Well, it only took 20,000 rounds or so....

That, would be my Yost Custom commander length 1911; built out of an early 2000s production stainless Springfield Champion.

I've had it for about 7 years now; and I'd estimate I've put 20,000 rounds through it. I'm on my 4th recoil spring, and as of a recent training class it was clear this one is shot out as well, as I had a failure to return to battery with no real cause except insufficient spring pressure (I've got a couple of replacement springs in the air as I write this).

I bought it some time in early 2004... around March, but I don't remember the exact date. It was the first 1911 I'd purchased since returning from Ireland (my first 1911 was a Wilson Combat 5" custom that I bought for myself in Kentucky, on my 21st birthday); and I bought it knowing I was going to mess with it.

I experimented with some parts and configurations, and with the assistance of Gunsmith Ted Yost came up with the final configuration of it in late 2005.

I've done rather a lot to it over and above a basic Commander. Some of the mods came with the Champion (an early 2000s production model when they were still using premium 3rd party components, instead of in house parts), some I did, some Yost did:

1. Ramped, throated, polished, and hand fitted, fully supported Nowlin match bull barrel
2. Titanium firing pin (there is no firing pin safety mechanism. It's a series 70 equivalent)
3. Yost Bonitz Custom Ignition System (sear, hammer, disconnector), just under 3# pull
4. Ed Brown, ultra short, ultra light, adjustable stop, serrated face trigger
5. Tuned Ed Brown Hardcore extractor
6. Tuned Wilson Bulletproof extended ejector
7. Dual captured recoil system (Wolff 24# primary spring and 8# secondary)
8. Full Wolff spring set
9. Tightened, trued, and machined frame and slide rails, with polished contact points
10. Smith and Alexander fine checkered arched mainspring housing
11. Smith and Alexander magwell, hand blended into the frame
12. Lowered and flared ejection port
13. Lowered, extended, and thinned Wilson safety (switched out an ambi because it caught on stuff)
14. Lowered, extended, and thinned Wilson slide stop
15. Mild dehorning and edge breaking
16. Slide and frame flats trued, polished, and brushed (the rounds are bead blasted)
17. Recessed angle cut muzzle crown
18. Novak lo-profile combat sights with tritium inserts.
19. Wilson mags (47d) with steel ultrathin base plates
20. Wraparound Hogue finger groove grips, with torx head grip screws (I've got big hands)

An aside: I plan on putting a set of the new 1911 Crimson Trace laser grips on it when they come out this March. I've been waiting for them to revise the line, and I really like the new lower profile configuration and look of them.  

I've had guide rod lasers before, and don't like their switching mechanism, and that they get very dirty and eventually obscured while firing. Now that the new laser grips are smaller, lower profile, and better looking, I'm going to pick up a set for each of my 1911s (when I can afford it anyway... they're about $300 a set).  

I like having a laser as a training aid, and for use in the dark; especially since I wear glasses. It's a lot easier and faster to pick up the laser dot, when your groggy at 3am, and you can't find your glasses; than to get a good sight picture with a set of tritium 3 dots. I don't advocate using a laser as your primary sighting method, but it's a nice extra to have.

The Champion was my daily carry gun from early 2004, until I picked up my Yost Custom Colt Defender in mid 2007 (with a similar set of modifications). From then I alternated between the Champion and the Defender (at least until I got my 340pd as a pocket gun in 2009. I generally feel adequately armed with a .357 in my pocket and don't need a .45 to go along with it)... but the Champion has been my number one shooting handgun the entire time I've owned it.

I just like commander length 1911s. I like the length, the feel, the look, and the balance of them. I actually prefer them over 5" guns... yes, I know, blasphemy, heresy etc... 4" guns (or 4.25") feel better in the hand, and better on the belt; at least to me.

The Commander has been around since 1951; I think 60 years is enough of a history to call the short models "traditional" as well.

Also, I don't currently have a 5" 1911 in .45 (... blasphemy again... I have a 5" gun, but it's in 10mm); so the Champion gets the majority of my .45acp practice. I shoot it probably five times as much as I do any other centerfire gun (and I have four .45s).

I shot probably 15k rounds through it in the first three years I owned it; and 5,000 in the last four (ammo prices, health, family issues etc...). Most of that was +p+ level carry ammo, or reloads designed to replicate the carry ammo. Think 185gr at 1150fps from a 4" barrel, or 200gr at 1100fps (I've gone back and forth between 185gr gold dot, and 200gr xtp, with my carry ammo preferences).

