bye-bye 223 Moving on to another caliber.

[Mitty38]

Well decision was difficult, but after some soul searching. And some discussion with me son.
Life is short. So are my resources.
We(my son and I) want a true Colt 1911 in stainless steel. Having and enjoying a 1911 period, has been ony bucket list. Had a star and a cheap Chippa.22lr, but they never satisfied the itch.
About 30 years. I have wanted one but always missed the chance.
I have recently found out that my son is interested in 45 acp.
So .... Time to raise some cash ...
Getting rid of all my 223. Stuff.
The 223 thing has pretty much been played out for me. And I have Other stuff to fill the gap.

Pretty much get myself down to a 9mm, Two 357's, my 20 guage, my wife and my carries, the AR 450 BM, and half my 22 lr stuff.

I sold my first upper to a member here, and just recently sold of my "coyote" Upper and it's Bushnell scope to my cousin along with the loads I had for it.

Figure I have pushed the 233 thing to as far as I want to go.
Every day is not guaranteed. I have a bucket list with 5 things left on it. And It is about time to start taking some stuff off the bucket list.
So will probably be listing some stuff here.
We are bound and determined to take #3, shooting a Colt 1911 that I Own, off my bucket list

 

[Winelover]

Never did get bit by the .223 bug. Smallest centerfire is a .243 Winchester. Armalite offers the .243 upper for the AR-10 but I passed on it. The .308 version is too heavy to tote deer hunting. I did take it up in the treestand, once.

 

[StrawHat]

I also missed the 223 bug. My 222 Remington Magnum is a bit of fun but most of my 22 cf shooting is either the 22 WCF or the 22 Hornet.

As for a 1911, don’t pass up an Armalloy treated pistol. Self lubricating, in theory, but usually very slick. I like the 45 ACP and have many but only two are 1911s.

Kevin

 

[Missionary]

Well one thing for sure with that 450 BM you will be ready for any madness crazed tree rats.

 

[JonB]

decades ago, I'd had a few different 1911's (one was even a colt series 70) as well as a couple clones (Arg) and none of them did it for me,. Then a few years back, I got the 1911 fever again wanting a 38 super. I got a plain jane RIA and this one did win me over, but I'm not crazy about chasing expensive brass, and wish I would have went with 9mm...and now that a few years have past since I owned this 38 super, I am kind of wishing it was a 45acp...so go figure? LOL.

 

[Jeff H]

I've never gotten particularly excited about the 223, but I don't really have anything against it either. It really IS a great cartridge. I believe it deserves to be the number one cartridge and I am glad to see so many of them out there.

BUT, I've always thought the 222 was just a little doll of a cartridge and prefer it greatly. I refuse to argue respective merits, because I don't care about that. I like the 222 a LOT. The 223, great as it is, seems a bit boring to ME.

Don't ask me to defend my choice with solid logic and sound reason, because I won't bother. I like what I like and don't care if someone else thinks I should provide good reason for why I don't like what they do.

If everyone just does what everyone else does, just because everyone else does, intellect and innovation stagnates. Let those who will carry the burden of maintaining a large stock of 223 arms and ammo on our soil. I did my time and am scaling back to enjoy a few that I really, really appreciate, for what time I have left to appreciate them.

I don't own a 22 LR. There's MY scarlet letter.

I DO still own a 223, but it's on the process of being phased out - part of my overall, long-term "regression plan," through which I will continue to cull that which becomes superfluous- burdensome to maintain and absorbing diminishing resources I'd prefer to allocate to stuff I like more.

Not having to fuss over a bunch of stuff I'm not genuinely excited about has allowed me to start enjoying what I have kept a lot more than when I was trying to spread time, attention and capital too thinly over too much stuff.

 

[Jeff H]

decades ago, I'd had a few different 1911's (one was even a colt series 70) as well as a couple clones (Arg) and none of them did it for me,. Then a few years back, I got the 1911 fever again wanting a 38 super. I got a plain jane RIA and this one did win me over, but I'm not crazy about chasing expensive brass, and wish I would have went with 9mm...and now that a few years have past since I owned this 38 super, I am kind of wishing it was a 45acp...so go figure? LOL.

LOL!

"Chasing expensive brass!" Done with that!

I bought an "Officer's Model" RIA in 45 ACP just to see how junky a 1911 could be for just over $400. It was an amazing little handful of steel and I would easily rate it slightly more highly than the only real Colt I'd owned - a very well-worn lightweight Commander, which was still a pretty darned nice little gun. Not to berate the Colt, but to point out just how nice that cheap RIA turned out to be. Was too heavy and pulled my pants down and flung "expensive brass," so I moved it.

