First Firearm Thread.

[MurphysLaw]

Originally Posted by cigarmonkel

I don't know much about 1911's other then the fact that I want one.. no check that.. I NEED one. But i've heard that the new springfield and kimber 1911's aren't nearly as good as they used to be and that S&W and Sig make the better 1911's now unless you go custom built or very high end 1911. Just what I've heard from forum talk at least.

Originally Posted by 357

Not sure about Springfield but the knock on Kimber is the MIM (metal injection molded) parts and the plastic main spring housing. All drop in replaceable parts if you should ever have issue with them. I haven't had any issues that weren't self imposed. I rounded out the mag release catch pin, which is a small allen wrench head. I'm replacing it with a Wilson Combat one, that uses a flat head screw rather than an allen, and it costs $3. The mainspring housing takes almost no wear and Kimber went that route to decrease weight.

That said my Kimber is 12 years old so I can't say much about the newest ones other than the two my BILs own. Both have had good luck as well.

My Kimber is just over a year old, no issues or malfunctions. Great shooter and not too bad to carry depending on what I'm wearing. Plus I think the Eclipse is a great looking weapon.

[Pilon]

Very nice Brian. I love my Kimber!

[jsnake]

Originally Posted by AUguy

That's a good looking rifle. Where did you get the custom rail covers?

I bought them off Ebay. You can find all sorts of custom laser engraved items like that on there. Several good companies as well. My extended take down pins, extended magazine release, and Magpul grips were all done like that as well.

[AUguy]

Originally Posted by jsnake

I bought them off Ebay. You can find all sorts of custom laser engraved items like that on there. Several good companies as well. My extended take down pins, extended magazine release, and Magpul grips were all done like that as well.

So it is magpul stuff engraved by someone else? I will look into that on my next build. Be careful with magpul stuff off of eBay and amazon though. Not saying your stuff is but there is a ton of Chinese counterfeit magpul stuff out there.

[jsnake]

Originally Posted by AUguy

So it is magpul stuff engraved by someone else? I will look into that on my next build. Be careful with magpul stuff off of eBay and amazon though. Not saying your stuff is but there is a ton of Chinese counterfeit magpul stuff out there.

I hear ya there. Tons of cheap garbage out there. All of mine came in original packaging and the sellers all have to be close to 100% rating. I carefully read through a bunch of transactions as well and try to avoid those with stock or blurry pics. I have about 3 or 4 go to people I look at.

Basically they take the new item and laser engrave it themselves. At least the ones I buy from. You can pretty much get anything you want to customize your build. A couple have retail websites as well.

Hope this doesn't break any rules.
Some buyers I have had great experience with:
ndzperformance ndzperformance.com/
eforcity
ecop!
donaldpk (glockplates.com)
rays_surplus
taniadeick

[AUguy]

Awesome. Thanks for the sources. I will write those down. Got some bills to pay before the next build starts.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by MurphysLaw

My Kimber is just over a year old, no issues or malfunctions. Great shooter and not too bad to carry depending on what I'm wearing. Plus I think the Eclipse is a great looking weapon.

Sweet looking Kimber Brian!

[8zeros]

Originally Posted by AUguy

Awesome. Thanks for the sources. I will write those down. Got some bills to pay before the next build starts.

This!
It's no fun when you find out the sight you want costs as much as the rest of the build did.

[Lockspur]

Originally Posted by GTsetGO

got my alien gear holster in.

I just got mine in for my 4.25" railed 1911. Wearing it now. Most comfortable IWB holster I've owned. I'm normally a Comp-Tac freak, but the Alien is half the price, uses better clips, and holds the weapon tighter against my love handles than any of my others.

HIGHLY recommended.

Also…lifetime warranty, swappable kydex shells, and a free shell exchange if you start carrying a different gun! Not only that, but they've courteously and quickly answered all of my emails.

I'm sold. Ordering one for my XD9sc now.

[Steve]

Nice looking holster, but what are the benefits of this style IWB

Originally Posted by GTsetGO

got my alien gear holster in.

over something like this?



The first one looks like a lot more material to fit inside the wasteband (I've already got enough in mine without adding more) and I would think the single clip would be a little easier to get on/off quicker as well. I am not trying to knock the Alien Gear style, just curious and looking for an education.