It seems that finally, after about 20,000 rounds, I've managed to shoot it loose.

I was detail stripping it on Friday; and I noticed, the lockup wasn't exactly rattly, but there was definitely more than "minimal discernable movement" when locked up. Worse, there's movement at both ends. Not much, but enough to feel it when specifically checking for it.

I have noticed a falloff in accuracy; but frankly, with as little practice as I've been getting lately that may be me... or it may not be, because I saw it even when I was firmly rested. It's not a huge difference, but it's a difference.

My first thought, is that my link is a little bit egged out and/or a little bit stretched; and that's causing the looseness. The muzzle end also seems a tiny bit too loose (it's a bushingless bull barrel), and the locking lugs maybe just a tiny bit too worn; but all that might just be the link.

Looking at the slide, it seems alright. The locking lug cuts are still crisp; and the muzzle end doesn't seem to be worn; all the wear seems to be in the barrel. It's noticeable, but doesn't LOOK to be excessive... it's just a tiny bit too much play in the lockup that makes me think it might be too worn...

Unfortunately, it being a conical bull barrel, at a "proprietary" length (Colt commanders are 4.25" this is 4" flat) with an integral Wilson/Nowlin type ramp, it would be somewhat difficult to replace.

I think storm lake does them now, but I don't know who else might have a replacement barrel for this configuration of Champion anymore (some production models use a standard bushinged barrel, some ramped, some with a standard frame ramp).

I'm thinking I might try a new, long link (It's currently fitted with a medium link; a #3 I think) and see if that fixes the lockup; but I may need to source and fit a new barrel.

The slide is properly cut for a bushing (since some variants of the champion and compact use bushings and some don't, and they all use the same slide) and I may end up finding a ramped, bushing barrel instead.

I'm ABSOLUTELY going to fix it though... this is still one of my favorite guns, and I want to make it right.

Now, some may say "you're having a problem after only 20,000 rounds... buy a Glock" or to the other extreme "Ehh, you're just being prissy. The gun runs fine, and a tiny bit of accuracy loss is no big deal; why bother".

Ok, valid points both...

To the first point:I do a lot of rapid fire, with very hot loads, from a 4" gun. In an average shooting session, I might put 150 rounds through the gun, in less than 30 minutes (I've got 10 mags, and I usually shoot through all of them, reload, and shoot through them all again except my two carry mags). Given that I'm shooting well outside the original design parameters of the weapon; frankly I'm surprised the barrel hasn't loosened up long before this.

I'm willing to bet that if I was just shooting 230gr hardball at 850fps, from a 5" gun, I'd have a barrel life measured in high fractions of infinite. That's not what I'm doing. This is a 4" gun. Colt Commanders had a barrel system (barrel, bushing, and link) design life of 10,000 rounds, with straight standard pressure hardball. I'm pushing that designs performance envelope with every round; it's not exactly surprising it will wear out eventually.

To the second point: like I said, the wear isn't severe. It's not causing the gun to malfunction (it just eats recoil springs every 5000 rounds, which is normal for a commander length gun shooting +p); it's just enough to be noticeable. I think the looseness is caused more by the link loosening up than the barrel to slide fit... but the barrel to slide fit definitely has noticeably loosened.

This is a high dollar custom buildup, done to my exact specs; any degradation in performance is unacceptable to me. I just don't like feeling that slop, even if it is just a tiny bit.

So yeah... I AM being a bit prissy... it's my gun and I'll be prissy if I want to.

...So anyway, I was thinking on it more; and I decided to do some testing at the coffee table tonight while watching Sunday night TV.

It seems that the slide is definitely not worn significantly; as there are only a few very small indications of wear-in on the inside of the mating area. There is however much more pronounced (not excessive, but definitely noticeable) wear-in on the barrel itself.

This is actually both an expected thing, and a good thing.

It's expected, because 1911 slides are hardened to between 45 and 52 rockwell c (depending on the manufacturer and the time period), most between 45 and 50; and 1911 barrels are generally hardened to between 40 and 45 hrc (other hard parts, such as pins, sears etc... are typically hardened to between 50 and 56 hrc).

Also it's expected because barrels are final machined and final fit after heat treating (leaving a slightly softer steel at the mating surfaces which are ground and polished for final fit); while slides on production guns are generally heat treated after final machining (custom guns are often hand fit on the slide, bushing, and barrel; all after final heat treating).

It's a good thing, because it means I have more options available to me if I have to replace the barrel.

