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Sidearms & Scatterguns SA Lightweight operator 1911

callen3615

callen3615

Sergeant
Minuteman
Jan 27, 2010
97
13
36
Peidmont, NC
#1
Hey guys, Ive been eye balling these for the last few days. I really want a quality 1911 with a rail. Is this the best option? I want to buy from a company with good CS and a company that makes reliable 1911s. I probably will try to find one used, whats a good price?

Thanks


PORN
op01a.jpg
 
#2
Re: SA Lightweight operator 1911

I have the same 1911. The finish is perfect and eats any type of ammo without complaining. I didn't clean it for maybe 6-700 rounds and never had a problem. I have heard good things about SA's CS, but I have never needed to use them.
 
#6
Re: SA Lightweight operator 1911

I would strongly suggest that you avoid a lightweight 1911 unless it's for carry only (and in that case, you probably wouldn't want the railed gun).
 
#7
Re: SA Lightweight operator 1911

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would strongly suggest that you avoid a lightweight 1911 unless it's for carry only (and in that case, you probably wouldn't want the railed gun). </div></div>

A lot of folks are gung ho about carrying less weight until they're recoiling more at the range. Better to learn not to walk in circles or learn to love suspenders and carry solid steel.
 
#8
Re: SA Lightweight operator 1911

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer_G</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would strongly suggest that you avoid a lightweight 1911 unless it's for carry only (and in that case, you probably wouldn't want the railed gun). </div></div>

A lot of folks are gung ho about carrying less weight until they're recoiling more at the range. Better to learn not to walk in circles or learn to love suspenders and carry solid steel.
</div></div>

I carry an EMP 9mm and even with hot ammo, it's just like shooting a full steel, 5" .45.

It also weighs a pound less.
 
#9
Re: SA Lightweight operator 1911

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer_G</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would strongly suggest that you avoid a lightweight 1911 unless it's for carry only (and in that case, you probably wouldn't want the railed gun). </div></div>

A lot of folks are gung ho about carrying less weight until they're recoiling more at the range. Better to learn not to walk in circles or learn to love suspenders and carry solid steel.
</div></div>

I carry an EMP 9mm and even with hot ammo, it's just like shooting a full steel, 5" .45.

It also weighs a pound less. </div></div>

And according to what I've read, they've done something with the design of the EMP so that fifteen different parts are not quite the same as in a typical 1911, all in order to design specifically around cartridges with shorter OALs than the .45 ACP.
 
#11
Re: SA Lightweight operator 1911

Capt obvious: Imo and most of us, i think you will find an overwhelming lean twords the steel gun.
The rail under it is for a dedicated light, which = light holster.
If you are going to run the gun as your #1 sidearm, I would not hesitate and go witht he steel gun for reasons previously stated.
faster shot recovery, less muzzle jump, likely a longer frame life, but the gun will still outlast most of us.
I R&G with a mate who runs the operator with a surefire 300 light in a DSG Alpha holster, as I R&G a glock 34 with TRL1 in another DSG Alpha as well.
I have not removed the light once since putting it on.
Most guys I do run with have a dedicated sidearm with light for social purposes.
just my .02
enjoy whatever you get and shoot as much as you can afford to.
 
#12
Re: SA Lightweight operator 1911

I've got a LW Operator and have enjoyed it. I don't think it recoils much at all. There is a majority of people who like the steel frames, though I think nostalgia trumps actual advantages more often than not. Just my opinion though. I've got 1911s with steel frames as well and don't notice much difference, except in the weight. The LW Operator is a solid pistol and will serve you well. I would get some aftermarket G10 grips though. I'm not a fan of the stock grips.
 
#13
Re: SA Lightweight operator 1911

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got a LW Operator and have enjoyed it. I don't think it recoils much at all. There is a majority of people who like the steel frames, though I think nostalgia trumps actual advantages more often than not. Just my opinion though. I've got 1911s with steel frames as well and don't notice much difference, except in the weight. The LW Operator is a solid pistol and will serve you well. I would get some aftermarket G10 grips though. I'm not a fan of the stock grips.</div></div>

This.

