Best semi-auto for cast boolits?

[Animal]

I've had my heart set on a Glock, but I've heard too much chatter about Glock rifling not being cast friendly. I'm not totally opposed to it because I hear aftermarket barrels are available, but I'd like to buy a good quality pistol in .45acp that can take abuse and keep shooting reliably. Any suggestions?

[R.M.]

Can't go wrong with a 1911.

[Browningshooter]

I'm a big 1911 fan. The .45 is VERY cast friendly. Any entry level 1911 should hit your price point. Rock island are better quality than you would think for the price.
- Will

[grampa243]

i like my glock and i'm testing cast in the stock barrel right now.

[Jupiter7]

1911...the world is your oyster. A Rock island armory can be had for about $400 give or take $50. I always recommend Springfield armory because they have the best CS in the business and warranty applies regardless of 1st owner or tenth. They can be had as cheap as $550 new and go up to $2400. I've got 3 springers and 1 STI. The STI ran about $1400, it is an excellent pistol and will never be sold. My favorite is the Springfield range officer, for price vs. quality it simply can't be beat in the $750 range. The purists and fanboys will say buy a colt, a new one is overpriced at best. Never been impressed handling new ones. Personally I don't do firing pin safeties(ala 80 series), the gun already has 2 safeties. Also don't need the Schwartz style like Kimber and S&w use. I'm sure others will chime in.

[Animal]

Wow, thanks for the quick responses. I've looked at Rock Island 1911 online this morning and was skeptical about quality because of the price. I'm glad to hear how good of quality they are.

My next question on Rock Island 1911, do any come with a 13 rnd mag? That is one of the reasons I liked glock.

Grandpa 243, I'm interested to hear what you come up with.

[xacex]

1911's will always win in this debate, and for good reason. They have been eating lead for over a hundred years without issue. But, I have Glocks too, and I am not the only one who will tell you that Glocks will eat lead just as eagerly as a 1911. Given proper lube you can shoot lead without issue. My G30 shoots better than my 1911 45ACP commander does. Since I got it it has been fed nothing but Mihec 200 grain 45acp hollow-points that I powder-coat. Get what you want, and you will be happy.

As for the rock Islands, they come with an ATC 8 round magazine. At least that is what mine showed up with. You can get 10 round aftermarket mags, but all the ones I have tried stick out to far, and don't last long before the feed-lips bend. They do make a double stack 1911 that hold more, but to be honest I haven't even held one. The 22 TCM was the first double stack 1911 I have been contemplating getting.

The G30 I picked up was a police trade in that I picked up for under $500 shipped. 10+1, and I use G21 mags in it for more fun. Not to mention the Kris Vector mag extensions for G21 mags that gives you 30 rounds. Been real happy with the G30.

[Jupiter7]

RIA makes a 2011 series. That's a doublestack magazine. I'm not a fan of doublestack 1911's due to size, actually don't like glock 21 for same reason. The only 2 double stack 45's I've handled and felt right were the XD and FN. The Ruger sr45 wasn't bad either but limited to 10 rounds. I have 10 round 1911 mags. You'll find alot of positive reviews on RIA regardless of cost and manufacture origin. I believe RIA also has a customer service center in Nevada and are working on a manufacturing here in the states.

[MtGun44]

.45 ACP is a wonderful cast boolit cartridge. The 1911 is a wonderful, probably the best, SA
platform for the cartridge. Superb ergonomics, capability for a fantastic trigger pull and a near
infinity of options available.

Ruger and Remington are making very good quality 1911s at a reasonable price. There are a lot of others below
that price, but you get what you pay for. There are more expensive ones, too, and they
are nice, too. I am quite happy with an old first generation Custom Classic Kimber that
has had MANY thousands of rounds put thru it.

If you can stand the prices, the Dan Wesson 1911s are $2500-3000 guns for $12-1600. A real bargain in
comparison to their real competition. Baer, Heinie, Wilson guns are the real competition - NOT Kimber, S&W a
and Sig.

[308w]

I too am a 1911 fan and have shot untold pounds of lead through mine. But as a leo and being issued a glock 22 and having a department with a stingy, make that non existant budget when it comes to practice ammo I tryed lead in my glock. It shot palm to fist size groups at 25yds with jacketed, and does the same with lead. I always try give it a good cleaning every 100 rounds or so but it runs like a champ.
Most of the boolits I've shot have been commercial 155's and 175's, because I never broke down and got a 40 cal mold but it has run fine.

[wallenba]

Yep,... what they said. 1911.

[Larry Gibson]

Did anyone mention a M1911?

