So, the details:
My original plan, after talking extensively with
SLG and Jason Burton of
Heirloom Precision, was to have the Springfield Custom Shop build me a pair of FBI-spec 1911s, but in 9mm. The Springfield Professional Model is, as
SLG pointed out to me, the most heavily tested and proven modern 1911 available. Dave Williams from Springfield's Custom Shop provided me with details including a delivery date that was well into next year. But he also suggested another possibility...
Every year, Scott Warren has a limited run of custom guns built by Springfield. They begin life as 9mm TRPs but are assembled by the Custom Shop with parts selected by Scott. They are, coincidentally, the same concept as the gun I wanted: a 9mm version of the FBI SWAT gun or, more specifically, the FBI HRT 1911 which has a slightly different color scheme.
Features:
Select fit slide to frame
Carbon steel light rail frame
SA stainless steel ramped barrel and bushing 9mm
Polish feed ramp & throat barrel
Unique three line serrations on top of slide
Fitted speed trigger w/ tuned 4.5 lb. trigger pull
Tuned for total reliability
Lowered & flared ejection port
Extended ejector
Tuned & polished extractor
GI recoil system
Hand fit Warren Tactical style beavertail grip safety
Extended ambi thumb safety
Warren Tactical low mount combat sights w/dovetail Fiber Optic front sight
Custom fit S&A magwell checkered @ 25lpi
25lpi front strap checkering
Carry Bevel complete pistol
Warren Tactical custom grips
Two tone black and OD green Armory Kote finish
2 Premium magazines with slam pads
Unique Warren Tactical logo
WT prefix serial number
Attachment 772
Mine are coming with just a few small differences. First, obviously, Scott is installing night sights on my guns. Second, having spent a few weeks shooting hundreds of rounds per day through real FBI HRT pistols, I requested that the checkering on the frontstrap and mainspring housing get blunted from their normal
awesome with gloves and/or if you like to bleed while you shoot level of sharpness. At some point, I also expect to put Lasergrips on the pistol which may require a modified right hand "ambi" safety lever.
This is obviously a tremendous departure for me compared to past tests. But of all the guns I see in classes, the 1911 is by far the type I have the least personal experience with. I've never been a fan, and it will take an awful lot to convince me. But it should make for an interesting time...