first 1911 purchase, updated question.

[JTROKS]

This is what my Sig GSR TTT will do. The accuracy gets better as it breaks in.

[Legasat]

Dan Wesson all the way!

Like shooting4life above, I am a HUGE Dan Wesson fan.

But, Dan Wesson is NOT in the price range you mentioned above. That's why I recommended the others. They are also very fine pistols.

[windsheer]

1911's are from a time when labor was cheap and machine work was very expensive. The design lends itself to hand fitting. 1911 are like Harleys or old Porsches meaning they need tinkering and some areas may need a little professinal help to keep em running. They are not for everybody. Most folks shoot them and just can't get over the single action clean crips trigger. If that you your already done in brother . Welcone to the club. Now start buying . Go get 5 of 6 , a Sig, a Springer, a Kimber, a Wilson and a Rock Island , the full spectrum.

[Heiko]

I awaiting the arrival of my first 1911 and it is a Springfield Loaded Champion Lightweight, a model I chose for use as a concealed carry gun. I had looked into a Kimber Pro Carry but opted for the Springfield because of some concerns about the Kimber having more MIM parts than the Springer, more people I know prefer Springfield, and the warranty/customer service favor Springfield by a long shot. I have heard that Kimber customer service is bad but maybe someone can chime in on that.

One observation that I have made about Kimber is at they are everywhere. There are a ton for sale on Gun Broker, every gun store has them in stock, and even here on the for sale forum there are always a bunch fo sale. Springfield , Colts, and Sigs are far less common. In my search for a Springfield 1911 there seems to be a major shortage, at least here in California. My dealer couldn't find a Loaded at any of their distributors. Why? It's anyone's guess but it is just interesting why there are so many Kimbers as compared to Springer.

A final word on Sigs: From what I have read, they are the only non-custom off thr rack 1911 that uses no MIM parts. I like them but we don't get the compact versions here in CA.

[Capita159]

Or

should I get an HK USP 45?

You can skip that step like most people and go straight for the 1911s. But then again, it's the learning curve that keeps the shooter shooting.

1911's are from a time when labor was cheap and machine work was very expensive. The design lends itself to hand fitting. 1911 are like Harleys or old Porsches meaning they need tinkering and some areas may need a little professinal help to keep em running. They are not for everybody. Most folks shoot them and just can't get over the single action clean crips trigger. If that you your already done in brother . Welcone to the club. Now start buying . Go get 5 of 6 , a Sig, a Springer, a Kimber, a Wilson and a Rock Island , the full spectrum.

Sorry, you lost me at Rock Island. It's like buying an SS Camaro made in China. but I like how you put 1911s like Harleys and Porsche

[Cyc Wid It]

Colt or SA for < $1000.

[GWbiker]

Look for Rock Island Armory GI spec 1911 for about $500 and use rest of that $1000 for ammo.

Unless you just want a real pretty gun with a high "wow factor" to impress your friends...

[FUBAR]

I like the look of the Sig 1911. It has a fresh look on an old design. You can can get Blade-tech holsters for them as well.

[Beelzy]

I see someone above mentioned SIG doesn't use MIM parts.......They do use MIM parts.

One can see the mold lines on the slide stop and grip safety fairly easily.

[den888]

Since you mentioned HK, I would go with an HK.

[butch952]

Kimber.

[sholling]

If you are looking at 1911's, you owe it to yourself to look at the others too.

Don't overlook Springfield, Colt or Smith & Wesson.

+1 buy yourself a 1911 that the manufacturer has enough confidence in to back with world class customer service and a lifetime warranty.

[FUBAR]

If you can get a SIG P220 Super Match.

[bondmid003]

Since you mentioned HK, I would go with an HK.

HK does not make a 1911

Ok I saw he mentioned the USP option, thats why you suggested HK. Sorry den888

I'm going to go against all the Kimber fanboys and say go with the SIG. SIG makes quality handguns and my dad just bought a 1911 Carry Stainless. He loves it and doesn't have a negative thing to say about it.

[Shenaniguns]

I would get neither of those brands.

This