Larry Gibson

[Animal]

I stopped at a couple of gunstores today and fondled a few different brand 1911. I think that platform completely fits me (without having fired it yet). I looked at one called the Tisas Zig M 1911 .45acp. Everything on the Zig felt just as tight and crisp as the Springfields. It had a nice stainless steel barrel and grips. It is the most basic 1911. It had simple sights, which I may want to upgrade to something more visible, but other than that it seemed the same as the Springfield as far as quality. The gun was advertised at 500 which is way over what most shops online are asking. I looked at reviews and read what people said about it on other forums, and it sounds that everyone who owns one loves it. Most people say that various parts could use some polishing, but not replacing. I've been shooting wheel guns, so I'm not familiar with all the parts of a semi-auto.

Whatever I buy, I want it to last a lifetime. I can't afford to buy cheap stuff. But I can't afford to pass up a good deal either.

[Animal]

Did anyone mention a M1911?

Larry Gibson

Great timing. Tell me what you think about them.

[Animal]

82721

Here it is. Sorry it isn't a great picture.

[bob208]

I use cast lead in all my semi auto's. from my llima .32, broom handle mauser, luger, browning high-power, and colt 1911.

[Jupiter7]

82721

Here it is. Sorry it isn't a great picture.

$500 + tax is overpriced. They were $349 at buds. If you have an FFL that'll do transfers reasonably, I'd buy online from a reputable dealer like buds or centerfire or even on gunbroker.

Here's a link to the RIA GI for $400 add ship and transfer and you should be at $450 out the door

http://centerfiresystems.com/AC-RI1911.aspx

And the tisas 2 tone classic for $429
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/411552922/tisas_classic_1911-a1_45acp_5_two-tone

And girsan with rail and upgraded sights $439
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/411552652/girsan_mc1911s-g2_45acp_5_sport_wtac_rail

Girsan with upgraded sights and beavertail grip safety $419
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/411552651/girsan_mc1911-g2_45acp_5_black

[Animal]

Jupiter7, it would appear that Tisas already solved the sight problem that bugged me with the A2 model. Problem solved. I hope this is a weapon that will fit the bill for a daily carry, weekly firing and self-defense for whatever situation arises.

Can anyone who has experience with this weapon look me in the eyes and tell me it is a bad buy? I'll save some money, be patient and get the Springfield version if I need too, but I'll need an experienced opinion before I do.

At the end of the day, all I need is a reliable platform to rapidly and accuratly get 230grains of lead on target... even under abusive conditions.

[Jupiter7]

For my money under $500 it'd be RIA just because they have a proven record and good customer service. Not so sure about tisas and girsan. If you've never carried a full frame 1911, it takes some getting used to. Fwiw, I carry one(Springfield GI stainless) with the little GI sights, they are workable for me at short range and shooting fast.

[John Allen]

I agree on the 1911 It will feed most boolits and can be loaded light for plinking.

[FergusonTO35]

If you should decide to go with a non-1911, every gun I have ever owned from Ruger, S&W, and Kel-Tec ate cast Boolits like candy. I've had a bunch of 'em over the years. This list includes Kel-Tec P-11, P-32, and PF-9, S&W 37 and 10-5, and Ruger Single Six, SP-101, Service Six, GP-100, P95, and SR9c. All of these guns shot as well or better than jwords with boolits and never had any leading or feed problems.

[garym1a2]

My glock 22 was not good on cast, but my Glock 21SF is a machine on cast.
I once took it out and ran 700 rounds straight in one morning on cast with not FTFs.
Came clean with only a couple swipes.
The 45 acp is better than other glocks on cast.

[bobthenailer]

IMO a 1911 in 45 acp or any other pistol in 45 acp is one of the most friendly cast bullet cartradge out there, for a semi auto pistol .

[bhn22]

Rogue that I am, I need to go against the consensus and suggest you consider a 1911.

[grampa243]

Wow, thanks for the quick responses. I've looked at Rock Island 1911 online this morning and was skeptical about quality because of the price. I'm glad to hear how good of quality they are.

My next question on Rock Island 1911, do any come with a 13 rnd mag? That is one of the reasons I liked glock.

Grandpa 243, I'm interested to hear what you come up with.

i have found that truncated cone feed best in my G30. i have only shot about 100 cast thru my glock so far. started with boolits that shooting friends cast and gave me to try. right now i'm borrowig a mold to stock up on Lee 452-230-TC boolits till i buy a mold.

i shoot at IDPA targets from 5-20 yards and score as good as with j-words.

i'm useing Ben's Red lube.. you'll find that in the lube forum here.

here is a thread about some of my testing.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?214089-don-t-need-a-sizer

[MtGun44]

Never heard of Zig - - - - I'd be suspicious of the quality with a totally unknown
maker like that.

