Ideas on 1911's...

[BadIndianSwamp]

So... I have been trying out range rental pistols to see what works best for me as my next handgun. My current and only handgun is a Ruger GP100.

I have shot (in every caliber) Glocks, XD's, M&P's, HK's (only the P2000 in 9mm).Today I shot a friends Colt 1911. After the first trigger pull, I was hooked! This was the first 1911 I ever shot and it connected with me on every level. It was like hitting the jackpot in a Vegas slot machine.

I have a lot to learn about 1911's, and I would like to know what some of your favorite 1911's are and why you like them.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to post any thoughts.

[bgbeards]

I have and Love my Springfield TRP. Certainly not a cheap one, but alot of good features with out a full custom price. Also Springfields have excellent resale value.... Not that I would ever sell it. My Buddy has a Kimber Gold Cup, very nice as well. I would go with a Springfield or Kimber or an older Colt. The Springfield loaded is a good way to get into a 1911 for under a Grand.

[rgs1975]

After the first trigger pull, I was hooked! This was the first 1911 I ever shot and it connected with me on every level. It was like hitting the jackpot in a Vegas slot machine.

I know the feeling exactly. When I laid my hands on my first 1911 it was a religious experience. Since then I can't put mine down. Head over to the 1911 forum for some excellent information.

[Johansenk]

I was the same way. Always thought they were kinda cool until I shot my boss' Kimber. Now I'm hooked. I'm looking at getting a Springfield Loaded or the Sig 1911 that's blued and has the rail. I have a lot to learn as well, but have been told these are a great way to go

[FNH5-7]

I've shot a lot of handguns and 1911's as well but my 1911 Colt Gold Cup S70 is my favorite gun to shoot and look at lol. The blued finish on this gun however, is a love-hate relationship. It's a beautiful but very delicate finish. Blued 1911's are very nice but it feels as if every time I take her out of the safe she has a new scratch and that really pisses me off.

[wamphyri13]

Dan Wesson

[BLD]

I was into wheel guns until a buddy let me shoot his Kimber. It was all over after that. After a lot of research I bought a Dan Wesson. It is built like a series 70, which means there are no extra internal safeties, and it uses a plain ol' GI guide rod. DW also uses high quality steel parts in their pistols. No plastic or MIM.

Now I'm wanting a 5" 1911. I like how the Springfield TRPs shoot, but I'm thinking of getting a Series 70 Colt and having some custom work done to my taste.

Do lots of research and buy what suites you best. http://forums.1911forum.com/index.php has a wealth of information and opinions. Be warned, 1911s can become a very expensive addiction. They're like a potato chip, no one can have just one.

[Rhatical]

Like the other posters noted, it happens to everyone who has a chance to shoot a 1911. I love my Kimber (have two - one full size, one carry size) 1911's, and would highly encourage looking at them. If you're only getting one and not interested in concealed/carry, would go with a full size (5" barrel) in whatever you get. Other than Kimber, the Springfield Armory production 1911's are also very good choices and have a loyal following. I've been lucky in that I don't shoot the Wilson Combat as well as my Kimber, so haven't had the strong urge to go with a custom manufacturer yet.

[DeLaSeoulRZN]

If you are just getting into it, a full size RIA or Springfield milspec is a nice way to go...depending on options you'll be looking at $500-$600 and the SA's have a lifetime warranty. Inevitably, you won't stop at just one so better to do your tinkering and save the idiot scratches for the $500 pistol than the $1500 one.

[dodge]

there's really only one choice

colt delta elite 10mm

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showpost.php?p=3380913&postcount=1012

solid feel & settles right back on target
amazing report & the sound of the empty cartridge hitting tarmac or concrete also leaves a satisfying feeling
some believe that as in the past that colt will discontinue making this weapon again
so might even make for a decent collectible
stainless is amazing, but the blue is quite a bit less expensive
the biggest negative w/the 10 is the cost per round unless you're doing your own reloading

pretty sure there might be a couple available in calguns for sale section

IF you're on a budget the rock island armory 45acp tactical retails for around 465$ & is also known as one of the better choices @ a nearly unbeatable price


hope this helps

[defuse]

I did my research and finally bought a Kimber TLE/RL. While I did pick something sorta nice for my first 1911, I'm not into collecting safe queens. I'm planning to get very familiar with my Kimber and have thousands upon thousands of rounds of fun together.

Most any 1911 is good these days, but I went with Kimber because I think they're prettier than SA's. Just an opinion. The TLE has all the goodies I want as well, frontstrap checkering, nightsights, etc. I got the rail because it was in stock at Turners, but also because I don't have a railed handgun yet and feel that if I needed one, it's nice to have it available (I can shoot much better with two hands than one).

Find out what you like and go from there. It's pretty hard to go wrong.

[smittty]

So... I have been trying out range rental pistols to see what works best for me as my next handgun. My current and only handgun is a Ruger GP100.

I have shot (in every caliber) Glocks, XD's, M&P's, HK's (only the P2000 in 9mm).Today I shot a friends Colt 1911. After the first trigger pull, I was hooked! This was the first 1911 I ever shot and it connected with me on every level. It was like hitting the jackpot in a Vegas slot machine.

I have a lot to learn about 1911's, and I would like to know what some of your favorite 1911's are and why you like them.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to post any thoughts.

I recommend starting with a basic Springfield GI or Mil-SPec for your first 1911. As you upgrade some of the parts you will have a lot of fun learning about the 1911.

Welcome to the club!

Smitty

[9mmepiphany]

i started with a Colt because they were the only game in town at the time. i wouldn't recommend a current one because they are living off their name and are fitted looser than their competition.

in the mid-price range, you can't do much better than the Dan Wessons as they have some of the best fitting short of the semi-custom guns...i would compare it with the Springfield TRP and the non-Performance Centers S&W 1911s

looking at more of an entry level 1911 that would be worth upgrading at some point...the Springfield Mil Spec would be a good buy

[BadIndianSwamp]

Thanks for the intelligent and helpful responses to my noob questions.
It is going to take a while to research, learn, try, and choose my next handgun, but it it going to be a 1911. All of the range shooting I did with the polymer guns was very helpful. It made the night and day difference of a 1911 very clear to me.

Thanks again!! CALGUNS ROCKS!!!!!!!

[spencerhut]

Colt is making *fine* 1911's now. Have been for a couple of years.