September 24, 2010
By Stan Trzoniec
From the first morning I watched guys shooting from behind junked automobiles, running and jumping over barricades and waiting for pop-up targets to appear, I was addicted to the sport of IPSC and hooked on the Model 1911 for competition.
By Stan Trzoniec
From the first morning I watched guys shooting from behind junked automobiles, running and jumping over barricades and waiting for pop-up targets to appear, I was addicted to the sport of IPSC and hooked on the Model 1911 for competition.
Previously, I'd used a 1911 in the Army, where I served as a crew chief on a combat helicopter. That's long past, and these days it's all about shooting for fun.
One .45 I especially like is the Sig Sauer Model 1911 TTT. I'm a big fan of guns with spit and polish that still retain the classic look of the original, which the TTT does in spades. It boasts a two-tone stainless matte finish with a Nitron-finished slide over a natural stainless frame. Grips are figured burl maple.
Sig Saur | 1911 TTT Type: 1911 semiauto Caliber: .45 ACP Barrel length: 5 in. Overall length: 8.65 in. Weight: 44 oz. Sights: adjustable combat night sights Trigger: single-action, 5lb,. 4 oz. Grips: burled maple Price: $1,229 Manufacturer : Sig Sauer | 603.722.2302
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The TTT has the traditional lines of most 1911s but includes enhanced safety features such as a firing pin safety and hammer intercept notch. The magazine well is beveled and allows trouble-free reloads.
The grip frame itself has a number of interesting features that are worthy of mention. Both front strap and the mainspring housing are checkered in 25 and 20 lines per inch, respectively. The mainspring housing is blued and sports a lanyard loop for those who like--or need--this feature. The beavertail safety, complete with speed bump, is dished out to allow a high grip.
On my sample gun, the trigger broke at 5¼ pounds with just a hint of slack before the sear released. The slide lock has been broadened, and while this might be a concern for some, the gun fit my favorite Milt Sparks holster with no ill effects.
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Like the rest of the gun, the hand-fitted slide is very well-finished. Customary slide racking serrations add purchase for checking, loading and clearing the gun.
The rear sight is combat styled, adjustable for windage and elevation. It sports a white horizontal bar directly under the notch and is classified by Sig as a night sight. The front blade has a small round dot that is visible in most any nighttime shooting environment. Placing the bar under the dot gives a distinctive sight picture that is easy to acquire.
The gun will fire with or without a magazine in place. Magazines are equipped with a black bumper to protect them when dropped and assist in positive seating. The five-inch barrel has a 1:16 twist.
Field-stripping the Sig follows standard 1911 procedure. At the range, the gun was a pleasure to shoot. At 44 ounces (empty), the gun balances perfectly in the hand.
Sig Sauer has a history that dates back to around 1853. The company has come a long way in 155 years. The Model 1911 Triple T is a prime example of what a modern 1911 should be.
This special rear sight assembly has been "melted" to prevent snagging. The rear sight sports a unique undercut notch and is adjustable for both elevation and windage. Grips are made from burl walnut, and the frame is checkered front and back. The beavertail safety has a slight outward bulge to provide positive disengagement while shooting. The hammer has been skeletonized and the safety lever extended.