Try a Ruger, Remington, Kimber, Springfield for known quality.

Bill

[xacex]

Never heard of Zig - - - - I'd be suspicious of the quality with a totally unknown
maker like that.

Try a Ruger, Remington, Kimber, Springfield for known quality.

Bill

Lol! They are made in Zig-Zag Oregon by pump jockeys when they are not trying to wash your window for a buck. A copy of a Sig, but worse than a Jennings.

[300savage]

I carry a G21 sf daily on the ranch, loaded with WFN cast and a stout load of 2400 behind it.
I cant say enough good about that combination.
I shoot it as well or better than I do my Colt NM, or my Kimber and I don't have to worry about rust or anything other than a very sporadic cleaning.
14 rounds of 255 Wide nosed lead shooting over 900fps on your hip and your pretty well armed for just about whatever comes your way.

[Animal]

Guys, I used my gift of insomnia to supercharge my internet research last night. I THINK this is the conclusion that I am settling on. To the guys that recommend me go forward with the Glock for cast .45acp, I have to decline. I understand why the .45acp is forgiving for cast, and that there is an extremely slim chance that I would have problems from shooting cast with it. However, I have the kind of luck that always seems to put me in the camp of the most unlikely outcomes. If there is a 5% chance that I will have problems shooting cast because of the unique characteristics of the Glock, there is probably a 100% chance that I will end up in the 5%. My luck just always seems to work out that way.

As far as the Rock Island or Tisas Zig 1911 goes, I'm pretty sure they are outstanding guns at a great price. But when I apply the same Glock logic, I become worried that I'll end up with the one that will be a nightmare. I'm not saying that it is the only outcome, but the way my luck goes... I'll probably be one of the guys that totally understands why they are 400 buck guns and not 700 buck guns. It makes me sick to think about the irritation I'll likely experience.

I've decided that the Springfield Mil Spec is probably my best bet. For a gun that will meet the ammo criteria and for longevity purposes. Many of them can be had for under 700, complete with two mags, holster, mag pouch, cleaning rod and case. It cost more, but since I plan to totting this gun at my hip for at least 40 years or more, I think Springfield has earned the reputation needed to fulfill this rigorous duty. Ten years from now I won't sweat the extra 300 bucks. I guess with knowing my luck with these types of purchases, I just feel better about the odds. Thanks guys.

[roysha]

Well, if you're spending that kind of money, why not add a little bit more, move right to the top and buy a SIG P220.

[Char-Gar]

I have been shooting cast bullets in a 1911 since 1962 and have three now. Have about 1/4 million round of cast bullets through various 45 auto pistols in the 1911/1911A1 platform. I can think of no reason to choose another auto pistol for cast bullets.

[fecmech]

I don't think you'll go wrong with the Milspec. I bought one some years back and was very happy with it. Right out of the box it fed SWC's, WC's and basically anything I put in it. Accuracy was decent for a service pistol, about 2-3" 25 yd groups and the trigger was about 4.5 lbs. A good basic 1911.

[FergusonTO35]

I thought I would also mention my Kahr CW9 really likes cast slugs. I put some rounds through it today and it just gets better every time I shoot it.

[garym1a2]

$700 gets a Glock and a KKM barrel that's good on lead and is match grade. I got this setup on my Glock 35. My Glock 22 was used for $385 and has a Storm Lake barrels in 9mm and 40cal for $135ea. My Glock21SF did not need a lead barrel as it was already good.
Glocks are so good and reliable I sold my Kimber 1911TLE-RL2.

I could never get a 1911 to run more than 250 rounds without an FTF. The Glock 22 went over 15 months in USPSA matches without an FTF..

[olereb]

I would get a 1911 or a Glock with a aftermarket barrel,i have both and shoot cast only through both. I did shoot cast through my Glocks for quite some time before I heard about the potential problem and never had a issue with it but figured its easy to buy a new barrel for $100 and be safe.

[MtGun44]

How can anyone compare a Glock trigger to a 1911 trigger??!! Sorry, but IMO, while Glocks
are reliable guns, the Mattel trigger and unconventional grip angle and those darned
bumps drive me absolutely nuts, and I wouldn't keep one if it were given to me.

Of the new 'plastic fantastic' pistols out there, the S&W M&P 45 seems like the real winner
to my hands, and the triggers are decent out of the box and can be made to be excellent. XDs
work pretty well for me, too. Just can't warm up to a Glock.

