Need some help on selecting a 1911

[sholling]

I own Kimbers, Springfield Armory, and Smith & Wesson 1911s. I would eliminate Kimbers for what you want. They are built too tight for their own good and in my opinion emphasize purdy over functionality. Since you're relying on this as a primary self defense pistol I wouldn't go cheap (<$600) either. Inexpensive brands/models are fine for a hobby handgun but I want more than that when my skin is on the line.

I'm a huge fan of S&W 1911s but since you prefer a looser build I strongly suggest a Springfield Armory "Loaded" with fixed sights (~$800). I don't like fragile adjustable sights on a self defense pistol. With the Loaded you would be buying a dead reliable first rate pistol with a first rate lifetime warranty. In general the Smith will have a bit better trigger and may be a tad more accurate but I like the heavier 5lb-ish Springer trigger in a self defense pistol and it's about as vanilla a design as you could ask for. It should also last you a lifetime. If budget allows you may also want to consider the slightly upgraded Springfield TRP version of the loaded ($1300) but either will serve you well.

I would at least give the S&W a try though. The trigger is sweet, the factory support awesome, and the undercut trigger guard allows for a sightly higher grip on the pistol.

Whatever you choose feed it exclusively from top quality magazines like Chip McCormick or Wilson.

[tigerhui]

I agree with sholling. Definitely take a look at S&W. I have two S&W's and they have performed beyond my expectations. The internal MIM parts of the S&W's were better than the parts in one of my Kimbers. In fact, my Kimber has been to the gunsmith several times to get it to run like I want it.

I personally have not owned a Springfield, but I have heard that they are solidly built.

The S&W should put you in the middle of your price range and I think you will have a 1911 that you will be happy with.

[Meka]

I own more than a few 1911's. Colt. Springfield, Wilson, Kimber and Les Baer's . I have what would be considered low and high end 1911's from each manufacturer.
Of all my 1911s my favorite is my Kimber Pro TLE II.
I own quite a few Kimbers. I really don't get the issue we keep hearing about the series II models.
I do know some had an issue with the external extractors Kimber tried for awhile. I never had a problem with them. But enough did to have Kimber switch back to internal.
Price can't be beat when it comes to Kimbers quality.
One of the few 1911s I have not owned is the Sig you mentioned.
I have shot them. A couple friends of mine swear by them.
Personally I think Kimber is far superior when it comes to fit, finishes and reliability.
If you want a 1911 for defense and range use. I would go with a Kimber.
If you find the 1911 is your pistol of choice after purchaceing a Kimber you definitly can drop a lot more cash later on with a Les Baer, Wesson or Wilson.
But I would not be suprised if the Kimber remains your main pistol.

[gef]

I'll second the Smith & Wesson 1911, I have the PD and love it. It's in the $1000 ball park. This is my newest 1911, I've two Colt GM's, and a Springfield Compact, the Smith has the better trigger but I like them all.

[wamphyri13]

Dan Wesson. Ask any who have one. That's all you need to know. :biglaugh:
Ryan

[Clayface]

I say go with the kimber trl/le ii (2) the nickel one, is awesome . I have one and the fact that you can add a tactical light is just a cool feature. If you ever decide to add one , you'll know that you can. As for perks it has a lot that you would otherwise have to take your basic model into a gunsmith to get and dude if S.W.A.T uses it , why other recommendation do you really need ?

[RudyN]

I have three 1911A1 45's and like them all. I have two Springfield Armory 45s. A GI and a stainless steel Mil-Spec. If you think you might want to have your 1911 modified, then the Mil-Spec is a great platform to do that. The GI is your basic .45. My third one is a Les Baer Premier II and it is one of the best if not the best semi-custom 45s. The GI was about $500, the Mil-Spec about $800 and the Les Baer was $1600. You have the whole range of prices there and I think each was worth what I paid for it.

[Crazed_SS]

I got the Springfield MC Operator as my first 1911 and I highly reccomend it.

It was about 1000 bucks and has all the bells and whistles out of the box. Tritium night sights, beavertail, accessory rail, ambi safey, lightweight trigger, match barrel, etc. For being a non-custom 1911, the gun is extremely tight.. however, it is also very reliable. I hear about Kimbers needing like a 500rd break in. This one didnt need any break-in.. just took it to the range and started blasting away. Eats all manner of FMJ rounds, hollowpoints, Steel case Wolf, whatever.. It's way more accurate than I am and with SA's warranty, it's guaranteed for life in case anything does go wrong.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=34

http://springfield-armory.primediaoutdoors.com/SPstory10.php

[guayuque]

The Springfield lifetime warranty was the key for me. I ended up getting the Trophy Match.

[NiteQwill]

If I was a new buyer and looking for a 1911, this thread would make my head hurt

In any case, SA with their great customer service and lifetime warranty is why I like them. I have a Kimber but I would never buy another one again after "requiring" a 500 round break-in, a recoil spring change, a slide stop change, and using various magazines before operating "correctly."

If you can find a Colt Series 70, I would get that before anything else on the list.