American Tactical Imports American Tactical ImportsGFX45THUN FX1911 Thunderbolt 8+1 .45 ACP 5" - Blue/Black, 5" Barrel, 8+1 Rounds, Wood Grips, 3-Dot Sights

Tight action, no barrel play, so it has potential to build on. The finish was excellent. I found the checkered front strap painful and am adding a wraparound grip Trigger pull is harder than my military model FX45. Seems to have a light recoil spring, I need to upgrade it to 18 for hardball. Slide stop only worked with 1/4 mags, needs tweaking.

The gun is great. Fit and finish were perfect. It was slathered in packing grease but taking it apart and cleaning it was simple. Slide to frame fit is excellent. No rattles or rubbing and no sharp edges or burrs that I could find. It comes with one magazine which has performed well during my first 200 or so rounds. It has a one-piece, full-length guide rod and factory spring (not sure of the lbs.) which I'll be replacing with a good 18b spring and short guide rod. The hammer, trigger and grip safety all operate smoothly. Front and back of the grips are both checkered and the feel is great. The grip panels are cheap wood but they look nice and are thin and comfortable. My first time out shooting, I didn't polish the feed ramp or anything. I just cleaned the packing grease, oiled it up and took it out. I shot about 100 rounds FMJ (cheap Whitebox) and had no problems. Accuracy is excellent and the adjustable, white-dot sights were great. Second time out, I polished the feed ramp and the barrel edges and shot about 100 rounds of mixed HP and FMJ ammo. I did have a few feeding problems with the HP ammo (Remington Golden Saber 230 grain) but nothing unexpected with a new 1911. The one problem I DID have was the firing pin stop slipped down and caught on the hammer (so the slide wouldn't go forward). I slipped it back in place and didn't have any other problems. I'm going to replace the firing pin and install a stronger firing pin spring. A couple of Chip McCormick mags and a few small upgrades and I think it will be perfect. For the money, I don't think you could find a better deal on the 1911. If you are looking for an excellent starter 1911 or something to upgrade as you go, this is probably a good place to start.

To start with I have over 30yrs in LE, and firearms instruction, and have been a competive shooter for about 25 yrs.You will be hard to find a better deal on a 1911 than this one. Stock out the box, this gun the standard features that are on this gun, adjustable sights, rails, extended slide release, checkered back strap with magazine well, 20lpi checked front strap, commander hammer, speed trigger. this gun couldn easily go for $1300-$1500.This gun has proformed as well or better as my Kimber or Para. The only thing I added was some G10 grips. two thumbs up

gun functions well surprised at the fit. trigger is heavy but breaks clean and sight are great for being stock