This v.s. that on 1911's

[jimbo91]

So I'm looking at all of the different options for my first 1911, and I need some help. As far as sight goes, I keep hearing to stay away from the standard short narrow sights, because it can be hard to get a good sight picture. What do you guys think of Novak sights? They come on the colt xse series guns along with the beavertail grip safety, which I don't know if I am too keen on. The colt 1991 series has "high profile sights with dots," does anyone have any experience with those sights? Another thing I am not to sure I like is front slide serrations. It wouldn't be the end of the world, but I just prefer the rear serrations only. Also, how are colt's magazines? Should I buy better ones right after buying?

[oldman45]

I have been fortunate enough to own quite a few guns, with many of them being 1911.

Hopefully I will not come across too strong here as I do not intend to do so.

1. What others may like might not be what you like. I have a couple of full custom guns and find the sights on them are not much better if any better than the factory sights on my regular production guns. I am not knocking any brand or type sights but unless you are shooting competition at this time in life, keeping a 1911 simple might be best for you. The glasses you wear, the way you hold the gun and your dominant eye are all more important than spending money on a certain brand sight.

2. You can spend $20,000 making a gun with all the bells and whistles that others say you need. It is your gun and what others feel they enjoy will cost you money.

3. Being your first 1911 means you may want something else before long. Few people keep their first gun (1911 or not). Even fewer people learn to shoot a 1911. They know how to shoot a handgun but a 1911 is more complex, does more and few take the time to learn the 1911 platform, although they think they know it all. Back in the early 60's, the US Army spent about two weeks teaching us what a 1911 will do, how they work, how to repair them in the field and what on the gun works as what tool. We had to be able to disassemble one in total darkness and then reassemble it, all by feel. Not many 1911 owners have such intense schooling on them and most just shoot them as they would any other gun.

4. The fancier you dress a 1911 is not going to make it shoot better. A factory production gun will often times shoot better than the shooter is capable of.

Now that I have said all this, I hope you enjoy your new gun. Learn it well, shoot it often and take care of it. My only requirement in a 1911 is that it be in .45acp.

[HarryO45]

Originally Posted by jimbo91

What do you guys think of them?//// The colt 1991 series has "high profile sights with dots," does anyone have any experience with those sights?

I have experiance with both. I prefer the Novaks, but only because of the shape of them - no sharp angles on the rear when carrying. I believe that it is important to have a larger then "GI" or MILSPEC front sight on a 1911 for action shooting.

I like the sights on the 1991...but if you decide to get those you may decide to get rid of the "dots" on the rear sight. To me, I find those rear dots distracting from the "most important" front sight.

My favorite all time sight is a Novak plain black wide notch in the rear and a gold bead front...set for a 6 o'clock hold. It is pricey though.

[IronFilex]

For sights I'd recommend you rent/borrow one of each to try them out. While I dont like the old GI sights you never know you might. Same goes for the beaver tail. Personally I dont like them and I can shoot just fine without one but some people get hammer bites and truth be told a beaver tail lets you get a higher grip and allow for quicker followup shots.

[bdavis385]

Novak and Heinie sights seem to be the most popular. I find the Novak's to be hideous in aesthetics. I find the Heinie's to be very nice, as well as 10-8 and that style. Both function just fine.

[BillD]

Factory GI sights suck IMO.

I agree with Mr. Davis on the sight selection, although I don't find Novaks hideous.

I have Kensight rear and Dawson FO in the front.

[jtq]

The two things I usually recommend you decide on when you are buying a 1911 is do you want/need adjustable sights and do you want/need a beavertail grip safety.

New 1911 guys don't always realize the sight cut for most adjustable sights is quite a bit different than those for fixed sights. Fixed sights on a 1911 are far more popular and thus you have many more options. If you have an adjustable sight 1911 and want to switch to fixed sights, there are very few options.

To change from a GI grip safety to a true beavertail grip safety will usually require grinding on the frame, some professional skill and some cost. Make your choice up front and save yourself some time, money, and grief.

There are only a few pistols offering GI sights, RIA GI, Springfield's GI (currently in production hiatus), and Auto Ordnance's GI (there are a few others, but not many), so if you want to avoid the GI sights it's not hard to do.

The Colt's 1991 sight are good visibility, 3-dot sights. They aren't in a fancy shape like Heinie or Novak, but they work well. Most other factory sights are often as good these days as many aftermarket sights.

[dakota1911]

If possible, find a range where you can rent a couple different ones and see what you like. Most new 1911s are not a trivial expense.

[DArBad]

Originally Posted by jimbo91

So I'm looking at all of the different options for my first 1911, and I need some help...... The colt 1991 series has "high profile sights with dots," does anyone have any experience with those sights? Another thing I am not to sure I like is front slide serrations. It wouldn't be the end of the world, but I just prefer the rear serrations only...........

I used to have 3 Colt 1991s, the " high profile sights " are indeed very useful. I prefer them to the plain GI sights on my Springfield Armory GI.

Based on your wants/needs (3 dot sights and no slide serrations) you will be well-served by the Colt 1991s and the Springfield Armory Mil-Spec models.

Good luck!

[Gamecockgangsta]

I have Novak's on both of my higher end guns, and I prefer them. I like the heine straight eights alright, but never could quite get as used to that kind of sight picture.

I would strongly suggest that you try both before buying, though. There's almost a guarantee that you'll have a preference one way or the other...

And in my experience the Colt factory magazines (7 rounders) are not very good. I haven't had any of the 8 rounders- I think they're checkmates.

[Vern Humphrey]

Things I like on an M1911:

Novak Sights
Beavertail grip safety (With a high hold, a standard GI grip safety bites a bit.)
Lowered and beveled ejection port (mostly to protect the brass)
Lanyard loop

Things I can live with:

Beveled magazine well
Enlarged controls (Safety Lock, Magazine Release, Slide Stop.

Things I don't like:

Ambidextrous safety
Forward cocking serrations