As I noted above, the slide is properly cut for a bushing; and because the internal mating surfaces are not excessively worn, I can still very easily fit one. This means I can use either a replacement bull barrel, or I can fit a barrel with a standard bushing.

I verified that a standard bushing will still fit tonight, test fitting with a bushing and barrel from a different gun.

That's good, because it's actually rather difficult to find a 4" bull barrel that will work; and as this particular Champion is cut for a Wilson/Nowlin ramp, the potential selection of stocked parts is reduced even more.

I could get it directly from Springfield, but since I purchased my gun, they have moved barrel production away from Nowlin and Ed Brown (the two OEMs who did their outside barrels when the were still match grade. Mine is a Nowlin); first to several generic OEMs, then recently to Storm Lake (at least according to the various gun forums).

Now, there's certainly nothing wrong with parts from any of those manufacturers; but none of them stock the part for retail sale... and besides if I'm going to replace the barrel, I want to do it with a barrel of as high quality as I possibly can right?

With a standard bushing type barrel, you can pretty much get whatever length you want, and then cut it down, re-crown it, and fit it to a bushing. Unfortunately, because of the geometry: with a bull barrel, you have to find one that close to the right length to begin with. You can't cut down most 5" bull barrels, because the taper begins about 1/2"-3/4" behind the muzzle (some even less, just 1/4"). If you cut it down to 4" you'd already be in the conical section, with a reduced diameter and no flat mating surface for fitment to the slide.

There are however several manufacturers that sell commander length bull barrels that will work, as they are only .25" over (actually less than that, but it's .25" nominal) ; and while some manufacturers (Kimber and Wilson for example) only provide a little more than 1/4" of mating surface before they start to taper, most give more than 1/2", or even a full inch. I'll just need to have the barrel cut down to match the slide; something any gunsmith should be able to do for whatever their minimum charge is.

That said, I'm not sure if that's the best long term solution.

I'm really seriously considering moving to a bushing and standard barrel.

For one thing, it means I'll never have to worry about the slide itself wearing out. If there's a problem, it's most likely going to be with the bushing, not either the barrel or the slide; and the bushing is the easiest part to replace of the three.

Also, it just really widens my barrel choice.

Right now, the only Nowlin/Wilson ramped, commander length, bull barrels I can find stocked anywhere are from Briley, and Storm Lake.

That's not a bad thing, Briley makes excellent barrels and would certainly be on my list, and as I said above, I think Storm Lake also makes good barrels... but I don't like having just those two choices. Though, on the plus side, Storm Lake ramped bull barrels are only $160 (the Briley ramped bull barrel runs $200).

Oh and yes, even though Storm Lake OEMs the barrels for Springfield (or at least they did... they may have changed again since the last time I checked); they don't stock 4" barrels for retail sale.

Bar-sto will make one for me, but for a ramped bull Commander barrel they charge about $260, and have a minimum 16 week lead time (I checked, they don't stock the part)... though they will at least make it a 4" with a proper crown for me, so I don't have to go to a smith to get it done afterwards.

Wilson makes bull barrels, and ramped barrels, but they don't make a ramped bull barrel in Commander length (which is amazing, since they were the first to do it in the 80s). They even make a 4" bull barrel, but it's not ramped (it's for Kimber compacts).

Clark and Kart don't make bull barrels (they do make ramped barrels though). Nowlin (who made the original barrel for the gun) makes bull barrels, but not ramped bull barrels. Ed Brown no longer makes ramped OR bull barrels (at least not for retail sale. They use them in their own custom 1911s if ordered).

On the other hand, if I go with a bushing barrel, basically all of the major manufacturers except Ed Brown are available to me; again, with just a re-crown down to match the bushing, or possibly a 3/4" trim and then a re-crown; either of which any gunsmith can do.

... or for that matter, I could buy a threaded barrel and not worry about a re-crown; in case I feel like buying a .45 can (which I am thinking hard about doing at some point). Nowlin, Briley, and Storm Lake all stock threaded barrels for use with a bushing (and Bar-sto, Clark, and Kart will make one on request). Nobody but Schuemann stocks a threaded bull barrel (a few custom makers will make them, for threaded compensators though not cans), and they charge almost $400 for it; plus the threads are weird and incompatible with standard cans (because they're made for compensators), requiring a thread adapter.

Also, if I stay with a bull barrel, I'm restricted to keeping the current proprietary Springfield Champion double captured recoil spring setup. I happen to LIKE the recoil setup; but I can only get replacement bits from Springfield (though Wolff does stock the springs). If I switch to a bushing barrel, I can use any recoil spring and guide rod setup I please.

