Monadh here

[Monadh]

I joined the forum some time back but just requested formal membership 5 minutes ago.

LONG time 1911 shooter, having grown up with my dad's Colt 1911 US Army (mfg date 12/1917) accessible.

I shot Colt's for years, found them unsatisfactory, and then saw a Kimber for the first time in 1997. Wow, a 1911 that didn't rattle like a '73 Pinto with 200K miles! And the trigger!

Needless to say it was lust at first touch.

I had work to do and kids in diapers to pay for, so no Kimber for me until 2006. I found an Eclipse that was new in the bag, dripping grease, and perfect. I bought it and it was all I thought it would be. Perfect in every way (no tool marks, tiny gaps, and it passed the "Colt test" with flying colors), and it was the most accurate pistol I have ever shot. It was my daily carry when we lived in Memphis once it had the normal Kimber break in done to it. It remained perfect for about 12K rounds and is now waiting for a new barrel. My 17 year old son has claimed it as his.

During the summer I saw my first DW. It was a used Heritage in excellent shape, and it was, once again, lust at first touch. I bid my HK P30 a fond farewell (and a couple hundred dollars to boot), and I had the prettiest 1911 I had ever seen. The trigger was the best, the build quality was the best, and in the little bit I shot it, it was accurate (zeroed for 25 yards).

Then it happened. I walked into the LGS and they had something I had only heard of in rumors: a Valor all dressed in black. Fortunately I had the Heritage with me. The trade was too good. Now I own a Valor. Can't wait to go to the range.

Glad to be here, good to meet you. Anyone else from NC?