1911 9MM FOR SINGLE STACK?

[DOWNRANGE]

So here is what I'm looking at folks. The Dan Wesson Pointman or the STI Trojan? I want to get a nice 9mm for USPSA Single Stack Division. Also, can I get away with just getting a Springfield Range Officer? I have a good friend who has a Range Officer for Single Stack and stated they are good to go. I realize comparing the Pointman and Trojan to the Range Officer is like apples and oranges but is the extra money worth it? I’m looking for fit, reliability, accuracy and a all around solid gun for the money. I would like to stay under $1500. I'm too worried about MIM parts.

 

[shootersix]

I was never a big fan of 9mm 1911's god did not intend for the 1911 to be anything other than a 45.....till I held a friends springfield emp holy crap I like it! they reduced the frame size, and it fits the hand nicely! the golf ball style scallops in the frame give it just enough bite to hold it in your hand without sawing through your skin.

 

[sparky32]

Dan Wesson. No MIM if you are concerned about that and I think overall a better quality pistol especially the finishes.

 

[DOWNRANGE]

I REALLY want to handle a Dan Wesson. Indy Gun Club shows a few in stock. So it seems a road trip is in order. THX for the responses!

 

[DOWNRANGE]

Dan Wesson. No MIM if you are concerned about that and I think overall a better quality pistol especially the finishes.

sparky32 - Do you have a DW? If so which one?

 

[sparky32]

I have a Guardian in 45acp and have owned a Valor before I bought my Wilson combat this winter. The guardian is carried a lot in the cold months because I dress a little heavier and is easy to conceal for a tall skinny guy like me In OWB holsters. The finish is still almost perfect with a lot of carry time and I shoot it a lot. I've being also debating picking up a 9mm 1911 in the coming months and will 99% probably go with another DW unless I come into some more cash for another Wilson lol.

 

[Dean C.]

I have a PM9 that gun is a dream to shoot and is actually the pistol I use to introduce new shooters to "full sized" calibers like 9mm. If you cannot make great hits with the PM9 no one can help you lol.

 

[rvb]

How competition ready are the different models? If you're going to have to do some work, e.g. add magwell, forward serrations, trigger work, replace sights, etc, then there's not much reason to spend more up front, only to have to do more work on it. By that time you might as well get a custom gun built. An SA RO will get you the budget to get it competition ready, w/o spending a custom gun budget.

-rvb

 

[DOWNRANGE]

How competition ready are the different models? If you're going to have to do some work, e.g. add magwell, forward serrations, trigger work, replace sights, etc, then there's not much reason to spend more up front, only to have to do more work on it. By that time you might as well get a custom gun built. An SA RO will get you the budget to get it competition ready, w/o spending a custom gun budget.

-rvb

My thoughts too!!!! Almost ready to pull the trigger on a RO in 9mm for USPSA for Single Stack minor.

 

[rhino]

My thoughts too!!!! Almost ready to pull the trigger on a RO in 9mm for USPSA for Single Stack minor.

Like rvb mentioned, unless the Dan Wesson or STI is exactly what you want as it is, I think the Springfield RO is a better choice. You can shoot it a while, then decide what modifications if any you want to make.

 

[Tp222]

I have a SA 1911 9mm and love it. I use it for ppc out to 50yds and very pleased with its performance

 

[VERT]

Any of those guns are a good choice for SS minor. I would probably spring for the DW or STI. But I have seen some impressive shooting with ROs.

I will add one other and that is Smith and Wessons 1911. It does have MIM parts but so do Smith revolvers and those get ran pretty hard. Personally I like the large external extractor on the 9mm. Seems to be less finicky. I also don't have any trouble chambering short ammunition in either of my SW1911s. Both of my Smiths have been reliable with all ammunition including hollow points. The Swartz grip safety does kind of suck on my personal gun and it will be coming out sometime this fall once I track down a sight pusher to borrow.

