Went with my son to get a home protection pistol.

[rangerider7]

He has a shotgun and rifles but decided to buy a pistol for home protection and maybe conceal and carry. I had ask about which 1911 would be best a while back for myself. When he ask which one to get I had some information to go on. We went to Cabela's on Saturday, he had a bunch of gift cards he had won from work, to see what was left after the rush. We looked at all the new and used ones and he was undecided. I told him lets go look in the "Gun Library"just to see if they had anything he could afford. I looked into the case and there starring me in the face was a Colt MK IV 80 series officers model 45 ACP in very good condition for 769.00. I explained to him that the Colt would maintain in value and increase as time went on. As soon as he put it in his hands and felt real metal the deal was made. I didn't even try to barter as usual, that was a good price and it was the only Colt pistol left in the store except for an engraved one for 4500.00. They had got it in earlier in the week and I figured it wouldn't last the weekend. We got some HP ammo and a lock box and were on our way. He will be down soon to test it out. I will get some ball ammo for that. He was as proud as a peacock to own that Colt, I hope he doesn't get the bug like me or when I pass he will have to buy a bigger house. RR7

[Blaine]

A .45acp anything is a good idea. I have a 5" Para 1911, and wish that I had gotten a smaller one like your boy got....I may trade it in someday and do just that.....45: Because it's silly to shoot something twice

[Dan 444]

Nice story RR7. Yeah, that Colt is a great companion!

Dan

[Pitchy]

Good choice, grats.

[Lastmohecken]

Congrats on the Colt. Not a bad choice.

[rjohns94]

That's a great choice. Tell him never to sell it. Well done

[86er]

Best of luck with it! Good choice!

[JerryB]

Most excellent my good man, you done real good by the boy.

[RIHMFIRE]

father and son bonding and a new toy involved...perfect

[MrMurphy]

Tell him to invest in a large box of recoil springs, anything under Commander size goes through them like a fat kind in a candy store.

I wouldn't use an Officer's for a house gun, there's just not enough to hang on to when things get nuts and your hands get sweaty.

Still, it's a good piece, and will work for carry assuming he trains with it.


Tell him to read anything by Larry Vickers and Hilton Yam. Both know more about combat use of the 1911 than most will ever learn from personal experience and both are highly respected 1911 armorer/gunsmiths. If they recommend something, it's good.

If he sticks with the 1911, i'd advise a full size piece for home/car/carry, they're not that hard to hide being single-stack guns even full sized.

[Griff]

I have fairly large hands, and find the Officer's Mdl hard to hold onto. I have 4 full size 1911s, but love my Combat Commander the best! All the capacity of the full-size, but a little easier to carry. Regardless, the Colt is an excellent choice.

[rangerider7]

We both have pretty small hands. He will not be shooting it that much once he gets it down. I carry a Colt D.S. myself. RR7

[piller]

The extra springs are never a bad idea for any gun. I just bought a used Gen 2 Glock 22 and had one of the memebers on this forum who is a Glock Armorer put in a new set of springs. At the range Saturday, it worked perfectly. I will someday get a new set of springs and a couple of other parts for when they wear out. Back to it being a Colt, as stated above, it will only increase in value. Hope it is as much fun to shoot as it sounds like.

[two bit okie]

I am certain that most of will follow and finish this for me

just remember, a 9 and a 40 and 357 may well expand but












BUT A 45 WILL NEVER SHRINK.

[2571]

The Almighty carries a 1911; she gave up her Singer & now favors the Colt.

Your great grandchildren will have that gun.

[grouse]

Colt 1911 always the best choice !
Try a set of thin Viz grips, something like 40% thinner than standard Govt. grips,but makes a world of difference.

[Sheepman Dave]

Nice, RR7!
My first pistol was a Colt Combat Commander. Many guns have come and gone and it's still my go to gun 30 years later. CCW & nightstand duty. I guess the best endorsement is if you are willing to bet your life with it. And I have since 1981.

Dave

[Ysabel Kid]

That's a great choice. Tell him never to sell it. Well done

+3 (one for each!)

[Birdman]

That's a great way to spend a day with yur son. One of my proudest days was in Dec of 2011 when my son turned 21. On his birthday him and I went to the LGS and he made his first official purchase. It was a Springfield XDM 9mm. Of course that's not what I would have chosen but that is what made it so good. He researched, shot several different 9's that belonged to buddies and relatives, and had his mind made up. It is a fine gun and he will have it forever. Watching him grow into a man has been a wonderful experience and we have great times shooting and riding motorcycles together.