1911-like CO gun

[rdtompki]

I'm thinking about transitioning from my 9mm 1911 used primarily in Steel Challenge and occasional USPSA matches to Carry Optics. The white sand backgrounds in Idaho in combination with white targets and fixed focus eyes post cataract surgery can make iron sights a bit of a challenge. I don't need anything exotic, but the grip angle needs to track a 1911 (I carry a Staccato C w/ optics), the TPW after 'smithing should be no more than 4 lbs, and I'd like to be able to do some tuning to allow softer loads for Steel Challenge; I'd give most weight to the trigger but don't expect it to be 1911-like. I don't have a post-1911 brand loyalty.



It appears only DA (hammer) and striker guns are allowed in SC, might be different for USPSA where the draw isn't weighted as heavily.

If nothing stands out I may have to use my Staccato or an optics-equipped full-size in Open, but while I'm way over the hill I would at least like to be on a relatively level playing field equipment-wise.

Any and all suggestions welcome.

[JSGlock34]

It appears only DA (hammer) and striker guns are allowed in SC, might be different for USPSA where the draw isn't weighted as heavily.

Unfortunately, this is the same for USPSA Carry Optics - no single action guns (DA or striker fired only). IDPA Carry Optics does allow 2011s now with the most recent rules revision (and I've already seen a surprising number of them).

[1911Nut]

Unfortunately, this is the same for USPSA Carry Optics - no single action guns (DA or striker fired only). IDPA Carry Optics does allow 2011s now with the most recent rules revision (and I've already seen a surprising number of them).

What about a CZ Shadow or Shadow 2 for USPSA CO division?

[JSGlock34]

What about a CZ Shadow or Shadow 2 for USPSA CO division?

Yeah, I'd say these are probably the best choices for the OPs wishes (hammer down DA start required). Perhaps the Beretta 92X Performance merits honorable mention.

[Jim Watson]

If nothing stands out I may have to use my Staccato or an optics-equipped full-size in Open,

By Jove, I believe he's got it.
I recently saw a CO-Open gun that looked like a good combination.
It had a compensator, therefore Open, but the dot was a SRO on the slide like a CO. I like the idea of the lower line of sight.

Failing that, my S&W Plastic M&P has the nearest to 1911 grip angle I have seen and is available "optic ready."
Weight is light by current standards and Apexes Best won't equal a single action trigger.

Everybody likes CZ and TZ but you have to learn the crunch tick.

[rdtompki]

By Jove, I believe he's got it.
I recently saw a CO-Open gun that looked like a good combination.
It had a compensator, therefore Open, but the dot was a SRO on the slide like a CO. I like the idea of the lower line of sight.

Failing that, my S&W Plastic M&P has the nearest to 1911 grip angle I have seen and is available "optic ready."
Weight is light by current standards and Apexes Best won't equal a single action trigger.

Everybody likes CZ and TZ but you have to learn the crunch tick.


Yep, that's exactly where I am, too old and too stubborn to change platforms. We've got two Kimber HD Pro Carry II converted to 9mm, one with an optic. I'm going to take if for a spin, but the milled RDS installation is so low that I don't have to "find" the dot on the draw. I actually like the balance of the shorter barrel versus my normal 5". Might have to get a minor TPW tweak, but the 4.5 lbs. is fine for now; still a good 1911 trigger. I'll have to put an RDS on one of our full-size guns since the RDS-equipped Kimber is my wife's HD gun. I can still use the Staccato for the occasional IDPA match.

[mmc45414]

Apexes Best won't equal a single action trigger.
As you probably know they have a matrix showing the possible spring combination, I went with the lightest return spring with the heaviest sear spring and that might be something you might want to consider.



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[John Hearne]

P320's are pretty 1911's-ish and there's a bunch of competition support for them....

[Jim Watson]

My Plastic M&P was tuned by Dan Burwell. It takes a good selection of Apex parts to equal it.

I had a brief trial of a P320 and did not think it was real 1911ish. But the place is crawling with them, so there must be something attractive there.

A friend has gone XD. His guns with Powder River Precision triggers are quite good.

[GJM]

Multiple 2011 shooters have told me that the 320 Legion grip feels most like a 2011.

[mmc45414]

My Plastic M&P was tuned by Dan Burwell. It takes a good selection of Apex parts to equal it.
My inference was only to what might be most 1911-like. Their matrix (https://www.apextactical.com/poly-flat-faced-forward-set-trigger-kit-for-mp-m2-0) shows this combination:

89244

and I went with it thinking that it would be light take-up followed by a crisper break, and am pretty happy with it. My other Apex installations used their normal (heavier than factory) trigger spring and normal (heavier than factory) sear spring, and they were nice but IMO mushy. This combo seemed to be more 1911 mimicking, like I had hoped.


I had a brief trial of a P320 and did not think it was real 1911ish. But the place is crawling with them, so there must be something attractive there.
I think the Wilson frame is supposed to be chasing the elusive 1911 feel, but I have yet to personally fondle one.


A friend has gone XD. His guns with Powder River Precision triggers are quite good.
I had the 5" XD-45 that I sent to Springer Precision and it really was quite nice. I had an opportunity to handle one that had been done by PR and it was just a little different but really good as well. I really liked my XDs but they all got purged when I decided the M&Ps were my striker gun of choice.