Now, I personally think an FLGR is a good thing for a commander length gun; especially if you're running a heavy spring for use with +p+ ammo (and I do; a 24lb spring in fact); so I'd probably stick with a full length rod, but there are a number of options out there if I want to change.

With a bushing, you need to use a spring plug that sticks out about 3/32" from the front of the slide, so that the plug engages the halfround cut in the base of the bushing, to keep it from rotating (as with a standard, non guide rod type spring plug). Thankfully, the hollow plugs used by full length guide rods (which engage the bushing) are now a standard part stocked by most anyone.

In Champion form, the recoil system uses a reverse cut spring plug (as do Colts bull barrels guns, Kimbers, and other manufacturers), which has a small flange that mates with a recess cut into the barrel hood, so the plug wont slide out forward; and the plug and guide rod are both trimmed to end flush with the slide. This plug style won't engage a bushing, so an alternate spring plug solution would need to be found. Thankfully, I verified with testing today, the original Springfield system works just fine with a standard hollow spring plug used with any standard guide rod and bushing setup.

Though actually, I'm thinking about doing something non-standard.

I'm actually very seriously considering a Briley Spherical bushing; not because I think they're more accurate than a well fitted standard bushing (it's been proven with repeated testing that they are as accurate, but not more so), but because they have very desirable wear and reliability characteristics.

With a spherical bushing, the wear point isn't a sharp edged fulcrum as it is with a standard bushing, it's a full on, low drag, smooth and flat, and independently gimballing bearing surface that can maintain a shear film (yes, that's correct. Not a "sheer" film; shear as in slicing off) of lube. Then, as things wear down, you don't need to replace the barrel, or the bushing; just replace the spherical ring (which they sell for about $20).

If I do go with Briley, I may just buy a matched barrel and bushing set from them. They fit the matched sets down to 1 thousandth (instead of the standard 2 thousandths for solid bushings on a standard barrel), and guarantee them as fully functional and reliable; and the set runs about $240, with minimal smithing required (I'm fully capable of - and have the tools necessary for- fitting my own barrel and bushing into a slide). Otherwise, the bushing alone (with a ring) runs about $60.

Given that a solid bushing runs between $10 and $20, and any gunsmith is going to charge at least a half hours labor to fit a bushing; and that I don't have the right tools to properly fit the inside of a bushing to a barrel (at least not at match grade tolerances... anyone can fit a "drop in" or "semi-drop-in" bushing, but you never know how accurate that will be) I do rather like that option.

And of course, with the Briley setup, I don't have to worry about precise multi-angle cuts as I would on a solid bushing (that would be the tooling I don't have); and I can just buy whatever barrel I want, mic it, and buy the Briley bushing that fits closest to two thousandths clearance.. or if the barrel is consistent enough, even down to a thousandth. Briley makes bushing rings with inside diameters between .577 and .583, in increments of a thousandth.

'course I can also just get a prefit barrel and bushing set from most any manufacturer, and not have to worry about the fitment... some will even fit it the barrel and bushing down to the same 1 thousandth as Briley.

I wouldn't do that with a standard solid bushing, because of the multi angle cuts at fairly tight tolerances required for proper match grade fitting (there are smiths that fit solid bushings to 1 thousandth, but you really should fit them to 2 thousandths to ensure reliability and prevent excess wear); but with the spherical bushing, you don't have to worry about binding or barrel spring, so as long as your barrel is of sufficient quality, you should be OK with a thousandth of clearance... just make sure you get a really good and consistent barrel measurement (another reason I may want to go with a matched set from Briley).

Quick and dirty method of averaging out the errors to make sure you get the right sized bushing: Make 10 measurements of your barrel, with the caliper/micrometer at different points around the circumference (but make 2 measurements at each spot... or as close to it as you can get); then drop the highest and lowest, and average the rest. 
If any of the normalized measurements is off from its pair by more than one thousandth, start all over again. If it's still off, either your instruments can't produce repeatable measurements, or you've got an issue with that barrel.

Oh and it's not really a major consideration; but bull barreled Commanders are not IDPA legal; because the IDPA considers a bull barrel in a 4.2" or longer gun to be a muzzle weight, and Commanders have a 4.25" barrel. Switching to a bushinged barrel, or as with a Champion having the barrel be under 4.2" (the exemption was actually explicitly created for the Champion, and the Kimber compact; both of which have 4" bull barrels) makes the gun IDPA legal for the enhanced service pistol class.