 

[Glaciers]

Yeah can’t do 1911’s, just don’t feel right for me. Not for lack of trying, but, just not right. But, as Jeff H points out YMMV. Mine does. Warming up to the 9mm’s, but…
Wheel guns forever.
I have a couple of 223’s and I like them, so they aren’t going anywhere. The next diameter caliber up is a 6x47, 250 S, 260. But in reality it’s the 30 caliber stuff. Cartridges in between, I almost forget I have them.

Jeff H, you need to fix that 22LR problem.

 

[glassparman]

I don't blame you. I have one AR in 5.56, loaded a bunch of ammo and soon got bored.

It sits in the back of my safe as I much prefer my vintage Milsurp stuff that has wood stocks and larger calibers!

 

[Joshua]

Mitty,

A nice 1911 is also on my bucket list. Even more so now that my state has passed a ten round max magazine law.

As I recall you were doing some coyote hunting a few years ago. Are you still pursuing that type of hunting? I didn’t see a long range bottle neck in your arsenal. Just curious.

 

[RicinYakima]

I don't blame you. I have one AR in 5.56, loaded a bunch of ammo and soon got bored.

It sits in the back of my safe as I much prefer my vintage Milsurp stuff that has wood stocks and larger calibers!

My son and I each built an AR during the lockdown, mine 223 and his 6.5 Grendel. Haven't shot mine since spring of 2021 and it lives in the safe. I do shoot the CZ American during the spring rodent killing season.

 

[popper]

Sounds like a good plan Mitty. Never interested in 223 or 45 acp but have all my needs covered. Anything else is just fun stuff. If I had another brick of SPP I'd shoot more pistol.

 

[CWLONGSHOT]

Good ta have options Emmitt!

I also never was enamored with the 223. Yea I have a few mostly because its a given with a AR. They are fun shoot well and do what are intended. But always was more drawn to the Hornet and Bee and I had a 22/250 for anything bigger. Later I found the 222 and actually sold off two 223's and retired two more because of that. One became a 6.5Grendel and another a 300 BO. I have one other Wilde upper thats retired.
I have a Mossberg MVP I bought when I sold that 22/250 ta have a bolt 22 CF for dogs. It shoots so darn good every time I pull it thinking it will get sold/traded I shoot one more time and put it back in the safe. I have it out again with my new MP 227-65 cast bullet.

As for a 1911 YES!! Its as American as apple
Pie and everyone should have or at least try one!

I have been eye balling a long slide 10mm from Geursan (sp) the cost is UNDER 600 and it has many attractive features including colors if thats your thing. Now I know to purists that NOT a 1911 and I agree. They offer a 1911 also with or without amenities for LESS$$!

Best part every review I have seen is good shooting, handling and accuracy. Tgere is a couple
More companies offering budget 1911's too!

 

[462]

My different drummerism does not allow me to have any interest in an AR rifle, but for target shooting the .223 Ruger American has been a very enjoyable rifle.

 

[Mitty38]

Mitty,

A nice 1911 is also on my bucket list. Even more so now that my state has passed a ten round max magazine law.

As I recall you were doing some coyote hunting a few years ago. Are you still pursuing that type of hunting? I didn’t see a long range bottle neck in your arsenal. Just curious.

Coyotes In Ohio are not good for fur. Not worth skinning out. We strictly hunt them for varmint control. Usually organized hunts by farmers organizations. Or competitions that win by head count and then pound, if a tie. Our area farmers have pretty much started taking in the task themselves. Plus now I have some health issues that make planning to get out at a specific time difficult. So my coyote hunting has greatly diminished.

With Ohio terrain and that fact that I call them in, usually to less then 100 yards. Calling and baiting, along with good concealment, is most always nessesary in SE Ohio. Long range shooting is hindered by terrain, and vegetation. Accept for designated shooting ranges that have been cleared for that purpose.
A good bolt 22lr. Will often do the job at 50 yard call ins.
For longer range. Mind you I don't mess with Hyde's. So a big hole is not an issue. Only get paid for body count.
The 450 BM on my AR lower, with cast PC, GC 425 grain is more then enough. Get 45 / 70 results with it. Accurate and now cheap enough, since I am loading it. (Just got to catch that pricy brass).
The 450, being able to reach out to 200 yards , or more, easily. (which is the farthest realistic hunting shot in this part of Ohio) Plus will cut right thru the brush. With the Vortec scope and a good range finder, I have become Quit proficient. Have learned the drop. So one gun for deer, hog and coyotes now.
The AR was originally all about the build. Then to load for it Then had to cast for it. But that has pretty much played out. Have met every challenge I have set for myself with the AR 556, 223.
My desire for a 1911 is strong so something has to go to get the cash for a good one. I want a Colt because a Colt taken care of, never drops in value. So looking at about $900 to $1500 bucks. So some stuff has to go.
It's just a matter of figuring out what I really do not need. To get what else I want.
I still have and use the AR lower I built, just has the BM upper on it and a 5 shot mag.

