1911a1 Advice

[Fmedges]

I have a Springfield Armory GI. I purchased this pistol not knowing anything about pistols at the time and I have only shot maybe 300 rounds for it. Since then I have bought 2 m&p's and an XD in .40. I really enjoy shooting those, but the .45 not so much. The other pistols feel really good in my hand and more natural than the .45. I still really don't know a lot about the 1911 and I am torn if I should consider selling it for another polymer pistol, maybe an FN FNX. Can I make the 1911 fit me better and what is your opinion on this matter. Mine is the same as pictured below except for that I've had the ejection port lowered and I have 3 dot sights, but I haven't put them on yet.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Critical%20Look%20at%20Springfield%20Mil%20Spec_fi les/image004.jpg

[KS63]

What specifically don't you like about it. The beauty of 1911's is that you can customize them to your liking. If you plan in getting rid of it, hit me up.

[Fmedges]

What specifically don't you like about it. The beauty of 1911's is that you can customize them to your liking. If you plan in getting rid of it, hit me up.

I would say that the way that it fits my hand. The sights also, but like I said I have replacements.

[Graves]

Try a flat MSH, and slim grips. Or slim grips with the arched...or flat with std. grips...or hogue wrap arounds (finger groved). There are a few options that you can look into, the differences aren't really that dramatic IMO.

[rondog]

Many guys feel the 1911 is the "perfect fit", but everybody's hands and tastes are different. Some love 'em, some hate 'em, some won't have one, some want 'em all. My bugaboo seems to be BP revolvers, those things hate me.

So, it's kinda up to you, and what you want, and your tastes. You may sink a ton of money into it and never really like it, or you might hit the magic combo of parts and fall in love with it. Or, you may be better off trying different 1911's for feel and fit, maybe you'd like one with a beavertail, longer trigger and straight MSH better. Or, you may be happier just moving on to something different altogether.

All guns aren't for all people, just like cars and motorcycles, etc. You'll never catch me in a sports car or on a sport bike, for example, but then they aren't exactly a "fit" for me either.

[sroz]

Try a flat MSH, and slim grips. Or slim grips with the arched...or flat with std. grips...or hogue wrap arounds (finger groved). There are a few options that you can look into, the differences aren't really that dramatic IMO.

^^^^^^^ This.

[Fmedges]

thanks guys

[SideShow Bob]

If you don't want to sink a wad of cash into it and then find out that it is just not for you, try meeting up with other members that have a variety of modified 1911s and ask to shoot them. That way, you can see what different modifications feel like. Starting with just the basics like grips and moving up to a full boat mod.

[Fmedges]

If you don't want to sink a wad of cash into it and then find out that it is just not for you, try meeting up with other members that have a variety of modified 1911s and ask to shoot them. That way, you can see what different modifications feel like. Starting with just the basics like grips and moving up to a full boat mod.

Yeah that is a good idea

[KS63]

If you don't want to sink a wad of cash into it and then find out that it is just not for you, try meeting up with other members that have a variety of modified 1911s and ask to shoot them. That way, you can see what different modifications feel like. Starting with just the basics like grips and moving up to a full boat mod.
This is good advice. Also, just go to a dealer and handle some of the higher end 1911's. Fitted beavertails, different mainspring housings and high cut trigger guards can make a difference. If anything, you've got a great base pistol for modifications.

[losttrail]

I was introduced to the 1911 as a kid growing up in MT. It seemed that nearly every 'old timer' had one. Then when I enlisted in the Army in 1980, the 1911 was the issued sidearm. As a tanker, I carried one all the time and it was my personal weapon that I qualified with. They have always fit my hand very well.

About 9 years ago I found a deal on a Springfield 1911A1 Loaded for $400 so I snatched it up. Put on the Hogue wrap around finger grips and it is my concealed carry preference. One in the pipe, 8 round WC mags and good to go. My next 'upgrade' will be a Smith & Alexander extended magwell MSH.

The first thing I always tell people when they ask what handgun to get is, the one that feels best in your hand. Worry about caliber second, but if it doesn't feel good in your hand, you won't enjoy shooting it. That's why I do not own a Glock. They just don't feel good in my hand, but my XDm 9 fits great. Now I just need to get an XDm 45.

Take the advice that people have given above. If you can't get it to feel good for you, I'm sure there are any number of us that would be glad to help you fund a replacement.

[BPTactical]

I would say the mod with the most instant impact to the feel of a 1911 is a cut in beavertail. It lowers the entire pistol in the hand and it makes a huge difference. Agreed with what SlimeShowBlob, put your paws on a few. Figure out what you like and we can make it happen.

[Fmedges]

Will do. Thanks again guys, I appreciate it.

[Sawin]

I know what you mean fmedges, but be careful not to spout sacrilege :) The ergonomics of my M&P and CZ p-01 are much better than the 1911, but like others have said you can customize it. I second the motion for slim grips, and even the rubber finger grooves if you'd like. Here's an example of the rubber finger grooves.

22193

[SideShow Bob]

For 1911 mods, Bert at BP testical is the best and most economical in the front range, if not the whole state.

Fledges, if you want to come down this way and pay the range fees, we could meet up at The Firing line and you can fondle and put a few rounds through one of BP Testical's customizing jobs on a Springfield Armory Champion. And a few other stock SA's that are the next level up from your GI model.

[BPTactical]

I see what you did there SlimeShowBlob.........

[jerrymrc]

I see what you did there SlimeShowBlob.........

That was pretty slick of SlideStopBlojob..[Flower]

I will agree to try things. I like the 1911 style of fit and feel so for me them and things like CZ75's and others work well for me. I prefer the flat mainspring housing.

[BPTactical]

And you did it too..........