Joined
·
21 Posts
We all like the 1911 design, and though the basic design has been adopted by several agencies, and is preferred by many professionals and gunsmiths, there are many differing opinions regarding how best to utilize the 1911 platform for a particular mission.
The FBI specified a detailed list of features, including a S/A magwell, Wilson bulletproof parts, Nowlin barrel, and 20lpi serrations. They also specified a maximum 1.5” group at 25 yds (I think) with issue Golden Sabre ammunition.
The MEU(SOC) pistol was designed with a much different approach. Utilizing both GI and “Gunsmith” style parts, the MEU(SOC) pistol uses a beavertail, but no checkering or mag-well, and is much more “utilitarian” (Meaning it ‘aint as pretty).
Several gunsmiths offer “FBI spec” packages, or similar “tactical Packages. Dane burns has his Kimber “FED” package, which he advertises as a practical weapon without the needless “frills” of the FBI gun, for a significantly cheaper cost.
With the experience of this board, and the personal opinions of several noted “experts” in this area, I would be interested to see peoples opinion of the FBI gun’s specifications, and what you all would consider necessary/desirable or unnecessary in terms of custom features and specs.
Also, I would also like to see opinions on what would make a good base-gun for this purpose. (FBI has used Springfield and Les Baer, MEU(SOC) uses Caspian parts (I think) and the LAPD SWAT uses Colt. Dane Burns prefers Kimber - though Springfields recent offerings seem to have garnered his approval - and Larry Vickers stated in his AH article that he prefers Springfield and Colt.)
So, imagine that you have been contacted by an agency such as the FBI, DEA, or USMC, and they have asked you to give your criteria for a SWAT or tactical sidearm. Let’s hear what gun you’d pick, what you’d change, and why. (Don’t forget to note the mission parameters, such as combat, SWAT, plainclothes, etc. or combinations)
The FBI specified a detailed list of features, including a S/A magwell, Wilson bulletproof parts, Nowlin barrel, and 20lpi serrations. They also specified a maximum 1.5” group at 25 yds (I think) with issue Golden Sabre ammunition.
The MEU(SOC) pistol was designed with a much different approach. Utilizing both GI and “Gunsmith” style parts, the MEU(SOC) pistol uses a beavertail, but no checkering or mag-well, and is much more “utilitarian” (Meaning it ‘aint as pretty).
Several gunsmiths offer “FBI spec” packages, or similar “tactical Packages. Dane burns has his Kimber “FED” package, which he advertises as a practical weapon without the needless “frills” of the FBI gun, for a significantly cheaper cost.
With the experience of this board, and the personal opinions of several noted “experts” in this area, I would be interested to see peoples opinion of the FBI gun’s specifications, and what you all would consider necessary/desirable or unnecessary in terms of custom features and specs.
Also, I would also like to see opinions on what would make a good base-gun for this purpose. (FBI has used Springfield and Les Baer, MEU(SOC) uses Caspian parts (I think) and the LAPD SWAT uses Colt. Dane Burns prefers Kimber - though Springfields recent offerings seem to have garnered his approval - and Larry Vickers stated in his AH article that he prefers Springfield and Colt.)
So, imagine that you have been contacted by an agency such as the FBI, DEA, or USMC, and they have asked you to give your criteria for a SWAT or tactical sidearm. Let’s hear what gun you’d pick, what you’d change, and why. (Don’t forget to note the mission parameters, such as combat, SWAT, plainclothes, etc. or combinations)