 

[Joshua]

That 450 BM sounds like fun. It also sounds like it’s perfect for your needs!

 

[Mitty38]

Figure for hunting. The .450BM, 20 guage with all chokes and a rifled barrel, two good 22lr, the boys 410, and the 50 caliber muzzle loaders. That pretty much takes care of my needs for where I live, and travel to.
Since I do not generally hunt birds.
If I take the boy hunting for anything. I can figure out a two gun combo with those, for anything we would be hunting.
A lot of old timers in my area hunt deer now with 45/70 or 450 Bushmaster.

After much debate, and conversing. I finally got one.

The 450 BM has proven Itself to me in a very short time. Plus it is a heck of a lot easier to Make longer range cast projectiles happen for, then the .223.
I have a shoulder pad on my Magpul butt stock and can shoot it all day with no issues.
It's a blast to shoot and the damage it does can make for some fun target, as well as effective hunting kills

 

[JonB]

I don't blame you. I have one AR in 5.56, loaded a bunch of ammo and soon got bored.

It sits in the back of my safe as I much prefer my vintage Milsurp stuff that has wood stocks and larger calibers!

Funny story about "loaded a bunch of ammo" and the CZ-527 (223) I posted about, that I bought last Sept...I mean I bought it back from the fellow I sold it too (in 2015).

It starts like this.
I sold the CZ-527 because I bought another CZ-527 in 222.
But I missed the 223, because the blond stock was just crazy pretty.
In the mean time(2017?), I buy a couple plain AR-15 rifles, because they were selling for super cheap for a while.
I load up a bunch (over 1K) of jacketed ammo from the ARs.
I never shot the ARs, ...just cuz it ain't my thing... why did I load all that ammo?
So now I'm sitting on all this ammo.
Then in Sept, out of the blue my buddy says he wants to sell that CZ-527...so I figure that part of the reason was to buy it, just to shoot up all that jacketed ammo in it, then I can flip the CZ.

 

[quicksylver]

Been shooting a 191145 ACP Colt since '65 ammo was readily avalible then for about 3 cents a round, when that ran out I started casting and reloading for it.I now have two, one is a semi custom Springfield goverment in.45 the other is a Colt goverment with two Briley barrels 9mm and .38Super I much prefer the .45,really easy to load for and will gobble anything.as a matter of fact I won our state IDPA shoot with it using 8 round mags. the 9mm is a little more finiky, feed wise. I love the recoil impulse of the .45 it's a nice soft push and allows you to get back on target very fast the 9 is snappier. the . 40 is just a brute recoils too much and the muzzle climbs way too much for quick follow up shots,IMO what ever you do get a STEEL framed 1911. As for the .223 I've had an AR since '69-'70,just sold my last one about two months ago after getting a Remington 700 5R in .223 didn't need the AR after my friend passed away fron C-19, he was the only real competor shooter I could shoot it with, the rest were pretty much just master blasters..so now I've got my fav. bolt guns .223, .222.308 and 30-06 Last Dec. I admitted to myself that am really a cast bullet shooter so it's .45 ACP , 9mm .38/ 357 .308 and .30-06 good luck to you in taking care of your bucket list.Dan

 

[Ian]

Steel. .45 ACP. Long slide. NOT a Colt unless you can find one from the 80s that hasn't been shot much. I sent two Colts down the road, one almost new SS Gold Cup, that were so sloppy and poorly finished/fitted that I was embarrassed to own them. Kind of like the one every six minutes S&W revolvers of the early-mid 80s, the later Colt 1911s are not much good, especially for what you'll pay for them.

Most fun 1911 I ever shot was a blued RIA. It was loose and rattly like God intended but smooth and fluid to operate and shoot. I offered the guy to trade for one of my aluminum Kimbers that cost 3x as much new and he declined. I don't blame him.

I guess my point is to say that just because it has a pony on the side doesn't mean it's any good. If you can, shoot before you buy, and don't let your emotions overcome your common sense if you find a good deal on a Colt.