Bill

[Jupiter7]

I've decided that the Springfield Mil Spec is probably my best bet. For a gun that will meet the ammo criteria and for longevity purposes. Many of them can be had for under 700, complete with
two mags, holster, mag pouch, cleaning rod and case. It cost more, but since I plan to totting this gun at my hip for at least 40 years or more, I think Springfield has earned the reputation needed to fulfill this rigorous duty. Ten years from now I won't sweat the extra 300 bucks. I
guess with knowing my luck with these types of purchases, I just feel better about the odds. Thanks guys.

Quick heads up on Springfields. When purchasing a Mil-Spec, get one with serial # prefix NM, these have final fit and finish here in the United States and will not say " made in Brazil". The N prefix guns are completely finished in Brazil and imported. Most will say there is is no difference, just a preference. Do some reasearch and you'll find some info regarding differences.

[9.3X62AL]

I am very partial to Colt for 1911A1 platforms, and especially to Colt magazines for any 1911A1 platform. I prefer Commander-size over 1911A1-size for carry, and my carry 45 ACP is a SIG-Sauer P-220. Its fondness for cast boolits equals my own.

Another Commander-size 45 ACP is the Glock 21, though thicker through the grips. I had zero issues shooting castings through its OEM barrel. The 45 ACP and 32 ACP are the 2 lead-friendliest autopistol calibers in existence.

[300savage]

i think you made a good choice. if it were not for fighting rust where i live i would probably no be packing this butt ugly glock. however when i figure all my factors it was and is the best tool for my job. you might have a different job for yours and i am sure you figured out what will be the right pistol for you.

[Char-Gar]

i think you made a good choice. if it were not for fighting rust where i live i would probably no be packing this butt ugly glock. however when i figure all my factors it was and is the best tool for my job. you might have a different job for yours and i am sure you figured out what will be the right pistol for you.

I live on the Texas Gulf Coast (Brownsville) hundreds of miles south of Gonzales and it is hot and humid here as well. I carry Glocks for defense both on the person and in the home. I do so, not because of rust, but because they are right handgun for the job. But, I also have 1911s for fun shooting. I can have both.

[xacex]

Yup, nothing wrong with having both. I clean the and oil the 1911 before carry and it is fine. The ugly one is for CC, and the 1911 is open carry BBQ when I pull out the nice boots. A nice 38 Super Match with the bone ash blue from the 40's is a thing of beauty.

[Smoke4320]

I know no body has said this but look at a RIA 1911 :) :)
1911's ...100 years and still the most popular 45 ACP handgun ever

[missionary5155]

Well, if you're spending that kind of money, why not add a little bit more, move right to the top and buy a SIG P220.

Greetings
1911 was the first center fire semi auto pistol I fired. Was the first semi auto pistol I owned. Have several and would not feel at all bad if the 1911 was the only caliber .45 I owned.
Last time up north snatched a near new SA Rangemaster that is the most accurate 1911 I have right out of the box.
But they all just do not quit match the P220 Sig I bought 12 years ago as 2nd owner. I had read all the hype for years about the P220. I thought it was just hype till I fired mine. Yes used it cost about $100 more than a new 1911. But I know from experience that I would easily spend more than $100 getting a 1911 to shoot cast as well as that Sig P220.
So if I could only have two caliber 45 ACP pistols.. I would keep the Rangmaster and the Sig p220. They both are fantastic cast shooting machines. They both make wonderful little cloverleafs at 25 yards if I can hold still. But the SIG cost fewer dollars and certainly will gobble every cast boolit I have ever fed it.
Mike in Peru

[historicfirearms]

1911 lovers here, and they aren't wrong. But, don't rule out the Glock. It is a good cast boolit shooter and 100% reliable. The 13 round magazines are also more fun to shoot steel than a 7 or 8 round 1911. If you are worried about cast boolits through the stock Glock barrel, replacement barrels are cheap enough and mostly a drop in part. You can even get a 10mm conversion barrel that you can use with your 45 upper.

[xacex]

1911 lovers here, and they aren't wrong. But, don't rule out the Glock. It is a good cast boolit shooter and 100% reliable. The 13 round magazines are also more fun to shoot steel than a 7 or 8 round 1911. If you are worried about cast boolits through the stock Glock barrel, replacement barrels are cheap enough and mostly a drop in part. You can even get a 10mm conversion barrel that you can use with your 45 upper.

Yup, and I tried the 357 sig barrel for a G29 in the G30 today without issue. So with a 10mm mag and barrels for a G29 you can shoot a ton of different calibers in a Glock 30 45acp. My last count was 12 calibers with conversion barrels. Do that with a 1911!