Originally, there was no exemption for guns under 4.2"; all bull/conical barreled guns were banned. The popularity of the Kimber compact, and the Springfield Champion as carry guns; and the creation of the special competitons for short barreled guns, where officers length bull barrels are very common (thus 3.8" or less bull barrels being legal in the "back up gun" category); caused a LOT of bitching. 

This eventually (it took years) forced the IDPA to re-evaluate and create the under 4.2" exemption (and yes, they deliberately left it at under 4.2" to exclude commanders with bull barrels... They've got 4.25" barrels by default; but can be cut down flush with the slide face to be legal IF the bull barrels was initially offered by the factory). 

Initially the exemption for barrels under 4.2" was only for the Custom Defensive Pistol class; but that ended up pitting compacts and Champions, against high end custom 5" competition guns; making them essentially useless for IDPA competition. 

Again this caused mutch bitching, and really didn't make any sense; so they finally extended the exemption down to ESP. 

Unfortunately, the IDPA still bans all true 1911s from the lowest "Stock Service Pistol" class, simply because they have a single action trigger (para-ordnance LDA pistols are SSP legal... showing just how non-sensical the limitation is).

I like my bull barrel...

I like the way it looks. I like the fewer parts involved in cycling the weapon, and there being one less bit to break. I like the tiny bit of extra rigidity of lockup it offers (when it's properly fit and isn't worn out). I like the little extra bit of muzzle weight to aid in recoil control. I like not having to deal with a stiff or stuck bushing; or with losing a bushing when field stripping. I like not having to worry about losing a spring plug, because the spring plug is captured in the slide (I think any long time 1911 shooter has lost at least one... flown across the room, or the range)...

... but maybe going to a bushing, especially with the Briley option; is the better choice for a replacement?

Hell... if it weren't for the ammo cost and availability (the reason why in three years, I've only managed to put about 1500 rounds through my 5" gun...) I'd use this as an opportunity to convert the thing to 10mm.

A funny thing happend on the way to the gun shop...

While I was in my local favorite FFLs shop (Derby Guns on Scottsdale Rd. between Thomas and McDowell. Used to be Scottsdale gun center, but is now under completely new ownership and management), arranging to receive the gift from the gods of boom; I spied out something interesting in the used case.

It's a Colt Defender, but it's not even close to stock... It looked intriguing so I asked to see it; whereupon I find out it's the former carry gun of the new guy working there.

I pick it up and it feels REAL nice. Then I try the trigger and it's REALLY REALLY NICE. So I open it up, look down the throat, and what do I see:

A truly expert, and truly beautiful ramp and throat job (the pisture doesnt do it jsutice; it's VERY smooth); matched to a perfect slide porting.


Well, given that polish job, the full bevel job, the hammer, the trigger, the beautifully fitted beavertail, the undercut and radiused trigger guard... and really just the overall feel of the thing...

I thought about it a second and said "Yost built this gun didn't he". His reply was "Yup, Teddy did that for me a couple years ago".

The best part though... he only wanted $699.

Well, I thought about it, put it back in the case, and went home. Then this morning I told Mel about it, and she said "Well we were supposed to get you the Kimber Ultra CDP for Christmas... here's your fathers day gift a bit early".

Needless to say I went right over there and made an offer on the gun, $699 out the door; tax included. They had to wait a little bit to work the numbers and get approval from the manager (a friend of mine) who wasn't there just then; but they called me back a couple hours later, agreed to $699 out the door, and I was over there like a shot (they're not even a mile away from me).

They even threw in the original factory parts that were replaced, and two spare mags; plus it came with the original factory box and two mags.

Now this may be heresy to some of you Colt purists, but I'mna dump the prancing pony grips, because I dont like the feel of them. I'm not sure what grips I'll put on there yet though.

I'm also going to stick an arched housing with magwell, and pick up some Wilson mags; but then for me it'll be a near ideal little carry piece.

I'm just having one hell of a week when it comes to guns.

Trying to duplicate a load...

... from Doubletap.

Specifically, this 200gr Gold Dot at 1125fps; xcept with the Hornady 200gr XTP (I load with both, but the XTP are $3 a box cheaper).

Doubletap swears this isn't above the standard pressure ceiling; but thats a good 75fps faster than any other standard pressure load data I can find (well within +p levels though).

Anyway, I'm going for this with 6.4gr of bullseye over Federal large pistol, seated to 1.20" even. I figure it'll give me about 1050 from my Champion.

