Citadel 1911A1 Initial Impressions Review

[@kengamble8595]

I come across one of these last week, used but very little. The guy said it was a piece of crap and sold it to me for fifty bucks. Got it home and took it apart, found a rock in the works, could not believe that somebody would miss it ! After running 200 rounds through it.......... BEST FIFTY BUCKS I EVER SPENT !! I do plan on getting better sights for it as the ones that come on it aren't much but overall, definitely a keeper !

[@AKJames762]

whatever guy told you it was crap, frankly, was an idiot.

[@garyK.45ACP]

Besides not finding the rock, the guy was stupid to sell it for $50. He could have disassembled it and sold the PARTS for more than he paid for the gun to begin with. He'd get $50 just for the barrel, link and bushing. In the process, he would have found the rock and had a good gun. Oh well, life is hard. It's harder if you're stupid. Enjoy your gun!

[@garyK.45ACP]

There are 5 safeties. In addition to the three you mentioned, there is a disconnector that prevents the gun from firing if it is not fully "in battery" (completely closed) and there is a rebounding, "inertia" firing pin. The firing pin is not in contact with the primer. When the hammer hits the firing pin, it flies forward hits the primer and immediately rebounds. This makes the gun safe even if the hammer is down on a live round in the chamber. In addition, series 80 pistols (which the Citadel is not) have a firing pin block that locks the firing pin in place unless the trigger is pulled or the grip safety is depressed (depends on the maker) This feature makes the gun "drop safe"

[@kbayrz]

Ive had one for about 8 years and I love this gun! The only downfall is the sights. Ive checked into getting after market night sights installed and it will require some smithing to have them mounted. Otherwise, this is a cost- effective, accurate weapon. I'm a lefty, and the ambi- safety feature is necessary when carried in a holster. It's a great gun!

[@AKJames762]

I swapped my sights out for truglo night sights, you just need one of those sight removal tools, very easy and doesnt take long either. You should look into one!

[@kbayrz]

@@AKJames762 Thanks for that info. I'll check into it.

[@AKJames762]

@@kbayrz rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F223571632619

[@OneGenericName]

Was hoping you'd show the Citadel's breakdown. I have a Kimber Tactical Pro II and it doesn't have a bushing either. Absolutely hate fiddling with the little 90-degree paperclip it takes to break it down, especially when I need it but don't have it. Nice shooter but I'd dump it in a NY minute for another "traditional" 1911. My EDC is a Wiley Clapp Colt Commander and I'll never get rid of it under any circumstances. You can break it down and reassemble it blindfolded or in the dark w/o tools if you had to.

[@hatfield4805]

Looks like a sweet piece man. I like that its a bushless 1911. And those stock sites black on black lol. When you said radioactive I couldn't help laugh at the fact the sites are radioactive. Congrats bro on your new toy. I'm curious of the recoil and accuracy with that barrel.

[@ElTerrible666]

Not a fan of 1911s but, that little thing is sweet! Congrats on the new addition.

[@AKJames762]

Thanks man!

[@garyK.45ACP]

The Armscor/RIA/Citadel/Charles Daly pistols (all made by Armscor) a great values in 1911s. I think for the price point, the sights are to be expected. You can buy a Kimber Ultra Carry II for double the price and get the same sights. You can add the night sights if you want and still have a good value. TBH I have 6 1911s, including a Kimber Ultra CDP my wife and son's bought me for my 50th birthday about 20 years ago. (give or take) It had the night sights from the factory and cost more than $900 in 2001. Outstanding gun. I have never found a useful purpose for the night sights. Another of the guns is a Series 70 Colt Gold Cup National Match which has a totally "blacked out" sight picture, which is perfect for target shooting at bullseye targets. The others have either GI type sights or Novak type with no dots, like the originals on your gun. One of those is a Charles Daly 1911FSE, made by Armscor, just like this Citadel, with the same sights this gun came with and it has been fine. I considered replacing the sights with adjustable sights, but it shoots to point of aim out to 25 yards, so I'm good with that. I also considered replacing the barrel and bushing with match grade, but the gun has been accurate enough as is. My thought was "Great price. I'll change the sights and the barrel and STILL have a great value". Turns out, I didn't need to do that. FWIW I consider an adjustable sight a much more useful feature than night sights.

[@ask-mw5hk]

Charles Daly is not made by Armscore it was sold off to an Italian manufacturer

[@garyK.45ACP]

@@ask-mw5hk Mine was made by Armscor before it was sold off. It is clearly marked as such on the bottom of the trigger guard.

[@humbleoutdoorsman6817]

great gun. i have the same. ran few rounds. today it shoots flawless

[@HARMARSCH2]

Nice 45 James,looks like a great choice. Guess the jury will be out till you take it to the range.

[@AKJames762]

Yep and hopefully that's soon lol

[@SteveJohnsonPHANTOM1984]

I have a Citadel 1911 in 9mm. The sites on this are right on the money

[@jordanharris8928]

Hey, I have this same citadel, I'm having a hard time finding night sights for it, which tru glow sights did you get?

[@AKJames762]

The ones I got were just listed as 1911. Didnt have anything specific on them that I remember

[@jordanharris8928]

@@AKJames762 Did you have to do some filing at all or were they a good fit?

[@AKJames762]

@@jordanharris8928 no filing at all, just a drop or 2 of ballistol and they slid right on

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

Nice video and a good look at a Citadel for us! Do you still have your Citadel ? I think they look like great 1st 1911s for anybody like the RIA guns. I bought a Rock Island last year and its been great. Are the Citadels Philippine made too? I'm upgrading the trigger pins and springs in mine . I noticed the hammer fits on the pin with a bit of play that might allow it to cock and possibly keep the safety down. Mine was sloppy but not making the safety stick. I cant find grips for mine anywhere as its a doublestack but that is my only negative so far.

[@unixfool]

Citadel falls under the Armscor umbrella...same as Rock Island Armory.

[@donaldkoz7777]

What size is the front sight? Novak cut?

[@jpphilosopher]

What's the barrel length on it?

[@AKJames762]

vagare kynikós 3.5"

[@righthere1234567890]

Where did you purchase your grips?

[@AKJames762]

EBay

[@GrOuNdZeRo7777]

Nice gun! I pondered them as well...Hi-Points are great for what they are, An entry level firearm for people earning a minimum wage (Or people that are cheapskates lol), Like I said before they made a gun I could own when I worked at Wal-Mart and they are a much better choice than a Jimenez, Bryco, Lorcin or Raven IMO.

[@aaronscott9768]

Ken I'll give you a 100 bucks for it

[@grasunmajjurach6026]

Verygood verygood I from thailand พัทลุง 26 เม.ย.64