Cmas gift for Soldier

[bobbarrios]

My son is US army is attempting to qualify for special forces at Bragg. He owns a personal AR-15 but I am thinking of getting him a personal auto for Xmas. I have a 9 mm 1911 Colt Commander that he has fired. Any suggestions for a gift, 45 vs. 9, Colt or something else?

[Hawkmoon]

I would suggest finding out what weapon the Army Special Forces are using, and give him that. The issue sidearm for probably 95% or more of our armed forces is the 9mm Beretta. Some Marine units get 1911s (in .45). Not sure about SEALs. Everyone else gets the Beretta.

I'm sure he would appreciate whatever you give him, the question is if this pistol is to be a keepsake, or a personal copy of the issue weapon to help him train on it. If it's to be a keepsake, I think you can't go wrong with a Colt, and I'd suggest a Series 70 if possible, or else just an M1991A1. Keep it basic, the way it was intended to be.

[John]

Bah, my partner is getting old. What good would a Beretta be? Even the military is issuing them to the soldiers. Get the boy a 1911, in .45 ACP of course. That's something he will treasure for the rest of his life, as a gift from his old man. And he will thank you, every time he shoots it.

[Hunter]

My father gave me a Colt 1911 in .45 ACP made in 1918 not long after I got out of the Marines and it is by far one of my favorite pistols or any of my guns for that matter.I did have to "loan" him my Springfield 1911 but that was fine. I think Hawk was right on with the Series 70 Colt 1911 in .45 ACP

[gottripletsNC]

I actually think that I have seen both H&K USPs, MK 23's and sadly the Beretta's too, I work less than 10 miles from camp MacKall, and see my fair share of SF guys, matter of fact bob, when he goes through Robin Sage, he will be doing part of the exercise in my county where I work as a Medic...

its a 1911 website, of course I would have to agree with the boss, get him a 1911, cause the military won't...

[bobbarrios]

Thanks for the input guys. It is my understanding that the US Army issues 9 mm Barettas. I think a 1911 45 is the ticket.

[John]

There you go Sir, can't go wrong with the old workhorse.

[Farnorth]

I would have to go with the 1911 45 ACP. Actually, that's what I did. My oldest son returns from Afghanistan around next Feb., so I got a SA GI in stainless. I installed the Kings three dot sights, Nowlin action speed demon kit, flat mainspring housing with magwell, Wilson ultralight match trigger, Wilson combat extended thumb safety, Wilson combat slide stop and a Wilson extended magazine release. I dropped the slide off at the engravers yesterday for a moderate amount of engraving and his initials. I also had Barry at GunGrips.net laser etch his CID badge on a black set of Alumagrips. I'm very happy with the way this project has gone and I think he will be suprised when we give to him upon his return. bobbarrios, I don't think you can go wrong with the 1911 ACP. :D Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

[John]

No beavertail? Oh well, I guess some people can shoot a 1911 without one. I am sure your son will have one more reason to be happy upon his return! May he get back soon in the same shape as he was when he left.

[Farnorth]

Yes John, actually that was the first item put on. It was a Smith and Alexander .220 radius with the raised pad. Sorry for posting about the SA GI in the Colt section, sometimes I get just a little bit excited and ramble a bit. :o Greg

[Brian D.]

Hunter, if I read your first sentence right, you got out of the Marines back around 1918?? :D (Sorry man, a lack of commas has done that same sort of thing to my postings a few times too!)

Giving him a 1911 in .45 would be fine, assuming he has access to that ammo. Maybe provide a few spare mags too?

[Hunter]

What I meant is that the Colt he gave me was made in 1918. He gave it to me shortly after I got out of the Marines in 1996.