Military is finally learning, and recycling. We just got word from our Munitions guys to save all packaging, crates, ammo cans, cardboard and styrofoam tray... recycling at its finest.
I've ran across that same issue on brand new Colt uppers, military, and they would gauge just fine but wouldn't hold a group for ****. We had to go back a rebarrel 9 M4's because of this. Quality Control in the past 10 years has defiantly declined for Colt but some how their prices keep going up.
Nothing wrong with owning both. just don't swap the uppers around thinking about a fun time. Confiscation of the weapon, fines, lawyers, jail time... Not worth it.
Think about a Glock 19 or 26, even used, they will still last a lifetime. They might be a little bit heaver then what you're looking for but its worth it. Also don't forget about the holster. most people forget about that and even if you don't get a Glock a Fobus holster is what I'd recommend.
The Glock 34 is an amazing gun. I picked up mine about a year ago with the intention to use it during some three guns, however I've been shooting IDPA matches with is about 9 months now and Ive been doing pretty well taken 2nd twice, 3rd five times and 5th once (bad week). The weapon when loaded...
Lets see, on a typical day i have a Glock 19 on my hip, 15 rds, 2 Glock 17 rd mag on my other side, a 1911 in a Galco shoulder holster with three 8 rd mags. Oh and the Ruger LCP in my back pocket, 7 rds. So 80 rds, three guns and all concealed. Nobodies the wiser.
Not saying that this should be...
Get a 1911 first go with a Springfield, Ruger, or a Sig. Colt's and Kimber's are nice but are expensive and there are better options for the price. Make sure you get some good mags too. Mecgar, Chip McCormick, and if you're having a mag, just get rid of it and get a new one.
As for the...