I've got both lightweight and steel 1911s, and the aluminium frames are hands-down the better choice for daily concealed carry. Is there a difference on the range? Sure. Is it enough to care about? Not really. If you can't handle a LW 1911 you're probably not going to be doing much better with a steel Government model either. Steel frames are heavy, and some of us here aren't exactly 6' 4" and 275 pounds...I've got weapon systems at home that weigh almost what I do. Shaving off a few ounces really starts to matter when you look at it in relationship to your body weight.

As far as durability goes...if I wear the damn thing out in 20 years, then fine. I'll go buy another one. Odds are, by the time I put that many rounds downrange, and refinish it for the third or fourth time, I'll probably have far more money into the care and feeding than the gun is ever going to cost to replace. 20,000 rounds of .45 ACP at current bulk prices equates to about $6-7k, and then add on another few bucks for springs, extractors, firing pins, etc.
 
#14
Re: SA Lightweight operator 1911

Modern aluminum framed 1911's wil last a lot more rounds than most folks will shoot them. They are also somewhat easier to carry.

If you prefer lightweight, then you hae selected a fine option.

If you want steel, get the MC operator. Aside from the grips it is pretty much the same pistol as the one you have shown, except for the steel frame.

Both are fine pistols which should serve well.
 
#15
Re: SA Lightweight operator 1911

thanks guys, the whole steel thing isnt a huge hangup for me.I plan on using a light so weight should be about the same as a steel gun. If I have any wear issues its SA so theyll just replace it.

Thanks
 
#16
Re: SA Lightweight operator 1911

I own a S/A Champion Operator with the aluminum frame and rail. I carry it as a off duty gun. I threw on some G-10 grips and called it a day. Yes it does recoil a little more than the standard steel framed 1911 sure but I dont have " dookie drawers " like I used to have when I carrd a 5 inch stainless. And yes when you are 6'5'' and 240lbs you can carry pretty much what ever you want with in reason and conceal it well. I would recomend seeing if you can shoot one before you buy one and make sure you are ok with how it handles.
 
#17
Re: SA Lightweight operator 1911

True story: a friend of mine is grad school professor in DC. She's pretty small, has small hands, and wouldn't be the type you'd think would like a 1911. Well, we were at the range just before I deployed and she was complaining about the ergos on the Glock she was shooting. I handed her my LW Operators, and she punched the center out of the target she had. She went down to her local gunstore and is now the proud owner of one. Now, I love my Glocks and my 1911s. The model you've chosen is an excellent pistol with all the important 1911 upgrades. I don't think you'll go wrong with the LW Operator.
 
#18
Re: SA Lightweight operator 1911

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">True story: a friend of mine is grad school professor in DC. She's pretty small, has small hands, and wouldn't be the type you'd think would like a 1911. Well, we were at the range just before I deployed and she was complaining about the ergos on the Glock she was shooting. I handed her my LW Operators, and she punched the center out of the target she had. She went down to her local gunstore and is now the proud owner of one. Now, I love my Glocks and my 1911s. The model you've chosen is an excellent pistol with all the important 1911 upgrades. I don't think you'll go wrong with the LW Operator. </div></div>

The 1911 is ideal for smaller hands and the single action trigger makes everyone into a rock star.

I'm not surprised at all that she loved it.
 
#19
Re: SA Lightweight operator 1911

I agree DZ, 1911s are great for people with smaller hands. Some newer shooters tend to shy away from 45 ACP until they get some time behind one. 1911s can be a bit addicting... and expensive!
 
#22
Re: SA Lightweight operator 1911

I carry a LW Champion Operator and own a TRP Operator. I just don't see much difference shooting either. I prefer to carry the Champion due to size and weight but they both feel about the same to me. I can tell my LW Micro Operator is snappier but it is a good bit smaller with the officer grip and 3" barrel. I carry both railed and non railed from time to time....again no difference for me at all and I use the same holsters for either.
 
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