Newbie 1911 Questions
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jglenn21
mbmshooter
Wobbley
rburk
chiz1180
BE Mike
shanneba
james r chapman
wjwillia
13 posters
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Newbie 1911 Questions
Hello all,
I have been shooting 22lr bullseye for many years. I want to venture into a 1911 45acp for bullseye, but I know almost nothing about the 1911. I am looking to buy a good entry level gun that won't break the bank, but one that I can customize as my skills improve. Around $800-1000 would be my starting budget. Any suggestion on where to start? Thanks in advance.
Jimmy in NC
I have been shooting 22lr bullseye for many years. I want to venture into a 1911 45acp for bullseye, but I know almost nothing about the 1911. I am looking to buy a good entry level gun that won't break the bank, but one that I can customize as my skills improve. Around $800-1000 would be my starting budget. Any suggestion on where to start? Thanks in advance.
Jimmy in NC
wjwillia- Posts : 51
Join date : 2023-09-06
Re: Newbie 1911 Questions
Find a Springfield Armory Range Officer.
Lightly used would be great.
Or,
Contact Dave Salyer in S. Carolina
Lightly used would be great.
Or,
Contact Dave Salyer in S. Carolina
james r chapman- Admin
- Posts : 6359
Join date : 2012-01-31
Age : 75
Location : HELL, Michigan
Al and mbmshooter like this post
Re: Newbie 1911 Questions
Springfield Armory is a popular suggestion in these forums.
The adjustable sight versions I see are the Loaded Target model at a MSRP of $1119.00.
or the TRP Operator at $1818.00 MSRP
1911 Loaded Target .45 ACP Handgun - Stainless, CA Compliant - Springfield Armory (springfield-armory.com)
Colt Offer a Gold Cup lite with a MSRP of $1199.00 or the Blue Gold Cup at MSRP of $1299.00
Colt's Manufacturing LLC
Ruger also offers an Adjustable sight Target SR1911 MSRP $1269.00
Ruger SR1911 Target Centerfire Pistol Model 6736
You can probably find those a little under MSRP.
Also watch the For Sale forums here for a 1911.
The adjustable sight versions I see are the Loaded Target model at a MSRP of $1119.00.
or the TRP Operator at $1818.00 MSRP
1911 Loaded Target .45 ACP Handgun - Stainless, CA Compliant - Springfield Armory (springfield-armory.com)
Colt Offer a Gold Cup lite with a MSRP of $1199.00 or the Blue Gold Cup at MSRP of $1299.00
Colt's Manufacturing LLC
Ruger also offers an Adjustable sight Target SR1911 MSRP $1269.00
Ruger SR1911 Target Centerfire Pistol Model 6736
You can probably find those a little under MSRP.
Also watch the For Sale forums here for a 1911.
shanneba- Posts : 341
Join date : 2021-10-16
Age : 68
Location : Indiana
Re: Newbie 1911 Questions
If I were starting out, I'd definitely consider a retired bullseye pistol shooter's accurized, used 1911, but you won't likely find one in your price range. In the long run a good used accurized 1911 would be a bargain.
BE Mike- Posts : 2564
Join date : 2011-07-29
Location : Indiana
PMcfall likes this post
Re: Newbie 1911 Questions
Agree with this whole heartedly. Look for an active club close by that actively has matches and/or leagues. This will do two things, one get you around people that know where the matches are, and two a higher chance of finding a good used gun for sale that you probably could shoot before you buy. This is a far better option than taking a chance on gunbroker or similar.BE Mike wrote:If I were starting out, I'd definitely consider a retired bullseye pistol shooter's accurized, used 1911, but you won't likely find one in your price range. In the long run a good used accurized 1911 would be a bargain.
chiz1180- Posts : 1487
Join date : 2019-05-29
Location : Ohio
Re: Newbie 1911 Questions
When you venture into 45, the other consideration is ammo. Buying enough quality factory target ammo for training and matches is expensive. Reloading can lower your ammo cost and you can customize your loads. You are going to want relatively soft shooting light loads for most of your training and for the 25 yard line.
If you are already reloading pistol or rifle ammo, then you have most of the required equipment, just need dies to get started. Loading lead bullets, I am spending about $.25 to $.30 per round to reload, not counting the cost of the brass.
