My goal is to get involved in one (or all) of the pistol action shooting sports. There is a local club that puts on IDPA and USPSA matches at least once a month. Now, I am a total noob when it comes to shooting sports. Historically, I go to the range and shoot stuff. Going to the range to shoot stuff against the clock and possible actually have to move and think at the same time...should be interesting.
Anywho, a quick skim of links related to the aforementioned sports suggests there are varying schools of thought about the best choice of weapons for a beginner getting into the sports. Basically, pick any weapon you want and there's probably a cubbyhole to fit it. The polymers are the cheapest entry price point in the games with revolvers coming a close second. Cheap 1911s can be had for about the price of a good polymer gun, but who wants a cheap 1911 for competition?
So, there I am, perusing the gun manufacturer websites looking for the next Pistole de Shepherd and debating whether it should be a double action revolver (Ruger or Smith are the only contenders in either .357 or .45), polymer plastic fantastic (Smith M&P .45 is really the only contender here unless Ruger gets off their butt and puts out an SR45) or the venerable 1911. I had almost talked myself into getting a Ruger Redhawk in .45 Colt (with the intent to get it customized for both .45 Colt and .45 ACP) because I really do like revolvers and shoot them fairly well. Then, I started second guessing that. The Ruger only has a 4" barrel or a 7+" barrel. My preference would be for a 5" barrel. Smith made the M325PD with a 5" barrel, but it was Scandium framed for light weight which equals abusive recoil in a .45 revolver. So, I just about gave up on the revolver idea for now and went back to cogitating the polymer pistols. I just can't bring myself to like Glocks. They are dead simple, reliable, rugged, etc., etc., and they are butt ugly. The Ruger SR pistols are down right sexy, but they don't make a .45 yet. That leaves the Smith M&P. Why Smith feels the need to limit them to 10 round mags I will never know, but they are a good looking pistol that feels right and even has a variety of options to choose from with respect to safety mechanisms. Not a bad choice for the price.
Then I see what North posted today.
I have to say, that one photo and especially the caption instantly renewed my faith in 1911s.
I must go to school now, but rest assured that I will now be noodling the nominations for best leading 1911 in an Erickson holster.
Thanks for the smile and I'm glad that I could help!
ReplyDeleteNorth, you're welcome and thank you.
ReplyDeleteIf you're going to start thinking about competition - I'd go with the M&P in 9mm. For one reason only: it's more cost effective. You'll run through a couple hundred rounds at each match and unless you can find time (Lord knows when) to reload all that .45, you'll go broke fairly quickly.
ReplyDeleteYou know I love my 1911. Love it. But she's expensive to feed when each match runs us through 250+ rounds. RCC's M&P hasn't failed me yet when I've shot it in competition and it doesn't hurt the budget nearly as much as little Ms. Para does.
Just my two cents worth.
PS - congrats on your B+
GunDiva, I should mention that reloading equipment will most likely be a part of this endeavor for the reasons you state and the fact that I've made the conscious decision to commit to the .45 round. I do like the M&P overall, and I may get one eventually. However, it just doesn't speak to me the way the 1911 does. A 1911 is graceful and strong like an avenging archangel. The M&P is more dark, angular and sinister like one of Picasso's nightmares.
ReplyDeleteSometimes even after all the consideration of details and comparisons, it just comes down to simple ascetics.....:o) I'm sure you will enjoy whatever you decide on, the added bonus will be to LIKE what you get....Happy Hunting....
ReplyDeleteMr. Daddy, exactly. I can't imagine not liking a 1911.
ReplyDeleteShepherd - i am very proud of your B+ - great job! as for your weapons choice, i would have to go with what Mr. Daddy said.
ReplyDeleteoh but the pic that North put up makes my hand all itchy - teehee!
let us know what you decide on!
your friend,
kymber
Jeez, knowing about the reloading equipment would have been good information to have :)
ReplyDeleteI do love me a 1911. One thought for practice time to save some money - GSG (German Sport Guns) makes a 1911 chambered in .22. It's inexpensive to buy (less than $400)and after 1000+ rounds without cleaning, haven't had a hiccup yet. I've been shooting my friend's GSG, but it's on my definite buy list.
Mez will be doing a review of the GSG1911 on GunDivas in the near future - he can tell you all of the ways it's been abused (and he altered it slightly).
ReplyDeletekymber, thanks for the kudos, and I will definitely let everyone know what my final decision is.
ReplyDeleteGunDiva, give me a break. I only had so much time available to crank out a quick post. As for the suggestion, I've looked at the GSG's at gunshows and wasn't terribly impressed. Besides, I've got the Ruger 22/45 for sub caliber practice; and, while not a perfect 1911 analog, it's close enough.
I suppose, I can cut you some slack :), afterall, I don't know how you're keeping your eyes open - your schedule is brutal.
ReplyDeleteI've had excellent success feeding the 1911 with reloads - I got once fired brass for $50 per 1k from my local range, and I cast my own bullets from wheel weights from the scrapyard. Total cost is like pennies per round, and they shoot well, too. 1911s do love lead, while many of the newer pistols don't shoot them. Something to think about.
ReplyDeleteCTone, that's basically my plan...although I understand there is a little bit of a learning curve on casting the bullets from wheel weights to get the hardness right. There are aftermarket barrels for some of the polymer guns that will allow them to spit lead without too much trouble, but that's not a primary concern right now. I just want to find the right 1911 for me, get a reloading press set up and have some fun.
ReplyDelete"although I understand there is a little bit of a learning curve on casting the bullets from wheel weights to get the hardness right."
ReplyDeleteThat's what I heard as well, but as it turned out, there's very little involved with making bullets for a 1911. It's super easy. You can drop them out of a mold into water, or drop them on a towel. Either way will work. The first time I tried I got good bullets.
Happy 1911 hunting!
CTone, it'll be a happy hunt for sure. Part of me even wants to look into a pre-fit slide and frame to build a custom 1911, but that will have to wait for after I get a little experience owning and running one under my belt.
ReplyDelete