[MurphysLaw]

Originally Posted by Steve

Nice looking holster, but what are the benefits of this style IWB
over something like this?
The first one looks like a lot more material to fit inside the wasteband (I've already got enough in mine without adding more) and I would think the single clip would be a little easier to get on/off quicker as well. I am not trying to knock the Alien Gear style, just curious and looking for an education.

I have a similar holster for my Kimber, it disperses the weight a little more than a single point attachment and the sweat shield keeps the gun from rubbing against your skin. My Kimber is a heavy gun so the two clips really do make a difference compared to other holsters.

[Lockspur]

Steve, since the clips aren't on the body of the holster (Alien), it will be thinner and more comfortable. I've used a holster like the one you pictured, a Blade-Tech…very uncomfortable, and not nearly as stable. YMMV.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by MurphysLaw

I have a similar holster for my Kimber, it disperses the weight a little more than a single point attachment and the sweat shield keeps the gun from rubbing against your skin. My Kimber is a heavy gun so the two clips really do make a difference compared to other holsters.

Originally Posted by Lockspur

Steve, since the clips aren't on the body of the holster (Alien), it will be thinner and more comfortable. I've used a holster like the one you pictured, a Blade-Tech…very uncomfortable, and not nearly as stable. YMMV.

Interesting point about spreading the weight. I carry a lighter weapon than the Kimber, so that makes sense. Mine is also fairly slim already. I may try that style one day. Also, I agree completely about the sweat shield; I wouldn't' carry without one again!



Thanks!

[Lockspur]

Originally Posted by Steve

Interesting point about spreading the weight. I carry a lighter weapon than the Kimber, so that makes sense. Mine is also fairly slim already. I may try that style one day. Also, I agree completely about the sweat shield; I wouldn't' carry without one again!



Thanks!

Even when I carry my Kel-Tec PF9, it's with the Alien style holster. That gun weighs nothing, and flat disappears when I carry it.

[357]

Originally Posted by Bruzee

All kinds of good advice boys, thanks! I am almost certain I will buy a series 80 (internal firing pin safety) due to a ridiculous policy at work. So that does limit my list of options quite a bit. I will let you guys know what I end up getting. Thanks again.

All new Kimbers (identified by a II on the slide after the name) have a firing pin safety (FPS) as well. The way it's disengaged is how they differ. Colt's Series 80 disengages the FPS via the trigger. Many 1911 enthusiasts felt this ruined the perfect SAO 1911 trigger. The 1911's light, crisp, and smooth trigger is one if the best aspects about a 1911 and many felt Colt disregarded that by adopting the Series 80 FPS . Anyway, Kimber uses a Swartz FPS which is disengaged via the grip safety. This preserves the original 1911 trigger pull while still incorporating a FPS for the rare occurance you should drop your pistol on the muzzle. This is a rare case that supposedly happend when a 1911 was dropped from a long distance above the ground, potentially givng the firing pin enough inertia to strike the primer with enough force to cause the round the fire. Many custom 1911 manufacturers do not incorporate FPS and instead use lightweight firing pins and stronger firing pin springs to prevent this type of rare discharge.

Here's a pic showing both systems. The plunger stopping the firing pin is identical if I remember correctly, just what activates the plunger (deactivating the FPS) is where things are different.



S&W also uses the Swartz FPS, as do others.

[357]

BTW Brian, love the look of the Eclipse. Gorgeous 1911.

[Fordman4ever]

I just picked up this locking gun cabinet for $100.


The 3 guns on the right are mine and the other ones belong to a friend of mine.

[Chainsaw13]

Very nice Earl.

A friend and I went to cabelas this morning for the spring sale. The pallet of .223 they had put out went like hot cakes. Wasn't that a good price either. I did find Ultramax .40 for $.27/rnd though so picked up 600rnds. The real deal was a Carhartt jacket out of the bargain cave for $34.

[theonlybear4CORT]

I just fell in love with my ssa-e trigger.

[s0leful0ne]

BOGO!


Unfortunately, the scorpion is plagued with FTFs even after cleanings it gets to about 50 rounds then starts failing. But when it fires, it is an awe inspiring firearm I must say.