This will probably start a pissing match, but...

[bwhited]

Go to an IPSC match and watch the 1911's run all day long.

[Capybara]

I have had multiple problems with multiple brand new Sigs, I never had a problem with my SA 9mm 1911.

My SA 1911-A1 Loaded has over 4k rounds through it, zero FTF/FTE, with the stock mags it came with 15 years ago when I bought it. 1911s can be as reliable as any other pistol. Same exact experience as NIKSD, except they weren't my Sigs, they were friends. Sigs, OTOH, I would not personally own, they seem to have major QC issues, I have tried shooting three of them on three different occasions. Two broke and one jammed as in needed a brass rod to get the cartridge unseated. Pass on Sig, even a Sig 1911, way too many QC issues, brand new guns from the factory already rusting, etc. Pass.

While I think Glocks are amongst the ugliest guns ever made, they are reliable. I must get one sometime. They are the Toyota Camry of handguns, ugly, boring as hell but they always work, hold great re-sale value and you can customize them until your heart's content when you get bored with them.

[captainsavaho]

1911 Gi

Rocky 1911 Gi

This piece of metal loves bulletman reloads!!

Seems like piece of crap, cheap 1911 will

work forever.

[Dimitri A.]

I've owned 5 1911's, all colts. All were flawless with the exception of one that would choke on 200 grain Ammo. I've since learned that that some full size 1911's can have issues with Ammo lighter than the standard 230 grain stuff.

I don't own any 1911's presently, and while I have always been a Colt snob when it comes to 1911's, the sig sauer 1911's are really starting to appeal to me.

[jess1911]

I don't own any 1911's presently, and while I have always been a Colt snob when it comes to 1911's, the sig sauer 1911's are really starting to appeal to me.

External extractors. Don't do it.

[Gryff]

I hate 1911s because the grip safety and having to ride the thumb safety are ridiculously un-ergonomic. I've also seen customized 1911s choke and die because their tolerances were so tight that they couldn't operate in less-than-perfect conditions.

On the other hand, I've personally seen a Glock 17 kaboom with factory ammo. I've seen Glocks fail to fire because the shooter wasn't "holding it right". Personally, they feel like a Luger-shaped block of wood to me.

But some guys love their 1911s and can shoot them superbly well. Other guys love their Glocks and shoot those extremely well. Both are decent platforms for shooters that like them, as can be extremely reliable under the right setup/conditions.

[L84CABO]

I've heard it said that the 1911 doesn't always lend itself well to mass production techniques and that it can benefit from a certain amount of hand fitting.

In terms of what to look for, that's kinda the challenge because there isn't anything that blatantly stands out where you could tell by visual inspection that the gun is going to fail. Consequently, the best things to look for are a) A company with a good build reputation and b) A company with a good customer service reputation in case something goes wrong with "A."

I've seen all manner of 1911's succeed and I've seen all manner of 1911's fail. I've personally had two brand new Wilson Combat guns not run out of the box. Hence point "B" above. Wilson Combat fixed it and all on their dime. And one of the guns needed three trips back to the factory.

And I'm not suggesting you need to spend that kind of money. Only trying to highlight the importance of going with a company with a good reputation for service in the event you need it.

On the low end, Rock Island seems to have a decent reputation. Going up the ladder, Springfield and Dan Wesson both seem to do well. And then you've got Brown, Baer, Wilson and Gun Crafter to name a few.

If you post a bit about your budget and what you think you're looking for, I'm sure folks can help give you several options.

[rumble phish]

Shhhhhhh I did not tell you this but all autos from time to time will have feeding or extraction issues.

Why I own a few revolvers.

^^^^

THIS

[JTROKS]

External extractors. Don't do it.

My Sig TTT has been very reliable. With all the factory 1911s I bought it's the Sig that I didn't need to tune the extractor.

[rumble phish]

I've heard it said that the 1911 doesn't always lend itself well to mass production techniques and that it can benefit from a certain amount of hand fitting.

In terms of what to look for, that's kinda the challenge because there isn't anything that blatantly stands out where you could tell by visual inspection that the gun is going to fail. Consequently, the best things to look for are a) A company with a good build reputation and b) A company with a good customer service reputation in case something goes wrong with "A."

