1911 recommendation

[stev]

....

[kalibear]

A used Les Baer Premier II or TRS - Tight tolerances, reliable, accurate, great trigger

[slick_711]

There's a very wide range of 1911s out there, and you've given yourself a fairly good budget. Picking a specific pistol without info as to what you plan to do with it is hard though. A few good first 1911s (or at least a good starting point for your shopping) would be the Springfield Loaded, the Kimber TLE, or Colt XSE. The three of those are all comparable models from some of the major manufacturers. You mention the SA MC Operator, that's an awesome pistol, and would be fairly versatile for different shooting, so if you shot one and liked it you may want to just go pick one up. With so many different models out there I'd suggest you at least go get your hands on some different models before you spend that kind of money (then get the SA ).

[f4tweet]

1911

Para-Ordnance P-14 Limited or Jarret model. 1911 with 14+1!

[slick_711]

mmmm 1911 by design is inherently single stack...

To further drive that point home, anything over 10 rounds is illegal in CA. Don't go purchasing a doublestack 1911-style pistol solely for the 2 extra rounds unless it's because it fits your hand better.

[randy]

Depends on the features you like. If you want all the bells and whistles you'll spend all of that $1200. There are many great pistols out there. My thought is to buy a pistol that is legal for IDPA competition. I'm not saying that IDPA is the be all of training because it's not even close, but it does give you a place to practice shooting, moving, use of cover etc. So for my first pistol I'd get one that you can use there. Because poking holes in paper from a booth gets pretty boring.

Good luck

[xenophobe]

In the <$900 range I really like S&W 1911's. Over $1000 Les Baer, Kimber and Wilson Combat strike my fancy.

[dfletcher]

I think the CZ Dan Wesson fits the bill and comes in under about $1,000.00. High quality parts, nice finish and very well made. A solid 1911 all the way.

I like the Kimber triggers, but not the finish on some their guns - has sort a soft look to it that I don't care for. Para 1911s (not the LDA) use a plastic mag release and trigger, I had to replace each on my old P10, and the slide & frame has some sort of baked on finish. I don't know if Para still uses the trigger actuated firing pin block but if so that is a killer for me. I find it prohibitive to a good trigger pull.

There are all sorts of 1911s out there, for one reason or another a model will probably appeal to you for some not so clear reason - just the way some appeal or don't appeal to us. Experiment, shop around & if there's a range available rent a few for hands on experience. Nothing tells the tale like a few mags full sent downrange.

[Brass Balls]

A used Les Baer Premier II or TRS - Tight tolerances, reliable, accurate, great trigger

I like Baers a lot. That would be a great choice if you can find one in your price range. Otherwise the Springfield TRP is a very good pistol in that range.

[M1A Rifleman]

For the money, the Kimber's are a good weapon.

[Kruzr]

I would recommend you ignore any and all advice from forums by people who you don't know or know you. They can't tell you what gun fits you best. 1911's today are all cut just a bit different. Different brands will feel different in your hand and will shoot differently for you.

Go and handle as many as you can. Shoot as many as you can. Then you can zero in on what's the best one for you.

Just remember, in spite of what you read, just like anything else, you get what you pay for in 1911's.

[Astig Boy]

Why do we get a "1911 recommendation" thread once or twice a month? Id recommend the search button from now on.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=47359&highlight=1911

Anyways, $1000 price range, Dan Wesson FTW!

[naimad]

Colt Xse

[leelaw]

Stev, where are you located?

[indetrucks]

Pardon my ignorance but, what is a 1911 and what makes it so?
I understand it's a pistol and can be made by different manufacturers.. but what is a "1911" ? as apposed to lets say, a glock 19, 18 etc..?

The term 1911 is throwin me off and I need to be educated if someone has the time...