I just got my SA GI A1 off lay-a-way. Haven't shot it yet, but that's OK for now- I'll remedy that in a week or so. I've owned a number of 1911's over the years- always looking for... well, that feeling I had when Uncle Sam let me carry his before he took it away and subjected us to the Beretta. Through 2 different duty stations and MP School, I only really got to know 3 different 1911's. They all shook and rattled like a hot rockabilly band on a Saturday night. But I loved every one. We weren't taught much in the way of marksmanship in the mid to late 80's- It was pretty much a matter of "This is your qualification, put at least 36 holes in that piece of paper over there." We learned quick or stood there and took the embarassment and verbal abuse that came with the offending FTQ. Once was enough for me.
Other 1911's I've had since then were a Llama (dang fine one- wish I still had it), a SA Champion that refused to run even 50% of the time, a Para Ord that wan't much better, a Colt Series 80 that was alright (but had the stuff that made it a 80 instead of a 70), and a match type thing made on a Brolin frame and slide. Now that Brolin was a great pistol- only reason I got shuck of it was either ignorance or it wan't like Uncle Sam's. Either way, that was a fine piece of equipment and I miss it. Getting talked out of that one was what set in stone my philosophy that I would not part with another firearm unless it was pure junk or held no attachment for me.
Anyhow, when I got home with this new one- I was tickled to the bone. It has no Series 80 type stuff, it has what I assume is a lock in the back strap, and the plastic grips seem softer that the old GI one's, and the hammer has milled lines instead of checkering, and I think there is a slight difference in the grip safety (thicker in the beavertail?). Other than that- it has the small ejection opening, wonderfully small and unforgiving sights, standard small slide release and safety lever, familiar feel and heft. I love it all, it has 'that feel'.
I know things get dirty and messy in the manufacturing of things. But cleaning this firearm- well, I couldn't do it with my usual modern store bought stuff. I broke out the silver can of "Cleaning Compound, Rifle Bore" and 2oz bottle of LSA. Now, my new treasure not only looks and feels right- but she 'smells' right too. If I find she doesn't load, fire, eject, and reload itself properly- I will sink funds into it and make it so. That's OK because this one is a keeper... it has that feel and smell. A lot of memories are brought back by feels and smells. How many of you still remember that smell of GI canvas, ponchos, that smell of a fired rifle or MG that a Rem, Savage, CZ, or Howa just can't match? I remember my helmet had a smell in it that was all it's own. It wasn't bad- I kept a picture of my wife (ex) in there and just trying to be a little closer to her and to forget about Iraq for a little bit I guess is how I come to get familiar with that smell. Some are good and some are bad just like some conjur good memories and some bad. I hope I don't forget much over the years if the Lord lets me have many of them, cause I am proud of what I was, where I went, and what I done even though it cost me a home and family.
Other 1911's I've had since then were a Llama (dang fine one- wish I still had it), a SA Champion that refused to run even 50% of the time, a Para Ord that wan't much better, a Colt Series 80 that was alright (but had the stuff that made it a 80 instead of a 70), and a match type thing made on a Brolin frame and slide. Now that Brolin was a great pistol- only reason I got shuck of it was either ignorance or it wan't like Uncle Sam's. Either way, that was a fine piece of equipment and I miss it. Getting talked out of that one was what set in stone my philosophy that I would not part with another firearm unless it was pure junk or held no attachment for me.
Anyhow, when I got home with this new one- I was tickled to the bone. It has no Series 80 type stuff, it has what I assume is a lock in the back strap, and the plastic grips seem softer that the old GI one's, and the hammer has milled lines instead of checkering, and I think there is a slight difference in the grip safety (thicker in the beavertail?). Other than that- it has the small ejection opening, wonderfully small and unforgiving sights, standard small slide release and safety lever, familiar feel and heft. I love it all, it has 'that feel'.
I know things get dirty and messy in the manufacturing of things. But cleaning this firearm- well, I couldn't do it with my usual modern store bought stuff. I broke out the silver can of "Cleaning Compound, Rifle Bore" and 2oz bottle of LSA. Now, my new treasure not only looks and feels right- but she 'smells' right too. If I find she doesn't load, fire, eject, and reload itself properly- I will sink funds into it and make it so. That's OK because this one is a keeper... it has that feel and smell. A lot of memories are brought back by feels and smells. How many of you still remember that smell of GI canvas, ponchos, that smell of a fired rifle or MG that a Rem, Savage, CZ, or Howa just can't match? I remember my helmet had a smell in it that was all it's own. It wasn't bad- I kept a picture of my wife (ex) in there and just trying to be a little closer to her and to forget about Iraq for a little bit I guess is how I come to get familiar with that smell. Some are good and some are bad just like some conjur good memories and some bad. I hope I don't forget much over the years if the Lord lets me have many of them, cause I am proud of what I was, where I went, and what I done even though it cost me a home and family.