[Lead Fred]

Been shootin cast in 1911 since I was big enough to hold one.

Got a Sig P220, I like it even better than a 1911, and it shoots everything and anything

[garym1a2]

For a target gun your cannot beat a GOOD 1911. For a goto war gun the Glock21sf is hard to beat.

How can anyone compare a Glock trigger to a 1911 trigger??!! Sorry, but IMO, while Glocks
are reliable guns, the Mattel trigger and unconventional grip angle and those darned
bumps drive me absolutely nuts, and I wouldn't keep one if it were given to me.

Of the new 'plastic fantastic' pistols out there, the S&W M&P 45 seems like the real winner
to my hands, and the triggers are decent out of the box and can be made to be excellent. XDs
work pretty well for me, too. Just can't warm up to a Glock.

Bill

[Chilmonty]

1911 as the Good Lord intended! :smile:

[Jupiter7]

For a target gun your cannot beat a GOOD 1911. For a goto war gun the Glock21sf is hard to beat.

I've got major issue with this statement. Pretty sure the g21 hasn't served in any war. 1911 is still serving our boys to this day. Just saying...

[garym1a2]

The 1911 had its day, but modern hand guns are much better reliability and have 14+ round capacity.


I've got major issue with this statement. Pretty sure the g21 hasn't served in any war. 1911 is still serving our boys to this day. Just saying...

[singleshot]

I'm sensing the need to chime in about Glock or ANY barrel configuration with cast boolits. There is absolutely no luck involved! If the boolit fits the barrel, no leading. If not, leading. The reason most struggle with Glocks and cast is they don't realize octagonal rifling requires slightly larger boolits to fit the barrel.

Let me say it again, use larger boolits and you won't have a problem. There is no issue using a boolit that's a few thou' too big, you run into issues with boolits that are even 1 thou' too small. Theoretically, octagonal rifling is BETTER with cast boolits than standard rifling, but boolit fit rules always apply regardless of rifling type. (Lube is a whole 'nuther discussion.)

The 45 ACP is the best cast boolit pistol launcher b/c of low pressures involved.

Now a quick word on the 1911. I like the platform, have one still that has 10k+ rounds through it, still going strong. That being said, a similar priced 1911 will never be as reliable as a Glock because of manufacturing tolerances. The Glock was designed to be mass produced with modern machinery, the 1911 was not. It's just that simple. If you can "smith" a gun, the rules change, but the previous statement stands.

There, that should liven things up! :-)

[375RUGER]

anybody said 1911 yet?

[Animal]

A good friend of mine who has done all the 'cool guy' marine stuff with SOCOM highly highly recommends Glock or anything in a 1911 platform. If it's a semi auto pistol, he swears by both equally. I'm not saying his word is gospel, but he hasn't steered me wrong with these types of things. So in the end it will be Glock or the SA 1911. The glock is cheaper and holds more rounds, but I like the feel of the steel and the looks of the 1911.

[sandman228]

[QUOTE=Animal;2401825]Wow, thanks for the quick responses. I've looked at Rock Island 1911 online this morning and was skeptical about quality because of the price. I'm glad to hear how good of quality they are.

My next question on Rock Island 1911, do any come with a 13 rnd mag? That is one of the reasons I liked glock.

I at 1 time owned 3 rock island 1911's don't worry about the quality it is there. ive never had to send 1 back to Nevada but I hear if you do there customer service is 2nd to none .im down to 1 rock now I traded off the 9mm and the 38 super not because I was unhappy but because other interests came up . I still do have a wide body rock island 45 acp it has a 14 round mag para p 14 mags will fit it as will the grips . a while back I was considering trading it in and was told it was pretty much worthless because no one wanted the hi cap 1911 they wanted the standard so I kept it and I still shoot it occasionally .this was also before all the hype going on in the gun world right now with possible bans of hi cap mags and this ,that or whatever . I don't imagine it would be so hard to get rid of now a days if I chose to do so but I think i'll keep it .

[ballistim]

I bought a Beretta M9 recently to practice for Camp Perry and have debated on which 1911 to get and have settled on a RIA in 45acp for my first one and bought the 200gr. mold from Miha that I'm waiting for, and was in the the last re-run of the 125gr. 9mm group buy that I'm also waiting for, so will be casting for both. Very pleased to read all the positive experience on the RIA, glad it sounds like I made a good decision.

