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Girsan 1911

jhfc

Regular Member
Joined
Jun 10, 2013
Messages
158
Location
Vancouver, WA
Went to the range Saturday with my son. One of the guys next to us had a Girsan 1911. He let me shoot a mag through it.

I've been thinking of getting some kind of 1911 for a long time, but the price of a Kimber cooled my jets. I don't *need* another pistol, but somehow feel this 1911-shaped hole in my gun safe. (The FAL-shaped hole is even wor$e.)

From my limited exposure at the range, I really liked the gun. Shot well, had a decent trigger, looked nice, but I'm a noob when it comes to 1911s.

Curious if any of the experts on here have one and their opinions of it. Among those that actually own a Girsan, most of what I've read on the net has been very positive. The price seems too good to be true, but there it is.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411552651
 

Firearms Iinstuctor

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2011
Messages
3,428
Location
northern wis
I read a couple of reports all talked about several hundreds of rounds of break in.

One owner said he put about 1200 rounds(about 600.00) through one and it just started to function some what with some tweaking.


It might be cheap but if one has to spend a few hundred dollars in ammo let alone time and frustration to maybe getting the thing to work.

No thank you I'll buy something that works out of the box from a major manufacturer.

I know several owners of Ruger SR1911s that have nothing but high praise for them right out of the box.
 

marshaul

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Aug 13, 2007
Messages
11,188
Location
Fairfax County, Virginia
I personally recommend Rock Island Armory (specifically the Tactical model) for an entry-level 1911.

Unlike the Turkish ones, RIAs come with a lifetime warranty (which transfers with ownership). The guns generally work fine, but it's worthwhile piece of mind when buying budget guns.
 

KBCraig

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
4,886
Location
Granite State of Mind
The Turks make fine guns, but the Filipinos have a lot more experience making good 1911s.

I just bought a Citadel (black phosphate, Novak low-snag sights, all steel, Govt.-size), built by Armscor.

It's no bullseye gun, but I'm not a bullseye shooter. It has taken everything I've feed it without a hiccup, about 300 rounds so far.

The two stock 8 round blue magazines are fine, but I also bought two 10 round McCormick Power+ mags, and three 8 rounders (including a low-profile baseplate for concealed carry).

I'm very happy with it for the price (about $479, I think).
 

g21sfpistol

Banned
Joined
Apr 21, 2013
Messages
255
Location
iowa
1911s were great guns for their time. if you are on a budget id just stick with what you have and instead of blowing your money on another gun id buy ammo or take a carry class. ive owned 1911s. and i got rid of most of them for the reason i just gave you. id rather be shooting and taking trainning classes then having a safe full of guns.
 

marshaul

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Aug 13, 2007
Messages
11,188
Location
Fairfax County, Virginia
1911s were great guns for their time. if you are on a budget id just stick with what you have and instead of blowing your money on another gun id buy ammo or take a carry class. ive owned 1911s. and i got rid of most of them for the reason i just gave you. id rather be shooting and taking trainning classes then having a safe full of guns.

You say that, but in the real world there are two kinds of gun owners: people who shoot a lot, and people who have just a single gun.

:)
 

Rusty Young Man

Regular Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2013
Messages
1,548
Location
Árida Zona
Never heard of them personally I stay away from off brand firearms.

1911 enthusiast forums I've visited all seemed to come to a consensus on ONE thing: you can buy nearly any 1911* and be good to go. Still, for peace of mind, it doesn't hurt to go with a trusted brand.

*Except Norinco, NC Star, or any of the other Chinese or no-name 1911 clones

ADDENDUM: These same forums recognize that Norinco 1911 frames, being harder steel than their counterparts, are great if you are BUILDING a 1911 yourself.

Personally, I carry a Springfield 1911-A1 (the bare-bones, no-frills, fully stainless, GI variant). I know it doesn't look very modern, but I kind of like its simple elegance. I'm in college, so funds aren't so great, but if I had to do it again, I would either get the Springfield again, or the Ruger SR 1911.
Here's a picture-heavy review of it (in the end, it's all gun porn:D): http://gunblast.com/Ruger-SR1911.htm
 

Mattimusmaximus

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 20, 2012
Messages
257
Location
Hillsboro
I personally recommend Rock Island Armory (specifically the Tactical model) for an entry-level 1911.

Unlike the Turkish ones, RIAs come with a lifetime warranty (which transfers with ownership). The guns generally work fine, but it's worthwhile piece of mind when buying budget guns.

I agree I have the compact with G10 grips and by far the best 1911 I have ever had (had 4).


-Matt of Hillsboro OR-
 

Mattimusmaximus

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 20, 2012
Messages
257
Location
Hillsboro
The Turks make fine guns, but the Filipinos have a lot more experience making good 1911s.

I just bought a Citadel (black phosphate, Novak low-snag sights, all steel, Govt.-size), built by Armscor.

It's no bullseye gun, but I'm not a bullseye shooter. It has taken everything I've feed it without a hiccup, about 300 rounds so far.

The two stock 8 round blue magazines are fine, but I also bought two 10 round McCormick Power+ mags, and three 8 rounders (including a low-profile baseplate for concealed carry).

I'm very happy with it for the price (about $479, I think).

Well yea they make them on the old Colt machines that were left after the war.. I do believe they are rock island


-Matt of Hillsboro OR-
 

jhfc

Regular Member
Joined
Jun 10, 2013
Messages
158
Location
Vancouver, WA
Thanks for all the input.

Previously, I've only bought Sig, S&W and Ruger pistols. But I did really like this gun. Didn't feel cheap at all and looked great.

If something breaks it was only $450 or so anyway.
 

jeeper1

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 29, 2008
Messages
692
Location
USA
Just out of curiosity, did anyone look closely at the picture of the pistol in the link the original poster posted?
I ask, because to my old eyes, it looks like the words 'warning' and 'owner' are misspelled on the pistol.
 

marshaul

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Aug 13, 2007
Messages
11,188
Location
Fairfax County, Virginia
Just out of curiosity, did anyone look closely at the picture of the pistol in the link the original poster posted?
I ask, because to my old eyes, it looks like the words 'warning' and 'owner' are misspelled on the pistol.

Hah, those Ns do look a lot like Ks in that photo, don't they? :lol:
 
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