If you are already reloading pistol or rifle ammo, then you have most of the required equipment, just need dies to get started. Loading lead bullets, I am spending about $.25 to $.30 per round to reload, not counting the cost of the brass.
rburk- Posts : 166
Join date : 2019-09-26
Location : SoCal
Re: Newbie 1911 Questions
For the gun to choose you have some options. There are often good used pistols for sale here. They’re here often enough that you can get something within 3 months. There are the purpose built match guns from big makers like Kimber, Les Baer, Rock River Arms, and Springfield Armory. Of these 4, pay more attention to Rock River Arms and Springfield. While all four cut corners, Rock River and Springfield cut a few less. I personally have not had much luck with Colt Gold Cups. You might want to consider adding $500 to your budget tho. There’s a lot of difference between a $1500 gun and a $1000 gun even used.
As for ammo, you need a large quantity. Think in multiples of 1000. At you’re level I’d start with 2000 rounds of 200 SWC cast bullets (Brazos brand are highly recommended) load them with 4.0 grains of Bullseye powder and start shooting. As you go through that buy more brass and load even more thousands. Just shooting 150 rounds a month in training, 90 rounds twice per month in local matches adds up to almost 4000 rounds. Loading in big batches gives consistent zeros.
As for ammo, you need a large quantity. Think in multiples of 1000. At you’re level I’d start with 2000 rounds of 200 SWC cast bullets (Brazos brand are highly recommended) load them with 4.0 grains of Bullseye powder and start shooting. As you go through that buy more brass and load even more thousands. Just shooting 150 rounds a month in training, 90 rounds twice per month in local matches adds up to almost 4000 rounds. Loading in big batches gives consistent zeros.
Wobbley- Admin
- Posts : 4776
Join date : 2015-02-13
mbmshooter and samtoast like this post
Re: Newbie 1911 Questions
We just had our (probably) last outdoor league match of the year yesterday. One of the shooters was having VERY strange oblong hits on his target that were only half the width of a .45 bullet. I was puzzled and suggested he shoot a few on my loads (185gr Star LSWCHP over 4..0gr of Bullseye). He wanted me to shoot them which I did along with 5 of his load.james r chapman wrote:Find a Springfield Armory Range Officer.
Lightly used would be great.
Or,
Contact Dave Salyer in S. Carolina
3 of the 5 rounds I shot of his loads also had these strange oblong impacts on the target while all of my rounds were perfectly rounds hits. I suggested he had a BULLET problem and not a pistol problem. He is using Missouri bullets.
Sorry for the long posting but the pistol he has is a Springfield RO. This was the first time I actually got to shoot one and was very pleased with the feel, trigger and accuracy.
If I were starting out again and had a limited budget, I would definitely consider the Springfield RO. I agree with James' suggestion to find a lightly used one.
Mike
Last edited by mbmshooter on Wed Nov 08, 2023 11:57 am; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : I've finally figured out how to post some photos. I am hoping to receive some reasonable, analytical responses on why these Missouri Bullet Co. bullets would print such odd, oblong holes.)
mbmshooter- Posts : 249
Join date : 2011-06-11
Location : Prescott, Arizona
Re: Newbie 1911 Questions
now this may well be a very good alternative to the out of production RO.. Turkish pistol imported by SDS(TISAS). If it's anywhere the quality of the Tisas I just purchased, it should be a great deal.. MSRP $750 but I have seen them online for 650.
https://sdsimports.com/mac-1911-jsoc-45/
going to try and find one to see the quality.
https://sdsimports.com/mac-1911-jsoc-45/
going to try and find one to see the quality.
jglenn21- Posts : 2618
Join date : 2015-04-07
Age : 76
Location : monroe , ga
Re: Newbie 1911 Questions
A friend bought one (TISAS) and asked me to check it out. I loaded up 5 and shot from the bench right out of the box. I believe that he said it was $500.00-$600.00 at the time.jglenn21 wrote:now this may well be a very good alternative to the out of production RO.. Turkish pistol imported by SDS(TISAS).
Possibly have it fitted with an adjustable rear sight, (I don't recall if it was adjustable or not) or just put a rail on it and go shoot.
DA/SA- Posts : 1482
Join date : 2017-10-09
Age : 68
Location : Southeast Florida
Re: Newbie 1911 Questions
I see TISAS has a 45 match model with adjustable sights.
