Didn't want to crash the $800 1911 thread so I'll ask here. What is the general consensus among the 1911 crowd regarding the wear characteristics of aluminum alloy framed 1911s? I ask because I've been getting the 1911 bug lately, mostly just because I'd like to own at least one for posterity but also maybe to compete with on occasion, and maybe the occasional BBQ?
So I'm not the most well heeled and am always looking for bang for the buck, but that's not the main reason I'm looking at an aluminum framed 1911, this one just happened to catch my eye. I'm not attracted to two tone guns at all, but a solid color with a little bling around the edges looks cool to me. This is the Kimber LW Nightstar:
And it's priced like an RIA. I can only assume that's because of the alloy frame. I've read some reviews and some owners report thousands of rounds with no appreciable wear, but I'd trust more the opinions of folks here. I expect part of the lower perceived value is the fact that it's just not the original design, almost a desecration, if you will. I'm not too concerned about that, I'm mostly interested in wear and/or reliability. It comes in 45ACP and 9mm. If wear is an issue, would 9mm extend the life?
It wont be my first 1911, I've had two but neither for very long. A 3/3.5" (can't remember) Springfield Loaded that was never reliable, and a full size GI RIA, both were like 10 years ago. Thanks for any advice on the above.
So I'm not the most well heeled and am always looking for bang for the buck, but that's not the main reason I'm looking at an aluminum framed 1911, this one just happened to catch my eye. I'm not attracted to two tone guns at all, but a solid color with a little bling around the edges looks cool to me. This is the Kimber LW Nightstar:
And it's priced like an RIA. I can only assume that's because of the alloy frame. I've read some reviews and some owners report thousands of rounds with no appreciable wear, but I'd trust more the opinions of folks here. I expect part of the lower perceived value is the fact that it's just not the original design, almost a desecration, if you will. I'm not too concerned about that, I'm mostly interested in wear and/or reliability. It comes in 45ACP and 9mm. If wear is an issue, would 9mm extend the life?
It wont be my first 1911, I've had two but neither for very long. A 3/3.5" (can't remember) Springfield Loaded that was never reliable, and a full size GI RIA, both were like 10 years ago. Thanks for any advice on the above.
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