I watch this guy in other capacities, and I posted on vid from his site. In poking around therein, I bumped into a nice little piece on the history of this pistol. I'd wanted one my whole life and finally picked up one by Springfield. Here is Whistler's take on its history:

[youtu_be]https://youtu.be/YFfzYL2n0Kg?si=zN1A9Z9WZbgC0zrM[/youtu_be]

For reference, here's the thread I put up when I got the one I'd wanted, though some pics have disappeared in some of the software updates here.

https://www.theliberalgunclub.com/phpBB ... 11#p628450

CDF

Can't argue with you there. The 1911 is a classic semi-auto pistol designed by a genius. They are overbuilt for their standard chambering. They're comfortable in a whole lot of people's hands, including under recoil. They're all-metal. And they're just darn cool.

I knew a retired Marine, a First Lieutenant, who had an actual World War I (yes, I, not II) 1911 pistol. He got it from his grandpa, who had served in WWI. This ol' Marine himself was a Drill Instructor who later served in the Korean War. Back then, he was a Gunnery Sergeant (E-7), and his unit came under some very heavy fire. They lost 3/4 of their men, including the commanding officer, a 2nd Lieutenant. As the highest ranking member left, he got field-promoted to 2LT, so yep, he was prior-enlisted. That's why he retired a 1LT. He had the names of the other survivors engraved on his lighter.

That ol' Marine would bring his ol' 1911 to shoot. He was in his mid-80's, and while his body was showing signs of that age, he was as sharp an ol' rascal as you might imagine. At the time, I was an RSO, and to have him there with his 1911 really was an honor. He passed at 86, and his sons now have that 1911 and honor both it and their Dad properly by taking it to the range periodically. They say it will stay in the family for as long as the family continues to exist.

Good tale. My Springer is my favorite snap capper. I've put enough rounds through it that the trigger is quite smooth. It's a pleasure to hold and snap cap with. The sights are better than the standard 1911's, but they are not ostentatious at all. Even with my vision affliction, I can put those three dots on target quite nicely. I never needed this one, but I'd wanted one since I was a kid. It was a neat retirement present. I've collected a few holsters for it including a pilot's holster. My fave is the one I wear on the front over my left front pocket. That's the holster I used when I wore it at home for twelve hours. The position was perfect both for cooking meals and playing guitar. Every gun owner should have one, imnsho. ;-)

CDF

Actually, I've got to give it to Springfield there. They make some pretty good 1911's that are actually reasonably affordable. Nice part is that, last I checked, they're still made here in the USA, too. That 1911 of yours will last quite a few lifetimes, properly cared for.

The fact that Tisas, the Turkish company, is putting them out, made entirely out of forged steel, for the starting street price of US $399 means that almost anyone who wants a good 1911 now can afford one. They've taken the price position that RIA (Armscor of the Philippines) used to have. Having shot a customer's base-model Tisas--that I sold him!--they are basic 1911's that work well.

You mentioned holsters. I tried a leather holster. The gun's hammer got me right in the side. So next to the VCDL's booth was a Kydex holster maker. I explained the problem, and he was able to customize a holster that is comfortable. It required bumping out the holster itself from the paddle using some slightly thicker plastic washers, by about an extra 1/4-inch. But that did the trick, and now it's comfy and I can wear it all day, like you did. Actually, my own test of "wear it all day" was inspired by what you had done and reported on earlier.

I used to have a Colt Combat Commander I bought in 1979 or so. Satin nickel finish. Great gun, wish I had kept it. Impractical for me at the time because I could not carry it in my job (which required a .38 revolver), but was still fun for range time.