MSRP of $1049.99
Classic Firearms shows in stock at $645.34
Impact Guns $681.69
BudsGunshop $636.01
Tisas 1911 Match .45acp 5" Hand Lapped Barrel Stainless 8+1 | 1911MSS45M | Stainless/Silver, 5" Barrel, 8+1 Rounds - Buds Gun Shop
MSRP of $1049.99
Classic Firearms shows in stock at $645.34
Impact Guns $681.69
BudsGunshop $636.01
Tisas 1911 Match .45acp 5" Hand Lapped Barrel Stainless 8+1 | 1911MSS45M | Stainless/Silver, 5" Barrel, 8+1 Rounds - Buds Gun Shop
- Tisas Forged Foundation Construction – Forged Frame & Slide
Tisas 416R Stainless Match Barrel w/ 11° Crown - Colt Series 70 Based Internals
- Titanium Firing Pin
- Lowered & Flared Ejection Port
- Blasted Stainless Steel Finish
- Match Designed Trigger Guard Under Cut
- 20LPI Forward and Rear Slide Cocking Serrations
- 25LPI Checkered Frame
- Flat Mainspring Housing 25LPI Checkering
- G10 Custom Textured Grips
- Bomar Cut LPA Adjustable Rear & Serrated Front Sights
- Skeletonized Hammer
- Skeletonized Adj. Trigger
- Ambidextrous Safety & Extended Magazines Release
- Extended Beavertail Grip Safety & Competition Magwell
- Available in .45ACP
shanneba- Posts : 341
Join date : 2021-10-16
Age : 68
Location : Indiana
Re: Newbie 1911 Questions
I just tore my Mil spec Tisas down today to take a look at it.. crazy good machining.. slide fit is excellent for a mil spec $300 pistol. better than most ROs I've had in house.. every part on the pistol is cerakoted armor black and very well done.. sear and hammer were coated too... after playing with the sear spring a bit got it to a 3.5 lb trigger. the darn thing has a great roll trigger for as long as the coating last on the sear nose and hammer hooks...LOL barrel is hammer forged but the bushing is way big as the barrel is .722.. so a custom EGW bushing is in order..
honestly the pistol would make a fine wad gun base. with a bit of work. oh yeah,, NOT One MIM part in the pistol........ not one
jglenn21- Posts : 2618
Join date : 2015-04-07
Age : 76
Location : monroe , ga
Gustavo1957 and RoyDean like this post
Re: Newbie 1911 Questions
instead of a stainless pistol the importer ( SDS) also markets under the MAC name... there they have an carbon steel equivalent to above pistol with LPA sights for around the same price.. better option being Carbon Steel
https://sdsimports.com/mac-1911-jsoc-45/
https://sdsimports.com/mac-1911-jsoc-45/
jglenn21- Posts : 2618
Join date : 2015-04-07
Age : 76
Location : monroe , ga
Foundryratjim and RoyDean like this post
Re: Newbie 1911 Questions
Tisas just came out with parkerized commemorative Marine Corp model and Navy on the way for $340. + shipping taxes etc..
Tisas are worth looking at for as a good starter value option.
Tisas are worth looking at for as a good starter value option.
Gustavo1957- Posts : 297
Join date : 2019-09-26
RoyDean likes this post
Re: Newbie 1911 Questions
??jglenn21... wrote: ... the barrel is .722..
I'd expect a barrel to be .580-ish at the muzzle.
Anyhow the two target models above look like good entry points.
Or an even cheaper basic model with a rock river combo rail would still leave some budget for barrel and trigger work.
Merick- Posts : 452
Join date : 2015-08-13
Location : Kansas
Re: Newbie 1911 Questions
Yep for 3 bills it's a great little pistol.. the barrel bushing and the size of the bushing cut in the slide is a bit unique. The bushing area in the slide is around .703 Nothing an EGW bushing can't manage, just differently. The barrel diameter is the one thing I'd like to see changed
jglenn21- Posts : 2618
Join date : 2015-04-07
Age : 76
Location : monroe , ga
DA/SA- Posts : 1482
Join date : 2017-10-09
Age : 68
Location : Southeast Florida
Re: Newbie 1911 Questions
Thanks for all the replies guys. I have a friend who is going to let me shoot some of his 1911's he uses in bullseye. I'll see if I want to go down another rabbit hole after that.
wjwillia- Posts : 51
Join date : 2023-09-06
Re: Newbie 1911 Questions
I handled the TISAS and I thought is was an OK gun for the price and you get a forged frame which in that price range is non existent. For a starter gun I cannot see you going wrong. Get a GI or base version, replace the fire control parts and get a trigger job ($400), Install a scope rail ($200) , lower the injection port, replace the bushing, and tune the extractor and you should be good for BE for well under $2000.
rich.tullo- Posts : 1999
Join date : 2015-03-27
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