Hi to all, first time on this forum. Been shooting for a while now and think it is high time I acquired a 1911. I have shot a kimber aluminum framed 1911 that has the 14 round magazine. Enjoyed it very much, shot a para ord compact and was less than impressed with the gun. The trigger pull was nice but the gun left a bit to be desired. Now I believe that was mainly due to it's small size. I noticed that sarco has the "hi-cap" rock islands for sale. Please give me your opinions on the double stack 1911's. I appreciate your info/opinions.

Daemon,
I've been researching high-capacity 1911's myself and unfortunately can't offer an experienced perspective for which ones yield the highest levels of reliability and comfort in handling characteristics, so please keep that in mind with my response. Ken Crawley has me pretty convinced of the STI 2011 as a masterful example of the high-capacity capabilities of 1911 engineering. For me the polymer grip/subframe assembly was originally a bit of a turn-off for me as I had gained some experience with Glock and although I appreciate the Glock's reliability, in my hand, the shooting characteristics left alot to be desired.

The STI 2011 platform lends itself to frequently be the type of tool you'll find more in the competition race-gunner's range bag over the industrial user's daily hip rider, but I think that is an unfortunate trend as well. Simply put, the potentials for having the build and configuration of the 2011 geared for that reliability and safety achieved in such things as tactical trigger pull weights vs. competition trigger pull weights is very doable with the 2011. Flash and bling-bling a competitor uses to highten his/her profile for sponsorship interest can be left out of a utility-oriented 2011 build and the practicle considerations of polymer and metallurgical issues all leave me a favorable impression of the 2011 as a viable consideration for tactical applications.

A strong alternative consideration I'd have to admit leaning towards would have to be (yet another custom example) the Caspian series of high-capacity 1911 options. Caspian's titanium frame with tactical rail high-capacity offerings captures the level of expectation I'd be more than comfortable with as the foundation for a superior high-capacity shooter.

Neither of the above considerations lends themselves well to the budget-minded shooter, but might give you something to look at when defining the range of qualities and pros and cons in the consideration of high-capacity offerings. I hope that at least might be helpful for you and good luck. No matter what you end up choosing, we'd love to see pics when you find what you're after. Good luck.

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Deacon Aegis
-Matt-
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
~Benjamin Franklin
Acta non verba

thanks for the insight deacon, I forgot to mention I am looking for a solid reliable hi cap 1911 for under 700 preferably below 500. Which is why I am looking at the rock islands. They have an almost glockish love hate relationship with their users. Please keep the opinions/options incoming, thanks to all.

In that price range you're looking at used Paras, RIAs, and maybe Springfields. I have no exposure to either the RIA or Springfield double stacks. I do have exposure to Paras, and I am not selling mine.

'Nuff said.

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Hawkmoon
On a good day, can hit the broad side of a barn ... from the inside

I completely understand the target range for the price constraints and definately feel a good solution can be found in the class you're looking for. I've written quite a bit of my opinion on the RIA's in the Armscor/RIA/CD forum if you want a more detailed perspective on that opinion, LOL even in my latest thread in there I posted yet another opinion. Hehe. I really ought to look into the para offerings more myself. I saw one on display earlier today as a matter of fact, but didn't stop to give it a critical look. The para owners seem to enjoy theirs.

That Glock-like extreme with the Rock owners strikes me as a result of these shooters always finding themselves having to defend the fact that the gun is not a total piece of junk. There's so much ego in firearm ownership it becomes a real irritation when feeling like oner is always encountering unfounded ignorance and Rock owners have found they get satisfaction from their investment. That should say alot for the breed itself. I know there's some high-cap para owners running around here. They'll wake up and get you an objective on that offering before long I'm sure. Good luck.

__________________
Deacon Aegis
-Matt-
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
~Benjamin Franklin
Acta non verba

Take a close look at used Paras. Good value, high cap, and even the Ldas go for reasonable prices

I have a Springfield high cap and it has been a reliable 1911. So far only two problems (if you can call them) where the ejection port needed lowering 10 thousands to keep from beating up my brass and the slide stop needed to be dressed a little on the inside so as to not interfere with the magazine follower. Really these are Minor problems compared to some I have heard from other makes of high cap 1911s especially for the price. I have had no feeding or extraction/ejection problems and accuracy is great especially for a mil spec 1911. I would look at the Springfield high cap as an option. I love mine and carry it often.

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From my cold dead hands.
If it ain't a Colt its a copy.

Thank you all for your thoughts. Lot's of good opinions, which is exactly what I am looking for. Keep them coming, I have about a month before I hit the dirt stateside so I would like to hear more from all you on this subject before I return.

daemon,....I've used a Para 16.40LDA as a duty weapon for the past 5 years(which is a hi-cap) and its been a excellent weapon. I saw a new 12.45 LDA the other day at my local shop for $499.00. This is the 3.5 " barrel, may be too short for your purposes though. Good Luck

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"A Wise Man Changes His Mind, But A Fool Never Does"

Any other opinion's or thought's to offer???