Help choosing a 1911

[Quiet]

Rock Island Armory 1911 Tactical.

Every now and then Turner's puts them on sale for around $475.

[13luck]

Springfiel Armory 1911's

Best Value In My Books for under $1K

[redcliff]

I think both Kimber and Springfield make nice pistols, and have several as well as several Colts. However I'm very impressed with the Dan Wesson pistols I"ve seen lately, so much so that I just dros'd a CBOB yesterday.

I really liked the feel of the bobtail in my hand. And the trigger pull was excellent for out of the box. Combined with the nice features like checkerred front strap, tritium sights, beavertail safety, extended thumb safety, etc. I agree they appear to be a best buy.

[gwl]

Dan Wesson CBOB. Great handgun.

[a1fabweld]

I looked at the Dan Wesson's but it looks like they only offer one black model. I'm personally only attracted to black guns. I know it's wierd, but it's just a thing. Does anyone own a Para single stack fullsize? If so, how do you like it? My para's are very accurate & I hear great reviews of their accuracy. Their double stackers tend to have feeding problems including the 2 that I own. I'm putting some artermarket springs in them which is supposed to help. Hoping for the best.

[USMC Tanker]

For under $1000 I think a Springfield Armory Mil-Spec or Loaded model would be hard to beat.

I've dealt with Springfield customer service first hand and I can tell you that they're first rate. They don't want to see a warranty card or papers, they just want you to send it in so it can be fixed. Their custom shop is excellent also.

From the performance I've received from my GI and MC Operator, I'll never own another manufacturer's 1911. Their quality and warranty are unmatched!

[ZirconJohn]

I think both Kimber and Springfield make nice pistols, and have several as well as several Colts. However I'm very impressed with the Dan Wesson pistols I"ve seen lately, so much so that I just dros'd a CBOB yesterday.

I really liked the feel of the bobtail in my hand. And the trigger pull was excellent for out of the box. Combined with the nice features like checkerred front strap, tritium sights, beavertail safety, extended thumb safety, etc. I agree they appear to be a best buy.

Hee-heee...

I can relate there, uh... redcliff,

A client ordered one and when he came to paper it, we loaded a snap-cap and "click!" - sweeeeet!, again... click... "double SWEET!!!"

I ordered one for myself the same day!

And yup, yup on the Tritium, checkered front strap, extended thumb safety etc, etc... How you like that slide release, "chyk!" chambers that round so perfect!

Don't get me wrong, I own a Kimber, the Ultra CDP II.. my trusty carry piece. I had my sights set on a Kimber full size (Model ?)... but, when I dropped the hammer on that CBOB... "oooooo-eeeeeeehawwww!" - the Kimber trigger is NOT that crisp! Yes, the CBOB trigger is THAT GOOD!

Best "K" I ever spent on a handgun!

[randy]

Of the generic 1911's out there today the Dan Wessons look top of the heap to me.

If they don't have one with the features you want then oh well.

Very good guns none the less.

[Colt]

I agree with the idea of trying to find a pre 70 series Colt. They can be found, and they are awesome pistols. An original 70 series would be good next choice, again if you can find one (if you do, be sure to inspect the bushing).

[vinny_land]

I agree with the idea of trying to find a pre 70 series Colt. They can be found, and they are awesome pistols. An original 70 series would be good next choice, again if you can find one (if you do, be sure to inspect the bushing).

Sorry for being a newb in the 1911 world, but what exactly are we suppose to look at besides the obvious (cracks, etc)

I turn 21 next December so Im just doing research on the variety of handguns before making my first handgun purchase.

[Colt]

The reason I mentioned the bushing on a 70 Series Colt, is because they used a collett type bushing , which has "fingers." They're known to break - no big deal, but you'd like to know if a) the bushing is gtg, and, b) whether or not it's original (if there's a solid bushing, it's not original).

Good luck!

[redcliff]

Sorry for being a newb in the 1911 world, but what exactly are we suppose to look at besides the obvious (cracks, etc)

I turn 21 next December so Im just doing research on the variety of handguns before making my first handgun purchase.

I"m no expert, but things I look for on used 1911's are proper function check; does the hammer stay back if I pull the trigger with the safety engaged or with the safety disengaged but grip safety not engaged. I drop the slide with the slide release and ensure the hammer doesn't follow. I press down on the top of the barrel hood to ensure their is no movement. I check slide fit to the frame, tight is good, and bushing fit to the slide and to the barrel, tight is good. And I also check the condition of the bore.

[aplinker]

She actually likes the .45 fullsize 1911 vs. my Sig 9mm, XD40. Also, I'm trying to standardize my calibers. It's a P.I.T.A. taking 3 different clibers to the range. I have to say that my Springfield GI "cheapie" has been a champ. Once I bought some Wilson mags for it, it performs flawlessly. Seems like the Dan Wessons are popular here. I have never really looked into them. But I will. Thanks for all your thoughts fellas & keep 'em coming!

The Springfield Loaded is a full-size 1911 in 9mm.

The Dan Wessons are excellent all-around non-custom 1911s.

If you can find a deal on one, get it.