[historicfirearms]

I bought a rock island 1911 for a project gun that I took to one of the NRA summer gun smithing schools. The instructors looked at me kind of funny when I pulled that baby out. When I tightened up the frame to slide fit, I found out why my choice was criticized. RIA uses some of the softest metal in their frames and slides that I've ever seen. It took about five passes with lapping compound for everything to wear in. My bench partner with a Colt took about half a day to lap his in. If you don't shoot much the rock island will probably be fine, but it is nowhere near as durable as a Glock.

[ballistim]

I bought a rock island 1911 for a project gun that I took to one of the NRA summer gun smithing schools. The instructors looked at me kind of funny when I pulled that baby out. When I tightened up the frame to slide fit, I found out why my choice was criticized. RIA uses some of the softest metal in their frames and slides that I've ever seen. It took about five passes with lapping compound for everything to wear in. My bench partner with a Colt took about half a day to lap his in. If you don't shoot much the rock island will probably be fine, but it is nowhere near as durable as a Glock.

I've also looked at the Auto Ordinance WWII 1911 parkerized on sale at Cabelas now & made by Kahr in Mass. and know about previous problems but recent reviews are much better. I like the looks if it, very close to an older GI issued 1911. Anyone have a newer one & have shot cast through it and wouldn't mind commenting, it would be appreciated. Only interested in 1911's at time, I respect Glocks but not what I'm looking for right now.

[grumman581]

Although I prefer a M1911 for shooting, I also own a G20 and G29 that I often carry. I shoot cast with the original Glock barrels without any problems.

[singleshot]

If you must have a 1911, and your life will depend on the gun, AND you don't want to "tweek" and "shoot in" your gun, buy a Wilson Combat. That is the only "out of the box" 1911 I'd trust my life with. If you don't have $3k - $4k to spend on it, go with the Glock. (With factory ammo my dad's "out of the box" Kimber had about 10 failures in 200 rounds of assorted factory ammo. Completely unacceptable by any standard.)

After 5k rounds in my 1911, finding mags it likes (Wilson Combat), loading ammo it likes, and polishing here and there, I'd worked out all the "glitches" and would trust my life with that pistol. YMMV.

[MtGun44]

Dan Wesson is every bit the equal of the Wilson, and I own two Wilson custom guns and two
Dan Wesson 1911s. No slam on the Wilson guns, they are superb. But so are the DWs.


Bill

[canyon-ghost]

Notice folks are mentioning Ruger, Smith & Wesson, and Kahrs. It's not a mistake really. I shoot a S&W 5906 and Springfield XDm in 9mm, both with cast. Of course, anything I shoot is with cast too.

[seagiant]

How can anyone compare a Glock trigger to a 1911 trigger??!! Sorry, but IMO, while Glocks
are reliable guns, the Mattel trigger and unconventional grip angle and those darned
bumps drive me absolutely nuts, and I wouldn't keep one if it were given to me.

Of the new 'plastic fantastic' pistols out there, the S&W M&P 45 seems like the real winner
to my hands, and the triggers are decent out of the box and can be made to be excellent. XDs
work pretty well for me, too. Just can't warm up to a Glock.

Bill

Hi,
I love my 1911's but have been taken over lately by the S&W MP 45!

[Animal]

So much to consider. Perhaps Glock is the most reasonable price wise. I have been doing some research and it would seem that the key to fitting an octagonal barrel for a good cast boolit is by .002 over the slug... I haven't read any horror stories. Just the standard 3 ifs... 1. if the boolit fits,2. if the right lube is used,3. if the hardness matches pressure, then the round should function properly. And being a low pressure .45, there seems to be more of a learning curve than the 9mm or .40 S&W.

Is there another IF that I left out?

[xacex]

Yup, powder coat. It acts like a soft jacket, and you will have no problem unless undersized. No lube recipes to worry about. My Glock 30 is shooting great groups with 200 grain boolits with powder coat. Super easy, and no leading. Even if you are undersized I don't think you will get leading. The Bayou coating works for Glocks too, but I have no experience with it. Go with the electro static method with the Harbor freight gun. A cheap toaster oven from goodwill, harbor freight black, or red powder coat, size with a lee push through .452 sizer, and load. Unless you use a powder that you could double charge like bullseye it is 100% foolproof. I use 6 grains Hodgon Universal clays, with sorted brass and get great results, better than with my 1911 that has a longer barrel. I had some flyers at first, but it was because I was using mixed brass.

[grumman581]

If you must have a 1911, and your life will depend on the gun, AND you don't want to "tweek" and "shoot in" your gun, buy a Wilson Combat. That is the only "out of the box" 1911 I'd trust my life with. If you don't have $3k - $4k to spend on it, go with the Glock. (With factory ammo my dad's "out of the box" Kimber had about 10 failures in 200 rounds of assorted factory ammo. Completely unacceptable by any standard.)

