Need some advice on a single stack .45

[melissa5]

I have a Glock 30SF that I like, but I'm thinking that I would really enjoy a single stack .45 a lot more...especially if I had to shoot it one-handed. The use would be for home defense/nightstand gun. I want at least 8+1. It could be a 1911 since I won't be carrying it. So, what do ya'll suggest I look at?

[Bawanna]

If your leaning towards a 1911 for the grip which is a good one but don't want the c0cked and locked concern which you've mentioned before I'd look at the Para Ordnance LDA. It has a very light long take up and then is very similar to a clean short 1911 as you hit resistance. It's double action so the hammer is always down.
It looks and feels like a 1911, mags interchance, the thumb safety and grip safety are the same.
I wish the shipping and FFL rules weren't so tough I'd send you one to test drive.
Have you mentioned in the past that you had a G36 the single stack version of the 30? The down fall to it is stand alone mags, can't take a bigger versions mags like the 30.
I'm sure alot more ideas will be incoming.

[wayneo1]

I am a big fan of Smith and Wesson 1911's. Purest dont like the external extractor but it doesnt bother me. You cant go wrong with a smith plus they have world class customer service which I have never had to avail myself of so far.

[Willieboy]

FWIW, I recall reading there were reliablity problems with the G36. I've no experience with the G36 but some research might be in order before going with the G36. Also, I don't think the G36 holds 8+. Also, if Melissa already had/has a G36, she already knows all the stugg I just typed. Sorry.

I really like the looks of the STI 1911s. If I could still afford to shoot .45acp, that's where I would spend the money I can't afford to spend.

[melissa5]

Yeah, I've had a G36 and the grip was great, but only 6 rounds. I didn't have a single problem with it mechanically. Sold it! Maybe Glock will make some needed changes on the 36 in the Gen4 version (8 or 10 round mags).

I guess I could get a grip reduction done on the G30SF, but some of those look like *****!

Cocked & locked would be OK for a non-carry weapon.

I'm going to the range in a little while and will rent a couple of their single stack .45s.

[Bawanna]

Yeah, I've had a G36 and the grip was great, but only 6 rounds. I didn't have a single problem with it. Sold it! Maybe Glock will make some needed changes on the 36 in the Gen4 version (8 or 10 round mags).

I guess I could get a grip reduction done on the G30SF, but some of those look like *****!

Cocked & locked would be OK for a non-carry weapon.

I missed the capacity criteria. The 30SF will accept any of the full size mags and just stick out the bottom. Numerous officers here carry 30's to backup their 21 because of the mag interchangeablility. I'd not heard of any issues with the 36, I've had 2 I think and they never missed a beat. I did shoot the 30's had a couple of those too, better. Never could figure out why.

[MW surveyor]

I'm not going to make any suggestions at this time. I'm still breaking in my 1911 :)

[O'Dell]

I won't hesitate in recommending a S&W M&P. I have had two compacts in 40 and 45, and they have been flawless. The ergonomics are great, and although some dislike the trigger, it does get better with use. It is also easy to fix.

If you want to move upscale, I can say pretty much the same for HK USP or HK45. Excellent build quality and a better trigger out of the box.

[TheTman]

I might see if you can find a Stoeger Cougar 8045. I have a Beretta Cougar in .40 and it's been absolutley reliable. The Beretta bought Stoeger, moved the Cougar machinery to Turkey and started producing them as Stoegers, but it's basically the same gun as the Beretta. It's an 8+1 capacity like you're looking for. Beretta also makes a PX4 Storm with 9 or 10 round mags. It's a polymer frame and has replaced the Cougar in the Beretta lineup. The list price on the Stoeger is $499, so you can probably get it for less. The Storm is closer to $600.
If you're looking for a 1911, the gun genie at galleryofguns.com has about 25-30 of pages of them to look at from entry level to competition guns. I've seen the Rock Island Armory going for $400 at gun shows, all you'd need is an 8 round Bill Wilson or Chip McCormack (Shooting Star) mag for it. The guns previously mentioined are good ones too.

