Viracnis

I like the look of that IWB holster - so much so that I just ordered one for my 1911! The price sure was right, and I like that I can build it myself. Thanks for the discount code Xtarheel! Great ingenuity on that ankle holster. If it wasn't for the "Golds Gym" on the flap I'd never have known it was a DIY!

My wife and I have put more rounds through her HP995 than I'd care to think about. Probably well over 6k. About a year ago (after about 5k rounds) I started having problems with FTE about every third round. I fussed and complained about it - oblivious to their lifetime warrantee - until someone at Charlie's in Spring Hill suggested I call HiPoint. They basically completely rebuilt the rifle for the cost of shipping it to them (about $14) - everything but the barrel is brand new and they even put a new coat of paint on that. The problem was actually the extractor but they gave it a total overhaul when they saw how much use it saw. They sent me 2 free mags for my "trouble" and made a loyal customer for life with their fast, friendly service. The tech who actually did the work called me the day I got it back to tell me all the changes they'd made and ask me what I thought of the new look (they'd upgraded it to the TS stock and painted the shroud). He talked to me for the better part of 45 minutes about what I use it for, ammo suggestions to improve accurracy at the range and asked me about what HD rounds I've run through it. All he asked in return for his time was pictures of the gun being used. Over 500 trouble free rounds of Winchester ammo - 200 of those JHP - later it has again taken its place on my wife's side of the bed as her "bump in the night" gun when I'm not home. If you're having trouble with it, send it to them and they'll fix it. Or sell it to Broomhead for $50 and let him do it! You can send them your magazines if you think that's the problem and they'll replace those, too. If you're thinking about getting one - do it! They've got a .45 now that I'm thinking I might pick up for a Get Home Kit in my car so I only have to keep one caliber in the glove box for both my carry gun and my car gun. But the 9mm sure is fun for a range toy! Great gun, great company and great price. Have I said enough good things about it yet? Haha!

I was in there for a bachelor party about 3 months ago and didn't notice any signs. I came in through the parking garage behind the place. To clarify, I do not yet have my Permit (going Wednesday to fill out the paperwork at long last) but I have spent the last six months eyeballing every doorway I've walked through to see how much of a hassle carrying would be. I remember being surprised by Flemings as it was somewhat "upscale" and for some reason I thought a swanky place like that would cater to the anti-gun crowd. Shows that stereotypes go both ways, I guess...

There was a gentleman at the RK Gun Show in Williamson Expo a few weeks ago that had a scope and mount combo that was right around $100 for the complete package. I didn't have the cash at the time, but I got his email address and he said if I emailed him he could drop ship one my way. Looked to be pretty solid and a good adjustable power scope. If I think of it, I'll grab his card tonight and PM it to you. He could probably give you pictures and good information. The show's in the 'boro this weekend and I'll be going with cash in hand. If he's there, I'll be sure and post my thoughts on it once installed.

I used my Rock Island 1911 CS because I'd bought it the day before and was looking for an excuse to shoot it. My wife used her Pheonix Arms HP22 with the short barrel because Uselton told her it was garbage. A guy I work with used this little folding pocket .22 derringer revolver that he's got that takes about 5 minutes to reload and has a 1/2" barrel. My point is, the gun doesn't matter, just use what you're comfortable with and you'll be fine. If I had to do it again I'd use the HP22 - save my self a few bucks to buy a decent holster for the .45 AND annoy a gun snob? Win-win. - V

I got mine (my wife picked it up as a B-day gift from Bellshire) two weeks ago with the intent of it being my EDC. I got a good paddle holster for it and I've got about 400 rounds though it without a hiccup except when I was shooting Tulamo FMJ. I got 3 back to back stovepipes on the first three shots. Switched back to Winchester and Federal - no problem. Guess it just doesn't like the steel case. On the topic of mags - mine really likes the Sig brand one that the guy at Bellshire tossed in for free when my wife told him it was my Birthday. My wife got me some rubberized grips for it and when I get my carry permit (used my 1911 CS to qualify on Thursday - just have to get to the DMV now) I may toss them on for ease of IWB carry - but I sure do love the look of those wooden grips! My wife loves it too, btw. After shooting mine, she wants one herself. This is the same woman that wont' shoot a 9mm because she doesn't like the recoil - she says the .45 RIA has less recoil that the 9mm glock she shot. Who am I to argue with a woman with a gun? She's taking her HCP class on the 29th and I might just have to get her one before then (you don't think I'm going to let her use MINE do you? Crazy talk.)

How sure are you that it is a handgun? My wife's Hi-Point 995 9mm Carbine holds 10 in the magazine and until a recent problem with the extractor and a feed ramp issue (both of which Jim at Hi-Point is making right as we speak!) it never had any troubles firing 10 shots in rapid succession. Tight groups, too.

Wow this is an old thread. Okay, I'll contribute. Handgun - RIA 1911 in the Officer size - coincidentally I'm going tomorrow afternoon to pick it up from Bellshire Hardware. Long gun - Mosin Nagant 91/30 - I went to get one this weekend and the store advertising them for $79 was sold out. Mrs. Claus says I might get one for Christmas if she can find one in time.

Nevermind - found my answer (on these forums) with a more refined Google search! Thanks for a great resource!

At the moment, the only thing that I may change out is the grips. They feel a little fat - which I actually like for pleasure shooting, but for concealing it all day I think I'm going to look for something thinner. I saw one here on these forums that had some black hard-rubber grips that I liked the look of. That being said, I can certainly see how someone could get carried away with customizing them. Just a quick Google search for "1911 customization" was overwhelming. I like the look and feel of the original, though. We'll see how long that lasts once it is in my hand. I don't believe the "extra" step of disengaging a safety is going to hinder it as a carry weapon for me. I will certainly not complain about an excuse to spend more time at the range to "practice" disengaging it! Bonus check comes at the end of the Month.

