Gun purchase dillema. Need feedback.

[Pawpaw]

If you don't mind me asking, who installed your sights and how much did it run you? I have 2 GI rock islands and love them, but the sights could definitely benefit from an upgrade. Thanks.

I have a friend at work who is a competition shooter and budding gunsmith. He recently finished building himself a new 1911, so I asked him if he's like to do my work.

I had already purchased a set of Trijicon night sights and a Colt-type ambi safety off of eBay.

Since he didn't have the staking tools (his new pistol has Novak cuts), I ordered the fixture and the staking tool and he got to keep them.

Not much help, I know, but that's the story.

Oh, by "Colt-type ambi safety" I mean they are the GI teardrop style (not extended) and the right side is held on by a longer, notched sear pin. No "ambi cut" grips needed.

[74novaman]

My apologies for the thread hijack. I meant to send PawPaw a PM and must have hit the wrong button.

[Pawpaw]

I don't think this was a hijack at all. We were talking about one of the pistols the OP is interested in.

Also this information, while not hidden, does not jump out at anyone until AFTER they've bought the pistol and start doing some research.

[68Charger]

Wow, ok.. Thanks for all the feedback. I don't want a 9mm at all and if I do happen to get one, it would be STRICTLY a range gun, and nothing more. As for now though - no.

I'm really leaning towards a Kimber Eclipse now. I think that if I invest a few more dollars towards one, I would definitely get what I had always wanted and that'll make me stop buying guns.

I'm going to the SAXET gun show this weekend and hope to look at some of those RIA's officer size guns. See if I like the fit. I might impulse buy it, so whomever is attending that day, and if you see me, please slap me and take my money.

Although.. I might just impulse buy and just simply get a barrel for my 226 in .40 flavor. I'm just not too thrilled on the fact it's a .40 and I only shot one once before. Heard it's too snappy, etc. The 226 is a full size frame and has a lot of weight to that girl. So I'm hoping that'll help compensate for that 'snappy' round.

Kimber Eclipse.. here I come, baby. Or RIA.. or the 226 barrel. Sigh.. Please take my money away.

[Katygunnut]

I'm really leaning towards a Kimber Eclipse now. I think that if I invest a few more dollars towards one, I would definitely get what I had always wanted and that'll make me stop buying guns.

Good luck with that.

[03Lightningrocks]

If you're looking at 3" 1911's, I'd strongly suggest going with an aluminum frame model like one of the Kimber Ultra Carry models. The comfort difference between these and the steel frame models is significant,

Absolutely true. I had the eclipse 3" and sold it due to this very issue. That thing was heavy on my side. It was flat out uncomfortable to carry. I bet the four inch model is even worse.

[68Charger]

What's the cons on aluminum frames though? I've heard quite a bit, but I'll let you all tell me.

Katy - Yeah, very true. I know it's not going to stop me purchasing more guns, but it'll stop the hemorrhaging. (SP?)

Thanks again in advance. I didn't know the Eclipse was that heavy. It says it's at 31oz (empty) but I think that's fine. I'm about 5'11 210lbs. I'll go to some shops here in San Antonio and see if anyone has it avail in the ultra series. I'm ok carrying my p226, or even my 5" Kimber/S&W1911. So.. we'll see.

Thanks again, fellas (and ladies;))

[gigag04]

Colt Defender.

[willieb]

you won't go wrong with the 239..i've carried one for almost 3 years now..it has never failed or jammed...yes it's only seven rounds, but seven rounds of 40 cal should be sufficient ...i also carry an extra mag...gold dots only...if it's good enough for DPS it's good enough for me...good luck..

[03Lightningrocks]

What's the cons on aluminum frames though? I've heard quite a bit, but I'll let you all tell me.

Katy - Yeah, very true. I know it's not going to stop me purchasing more guns, but it'll stop the hemorrhaging. (SP?)

Thanks again in advance. I didn't know the Eclipse was that heavy. It says it's at 31oz (empty) but I think that's fine. I'm about 5'11 210lbs. I'll go to some shops here in San Antonio and see if anyone has it avail in the ultra series. I'm ok carrying my p226, or even my 5" Kimber/S&W1911. So.. we'll see.

Thanks again, fellas (and ladies;))

The thing about the weight isn't that it is heavy to lift. It wears on you when your carrying it around all day. The darned thing would pull my pants down. That Eclipse is a seriously heavy weapon. Hold it in one hand while you hold one of the lighter Kimbers and you will see what we are saying. The number doesn't look big in writing but it will surprise you. I loved the look of my Eclipse but darn!!! That thing was a bear to carry...LOL. Just be warry of it before making the big move.

[Jumping Frog]

The thing about the weight isn't that it is heavy to lift. It wears on you when your carrying it around all day. The darned thing would pull my pants down. That Eclipse is a seriously heavy weapon.

Get a high quality gunbelt -- it makes all the difference in the world.

I can carry my HiCap 14-45 Para that weighs about 43 oz unloaded, plus a spare mag, plus 29 rounds of ACP, and it fits comfortably on my waist without being a problem at all. A good gunbelt is critical.

[03Lightningrocks]

The thing about the weight isn't that it is heavy to lift. It wears on you when your carrying it around all day. The darned thing would pull my pants down. That Eclipse is a seriously heavy weapon.

Get a high quality gunbelt -- it makes all the difference in the world.

I can carry my HiCap 14-45 Para that weighs about 43 oz unloaded, plus a spare mag, plus 29 rounds of ACP, and it fits comfortably on my waist without being a problem at all. A good gunbelt is critical.

I have a Beltman. I wouldn't want to carry your gun either. ... or the five hundred pounds of ammo and gear you mentioned. My PM9 weighs in at 14 ounces. I will have to check on what my Glock 27 weighs in at, but it is tupper ware and can't weigh much.

[68Charger]

So no cons on aluminum frame?

I don't have a gun belt, and I don't have a problem without one as of yet.

Wish someone in the San Antonio area had an RIA officer to shoot.