[jeepster09]

Great for carry also good for nightstand....only 24 ounces.
PARA ORDNANCE PDA 45

[jocko]

and I notice it is Ported to. super nice peace..

[melissa5]

Bawanna, remember when you told me not to try a 1911 until I was ready to buy one? Well, you were right! I rented the only 1911 my range had, a Colt Govt. model, and immediately fell in lust with it. :D It kicks less than my G30 and I absolutely love the short trigger pull. No more low and left shots. So, I went to my LGS and browsed around. Looked at some new Springfield Armorys and a couple of Kimbers. Then, went around to the used counter and found this.

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/5236/photojh.jpg

It's a Kimber SIS Pro with front checkering, bobbed hammer, extended slide safety, and night sights. They are asking $799 for it. Brand new, it's around $1300 = $1400. Do you guys think this is a good gun/deal?

[jocko]

If itr works it is a hell of a deal. can u put some rounds through it with the option to buy if all is OK??. certainly looks good. I can see ther picture now, u feel yourself drifint away from the mystic of the BAWANNA and to get onb his good side (which he only has one side), ur gonna pop for a 1911 45 as u know that is his pet gun.

Wow what a woman won't do to keep a man!!!

[MW surveyor]

I'm with jocko on this. It would be very good if you can put at least 50 rounds through it before the sale is final.

BTW - My Para GI Expert 45 is a real joy to shoot and makes nice big holes!

[jocko]

guarantee u if I owned a Para GI expert, and after kahr seen me shoot it, they would probably grind the word expert off my Para. I have a tendoncy of making any good gun look bad.

Kahr has not caught on to me yet but I have had a few other brands of guns that I shot piss poor and the companies came in an bought them back as long as I signed an affadivt to NEVER OWN THEIR BRAND AGAIN.

Harley Davidson is trying to do that to me now, they claim I am down on the pavement to much and giving their bikes a bad image!! Gonna take sdome very big bucvks for this to happen, Maybe you might see soon the logo Harley-Davidson-Jocko

[MW surveyor]

Hey, just remember at 15 yards with the CW9, if you stand close to the bullseye, I probably would miss.

[Bawanna]

Bawanna, remember when you told me not to try a 1911 until I was ready to buy one? Well, you were right! I rented the only 1911 my range had, a Colt Govt. model, and immediately fell in lust with it. :D It kicks less than my G30 and I absolutely love the short trigger pull. No more low and left shots. So, I went to my LGS and browsed around. Looked at some new Springfield Armorys and a couple of Kimbers. Then, went around to the used counter and found this.

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/5236/photojh.jpg

It's a Kimber SIS Pro with front checkering, bobbed hammer, extended slide safety, and night sights. They are asking $799 for it. Brand new, it's around $1300 = $1400. Do you guys think this is a good gun/deal?

Thats a great gun and I've looked at that same model myself. The sight is specially design for one handed manipulation of the slide.
I'd have to do more research but I think that is a pretty good deal.
I have little doubt that it will work just fine but as the fellas stated a test run would be nice or some sort of if it don't run I'm bringing it back policy.
I like it. The main thing is if you like it, go for it. I knew all it would take was one shooting session.
Don't listen to the boys either, your not drifting away from my mystic. And even if you don't buy it your still aces with me.
One thing to ponder and I think I'd go for this anyway would be a light rail. There's a lot of 1911's out there with them now which would be nice if you don't plan to carry. Course a good surefire in the hand and this SIS in the other and your set.
Keep us posted.

I'm betting its already headed home. Anyone want to wager?

[melissa5]

Thats a great gun and I've looked at that same model myself. The sight is specially design for one handed manipulation of the slide.
I'd have to do more research but I think that is a pretty good deal.
I have little doubt that it will work just fine but as the fellas stated a test run would be nice or some sort of if it don't run I'm bringing it back policy.
I like it. The main thing is if you like it, go for it. I knew all it would take was one shooting session.
Don't listen to the boys either, your not drifting away from my mystic. And even if you don't buy it your still aces with me.
One thing to ponder and I think I'd go for this anyway would be a light rail. There's a lot of 1911's out there with them now which would be nice if you don't plan to carry. Course a good surefire in the hand and this SIS in the other and your set.
Keep us posted.