I've seen all manner of 1911's succeed and I've seen all manner of 1911's fail. I've personally had two brand new Wilson Combat guns not run out of the box. Hence point "B" above. Wilson Combat fixed it and all on their dime. And one of the guns needed three trips back to the factory.

And I'm not suggesting you need to spend that kind of money. Only trying to highlight the importance of going with a company with a good reputation for service in the event you need it.

On the low end, Rock Island seems to have a decent reputation. Going up the ladder, Springfield and Dan Wesson both seem to do well. And then you've got Brown, Baer, Wilson and Gun Crafter to name a few.

If you post a bit about your budget and what you think you're looking for, I'm sure folks can help give you several options.

The problem is that the 1911 design wasn't meant to be as tight as a divers helmet. It was designed to run "loose". Also, they were designed to eat FMJ's. That's why many 1911 have issues feeding hollow points. Some custom 1911's are just too damn tight and need a TON of break-in.

Personally, that's why I think the RIA and Springfield's run pretty damn well. I love my Ruger SR1911, but even it is a little too tight. I will pick up another RIA GI just because it's such a good deal on a pretty damn good gun (The same can be said for High-Standard, Citadel, Charles Daly, and a few others out there that are made by Armscor).

[Ripon83]

Two 1911's I've had gave me similar problems to the one's described. Both were RIA's. One was 9mm and one was 45 acp, and both the "tactical" model RIA. One needed a new spring and the other just a good cleaning and lube after the first box of ammo gummed up the feeding ramp enough to cause me problems. Since then both were stellar and without feeding or extraction issues.

My Kimber no issue.
My new Colt no issue and just put 250 rounds through it last week for the first time and was very happy with my purchase.
I don't shoot my dad's WWII era Colt any more but the last time I did as a teenager it never stopped shooting until I ran out of ammo - which I did.
Had a springfield some time back and it was fine too with no issues.

It may be a 100 year old plus design but it still works fine. Not to say I don't like new guns and new designs.

[ojisan]

Speaking of the loose, original design 1911s, I met a younger guy at ASR one day who had his Dad's WW2 1911.
He had never shot it before and was glad to have some help.
The gun was really loose in the slide to frame fit but intact.
We did a quick clean and lube then loaded the 50+ year old mags.
We started with 230g ball and the gun, while loose as a goose, ran perfect and shot unbelievable well...hits were easy!
Just for giggles, I loaded a mag of 180g hollow points and those also went downrange with no problems.
Next I grabbed some 200G LSWC reloads and the gun also gobbled those up.
Next I offered him good money for the gun, but alas, it was not for sale.

I remain very impressed with that 1911.
Despite being loose, it's obvious that all parts were very well fitted so lock-up at firing was just right.
Loose can be a good thing.

[nedro]

I actually thank Glock for being the POS that it is. It caused me to become my own gunsmith. Even the guys on Glock Talk had ZERO clue as to how to fix my G17C.
It's a flippin' G17! If you can't figure out one of those, don't own firearms!
I'm convinced. Glocks are for the same type of person who has a driver's license, but cannot figure out how to check the oil level in their own car.

[Brown Rock]

Took my brand new SA Mil Spec out 2 weeks ago and fired 100 rounds through it. No problems with it at all.

[drkphibr]

I've been shooting with guys with 1911s 3 different times, and Twice the guns had issues with feeding ammo. One guy's gun was so screwed he had to take the slide off to clear a stuck casing in the barrel. I've owned Glocks and Sigs and my perception is they are more reliable, but I'm not sure if that's true or I just happened to be with 2 guys with crappy 1911s. Again, not trying to start a pissing match, but is there a certain amount you need to spend on a 1911 so it is not junk? What do I need to look for? I'm actually interested in adding a .45 to the collection and I really know nothing about 1911s other than I like the trigger. Thanks

Won't get into the pissing match per se, but will say guns are like cars. Anything mass produced (or hand produced) has the potential to have issues and performance depends on care and feeding. Too many variables in this instance to draw any conclusions from other than you witnessed/experienced guns that had problems.