Even if I'm over standard pressure (and I'd guess I am), I'm using +p brass and my gun is set up for .45 super so I'm not worried about that.

Anyone else tried to dupe this load, or something like it?

Hallelujah, praise the lord, and pass the ammunitions

From Global Security:

"The US Special Operations Command [USSOCOM] issued a solicitation in August 2005 to obtain commercially available non-developmental item (NDI) Joint Combat Pistol (JCP) system, Caliber .45 (ACP). The Program (which absorbed an earlier Future Handgun System program) will use full and open competition to fulfill the JCP requirement. The JCP will be delivered in accordance with specification entitled "Performance Specification Joint Combat Pistol" to be provided with issuance of the solicitation. Two configurations of the pistol will be required. One configuration will have no external safety and the other configuration will have an external safety.

The Combat Pistol System consists of: a Caliber .45 pistol and its ancillary equipment including: Magazines (standard and high-capacity); Suppressor Attachment Kit for operation of the pistol with and without sound suppressor; Holster; Magazine Holder (standard and high-capacity); Cleaning Kit; and Operator's Manual..."

I've been saying this was coing for a while now, first it goes to SOCOM, then we may see general issue. The Contractor grapevine has been buzzing that the RFP was written just for HK to get the bid, but we'll see.

Oh but this requirement... I mean DAMN:

"When fired from a rest, at a range of 50 meters, the mean radius of a 10-shot group fired from the JCP shall not be greater than A) 3.15 inches or B)1.8 inches over baseline ammunition performance, whichever is less (T). Baseline ammunition performance is defined as the average mean radius plus two sample standard deviations of three 10-shot groups fired from a test barrel at 50m."

That's serious match pistol performance. COnsidering it's expected to have an MRBS (Mean Rounds Between Stoppage) or 2000 rounds, that's gonna be tough. Theres only one .45 pistol I know to have done that, with that level of accuracy, and that's the Springfield FBI model.

Then theres this:

"The JCP shall have a standard magazine capacity of no less than eight [8] rounds (T), greater than eight [8] rounds (O) of .45 ACP ammunition. The JCP shall also have a high-capacity magazine of no less than ten [10] rounds (T), fifteen [15] rounds (O), of .45 ACP ammunition."

Hmmmm... somebody is either thinking HKP2000/USP Compact, a SIG P220, or a 1911...

and these two narrow it down further:

"The JCP length, with standard barrel, shall be less than 9.65 inches (T). The JCP width shall be less than 1.53 inches (T).

The JCP shall function in double action/single action (DA/SA) or double-action only (DAO) including Striker-Fired Action (SFA) (T). The JCP should have a modular action mechanism that allows reconfiguration at the unit level without modification to the weapon’s major assemblies (O).

All DA/SA pistols shall have a consistent trigger pull of eight to ten [8-10] pounds on Double Action, and a consistent trigger pull of four to six [4-6] pounds on Single Action and all DAO pistols shall have a trigger pull of five to eight [5-8] pounds (T). All pistols shall have a trigger pull that is consistent within one [1] pound from average pull (T). When pressure is applied to the JCP trigger and then released, the trigger shall reset to its forward-most position, even if the pistol is not fired (T). The operator shall be capable of pulling the trigger, without shifting the firing grip."

Uhhh yep, looks like a SIG or an HK to me, and HK is "owed" a major military contract. Actually the more you read, the clearer it is that this was indeed written for HK to win. Read the whole thing.

HT: River Dog

The SECOND best .45 auto???

I'll wager at least half the people reading this will agree with me when I say that the Browning designed Colt model of 1911 (and it's variants and clones) is the greatest handgun of all time. I'll go one better and say that 75% of you would agree with me if I limited it to pistols only.

But what's the second best? Specifically what's the second best in the 1911s main caliber, .45acp?

I mean it's a pretty limited field; there aren't really all that many truly spectacular pistols out there to choose from; and there are even fewer in .45 (at least excluding all the many 1911's).

On my best list would be the following

H&K USP (and derivatives)
SIG P220
Glock 21, 30, 36
CZ75 derivatives in .45 (CZ97, Tanfoglio, Baby eagle/Jericho)

Honestly... I think that's about it. Sure there are some GOOD .45's (Taurus, Ruger, Smith) but GREAT ones (and no "another 1911" doesn't count, and yes Detonics, ParaOrds, Kimbers, 1991s, Springfields, and even the argentine phillipine et al clones count as 1911s) ?