I'm betting its already headed home. Anyone want to wager?

Ha! It's on layaway just to make sure no one else gets it until I make up my mind. If I decide I don't want it, then the deposit can be used toward credit on another gun.

P.S. I just purchased a Surefire G2 a few days ago

[Bawanna]

Go get it. I knew it, I just knew it was yours.

Send us some good pictures, lots of them. I did a real quick search and the price looks good if it's any where near as nice as that picture.

I wonder is we're connected at the brain, we seem to be on similar mind thoughts. G2 is a great light.

[MW surveyor]

Melissa, your willpower is outstanding! From firing a 1911 at the range to putting one on layaway, in how short of time? Just joking. If you don't get that one, I'll bet that you wind up with something equally nice!

I'm not much on rails for a 1911. Sorta destroys the look for me. Hey, flashlights in one hand and gun in the other has worked for quite a few years. Don't think that I'd like to search with my pistol. Just sayin.

[melissa5]

Yeah, sometimes immediate gratification is a good thing. :)

I'm blaming Kahr and Kahr Talk for my need to own a 1911. After shooting my single stack PM9 and loving it, I just had to find a single stack .45. I'm blaming Bawanna because he's my cyber husband! :rolleyes:

[MW surveyor]

Willieboy told me the same thing today at the range. He couldn't believe that I went to three LGSs and then didn't buy the Para the day I looked at it. Waited till the next day, in the morning when the shop opened!

[BuckeyeBlast]

I think you made a good move. It reminds me of the first time I shot a 1911. Rented one at my LGS, with the first trigger pull I was sold... finished my box of ammo, slept on it overnight, went back and bought this the next day. I'm hoping to add 3 more 1911's to my collection by the end of 2011. Happy Birthday 1911. :)

http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a453/RightClickError/Gun%20Stuff/PICT0118-2.jpg

[melissa5]

Very nice, BuckeyeBlast! I had forgotten that it was a big anniversary for the 1911.

[BuckeyeBlast]

Very nice, BuckeyeBlast! I had forgotten that it was a big anniversary for the 1911.

Now you've got a 1911 that you bought in 2011. :hippie:

[Bawanna]

Yeah, sometimes immediate gratification is a good thing. :)

I'm blaming Kahr and Kahr Talk for my need to own a 1911. After shooting my single stack PM9 and loving it, I just had to find a single stack .45. I'm blaming Bawanna because he's my cyber husband! :rolleyes:

Nag, nag, nag. Somethings never change. Your such a sweetheart.

I'll have to share the anniversary theory with my son for his Springfield. In front of everyone in hopes of greasing the skids so I can have a anniversary 1911 too.

I doubt I can pull off a SIS but a new Ruger, or a MRI or maybe if theres any of those AO Presentation grades left?????? Lots of options. I'm sure they can let me get at least one.

That STI is an absolute sweetheart there Buckeye. Sweet.

[TucsonMTB]

Then, went around to the used counter and found this.

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/5236/photojh.jpg

It's a Kimber SIS Pro with front checkering, bobbed hammer, extended slide safety, and night sights. They are asking $799 for it. Brand new, it's around $1300 = $1400. Do you guys think this is a good gun/deal?
Among Kimber enthusiasts, the SIS line is very well regarded. That's all stainless under the dark finish. They look gorgeous when bead blasted, just in case you like shiny guns, as I do.

This Pro size with its 4" barrel is nice, combining reliability similar to a full sized 5" Government model with a reasonable sight plane and easier handling. There is no troublesome firing pin safety, but it still passed the California drop test, probably with a Titanium firing pin . . . I forget.