After 5k rounds in my 1911, finding mags it likes (Wilson Combat), loading ammo it likes, and polishing here and there, I'd worked out all the "glitches" and would trust my life with that pistol. YMMV.

Interesting results that you've had there. I don't think that I've ever had a problem with my Kimber and only a couple of stovepipes with my Colt (Combat Elite) over the years. I'm not saying that the Colt is less reliable than the Kimber though. I've just had it for Colt for probably 30+ years and there have been a lot more rounds that have gone through it than the Kimber (which is probably less than 10 years old).

[35remington]

You don't have to spend 3-4K for a 1911 to get a reliable one, and it's sad to see that someone thinks so.

Here's a helpful hint: use magazines based on the type the designer of the pistol (that would be JMB) intended to be used with the 1911. Problem solved in the majority of instances. This would eliminate most of the "popular" name brand magazines.

[MtGun44]

My Kimber Custom Classic (or is it Classic Custom?) has been flawless since I got it
about '99 and it definitely has above 40K, probably just at or above 50K rounds thru
it. Several Gold Cups have been quite reliable, too.

+1 on mag quality, but also ammo quality. Many (most?) of the IPSC
malfunctions I witnessed were either crummy mags or badly loaded
ammo, largely due to inadequate taper crimp.

Bill

[fecmech]

You don't have to spend 3-4K for a 1911 to get a reliable one, and it's sad to see that someone thinks so.
I agree completely with that statement. A whole lot of problems are shooter/reloader induced problems.

[Animal]

I don't know if you guys watch Hickok 45 on youtube much, but he has a Glock 21 with a Lone Wolf barrel that he is shooting with 230gr cast handloads. He explains that the barrel is needed over the glock barrel for cast. He has a few malfunctions that he credits to 'possibly 30 year old brass that I don't sort'.
He doesn't state if he cast his own, or if they are store bought. This is the only time I've seen cast boolits ran through a glock, and the first time I've seen a Lone Wolf barrel. I gotta say, I am unimpressed!

I like Hickock's videos, but I'm frustrated that he doesn't discuss boolit fit and other possibilities for his malfunctions. Since I have been considering the Glock 21, I'm a little dissapointed in watching it's performance. Anyone care to critique? here is a link...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0s6YV0Di7M

[Animal]

You don't have to spend 3-4K for a 1911 to get a reliable one, and it's sad to see that someone thinks so.

Here's a helpful hint: use magazines based on the type the designer of the pistol (that would be JMB) intended to be used with the 1911. Problem solved in the majority of instances. This would eliminate most of the "popular" name brand magazines.

That is the logic that I'm leaning on for 1911

[xacex]

Lone Wolf are notorious for having tight chambers unlike Factory Glock barrels. Looks like that, with the oversize boolits that made the problem apparent. Like I said, use a standard barrel, and powder coat your boolits. Nice thing is you get less smoke too.

[garym1a2]

You got to make them right if you want them to work, even a Glock.
My glock 22 with a Storm lake barrel ran 15 months of twice a month USPSA matches (cast lee 175TC) without a FTF. The one I got to ruin the streak was loaded long.
My Glock 21SF with factory barrel I once took out and ran over 650 rounds in one day (cast, 200 lee SWC) before I got a FTF.

[grampa243]

I like Hickock's videos; but he is not a boolit smith. you need to go read the Glock sticky.(linked below) to get a feel for what you can do with cast boolits and glocks.
(I personaly shoot cast in the stock barrel of a G30 and with good lube and right fit have no leading. and less powder fowling then with j words.)

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?33855-The-Truth-about-Glocks-and-Cast

[Rich/WIS]

IIRC I have owned 8 1911 autos over the years, as well as shot issue 1911's in the Army, as well as a Match grade 1911 when I was on a pistol team. The one I have now is a SA Range Officer, and it has all the bells and whistles I need for casual shooting. Except for the GI Match I used it is the most accurate (although it may be the decline in eyesight and arthritis in the 35 years since I used the GI Match). It functions fine with cast RN and TC but I do get an occasional FTF with Lee's copy of the H&G 68. The price is not bad and for the extra money you get the things you will eventually pay more for to upgrade a basic pistol.

[NSP64]

I shot Colts in the army, Norincos, RIAs and all about as good as the other.
Don't own one now(45acp).
If I get another it will probably be the Taurus 24/7 G2.
I have a 40S&W in 24/7c and a PT111 in 9mm. I have become fond of the hi capacity, reliability, light trigger of the Taurus's.

