Ode to the High End 1911
(A gun commentary...and somewhat obtuse. A '1911' is a type of pistol, an engineering marvel designed by John Browning more than a hundred years ago. They are still in use today, and were a major part of US troop arsenals from WW I (!) to today's war theaters. Think on that: a mechanical device built BEFORE the Ford Model T is still relevant and beloved today, by both modern armies and civilian enthusiasts (and certain law enforcement). The high end versions of these, today, are like fine watches, furniture, or any other super-precise mechanical device: a marvel to behold, handle, and operate. All that comes at a price, though. There exists many a custom smith building 1911s one at a time, a labor of love perhaps not unlike a Swiss watchmaker. Did I mention they weren't cheap?)
How do I say, based on my limited personal sample size: started with a well-used but fully-functional Kimber (c. 1996 model). Liked it more-than-OK for a starter 1911 and sold it to a friend who has it to this day. Then, a micro 1911 when they were new (also Kimber, Y2K). Mine functioned great, thankfully: others don't or didn't. Then, a Springfield Professional: big jump. Shot that a lot for c. seven years and sold for to the cent what I paid for it (used, and more-used). "For me," the Professional did not fit correctly to my style. Customer service was awesome from the Custom Shop. The build, fit and finish are awesome. Functionality was close to perfect. It never broke. But again, if going into the high-dollar, super-nice 1911s, make sure the feel and features work for you and you alone!
Why else would we...any of us...sell something really nice like a Nighthawk, Ed Brown, etc. ? All are great, but maybe a particular pistol just doesn't gel with our style. Hmm.
Thousand(s) of Springfield Professionals are in the hands of ...uh, professionals... and interested enthusiasts, with few complaints. YMMV, and the Springfield Custom Shop certainly delivers an impressive level of service.
Next was (is) a Volkmann Precision Combat Carry, built by Luke in 2011 to my option sheet. I looked at a lot of higher-end before going that way. In the end it was having it built "my way" by a one-man outfit clearly producing great products that decided it. Again, those were my needs. And note, going to a Commander from full size was the biggest change. Full size in general are not my cup of tea.
Either the Combat Carry itself or my comfort in handling a Commander-size means "easier to shoot and more accurate" than previous. I don't know why this is so, but it is. For me. It is surely easier to carry and prints smaller due to the rounded butt.
Now I'm looking at the problem space again, and it's a good problem to have. Eyeballing another Volkmann CC, also a Wilson, ditto an Ed Brown or two. I do like variety, but must admit another Volkmann CC would be interesting alongside my first. The other one has different finish but pretty much the same options as my original, thus it's definitely a "known" commodity. Ain't cheap; none are.
A good dilemma!
How do I say, based on my limited personal sample size: started with a well-used but fully-functional Kimber (c. 1996 model). Liked it more-than-OK for a starter 1911 and sold it to a friend who has it to this day. Then, a micro 1911 when they were new (also Kimber, Y2K). Mine functioned great, thankfully: others don't or didn't. Then, a Springfield Professional: big jump. Shot that a lot for c. seven years and sold for to the cent what I paid for it (used, and more-used). "For me," the Professional did not fit correctly to my style. Customer service was awesome from the Custom Shop. The build, fit and finish are awesome. Functionality was close to perfect. It never broke. But again, if going into the high-dollar, super-nice 1911s, make sure the feel and features work for you and you alone!
Why else would we...any of us...sell something really nice like a Nighthawk, Ed Brown, etc. ? All are great, but maybe a particular pistol just doesn't gel with our style. Hmm.
Thousand(s) of Springfield Professionals are in the hands of ...uh, professionals... and interested enthusiasts, with few complaints. YMMV, and the Springfield Custom Shop certainly delivers an impressive level of service.
Next was (is) a Volkmann Precision Combat Carry, built by Luke in 2011 to my option sheet. I looked at a lot of higher-end before going that way. In the end it was having it built "my way" by a one-man outfit clearly producing great products that decided it. Again, those were my needs. And note, going to a Commander from full size was the biggest change. Full size in general are not my cup of tea.
Either the Combat Carry itself or my comfort in handling a Commander-size means "easier to shoot and more accurate" than previous. I don't know why this is so, but it is. For me. It is surely easier to carry and prints smaller due to the rounded butt.
Now I'm looking at the problem space again, and it's a good problem to have. Eyeballing another Volkmann CC, also a Wilson, ditto an Ed Brown or two. I do like variety, but must admit another Volkmann CC would be interesting alongside my first. The other one has different finish but pretty much the same options as my original, thus it's definitely a "known" commodity. Ain't cheap; none are.
A good dilemma!
