res308

Do you mind telling what the asking price was? I'm just curious, given all the frenzy about them lately. If ya don't, that's alright too. I haven't gotten to mess with one yet. But do give us a workout report when you can.

I agree with that. Just got a Springfield Lightweight Champion Operator for my son from csaxj3 the other day (great guy to meet btw). In my book I wouldn't call it an entry level 1911 by any stretch. I just happened to be able to work things around where I could get it. But we've been very impressed. I did have a Springfield years ago, and I guess this one is just another testament to Springfield's quality and reliability. I've heard the same about the Ruger as well. Bottom line is, go handle all you can. And, although I haven't seen them on here, there are people "out there" who will try to make you believe that if you don't spend an exorbitant amout of cash on one, well, you just don't even have a 1911. Well that's garbage. Stick to your budget and get the best quality you can afford. Then just keep learning from there. There's quite a bit of lost 1911 knowledge I'm going to have to relearn myself. And buying this one the other day has just made it worse, because now my son won't let me steal his gun!

I wish I could've gone to that.

Yeah, I can completely gut and polish a Glock in just a few minutes, or hours, depending on what TV show is on at the time. But that's one DISadvantage I have, I've never dug into a CZ. So I can understand your point there.

"The chubby Austrian girl." I, uh, well, I may never fondle my Glock the same after reading that.;) You're right though. That's one thing Glocks do have on just about anything else - the sheer simplicity.

  A few days ago I took a look at Dave's G19 you did the grip work on. Nice work.

I've had experience with Springfield. Think it was a Loaded Model, but it's been more than 5 minutes ago, so I don't remember. Never had any issues with it though. I hear the Ruger SR1911 is a good one as well. I know that's not much help, but you're doing the right thing - do all the research you can before you jump in and go with this or that model. There's not much worse than buying a brand new or new-to-you gun and have it turn out to be a piece of junk. I've had it happen. You might narrow down to a few different brands and then really dig in on the research. Sometimes I'll look up videos of torture tests on certain models, and look up all the reviews I can. Just so you know, once you buy one, pictures and range reports are mandatory. :)

No! No it ain't! It's like an alcoholic inheriting a liquor store! That's why I'm in this fix in the first place!;)

  Yep, your ramblings do help. That was a very well written post. Thanks for that. I agree on the double action pull. It may be a little heavy for first pull, but being an old wheel gun guy, I'm used to that. I guess the only thing I've hesitated about is whether or not this will be a practical choice for me, being that some of the other platforms are so much more widely spread. But, on the other hand, I am the type of hard-headed critter that likes nothing more than to not be the same as everyone else. I definitely like something different. I forgot to mention, as far as parts and mag availability goes, I've not seen that as much of an issue since they seem to be more easily found nowadays. I'm actually trying to work a couple deals now. May have a P01 on the hook, and possible a 75B. And I'll still retain my 19. We'll see what happens. Thanks for all the input so far.

   I have been having (once again) thoughts about switching over to the CZ platform for almost all of my handgun needs. Current everyday carry and work platform is Glock, and I've had no problems with them. However, I've always had a love for the CZ platform. They are certainly more "soul-stirring" for me. The ergonomics are great for me, and I have no questions about their dependability. I used to own a CZ75 SP-01 Tactical. It was hands down the finest shooting handgun I have ever experienced. I did let it go in order to return to the Glock platform for the whole familiarity issue, and honestly, I regret letting it go. It was not all that great for everyday carry due to the size and weight, but nevertheless a fantastic weapon. I know the SP-01 (all-steel version) is significantly heavier than the standard CZ75, but the SP-01 is the only CZ I have ever owned. I have owned, at one time or other, Glock, Smith, HK, Kimber, Springfield, Ruger, Sig, Taurus, Beretta, and even one Detonics, maybe some others I'm forgetting. But, only the one CZ, and I miss it. So my questions, at least for this particular post, are only about the CZ.      My questions are for those of you who have actual first-hand experience with a CZ75, such as the B or BD, or 85, and/or the compact models such as the PCR, Compact, P01, etc. Yes, I'd like to have two of them. And I'd especially like to hear from those of you who have switched from some other handgun platform over to the CZ.      What has been your experience with the CZ line, and/or the changeover to that? What benefits are there, in your opinion, to moving to that line? And, what have been the drawbacks? What feelings and opinions have you derived from carrying a CZ with you and on you on a constant basis, such as concealed carry?      Thanks for your input.

Amen to that. My little Marlin Texan is a prime example of that. Never shall part.