If they made a BHP (Browning HiPower/P35) in .45 ACP it would certainly be on that list, but they don't (at least not as far as I know, and if they do someone point me to one so I can buy it now before some idiot decides to take it out of production. Oh and make sure you tell Kim DuToit so he can grab one too).

I suspect that when Kahr makes the Target/Tactical version of the P45, the T45 (some time next year most likely) it will end up on that list as well; but again, it's not here yet. Oh and yes, when they release it I will be buying one immediately.

I'm willing to listen to other suggestions, but that's really all that come sto mind for the great ones.

Of course that still leaves a list of four guns; which is the second best? Or which is the best of the second best or... ahhh fuckit.


Lets talk about each one.

CZ and Variants in .45 (I'm using a baby eagle here as the prototype, but any of the others will do).

Summary: The CZ and variants are great guns. Inspired by the Browning Hi-Power, in the late 60's into early 70's designers at Czecka Zabrovka (CZ) created an excellent double action high capacity stagger stack frame; releasing it in 1975 as the 9mm CZ75.

It took 22 years for a .45 version to appear (other than from Tanfoglio, who has had spotty quality, but who now manufactures frames for IMI's jericho); but when it did as the CZ97 it was an instant hit.

In the late 80's Israel was moving away from the Browning Hi Powers (and a hodgepodge of other weapons) they had been using as sidearms; and in israeli fashion wanted to build their own. They chose the CZ75 for inspiration, and created the "Jericho" line of pistols for use as issue sidearms for police and military. Initially available in 9MM, and .41AE (a propietary caliber which failed); in 2002 they added .45 to the lineup and they have seen sales in the U.S. explode, imported by Magnum Research under the name "Baby Eagle", a reference to the IMI/Magnum research Desert Eagle.

The pictures don't do the pistol justice; looking somewhat ungainly. In person, though it is a somewhat thick pistol (as are all doublestacks - this one is a compact 10rd); it is well balanced, and feel good and solid in the hand. It is also quite attractive; and it conceals well; though it is actually the same length and height as a compact 1911, and somewhat thicker.

Pros: Well made, accurate, reliable, low cost and very good value for the money at $499

Cons: Poor finish, heavy (almsot 40 oz unloaded), somewhat bulky.

Rating: Fifth - It's a great gun, and a great value; in fact I want one; but it just doesn't measure up to the others.


Glocks in .45 (including the 21, 30, and 36)

I went into Glocks extensively (and the G21 specifically) in my post "How to make a Glock not suck". but lets talk in more general terms here.

Glocks are the most popular single brand of pistol in America. Certainly 1911's are the most popular TYPE of pistol by an order of magnitude, but they are made by dozens of manufacturers, and there are several major competitors in every segment so it's certain that Glock is the single best selling brand.

Like all the other pistols here, all Glocks use essentially the same design, with some reinforcements for the larger and/or higher pressure calibers.

Up until a few weeks ago I owned a G21, and a G19 and both were excellent pistols; currently being enjoyed by two of my readers. When the cashflow returns, I will purchase another Glock (most likely a G32 or G23, though possibly a G19; as an alternative concealment piece to my Kahr K9), if for no other reason then if I ever have to give somebody a gun in an emergency, chances are they'll know how to operate a Glock.

The only problems I really have with Glocks are their bulk, and their triggers. I talk about fixing the Glock trigger in the article linked above, so that no problem; but the G21 is a VERY bulky gun, and the G30 is no better. Recently glock introduced the single stack subcompact G36, which is an excellent pistol, but it is far too small for anything other than a backup piece.

In "Getting down to specifics" I had this to say about Glocks:

...if Glock made a single stack (or narrow double stack), commander sized .45, capable of handling .45 super, with an 8-10 round capacity (like the USP compact), I would say it was a great choice as a new military sidearm, and I'd buy it for myself in a heartbeat.

My opinion hasn't changed. I still want them to make a G21, and a G23 sized single stack .45; and I'd buy both in a second. I think theres a LOT of folks out there who'd line up for the same.

Oh and if they did one in 10mm I'd buy that one too, and I know a guy in Alaska who'd be fighting me for the right to be first in line.

Pros: Well made (though often rough always functional), accurate, EXTREMELY reliable, 10rd capacity (in the G21)

Cons: Rough finish (but tough), heavy, VERY bulky, and slightly unweildy, plastic, ugly, beloved by scumbags.

Rating: Fourth - They are great guns, which I wouldn't hesitate to buy. They are still the among lowest cost of the great guns, but but they have been getting more and more expensive for the past few years relative to other options; even when used. Combine that with the trigger, and the bulkiness, and I just think the others are better guns. Of course if they made that single stack commander sized, it might be a different story.

