[Jeepergeo]

The 1911 is such a classic firearm, starting with a 1911 that is close to being true to the form of the original seems like it might provide an optimal introductory experience. IMO, they made them with the Standard Length barrel for most of the 100 years they've been around for a reason.

[drewposi]

Yea im gonna go full size just got to pick the model now

[MrWray]

The brand you choose is of course your choice and our opinions are from personal experience or preference. I still say go with a colt or loaded SA, IMO kimbers are overpriced and quality isnt any better than the above mentioned. Use the saved money for ammo

[MrWray]

Originally Posted by drewposi

Yea im gonna go full size just got to pick the model now

Whenever i bought my 1911, i put 100 rounds through it and sent it to the gunsmith for customization. 2 weeks later i got it back and ive got 1,000 rounds through it now. I have a friend that has a custom carry kimber and he begged me to trade him straight across for mine. My 1911 is a fullsize High Standard, i paid $500 for it new. I declined the trade

[gollygee]

Regardless if you go with the Kimber or another brand, there is still the question of full size or shorter. Two considerations, how does it feel/balance in your hand & is it for carry & how you will carry it.

I feel little difference in recoil between my full size & my commander size. But, I feel a great deal of difference in the balance in my hand. I prefer the commander. Even better is a light weight commander or a CCO. But, there is more difference in recoil between those & the full size, because of the weight difference.

The length, while carrying, comes into play more if you spend a lot of time seated or in a vehicle. Then, where & how you carry may be an issue. Comes down to it, only you can determine what fits you. Your saving grace may be th fact that 1911s are addictive, so you'll probably end up owning both!

[Alpha1Victor]

Originally Posted by gollygee

Regardless if you go with the Kimber or another brand, there is still the question of full size or shorter. Two considerations, how does it feel/balance in your hand & is it for carry & how you will carry it.

I feel little difference in recoil between my full size & my commander size. But, I feel a great deal of difference in the balance in my hand. I prefer the commander. Even better is a light weight commander or a CCO. But, there is more difference in recoil between those & the full size, because of the weight difference.

The length, while carrying, comes into play more if you spend a lot of time seated or in a vehicle. Then, where & how you carry may be an issue. Comes down to it, only you can determine what fits you. Your saving grace may be th fact that 1911s are addictive, so you'll probably end up owning both!

I agree with the commander feeling the best!

Signing out, Alpha1victor.

[bartwatkins]

My vote is that you get a Gov't model (full size) SA Loaded parkerized...(but a SA Range Officer would be a good choice too).
(now for the gratuitous gunporn pics)

That was my choice when I got my 1st 1911. Here it is when I 1st got it:


Now it has around 1500 trouble free rounds through it. I have slightly modified to remove the SA ILS mainspring housing (added a one piece Smth & Alexander magwell/mainspring housing) & VZ grips:


Here is how it looks today (crappy picture with my Ipad though). Different VZ grips & EGW stainless barrell bushing:

[drewposi]

My department is switching to glock .45 and just made it ok for us to carry .45s off duty and I went to a local shop today and got a sweet deal I may have to go back and get tommorrow. SA champion operator the 4inch it feels awesome. May have to put my full size off and snag this for my offduty/truck gun.

[Austin1]

I have a sa lw champion operator and love it when I was shopping it was between it and a Kimber sis I went with the springer bc of the hit or miss reputation with the kimbers

[Bigcat_hunter]

Originally Posted by drewposi

Hey guys I'm about to buy my first 1911 and have pretty much narrowed it down to the the custom 2 tle just can't decide if I want the full size or the pro anyone have any input for me? Does the shorter barrel really affect the operation and accuracy or the gun?

I have both. I carry the pro size. It requires more frequent spring changes but thats about it. Plenty accurate. I still prefer a 5" but a 4" is nicer for carry in my opinion.