During a recent range session with the Heir, he had a few new shootin irons to show me. First up, a simple Glock 19 destined to be his regular carry pistol, and then this piece of work....
A Citadel 1911.
"Hmm... just pass that over here for bit, would you please?" I said. I proceeded to look it over closely, and see what the workmanship is like. While it is a 'cheap' 1911, it does have some nice features. If one can see past the MIM parts and inexpensive finish, whats left is rather pleasing.
The pistol comes stock with forward grooves on the slide for easy operation in racking the slide. The sights are either Novaks, or a pretty darn good imitation, and are windage adjustable. A decent trigger, easy to use controls, beavertail grip safety, full length guide rod... all in all a nice package.
That said, the proof is in the shootin... and the boys Citadel can SHOOT! My first group at fifty feet became the photo at the head of this post. The trigger broke cleanly at what felt like five pounds, and the weapon cycled very smoothly indeed. There were no failures to feed, nor failures of any kind in fact.
My opinion? Should I come across one, or it's small 'officer' size companion, I would happily spend the price they ask. Often seen at retail for around $500, I think it's a fine pistol for the price.
Some photos of the subject:
7 comments:
Pretty impressive for a $500 1911!
Looks nice and shoots good... and a GOOD price. Nice find!
I bought one a few months ago. Leary of the quality for the price, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.
I had some trigger work done, and a some very minor "polishing". This thing is great - ended up shooting pistol league with it. I've already put about 1000 rounds through it without a hiccup.
(oops, I shouldn't have said that, it might cause the price to go up!)
I bought one of their compact models about a year ago. Perhaps 150 rounds to break it in and it has never hiccuped since in over 2500 rounds. Feeds everything except SWC. Shoots very nicely, runs just fine for IDPA, and is my every day carry gun.
I will be getting a 5" gun next and see no reason to pay more than the $499 the Citadels bring around here.
HTH, sv
I have 3 Rock Islands, which are manufactured by Armscorp at about the same price point. I believe that the Citadels are made by the same company. I have nothing but good things to say about them.
Beautiful gun. I've always been a fan of blued guns with wood grips.
Interesting.
Looks very like the Springfield Loaded I bought for my brother (his money, he was overseas). About that price, a decade ago.
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