As with most Kimbers you can expect excellent accuracy and the need for a break-in (like a Kahr) that usually goes for 300 rounds. Given that you found this on the "experienced" counter, you have neatly side stepped that expense.

The cheapest used SIS Pro sized pistol I see on GunBroker.com has a Buy It Now price of $950. Most are listed at more than $1000 and new offerings around $1500, so I think yours is a bargain.

Here's hoping you enjoy your new toy . . . but, be careful. It's hard to own only one 1911. ;)

[jeepster09]

Or if you want a longer barell and don't mind a little more weight; I also like the Para Night Watch Companion 3 1/2" barell. I have XS Big Dot night sights on all my guns. You can buy these used in the $600 range.:59:

[earle8888]

Some good looking 45's

[melissa5]

Thanks for that info, Tucson! It's good to know that it is stainless underneath, but I like them dark and stealthy....except the grips. I suspect that I will ask Bawanna to make me some purdy grips when the Swede lets him...maybe burlwood or spalted maple. :)

[jlottmc]

The only thing about that model Kimber that I have heard that is not a glowing comment is that they seem to be a little slick in the hand, and subsequently a little harder to rack. I think the grips had some to do with that also. Nice piece, I see that it is also the 4" (close to Commander length), so get it and enjoy. You may find yourself carrying it too (that's why I'm reluctant to let my wife shoot my Commander).

[jdlott74]

The only thing about that model Kimber that I have heard that is not a glowing comment is that they seem to be a little slick in the hand, and subsequently a little harder to rack. I think the grips had some to do with that also. Nice piece, I see that it is also the 4" (close to Commander length), so get it and enjoy. You may find yourself carrying it too (that's why I'm reluctant to let my wife shoot my Commander).


Now honey, you know that I want to shoot the Commander, but it's too big for me to carry. I like my Kahr JUST FINE!!!!

[gb6491]

... That's all stainless under the dark finish....
Man, I wish that was the case with my TLE II, alas mine has a carbon steel slide and stainless frame under the dark finish on it. that limits my options some if I were ever to refinish it. All said, it's great shooing pistol and just might be my favorite of the 1911s I currently own.

That's a nice one you have there Melissa. Congrats:)

Regards,
Greg

[TucsonMTB]

Found this picture of a bead blasted SIS Ultra on another forum.

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu169/OHIO1911/Kimber%20SIS%20Ultra/Ultra%20Update/DSC00296.jpg

Admittedly, this one has some other work done to it, but the picture illustrates what's lurking under the Kim-Pro finish.

[Chuck54]

Great purchase !!

What was it about the 30sf that you diid't like?


I'm not big on the Glock triggers but my 30sf has a very nice trigger(for a Glock) and it shoots very good. Maybe I was just lucky but I like the trigger on my 30sf better than the trigger on a 17L that I shot.


I really like the commander size 1911's but don't own one at the moment......now I'm getting the urge to go looking for one.

[Bawanna]

Found this picture of a bead blasted SIS Ultra on another forum.

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu169/OHIO1911/Kimber%20SIS%20Ultra/Ultra%20Update/DSC00296.jpg

Admittedly, this one has some other work done to it, but the picture illustrates what's lurking under the Kim-Pro finish.

Now thats sweet. I like stainless and shiney. I also like dark and blued, don't cotton to some of the unnatural stuff, greens, and foliage and desert or whatever they call it.
I like blue even better if I know it's shiney and stainless underneath.

Melissa? Is it home yet?

[jocko]

how about pink?? u seem to have a fobia about that to.

[Catshooter]

Melissa,

Are you right handed? If you are, and find yourself shooting low/left, here's a tip.

The reason for the low/left is that when you're pressing the trigger, you're also, at the same time tightening the rest of your fingers, pulling the gun down and to the left. The cure is to be able to just press the trigger while not changing the other fingers' grip.

Hope this helps. And congrats on your new toy!


Cat

[jdlott74]

Found this picture of a bead blasted SIS Ultra on another forum.

