1911 Chart of Features?

[GutPunch]

Hey guys,

I'm looking at purchasing a 1911. When I did my investigation work on my AR-15 I did research for two months on different vendors and the features that I needed/wanted on the gun. The chart on M4carbine.net was a nice help.

Does such a chart exist for 1911 manufacturers? I know there are a lot of manufacturers and features but it would be great to be able to do some feature/price comparison.

Thanks!

[Black Majik]

Not that im aware of, but what type of features are you looking for? List them out and we can give you a list of 1911s that match closest to your specifications.

[GutPunch]

I guess I'm just looking to see what ARE the list of features at this point.

Honestly I'm looking at a SA 1911 GI - basic as far as I can tell. What are the upgrade items and price points.

[Ricky-Ray]

I have the SA 1911 GI Mil Spec and it shoots great out of the box. The only upgrade I ever did to it was change the grips to the rubber Pachymar (sp??) grips.

[ThatFishGuy]

You want to know all the upgrade items??? umm... count how many ar type add-ons there are, then multiply by 5! anything and everything you want you can throw onto/into one. Not all of them are useful but they are options.

[Sinixstar]

The thing that makes it difficult with 1911s, is that the variety even between models from the same MFG can make your head spin. Some MFGs have their own unique things they do as well.

The other big difference with 1911s is that the thing that separates mfgs is more about fit, finish, and quality control more than standard features.

[GutPunch]

Heh! Thats kinda what I figured. I've seen the comparisons between Pre WW2 vs Post WW2 GI vs Match Grade. I was hoping for a breakdown of features and manufacturing methods. Any info you guys have will help!

[bgbeards]

If you give a price range that will narrow it down. And if your looking at the SA GI step up a little and get the Mil-spec. It has some reliabilty features the gi doesn't.

[saber]

While I don't have a chart, one way to look at 1911's is to think about is tiers or groupings of 1911. For example, I might suggest the following organization:

1.) Tier 1- Standard 1911's- Examples would be Springfield Mil-Spec or RIA's. These pistols have standard triggers, grips, sights, standard safeties, etc. These pistols have little or no add-ons.

2.) Tier 2- 1911's with some upgrades- Examples would be Springfield Loaded or entry level Kimber's. These pistols generally have the Beavertail grips, maybe ambi-safeties, better sights, etc.

3.) Tier 3- Top end 1911's with all bells and whistles- An example might be the Les Baer's or Nighthawk's. These ones have everything from above plus perhaps upgrades to the finish, triggers, barrels, etc.

As one poster suggested, if you say how much you want to spend, you can likely decide how many features you need.

Of course, everyone will have their opinion. IMHO I would suggest that better sights and the beavertail are good upgrades while everything else is optional.

[Black Majik]

For current production 1911s, I'll add one more tier between tier 2 and 3. These would be the fancier production 1911s; your Springfield TRPs, Kimber's "Custom Shop" pistols such as the Raptor, and Dan Wessons.

Otherwise, great post.

[SamsDX]

I would echo Saber's comments on the various "tiers" of 1911s (great breakdown, by the way). But below tier 1 there's a class of "budget" 1911s like your Armscor/Rock Island Armory guns that you can pick up for around $400. As an amateur I really can't tell the difference, or if the differences are that big a deal in building up a gun, but I understand that the frames are cast (as opposed to forged, which most of the higher end models are) and the parts are MIM instead of the tougher forged versions.

As far as various standard modifications go, the following link has a brief description of what it is and pictures of what it looks like:

http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/tech/custom_mods.htm

Various manufacturers will do them differently, of course, and their level of craftsmanship will largely be differentiated by their price and/or prestige.

[Shenaniguns]

And if you want the "real" top tier than you're looking at a Full House Custom, here's some guys that can provide that:

http://www.louderthanwords.us/

[Sam]

Check out John Harrison's website. He's a full custom guy but had excellent articles on the various features of the 1911...and he has pretty pictures!

[Legasat]

For current production 1911s, I'll add one more tier between tier 2 and 3. These would be the fancier production 1911s; your Springfield TRPs, Kimber's "Custom Shop" pistols such as the Raptor, and Dan Wessons.

^^^This!^^^

[saber]

The other thing I would recommend is that it might be a good idea to try some different 1911's in your hand and see how the different ones feel. Also, if you can find a range near you that rents the different guns, you could see if there is a difference to you in how let's say a Kimber and a Mil-Spec 1911 feel to you.