looking for 1911 insight

[Millions-Knives]

I relatively new to the handgun scene and it's been a goal and hobby exploring the numerous aspects of modern firearms. I've sampled the OLL (assembling my own 20" A2). Ruggedness of the legendary polymers (purchasing USPc and recently a G17). And waiting anxiously for my first wheelgun (S&W 637).
I've always trolled these boards for the opinions and invaluable advice from my fellow Calgunners.

To the point:

I've never really considered a 1911, I guess it may be because I always fond of polymers, and I was a bit intimidated by the number of manufacturers, mods, and etc. I'm under the impression it may be the AR of pistols? Numerous part makers that generate similar parts to spec?

To be honest
I'm looking for a 1911 within my budget of 1,000. Any opinions would be most appreciated in making an informed decision. A Kimber maybe?

...I think this post would've flown fine with those last 2 lines.

[mike100]

Unanswerable question really. I like Colts (resale is good). I have a liking for Dan Wesson PM7 at the moment and have a commander bobtail DW that isn't the best. actually, the cbob is well made, but I really like the fullsizes better.

Every kimber I have ever shot has been very nice, but you can't make a chevy man buy a ford.

Be careful buying used 1911's, especially with amatuer gunsmithing. Most 1911's don't work out of the box. well, I should say that they do, but only with certain ammo and with reasonable cleaning and spring replacement. get a fullsize, they require the least amount of tweaking.

[lunde]

For the price range you stated, I suggest a SW1911, specifically the one with 108282 as its product code. It is priced well below $1000, and will serve you well. It has everything you need, and nothing you don't need.

[Black Majik]

There are pretty much 4 main companies to look forward to for production 1911s under $1000. Springfield Armory's Loaded model, Kimber TLE II, S&W 1911, and a Colt NRM Government.

What options/modifications are you looking for? Many companies produce models with factory enhancements already on the gun such as fixed night sights, front strap checkering, extended thumb safety, beavertail grip safety, FLGR etc...

[Millions-Knives]

I apologize- I wasn't looking to modify it. Just something I would strictly take to the range for target shooting. In fact, I read of a lot about kimbers being picky about ammo, how amazingly accurate they are- I don't mind the extra maintenance.

[Jon]

I was in your position a few months ago. I ended up buying a Springfield Loaded and have enjoyed it immensely. There are many 'upgrades' for the 1911, but the best advice I was given was to shoot it for 500-600 rounds and then figure out what I wanted. To date, I've only changed the mag release and grips.

Each manufacturer will have its pros/cons (much as mike100 mentioned chevy vs ford). To be honest, I can see myself purchasing a Kimber too. Can never have too many options.

Good luck on your search!

[1911whore]

1911s

I have had a bunch of em. colts, kimbers, a caspian, springfields, and fired many many more. Personal preference here but as for my expierience with reliability, accuracy, ergonomics, and quality I would go with Kimber. to me Kimber provides the best product for the dollar. I have never had problems with ammo in it and to its credit has been by far at almost a 10-1 ratio the most reliable. Colts are great. Springers are ok too but they are rough. with my own expierience with 4 springfields all needed warranty work immediatley. Caspian will blow your budget to pieces but the S&W 1911 are a good deal too. pm me if you have any questions or just want to pick my brain.

[Black Majik]

I apologize- I wasn't looking to modify it. Just something I would strictly take to the range for target shooting. In fact, I read of a lot about kimbers being picky about ammo, how amazingly accurate they are- I don't mind the extra maintenance.

I didn't mean you would have to modify it. Some companies produce 1911s with the goodies already on it, it just comes down to what kinda goodies you want on your 1911s.

For example: The Kimber TLE and Springfield Loaded models are similar. Both come with extended thumb safety, beavertail grip safety, fixed sights, front cocking serrations, and full length guide rod.

The TLE also comes with night sights and frontstrap checkering. Would that be important to you?

[Kruzr]

For example: The Kimber TLE and Springfield Loaded models are similar. Both come with extended thumb safety, beavertail grip safety, fixed sights, front cocking serrations, and full length guide rod.

The TLE also comes with night sights and frontstrap checkering. Would that be important to you?

You forgot the things that don't come with the TLE and do with the Springer. Things like sharp edges and machine marks in the slide tracks and underside of the slide. You also don't get the "Made in Brazil" marking with the TLE.

[sintax]

My loaded does not say made in brazil anywhere on it =P

[Kruzr]

My loaded does not say made in brazil anywhere on it =P

If it isn't under the dust cover, take off the right side grip and see what it says.

[cho034442]

Yep, I love my Kimber TLE II. I have tried range reloads, Independence, Speer Lawman, and PMC (all of them are 230g FMJ) with ACT-MAG, CMC Power Mag, Wilson 47D and haven't have any problem at close to 850 round counts.
I did have a trigger job done on it to take out the creep, replaced the thumb safety with Ed Brown Tactical Thumb Safety, and repalced the full-length guide rod with short rod with spring plug (so I can filed strip it without the tool).

[randy]

For a grand they're are all pretty close. For a Target gun I'd get adjustable sights.

Sintax you just haven't found the Brazil marking on it.

I've wondered if the same people that forge the parts for Taurus do the Springfields too.

[JiminCA]

For a starter gun get yourself a Kimber classic custom. It is the most basic model with no checkering, plain black finish. Either get the fixed sight or adjustable sight model. They make an equivalent stainess model too which would be fine if you prefer stainless.

I have had a lot of 1911's, probably put 80K rounds through them in the last 10 years or so. They all have plusses and minuses, but a base model Kimber is the best value out there IMO. They are typically under 2" at 25 yds with decent ammo, have decent triggers, and work out of the box if you get one without an external extractor.

I wouldn't carry one because of the potential for problems with the FP block design that they use. But you said range use only so that's not an issue.

Do not get one with an external extractor. Kimber has abandoned that experiment and is now making them with internal extractors.

I think Turners has them on sale or just had them on sale.

Look out. They're addictive.

[Kruzr]

For a starter gun get yourself a Kimber classic custom. It is the most basic model with no checkering, plain black finish. Either get the fixed sight or adjustable sight model. They make an equivalent stainess model too which would be fine if you prefer stainless.

I have had a lot of 1911's, probably put 80K rounds through them in the last 10 years or so. They all have plusses and minuses, but a base model Kimber is the best value out there IMO. They are typically under 2" at 25 yds with decent ammo, have decent triggers, and work out of the box if you get one without an external extractor.

I wouldn't carry one because of the potential for problems with the FP block design that they use. But you said range use only so that's not an issue.

Do not get one with an external extractor. Kimber has abandoned that experiment and is now making them with internal extractors.

I think Turners has them on sale or just had them on sale.

Look out. They're addictive.

+1 - What he said except you won't find a Classic Custom for sale at Turners. It will be a Custom II. The last Classic (pre-Series II) was made in 2000.

(LAPD SWAT has no problem with the firing pin block.)