/5dfdb7550b5c0baefd32d2a1b340d185_zpsepfwlgjr.jpg
buffalobo
08-11-2015, 21:16
Oh, I like Sigs OK. Not really looking for a carry piece though. If I decide I want a Sig it will probably be a MK25.
This^^^^
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Take a look at what STI has for sale.
Take a look at what STI has for sale.
Will do. Thanks.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.