I solved that problem a long time ago. I just don't go for expensive guns anymore. If I decide I want to sell or trade something for something else, it's normally about a wash concerning price/value. Even then, a lot of the time it's between myself and some friends anyway. Of course when you do that, sometimes what you sent away comes back around. For example, there's a nice Smith 686 no-dash out there that's gone from somewhere else - to a good friend of mine - to me - to another friend of mine - and it's coming back to me pretty soon. It won't go anywhere after it gets home to me. Even though it's nice, I didn't give a lot for it. But I know that it I were to get the fever and go out and buy something like a nice Springfield TRP for example, I know myself well enough to know that it wouldn't be too long before I'd start thinking about the money tied up in that one, and how I could take that and get a couple GOOD guns that I would actually use. So, instead, when I need something say in the handgun arena, I'll look for something like a CZ or Glock or a good revolver - anything with good quality and reliability but NOT overpriced. Don't get me wrong, I've had 1911s, SIGs, HKs, and they were good guns, but they didn't serve me personally any better than the Glocks or CZs or 357s. It is OH-SO-EASY to get the shaking fever for a great gun, and there's nothing wrong with that. But at some point you might just decide to run with what serves your personal needs the best and just stick with that. Just something to think about since I've done the very same things myself. 

Extractor rod was tight. Crane doesn't appear to be bent, everything looks even. Working on the rod theory now. Waiting get ahold of a machinist I know so we can check that out more thoroughly. I didn't find any shims.

That's what it's looking like so far.

Variety of standard pressure ammo. Nothing near hot enough to cause crimp jump. I'm looking into this now. I don't have a run out gauge, but just doing a roll test on inner and outer rods, they sure don't seem bent. Turning the cylinder very slowly today, I did notice two chambers seem to be rubbing the forcing cone. I haven't put a caliper to the cylinder length yet. I'll do that tomorrow. Is there any chance it could've left the factory in the early 70's with the cylinder face out of square? If not, you would almost have to think that the rod is bent. I'll take a closer look at that cylinder face tomorrow too. I appreciate the input.

This gun has a problem. I can put snap caps or dummy rounds or whatever in and dry fire from now to next week without a problem. Typical Smith and Wesson smooth. But when I fire live ammo, and ONLY when I fire live ammo, and I'm just talking any type of standard pressure ammo, the problem rears it's head. You can fire 1,2,3,4 smooth as butter, but continue firing 5 and 6 and it'll take three gubmint mules and a tractor to pull that trigger. You can still manage to pull the trigger and fire the last two, but I have found ditch digging in Tennessee soil to be easier. I have it gutted right now. I removed the side plate and carefully worked the action to see if anything was binding, and I can't see what is wrong. I examined the hand and it looks to be in perfect shape. The cylinder doesn't SEEM to be out of time, meaning the bolt seems to retract and pop back up on time every time. No excessive play in the cylinder. The only thing I do notice so far is a "rub line" on the upper side of the forcing cone. That barrel/cylinder gap may be just a tad tight, but like I said, that seems to have zero effect while dry firing. I'm about to polish the internals while I have it apart, but I really don't think that's the problem. Any idea's?

Yes, yes you did! Fine looking one at that. I used to own an SP-01 Tactical. An EDC gun it was not, more like carrying an anvil in a holster, but it was the finest shooting semi-auto I have EVER shot. I went back with the Glock system because of the familiarity since I've been issued those for nearly 20 years. BUT, I have often wished that I could trade my G17 for a standard 75B and my G19 for a 75 Compact. Sometimes I'd just love to go back to the CZ way of life. BUT, I just don't think I'd ever be able to let go of my Glocks either.

Well on that note, how do you tell when it was made anyway? I did, by the way, never contact the guy. Decided to keep my 686. Too long and hard of a road to find it and too hard to let go of. I went ahead Saturday and gutted the ole girl and did a trigger job. Turned out real nice. I'll go back in later and put a spring kit in.

Yeah that part bothered me too. I'm still not sold on the MIM parts myself. I'm about to buy another square butt 686 (no dash) anyhow. What I really wouldn't mind doing is reworking the -4 and finding a 3" barrel for it.

I do love the 19. Always have. The thing the 19 has over the 686 is better balance and slightly less weight, but not quite as strong. This one looks to be in great shape. But, he wants $600 or trade for a 686. Thing is, I have to agree, I'd hate to trade a 686 even for a 19. And I guess the real bottom line is that I'd have a hard time letting go of my 686-4 round butt. Sometimes a man just needs a little outside perspective to set him back straight. Thanks for the input fellers. 

Is the 19-8 any good? I found and I'm thinking about trading my 686 for it. Not sure yet though.

Been trying to find out something on these. Not that I can do anything about it right now, but I'd like to find out what the price point is going to be.

Glad you were able to find a good one. That is a nice looking rifle.

How ya like that there hog hunter? Been thinkin about one myself (for quite a while) but haven't taken the leap.

I have a 336 Texan, fantastic rifle. It's a JM stamp. Never understood why the educated idiots at Remington thought they could get rid of master craftsmen and then set about to build the same lever actions and expect them to be as good as what came from the company that has always done lever actions the best (personal opinion). What they did was come in and destroy a legendary company and a legendary product. To hear Jeff Quinn (Gunblast) tell it, Marlin quality is back. I'll have to handle one to form my own opinion, but I still feel like the damage is done.