Thanks for the recommendation, guys. Bellshire looks to be the consensus - and looking on Gunbroker it looks like he has a few in stock. Once my bonus check arrives, I'll give him a call then make the drive.

I wish I had seen this. I drove by CMHR today and saw all the cars and went to OnTarget in M'boro instead - even commented to my wife "Some group must be doing a shoot - they're packed!" Serves me right for not sticking my head out the window and asking someone what was up. Oh well. Per that thread they used to be a monthly affair. If that gets rolling again, I will make the next one for sure! Gregintenn - thank you for sharing that picture. It has only served to solidify that as the weapon I want to carry haha!

After reading other threads (old and new) on these forums I had been considering the idea of carrying a little Ruger LCP .380 as a backup with the 1911. These two replies have basically sold me. Of course I'll not let the backup be a crutch for lack of practice, maintenance and practice (deliberately twice) - but it can't hurt to be prepared for reliability issues. - V

Wow! So many great replies. Thank you all for a lot of great insight. You have given me a lot to think about and a lot of confidence that his reaction is not necessarily to be taken as "gospel". I should have asked this a week ago instead of spending the last 4 days searching the internet for half the information and certainly none of the first-hand experience. Regardless of the weapon that I choose to carry (and I think I have a while to decide - class is in a month and it's looking like it takes at LEAST a few weeks to get the THCP after the class) I intend to put a lot of range time in. My friend had also recommended dry-fire training to get used to the motion of drawing, removing the safety and firing the weapon. While this will cut into my flip'n and pitchin' practice, I think the Bass can wait. Besides, the neighbors need something new to gawk at. I did talk to him again yesterday to find out what he really meant by "it is complicated" and he clarified that his answer was complicated, not the firearm. He touched on a few of the points here, but was much more encouraging in my choice when I explained that it was not the .45ACP that I was looking at - it was the 1911 itself that caught my attention. Of everything I've rented (and that has been a lot over the last few months), it has felt the best in my hands and seemed the most "intuitive" to me to shoot. I really like the peace of mind the two safeties offer and the "single stack" grip fits my hand better than thicker guns (like all of the glocks, and most of the Rugers that I've tried in both 9mm and .45). I'm looking at this holster for "deep" concealment: Galco King Tuk Holster and something like this for more casual carry: Galco Fletch High Ride Belt Holster Any thoughts on the Galco King Tuck vs. the Crossbreed Super Tuck? Seems similar and I think I'd rather have the more finished leather of the Galco against my body all day as opposed to the more rough Crossbreed and the KHolsters I've seen just look too big for me to really be comfortable with them - and the +/-$25 difference could be put toward other endeavors: Kimber checkered rubber grips, compact for 1911 - Hyatt Gun Store

Hi guys. Relatively new to these forums but I've been reading a lot of the archives (about 80 pages in, actually). As I said in my other post - thanks for a great resource! Until recently I was mostly concerned with long guns but my wife had more exposure to handguns growing up so she is more comfortable with them. At her urging, I will be taking my class and applying for my THCP in mid-November, so I've been reading up on it. Over the past few months I've been working with an instructor (and close, personal friend) and I've gotten very comfortable with them - moreso even than long guns in some situations. That being said, I'm looking at the RIA 1911 Compact as my carry gun. I've not had the opportunity yet to shoot it, but I have other "compact" 1911 and I've been more comfortable with the .45ACP than any other caliber including 9mm and .380. When I mentioned to my friend (and instructor) that I'd be purchasing a 1911 Compact to carry he reacted very strongly - saying that "A 1911 is a more advanced carry gun" and that I should start with "another .45" instead. When I asked him what and why it was a "advanced" gun he simply said "it is complicated". In my 29 years of life - 10 of which spent as good friends with this US Army Special Forces instructor - I've learned that usually means "because I read it on the internet". So internet, give me your thoughts on what he meant by that? I've read many of the archives, as I said, and seen a lot of the arguments about weight being a concern. I'm a big guy (6'2" ~270lbs) so I wear loose/baggy clothes anyway, so I don't think size will be a concern with IWB at about 3-4" in a good holster with a good belt(already purchased several good belts based on recommendations here). And I know the weight may be a factor - but hell, I'll toss suspenders on under my shirt if need be. Are there other concerns beside size and weight that I'm missing? Is the 1911 frame somehow unsafe to carry for a beginner? More prone to un-intentional discharges? Surely with guns around that have no safety but good gun practices, one that has TWO safety mechanisms (the thumb safety and the grip safety) shouldn't pose any increased safety concern. So I give you this long winded post to ask: Is my dear friend full of hot air?

I'm somewhat new here, but I've enjoying reading through the archives over the last few weeks. A lot of great information. Thanks for a great resource! I've heard a lot of good things about the Rock Island Armory 1911 on here and other places on the 'net and I think I'm wanting to move in that direction. I have some other questions that I'll get around to putting together in a more relevant thread later but for right now I'm just looking for a place where I can take a look at (and maybe get a fair price for) one of these handguns? Specifically the Compact model. I've seen them on Gun Broker for about $400 - but I would rather support local business and actually hold the gun in my hand before I buy it. Anyone have any suggestions where I could take a look at one in the Franklin/Spring Hill area? If this is in the wrong forum, I'm sorry.

I'm glad I'm not the only one to have this trouble with Useltons. I wish I'd actually gone into the store and talked to them before I signed up for the $50 class for my wife and I. Lesson learned. They'll only see me step foot through the door one more time after that day at the range - and that will be when I show up for the class I paid for.