SIGs in .45 (including the 220, and 245)



I must confess, I love SIGs. I just sold my P229 in .357SIG a few months ago, and I miss it every time I go to shoot. They feel good in the hand, they are reliable, and they are VERY accurate. Of course they are also somewhat expensive, and somewhat thick in the grip so....

The SIG p220 is one of the best balanced .45's there is. It is a stagger stack design (like the HK USP Compact which has the same capacity) -correction, it is a pure single stack, but the magazine is still quite thick - with an 8 round capacity; and it is available in half a dozen configurations. There is also a compact version, the P245; which I find uncomfortable (the grip is too short for me), but that is well liked for concealed carry. Of course 245 length, with a 229 size grip... well that would be nice. I think I'd end up carrying it every day.

Pick up a P220, with the stock hard plastic panels replaced with hogues; and see how it points.
Present it from the holster, and see how it moves.
Shoot it, at any range up to 25 yards, with any ammo.

Trust me, you'll buy it.

Pros: Extremely well made, great fit and finish, great balance, very accurate, very reliable

Cons: Very expensive (USED examples can run $700), slightly thick with some snagging edges.

Rating: Third - This was a tough decision. I would never feel inadequately armed with a large caliber SIG; I think for me it really comes down to carryability. The P220 is jsut a little bit more bulk than I want to carry concealed. The P229 is almost prefect sized (though still a bit thick), and I carried mine regularly, but there is no SIG .45 in that size. If there were I think I would rate it highest of this group.

HK USP series in .45 (including variants and Compact)

I own one, I love it, it's the best non-custom gun I've ever owned, and that's really saying something.

The HK USP series is possibly the ultimate evolution of the Browning tilting linkless barrel design (which began with the BHP); and is available in every size and configuration from the 9mm compact, all the way up to the USP Expert .45 and Mk23; which are competition ready out of the box.

Since I've used more compact examples of the other guns in this series as examples when possible; and since I actually OWN one, I'm going to talk about the USP compact.

The first time I fired my USP compact; I was prepared to be disapointed. I had fired the Mk23 before and found it do be an excellent pistol, but very bulky, and ridiculously expensive (at $2500).

My mind started being changed the second I picked it up. You see an unloaded aluminum framed commander length 1911 (the closest comparable variant) weighs 34 oz, the USP compact weighs 24.

The USP compact has a very comfortable grip, surprisingly thin in width and circumference, and with VERY comfortable and accessible controls; which can be made fully ambidextrous. To my hand, with the hooked floorplate mag in place, the formation of a shooting grip and natural point is completely automatic. There doesnt seem to be any other way to hold the gun.

The gun is quite thin, but still somewhat bulkier than a 1911, with a taller and slightly thicker slide. It is also shorter than a commander, in both length, and height.

Finally, just fire the gun and you'll see why I love it.

This gun is INCREDIBLY accurate out of the box; completely reliable (I have never once had a misfire that wasn't from bad ammo, even during the break-in), and completely PACKABLE.

I have three daily carry guns, my Kahr K9, my USP compact, and my Yost custom Sprinfield Champion. The K9 is basically invisible with almost any clothing; and in fact is even difficult to see when carried openly unless you know what you're looking for. The 1911 requires very deliberate clothing selection to conceal properly; though this isn't difficult at all. The USP compact fits nicely in between the two, with only the sharp edge of the mag floorplate, or butt providing a slight printing tendency; and at 10oz lighter than the champion, it is far more handy to carry all the time.

I have only three issues with the gun: First, it's a plastic frame. I generally prefer steel or aluminum frames; and a compact plastic frame makes recoil control with the +p's I shoot a bit more difficult.

Second, they are INCREDIBLY expensive ($900-2500 depending on model and options).

Finally, I have a problem with HK themselves.

Although all HK firearms have a lifetime warranty, HK has the WORST customer service of any reputable company in this business. Their service and warranty are the absolute best... if you are a law enforcement, military, or large corporate customer; everyone else gets screwed over.

Pros: Incredibly accurate, very well made, very reliable, very comfortable, light and concealable, can handle .45 super, lifetime warranty

Cons: INCREDIBLY expensive, HK customer dis-service

Rating: Second - This result may have been different if SIG or Glock made single stack commander length .45s; but as it is, the HK is the best gun. Now if it were just made by a company that didnt hate their civilian customers, and for a few hundred dollars less...