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu169/OHIO1911/Kimber%20SIS%20Ultra/Ultra%20Update/DSC00296.jpg

Admittedly, this one has some other work done to it, but the picture illustrates what's lurking under the Kim-Pro finish.

No that's a sweet looking gun. Although much to jlottmc's dismay, I do love the feel of his Commander. Havent' gotten to shoot it yet.

[melissa5]

Great purchase !!

What was it about the 30sf that you diid't like?


I'm not big on the Glock triggers but my 30sf has a very nice trigger(for a Glock) and it shoots very good. Maybe I was just lucky but I like the trigger on my 30sf better than the trigger on a 17L that I shot.


I really like the commander size 1911's but don't own one at the moment......now I'm getting the urge to go looking for one.

My 30SF is a great shooter but is still really too big for my hand. I thought about a grip reduction, but then thought, no...just get a single stack .45.

[melissa5]

Now thats sweet. I like stainless and shiney. I also like dark and blued, don't cotton to some of the unnatural stuff, greens, and foliage and desert or whatever they call it.
I like blue even better if I know it's shiney and stainless underneath.

Melissa? Is it home yet?

Not yet. I think I'll go liberate it Monday. That way I don't have to tell Mama that I bought another gun when I see her tomorrow! :madgrin:

[melissa5]

Found this picture of a bead blasted SIS Ultra on another forum.

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu169/OHIO1911/Kimber%20SIS%20Ultra/Ultra%20Update/DSC00296.jpg

Admittedly, this one has some other work done to it, but the picture illustrates what's lurking under the Kim-Pro finish.

OK, that is one good looking gun. :w00t: I could definitely have mine bead blasted and be happy.

[melissa5]

The only thing about that model Kimber that I have heard that is not a glowing comment is that they seem to be a little slick in the hand, and subsequently a little harder to rack. I think the grips had some to do with that also. Nice piece, I see that it is also the 4" (close to Commander length), so get it and enjoy. You may find yourself carrying it too (that's why I'm reluctant to let my wife shoot my Commander).

Are you afraid she'll shoot it better than you? LOL! Just kidding!

I'll have to become very comfortable with cocked and locked before I'd consider carrying it.

[melissa5]

Melissa,

Are you right handed? If you are, and find yourself shooting low/left, here's a tip.

The reason for the low/left is that when you're pressing the trigger, you're also, at the same time tightening the rest of your fingers, pulling the gun down and to the left. The cure is to be able to just press the trigger while not changing the other fingers' grip.

Hope this helps. And congrats on your new toy!


Cat

Thanks, Catshooter. I am a righty and always shoot low and left with my Glocks. Not so much with a 1911. I really like the short trigger pull.

[jlottmc]

No Melissa, I'm NOT worried about that. I just don't like the property rules of marriage. You know she says "what's mine is mine, what's ours is mine, and what's yours is mine" I like my gun. Co c ked and locked really isn't that bad, just remember to swipe that safety, and to put it back on. It really does become muscle memory.

[Bawanna]

"OK, that is one good looking gun. I could definitely have mine bead blasted and be happy. "

The beauty of it is you can enjoy the dark finish you like knowing that if it ever gets worn or you tire of it you can do the bead blast thing and it'll be like having a new gun.

I surely wouldnt break out the bead blaster on your new toy till the time comes.

I'm ready to whittle grips on your command. I truely am.

[melissa5]

"OK, that is one good looking gun. I could definitely have mine bead blasted and be happy. "

The beauty of it is you can enjoy the dark finish you like knowing that if it ever gets worn or you tire of it you can do the bead blast thing and it'll be like having a new gun.

I surely wouldnt break out the bead blaster on your new toy till the time comes.

I'm ready to whittle grips on your command. I truely am.

No, I'll let it stay dark until it has battle scars on it, then think about bead blasting.

I'm going to ask some grip related questions in your grip thread.

Edit: Just ran across this photo while googling the Kimber SIS Pro. What about just bead blasting the bottom of the frame like this?

http://cdn5.thefirearmsblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/images-pistols-aegis-aegis-large.jpg