Another IPSC Question-

[TomKat]

I have shot .45 ACP for a few years now and am thinking about getting into IPSC. I have a Springer 1911 GI model and a RIA Officers model. I am thinking about selling both of them to raise $ to buy a gun to use in IPSC.

Is it possible to get a gun for under $1000? I was thinking about one of the new Tauras .45's, but I am open to any and all suggestions you may have.

I know that I would really rather have a full sized pistol with adjustable sights. Thanks in advance for your help-

[RickB]

There are lots of decent guns available for less than $1000, suitable for IPSC. At the low end of the price scale, I'd recommend the STI Spartan. As you move toward the higher end, I'd recommend the STI Trojan or Springfield Armory "Loaded". I shot a Trojan in .40, a few weeks ago, and it was a very nice gun. Good sights, good trigger, and STI knows about competition.

[TomKat]

Would a Colt Defender be a good choice?

[RickB]

No. The Defender is a gun designed exclusively for carry, smaller than your RIA, and there are too many compromises in how the gun handles, mag capacity, etc., to make it a good choice for competition. You definitely want a full-size gun, all-steel with 5" barrel. The Colt XSE Government Model is a good gun, if you want a Colt. Colt just (re)introduced a XSE variant called the Combat Elite, and that would be a very good choice, priced right near your limit. The Special Combat Government Model would be better still, but that is way over your price level.

[TomKat]

I wish I had $2000 to get something top of the line! Thanks for your input. I have also seen some intresting Kimbers and Paraordanice. I looked at the STI, and I may end up going down that road.

[Airedale]

I often shoot my RIA tactical in single stack. It works just fine. You can get them for ~$500 and not need to make any changes.

Dave

[RickB]

I wish I had $2000 to get something top of the line! Thanks for your input. I have also seen some intresting Kimbers and Paraordanice. I looked at the STI, and I may end up going down that road.

The STI Trojan is priced in the $1000 neighborhood, and is a very nice piece. The Spartan is about $600, and a very good value.

[irq23]

If budget is your concern get a RIA tactical and throw a fiber optic front sight on it. After a while you will change stuff on it so go cheap for now. The STI spartan and RIA tac are made on the same assembly line. The Spartan has better sights and STI S7 tool steel internals (good).

[Ant1]

You could just add a Fiber Optic front and a plain adjustable rear sight to your gun and invest in classes. Don't forget to save your brass!!!

[TomKat]

As fate would have it, I ended up with a SA Trophy Match-

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y125/TomKat_KC/Gun%20Pictures/springer007.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y125/TomKat_KC/Gun%20Pictures/springer003.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y125/TomKat_KC/Gun%20Pictures/springer002.jpg

That should get me started! Bought for under $900 (used)

[Ant1]

Nice that will do everything you need. :appld:

[TomKat]

thanks, it looks to me like I will be in business soon- now time to see how it shoots

[TomKat]

It shot great!

[Jeffrey]

TomKat,

Congrats on your new Trophy Match.

[TomKat]

thanks I really like it and want to go shooting again!

[irq23]

Looks like you did quite well. I would stick a fiber front on it though if it does not have one already. I cant tell from the pics. Check out the Brownells 2.5# trigger job article if the trigger is heavy.

[TomKat]

The trigger on it is pretty good. A bigger question: whi is the bushing so tight? it is SS, and has a 2 piece guide rod that you screw together with an allen wrench. It has been hard to reassemble, and I have owned 4 other 1911 pistols...any tips or hints woud be appreciated.

[hardpuller]

you could swap it out for a standard guide rod and plug assy or buy a one piece rod (check out Brownells)- it is a little shorter and you can turn the bushing with out having to take it apart.

[daveohno]

I see you got your adjustable sights plus you have a mag well. Good deal!