Quote from PiggyBank:
what a great thread.
So i finally got to the range a few times, only handguns, and i still haven't bought anything. I've shot a kimber full size 1911, a baby DE in 9mm, a cute little ruger 22 and a ruger gp100. All were fun, but the trigger on the 1911 was just far and away better (unless i manually cocked the revolver). It made hitting targets much easier, and it had a muzzle brake on it which made the recoil 'softer' than the all steel 9 as far as i could tell. I asked the owner if the muzzle brake made a big difference and he says it would be noticeable without it but not a major difference. I am thinking for my first pistol, either a CZ 75 single action only for the better trigger or a ruger 1911 either full size or commander sized, I don't know if they can really be concealed but which one do you guys think is best in general?
Also with the 22 you can just bomb 'em out as there is virtually no recoil, does anyone think that round is viable for home defense and/or carry?
You already gave the answer to what you will want. In your mind, the 1911 does the job. Go with that. You can buy a Springfield 1911, Kimber or other brand, and have a 3.5lb trigger installed, a slide to frame fit, and great sights added for not much $. You'll carry your 1911 "cocked n locked," meaning once you draw it, you'll need to move the weapon to fire from safe with your thumb, then it's all you for 8+1 rounds. And yes, dropping that safety is EASY stuff after you've trained with it. Shooting is ALL about shot placement, not capacity, looks, or anything else. You put the .45 round in the right place, and the fight is over. End of story.
If you want to spend more on a "turn key" 1911, I'd suggest Les Baer, Wilson, etc., However, these will run you around $3,000+ vs about $1,300 max for a reputable 1911 that's been tuned up, and done right for a combat shooter.
Take a look at what I carry in the winter time here in FL. It's stock out of the box.
I've got numerous custom 1911's, but for pure combat, this Sig 1911 can't be beat. The trigger is "pretty good," (and IS adjustable for creep), is extremely reliable, and very accurate out to 50 meters. I paid less than a grand for this one nib.