second go-round

[datruthab123]

I have narrowed my choices down to the champion loaded ss and the mil spec full size, Im a big fella so I think that i
can wear a full size 1911 and be ok during the day it's give and take i guess only abouth a 200 dollar differance, the champion loaded has all the bells and whistles and a 4 inch barrel but I love the mil specs simplicity and feel like the both of them but which is better for my first or first and second 1911 which one should I chose any suggestions, or advice about problems, upgrades or any thing else I may need to know thanks and stay safe. :cool:

[stans]

For out of the box reliability, the nod goes to a full size Government model. When you start shortening the slide and barrel, things can get a bit tricky when it comes to achieving and maintaining reliability. The 3 to 3-1/2 inch models are the worst in this respect.

[wichaka]

Go for the full size 5"............anything smaller than a Commander size, usually is a bit finicky.

I have a friend who picked up the SA Champion Loaded, the very same that you're looking at. It runs okay, but it wasn't that way out of the box. Had to do some tweaking on the extractor, slide stop, and feed ramp & throat to get it reliable. They come with a ramped barrel..........but still had some feeding problems. Its a nice gun, very accurate........but go with the full size or Commander and avoid the headaches...........

[datruthab123]

go looking out that is the direction I was heading I am about to order one tommorow and already thinking about upgrades and mods to the stainless mil spec, which grips are good as well as holsters. I know I am going with wilson combat mags and maybe a full length guide rod who makes the best one and any other suggestions on any other mods that will help

[wichaka]

Most any of the full length guide rods from any of the major makers are good. I suggest a 2 piece type. I know there will be differ of opinions on this one, but the 2 piece allows for easier take down. I've heard of the 2 piece design coming apart. I've not had that problem ever, as long as they are snugged down reasonably tight. I've used Wilson & Brown..............

As for other mods., just look around to see what's out there. I build 1911's for L.E. Personel, so some mods are not suitable for street use. So I would say, figure what you'll be using it for..........then mod. away in that direction.

Have fun.........

[datruthab123]

thanks, wichaka i thought about crimson trace grips but unsure there pratical use or there durabuility and this will be my carry and home gun so I dont know if I can use the crimsom laser grips for legal reasons of liability le are authorized for defense purposes but are civilians granted the same right if not laser are novack or any night sights that imparitive to have on all your defense guns you would know better that I would wichaka, give me your expertise, trigger job and a pair of pearlite grips from ajaxs grips and of course a good carry holster any suggestions.

[wichaka]

I'm not a laser person, so I'm probably the wrong person to ask. But unless your state or local gov. perhibits its use, there's no law against them. Just watch where you point them, as there are laws on the books in my state about laser pointing.

I have Novak night sights on one of my duty guns, and a set Wilson combats on another (non night sight). I would trust any good fixed combat sights either nights or not. A personal choice. But to be honset here, if a gun fight occurrs........chances are its going to be close and very short.....i.e., 2-3 sec. if that, and about 7-10 feet. Which doesn't leave a whole lot of time to even find your sights. So practice point shooting. But for longer ranges when you have more time, they do have their place, and a darn good one at that.

Wichakas rule of thumb;
If your target is bigger than your sights.......get ta shootin'
If your sights are bigger than your target.........better get on 'em.

Trigger jobs? Well for a carry gun, I don't recommend anything under 5lbs. Just a safety margin that I like to have, and won't let any 1911 out of my shop with anything less. If people insist on something lighter, I insist they go somewhere else. There are different opinions on this, and they come from good people.........just my opinion.

Grips? Well that's as personal as the type of underwear a person uses. You'll get all kinds of takes on this subject.......the same for trigger jobs too.
My take.........no checkering on the front strap. I like Ahrends Tactical grips. They feature their checkeing at an angle on the wood. Basically, checkering where you need it, and smooth where it needs to be as well (which is where my thumb rides)......or for that matter, any quality make of grips that have the angle checkering.
My other choice are factory Colt rubber grips. They're not checkered or sticky etc. They have that subtle pepple finish that allows your hand to move on the grips if needed, without causing problems.

Holster? I have 4 holsters I use on duty.........Sparks 55BN & Summer Special, a Davis Liberty, and a Yaqui style. I highly recommend Davis mag holders. They have a piece of spring steel in the pouch which does 2 things. 1) It keeps the mag in the pouch. 2) It tilts the mag slightly away from the body so it doesn't interfer with the grip of getting it out.

I've been in L.E. for 16 years and have been in 3 shootings..........I've tried alot of different gear. Luckily the fringe benny here is that I can test gear before I buy..........which most folks can't do. I've been sent stuff by different makers to test before its offered to the public. I've seen alot of good stuff, alot of good gimmicks, and alot of stuff that would be down right disasterous if used on the street. But you've got to realize that everyone is built & moves different. So what works for me, may not work for another. I also extensively test my gear for street compatability on the range in numerous scenarios i.e., will it work for me on the street, or will it cause a dangerous situation. Only I can say that for me.........and only you can say that for you.

I am in no way an expert in the field, just have been placed in certain situations and have met people..........and have learned alot from both.

There's alot of good people on this forum who have a wealth of experience to share. Gleen them all, you'll only be better for it.

[datruthab123]

u right wichaka i have made up my mind and thats pretty much the way Im going and the holster will be my first thing