They all eat lead without a hitch.


I don't have a 45 because I can cast 2 9mm or 1.5 40S&W boolits for every 230gr 45 slug. Plus I only need SP primers. Strictly Economics.

[grumman581]

I shot Colts in the army, Norincos, RIAs and all about as good as the other.
Don't own one now(45acp).
If I get another it will probably be the Taurus 24/7 G2.
I have a 40S&W in 24/7c and a PT111 in 9mm. I have become fond of the hi capacity, reliability, light trigger of the Taurus's.

They all eat lead without a hitch.


I don't have a 45 because I can cast 2 9mm or 1.5 40S&W boolits for every 230gr 45 slug. Plus I only need SP primers. Strictly Economics.

On the other hand, it's nice to have enough of an assortment of calibers that if you have trouble getting one size primer, you can just shoot a different caliber that uses a different size primer. I like to keep about 10K of each type of primer on hand at the most. When they all get down to around 5K, I start getting ready to do a reorder that will max out the rounds per HAZMAT charge. I currently have one such order backordered at one of the sites. This has probably been the longest that I've ever had to wait on something backordered. It's been backordered so long that I had to search through my emails just to remind myself which company I had ordered it from. :(

[DRNurse1]

You opened up this can of worms...pick the gun that feels good in your hand(s) and you are going to shoot. The reason there are so many variations out there is every shooter is different and has different needs/ expectations.

[NSP64]

I was at Cabala's last weekend and they had lots of primers @ $29.00 K


As DR said what feels best for you.

[Shiloh]

1911.

I'm biased though.

Shiloh

[Rainier]

For what it's worth - I have an old Glock 19 with a 3 digit serial number that's shot almost an exclusive diet of CBs and have never had a problem with it. With that said I probably have a couple of (ok maybe more then two) 1911s and they all shoot the .230gr RN without an issue. All comes down to what you like in my opinion.
Just my two cents,
Rainier

[Hogdaddy]

For what it's worth - I have an old Glock 19 with a 3 digit serial number that's shot almost an exclusive diet of CBs and have never had a problem with it. With that said I probably have a couple of (ok maybe more then two) 1911s and they all shoot the .230gr RN without an issue. All comes down to what you like in my opinion.
Just my two cents,
Rainier

I recall Glocks First serial#s (Mdl 17) where 6 digits.. I could be wrong & won't be the first or last time ; )
H/D

[Rainier]

Hogdaddy - not sure either of us was "right" - though I stand corrected - it's 5 digits "NU668" - I just remembered the 668 :oops:
Also, it appears that my picture rotates 180 - no idea why

83532

[Rodfac]

I'd not go with cast bullets in any Glock without an aftermarket barrel with suitable rifling, per Glock's factory warnings. That said, if you want to shoot lead in a Glock, I've had truly good results with a G23, with a Lone Wolf 9mm bbl. While I've not shot it from rest at 25 yds, it will easily do an honest inch gp from 13 yds from a Weaver Stance. It's a great practice option.

In 1911's, Colt, Ruger and a venerable WWll Remington Rand, I find most any good 200 gr. TWC and a medium dose of Win 231 or HP38 to be a winner. For every jacketed .45 I shoot, I probably shoot two dozen lead alloy bullets. Given one choice to shoot lead, a good 1911 would be my first choice.

HTH's Rod

[Animal]

You opened up this can of worms...pick the gun that feels good in your hand(s) and you are going to shoot. The reason there are so many variations out there is every shooter is different and has different needs/ expectations.

Yes I did! but I've gotten a lot of great information. Thanks so much guys!

[waco]

Chalk another vote up for the tried and true 1911.

[Wilkie]

Once you pick your pistol you need to get a .45 carbine to maximize shooting the cast reloads! Double the fun for one load. I find a Lee 230 grain Truncated Cone works in about everything. Titegroup is your friend.....

[Maine1]

I run lots of cast through both my glock 20 and my 21, as well as 40 through the G-20 with a LW barrel. I have had good luck with the LW barrels in the 45 and 10mm ( great case support over factory, which is the real reason i got it) as well as the 40 conversion.
Though i'd really like a 10mm 1911 to run lead through.
My reloads have been run through various guns: sigs, glocks, 1911's or various manufacture, and then there are revolvers..

[DRNurse1]

I sold my 1911A1 style 10MM almost 20 years ago. Loved the gun just had trouble getting load information and JHP tips. Then the 40 S&W showed up....Drats. I hope you find a 10MM barrel and magazines for your 1911A1.