Too many 1911s to choose from

[slowpoke13]

How do you pick one? I know.. shoot, shoot, shoot.. But, there's too many to shoot. And I want it NOW!!!!

I'm just starting to look into getting a 1911. Probably used (due to prices). But, there are soo many options and requirements to choose from. I'm a southpaw. So, an ambi-safety is a must (or atleast a swapable, but would still REALLY prefer ambi). I've seen Springfield has an ambi safety (I like SA and would gladly stick with their product line). Do any 1911 makers have an left hand slide release? Or atleast a swapable? I've seen Wilson's can come with rails. But, I can't afford a $2000+ gun. Even used, I'm sure they'll cost a fortune.

Also, what would it take to interchange calibers? Is it as easy as the XD series?

Can someone please help me? I want to expand my collection.

[c22m22c]

i'm having the same debate.

i don't think they offer a "standard" left handed slide release. i'm thinking that would be a special order, kinda custom build. i have seen these nifty extended slide releases, which make it easier for the left index finger to operate. i know springfield, kimber, and now para all make 1911's with rails, if that's what you want.

i have no clue about switching calibers. i would think 10mm should be an easy switch, but i don't honestly know.

good luck in your search. let us know what you get, and why you got it.

[Hero Of The Day]

I have a Smith And Wesson 1911. Its the 5 inch stainless model. It has a beavertail saftey "delta" style hammer, full length guide rod, novaks sights.

Its a nice gun that shoots really well. The only thing I want to do to it add a ambi-saftey and a mag-well.

[slowpoke13]

Originally Posted by Hero Of The Day

Its a nice gun that shoots really well. The only thing I want to do to it add a ambi-saftey and a mag-well.

What's a "mag-well?"

Ohh, and can you swap the mag release? or do they sell an ambi mag release?

I would really like to try and keep it as ambi (vice south) as possible. That way, my non blessed right handed friends can still feel comfortable with it.

[I_Route]

Originally Posted by slowpoke13

What's a "mag-well?"

Ohh, and can you swap the mag release? or do they sell an ambi mag release?

I would really like to try and keep it as ambi (vice south) as possible. That way, my non blessed right handed friends can still feel comfortable with it.

A MAG Well (Magazine Well) is either a beveled treatment to the standard magazine well (where you insert the magazine) or an "add-on" extension that replaces the mainspring housing and has the mag well integral to the mainspring housing or one that uses the stock mainspring housing pin hole and then uses a longer pin.

http://www.gunaccessories.com/1911/kings/MagWells.asp

This is like the SA 1911 I have. It has an extended mag well:



They do sell ambidextrous mag releases but I do not think SA has any with it standard. They do have many with ambi safeties.

I have SA & Colt 1911s and have shot S&W, SIG and others. Dollar for dollar the SAs are by far the best 1911 for the $$$.

HTH

[slowpoke13]

Can I have yours I_Route? I want one just like that. It's soo pretty. Please? I'll be your best friend... lol

[MrTuffPaws]

I am waiting on the new Taurus 1911 personally. Looks nice.



And for around $400, it will be a deal if it is anything near as good as my Tracker.

[HamsXD]

What Mr. TuffPaws said. I'll wait a little to see what the Taurus comes up with. It'll be competitively priced and it doesn't look too shabby either. If it turns out that the Taurus isn't the one, Sprinfields 1911A1 looks appealing.

[retired]

I_Route, with all due respect, you explained what a mag well is and showed a picture, but what is its purpose? I don't know if that is what Hero of the Day meant, but I'd like to know. Thanks.

[c22m22c]

the magwell's intended purpose was to allow for a "wider" magazine openning so that you could exchange magazines faster.

instead of the standard small well...you would attach this ramped well, with a larger openning.

hope that helps a bit.