My First 1911, a High Standard Camp Perry model 1911

I am a frequent reader of Xavier's Thoughts, you can learn more about his blog simply by typing Xavier's Blog in Google search engine.  Anyways, Xavier is a big fan of the 1911 platform and owns many 1911 in his collection.  Reading his blog had inspired me to make my entry into the 1911 as well.

Few days ago I set a budget of 400 dollars in search for my first 1911.  I also set the following parameters for my search.

1) Must be made in USA
2) Have adjustable sight
3) Comes with factory wood grips
4) Blued or Parkerized finish
5) NIB never fired

I knew that with 400 dollars it would be hard to get a 1911, not to mention it has to be made in US.
So I hunted around for a while and stumbled upon a High Standard 1911 Camp Perry edition that is made here in the US. In fact it is made locally here in Houston.

I checked the specs of the gun, and the manufacturer guaranteed a 3 inch groups at 50 yard.

So I offered then counter offered and finally walked off with the High Standard Camp Perry 1911 for 400 out the door.  I thought I made a good deal considering you can hardly get any 1911 for 400.  Many people have told me to get a RIA 1911 for around that price.  But to me, it's just so important that the gun is made in U.S. that I decided to go with the Houston made 1911.

Again this is my first 1911 so I can't compare it to any other 1911.  I do want to say that the sight is very clear, and I just love the "duo-tone" wood grip. I was surprised to get the adjustable sight and it looks quite well with the gun.  It is very easy to use the sight since the front sight is quite tall.
The skeletonized trigger is nice from a distance but if you look at it close up, you realize it's cheaply made.  Over all for a 400 dollars gun, it is extremely well made.  The finish is good, but I don't expect it to measure up to a 1000 dollars 1911.  I dried fire the gun a little bit and the trigger is just lovely, super crisp. I can't wait to take this baby to the gun range this week at Top Gun indoor range.

On the side note, pushing the magazine release does drop the magazine freely but when I insert the magazine into the gun, it required a little slamming. I hope this isn't a problem, and I don't know if it is because it's my first 1911.

I took the gun apart for a cleaning and everything is very tightly fitted which I believe will take me many rounds to break in this gun.

Now I just need to take it to the range and come back with a range report for you guys.