1911 in 9mm Luger

[BigDaddyB]

I'm considering getting a 1911 in 9x19mm.  Any suggestions?  I know that both STI and Les Baer currently produce these.  Budgetary concerns may win out on this decision, but I'd LOVE to get Les Baer Premier II or Monolith to shoot plates and IDPA with!

Any and all suggestions are welcome!

[Mikey]

BigDaddy8:  You sure can't go wrong with either of those two choices.  Both of those handguns are set up right for the caliber you want, or for any other caliber they would chamber, as they are quality pieces throughout.  I can't recall if there are any 'major power' issues with the IDPA, but if there are you may wish to consider a 38 Super caliber with a 9mm barrel for lesser expensive surplus ammo.  

There are lesser expensive options, but some shooters have experienced problems with the 9mm on the 1911 platform as it sometimes takes some hefty 9mm loads to assure proper cycling and functioning.  It is sort of like finding out which loads work best in your handgun and then either sticking with those loads or tricking out your piece for a wider range of load reliability and function.  Hope this helps.  Good Luck, and let us know what you decide.  Mikey.

[BigDaddyB]

BigDaddy8:    I can't recall if there are any 'major power' issues with the IDPA, but if there are you may wish to consider a 38 Super caliber with a 9mm barrel for lesser expensive surplus ammo.  

Thanks for the input Mikey.  

I checked the IDPA website and did some calculations on 9mm.  The minimum power for IDPA is 125,000.  It seems that even standard "non +P" 9mm can generate this kind of power.  That doesn't mean that I'm right.  Do you know something that I don't?  I'm new to this competition thing.  

I'd hope that any gun from these reputable makers would have the correct springs, etc. to correctly function for its chambering.   Stranger things have happened.  The last thing that I want to do is drop $1000+ on a new piece and then have to take it STRAIGHT to a smith!

Thanks again,

[Mikey]

Brian:  I firmly believe that either of the two pistols you mentioned are quality pieces and would be properly set up for their chamberings.

I'm not all that knowledgeable about the IDPA sports but I do know that if you are going to shoot a sport where a major power factor, or level, must be met, it is easier to do it with the 38 Super than the 9mm.  I don't know how to figure the factors to either confirm or question your mathematics, but this is what I have read about 'major' power needs.  What I have read indicates that the 9mm would have to be loaded to dangerous pressure levels in order to make 'major'.  I think GreyBeard has a forum for this a bit further on down the line.  You may wish to post your questions there.  

Good luck, and please let us know what you find out.  Thanks.  Mikey.

[Cat Whisperer]

Is the question of 9mm vs 38 super in a 1911?  I have a second barrel and set of mags for my commander (need a stiffer recoil spring yet) so I can shoot either.  The ejector is in the right place too (as opposed to the .45).