OK, 1911 aficionados, what do you recommend?

[Gunmaster45]

My dad and I are building a custom 1911 now using a P-14 frame with a Colt slide, and adding one of my compensators on it, as well as some other small mods. It'll be cool. We're really gonna deck it out, father and son work.

[Yournamehere]

As far as the front cocking serrations go, I used to hate them too, but I find that when I check the chamber or charge my pistol, I go for the front sometimes rather the back, just cause I get a better grip. It's also more uesful if you're trying to lock the slide without an empty magazine, as you can't reach the damn slide stop while holding it in hand. Hell if I had the money, I'd get front cocking serrations on the 5906 and the .45. Maybe even the Model 19! lol

I recommend the buildup idea, if you have the time and determination, not to mention the money. If you don't, get a Springfield Loaded, you can get one with adjustable sights or Novaks, which I myself would prefer. Other than that, what they say about the Kimbers is pretty much true too. If you're not picky about the finish, go stainless too. Makes cleaning and maintenance a million times easier than any other finish treatment.

Also, in my humble opinion, if you ever get that 4506 back, that will do pretty much everything any super cool 1911 will do, and you won't feel bad cause you didn't pay a grand for it either. But that's just me, Smith & Wesson loving me.

[MT2008]

Originally Posted by Yournamehere

As far as the front cocking serrations go, I used to hate them too, but I find that when I check the chamber or charge my pistol, I go for the front sometimes rather the back, just cause I get a better grip.

You check the chamber by physically raking the slide? Can't say I'm in the habit of doing this myself.

I understand its practical use, but again, I just think it tends to make the gun look f'ugly. Same with Picatinny rails.

Originally Posted by Yournamehere

Also, in my humble opinion, if you ever get that 4506 back, that will do pretty much everything any super cool 1911 will do, and you won't feel bad cause you didn't pay a grand for it either. But that's just me, Smith & Wesson loving me.

Actually, I didn't pay a penny for the 4506, my grandfather gave it to me as a birthday present. It was his before it was mine. And he really didn't enjoy shooting it any more than I do.

I guess the difference for me is that 1911s have the historical pedigree that Smiths don't have. It's the only reason I might tend to overlook the fact that I'm not really such a huge fan of .45 ACP.

[MT2008]

Originally Posted by Gunmaster45

My dad and I are building a custom 1911 now using a P-14 frame with a Colt slide, and adding one of my compensators on it, as well as some other small mods. It'll be cool. We're really gonna deck it out, father and son work.

Sounds like fun. But how much effort does it take to fit a P14 frame to a Colt slide?

my friend lent us his les baer custom, and it was the best 1911 i've seen or heard of.

it probably ran about $3,000.

[Gunmaster45]

Will probably take a little philing but it shouldn't be too hard to fit. I believe the top of the frame is regualr sized but then gets wider down towards the magazine well. It was his idea, but if he is wrong, then we could always just build a custom P14.

[MT2008]

Originally Posted by Gunmaster45

Will probably take a little philing but it shouldn't be too hard to fit. I believe the top of the frame is regualr sized but then gets wider down towards the magazine well. It was his idea, but if he is wrong, then we could always just build a custom P14.

Your dad may be right, but if not, I would think it would depend on the thickness of the metal in the slide. If the edges of the slide need to be milled out significantly to make it fit on the P14's frame rails, that might weaken its strength. But if it's, say, a few millimeters off, no big deal.