 

[Dean C.]

Or you could get a Dan Wesson Specialist in 9mm Stainless for the $1500 budget and not have to do anything to it. Comes with a magwell, front strap checkering, G10 grips, light rail (helps reduce recoil) and the awesome "Ledge Sights".

It cost s the same as tricking out a RO would from a reputable gun smith and you get tighter tolerances and better parts right out of the gate a real no trainer IMHO

 

[in625shooter]

I'm a traditionalist. I say get one in 38 super. LOL

 

[romack991]

Or you could get a Dan Wesson Specialist in 9mm Stainless for the $1500 budget and not have to do anything to it. Comes with a magwell, front strap checkering, G10 grips, light rail (helps reduce recoil) and the awesome "Ledge Sights".

It cost s the same as tricking out a RO would from a reputable gun smith and you get tighter tolerances and better parts right out of the gate a real no trainer IMHO

FYI, the specialist isn't even SS legal. Looking at the specs, it's already over the weight limit (43.8oz). You could cut weight but now you're modifying an expensive gun.

As Vert said, the S&W Pro is a decent option. Slide lightened a bit from the factory and the external extractor I think is a benefit on the 9mm. Trojan and the RO are good options a well. The MIM concerns are over hyped in my opinion.

If you really know you want to shoot minor in Single Stack, then personally, I'd get the Pointman and add a Dawson magwell, lo pro button mag release, and some different grips. Then go shooting. May not be as nice as gun from a gunsmith but still do great in Single Stack without the wait or hassle. But if you are a little hesitant, the RO is a good gun to start with and if you really like it, then modify from there. I don't think you get as much bang for your buck (score improvement) spending a lot of money on Single Stacks as you do with limited guns.

 

[rhino]

I'm a traditionalist. I say get one in 38 super. LOL

If you're going to reload anyway, it's the way to go. .38 super is longer and will inherently feed more reliably in a 1911 than 9mm.

 

[stephen87]

I had a Springfield Range Officer Compact. I loved it. I sold it off though, so I could finish up my AR build. Every now and then I regret selling it, but I didn't shoot it or carry it often enough. Someone else could spend more time with it than I did.

 

[DOWNRANGE]

FYI, the specialist isn't even SS legal. Looking at the specs, it's already over the weight limit (43.8oz). You could cut weight but now you're modifying an expensive gun.

WOW! I completely forgot to check the weight. THX romack991.

 

[Dean C.]

FYI, the specialist isn't even SS legal. Looking at the specs, it's already over the weight limit (43.8oz). You could cut weight but now you're modifying an expensive gun.

As Vert said, the S&W Pro is a decent option. Slide lightened a bit from the factory and the external extractor I think is a benefit on the 9mm. Trojan and the RO are good options a well. The MIM concerns are over hyped in my opinion.

If you really know you want to shoot minor in Single Stack, then personally, I'd get the Pointman and add a Dawson magwell, lo pro button mag release, and some different grips. Then go shooting. May not be as nice as gun from a gunsmith but still do great in Single Stack without the wait or hassle. But if you are a little hesitant, the RO is a good gun to start with and if you really like it, then modify from there. I don't think you get as much bang for your buck (score improvement) spending a lot of money on Single Stacks as you do with limited guns.

I just read the rules for the requirements for a Single-Stack pistol, reminded my why I do not shoot competition anymore. Basically everything with a rail is out due to the weight constraints and bull barrels are out for anything as well as alloy frames not being allowed. Reminds me of the rules the old guys set for the monthly Atlanta 1911's shoots except USPSA did not go as far as to ban Kydex or "Plastic" holsters.

 

[tacticalmaster45]

My vote goes for the Springfield EMP4 - 9mm. It is one sweet shooting pistol and feeling incredibly thin. I find to is one of the best options for the money considering it comes with a crisp trigger, great sights(fiber optic front), and comfortable but usable frontstrap serrations.