Need 1911 advice

[Rob Roy]

I am looking for 1911 to be Glock grade, which is reliable, combat accuracy, fixed night sights, can take some abuse like operating in dusty/muddy/rainy environment and be reasonably priced (ideally below 1k, but let me know if it's not realistic). What is essential to me is the SA trigger pull quality. Also, I'd like to hear how important front serrations and if you'd recommend to get 1911 with a rail, which I am inclined to do for this particular gun.

[wamphyri13]

After break in, most Springfields will fit the bill. If you don't want FCS, (good call, btw) but something highly upgradeable, Springfield Mil-Spec. If you want a rail, SA MC Operator. Dan Wesson's are awesome, but probably too tight for your needs. Springfield Armory should fit the bill. Plus, we're not too far apart, if you want to go 9mm, I might be parting with my loaded soon.
PM me if you want more info about 1911's in general. I own plenty.
Ryan

[PutTogether]

I think the actual usefulness of front cocking serrations are over rated. They don't hurt anything though, although a gun is much better looking without them. Of course, you could make the claim (and be correct) that how a gun looks is pretty over rated too.

Having a rail is a great idea, especially for a nightstand gun. You can mount a light to it and not have to worry about the added bulk for carry. Even if you do want to carry, a gun with a rail is only a little bit heavier, and there are a bunch of appropriate holsters for carrying with or without a light mounted. What I'm saying is that it is nice to have the option.

Of all the 1911s I've owned, two really stand out as fitting your bill.

The first is a Sig Sauer GSR Revolution. Thousands and thousands of rounds of all kinds of ammo with no issues. I've had it fairly dirty while shooting, but never with its mag well full of mud or anything. Checkered front strap, night sights, accessory rail, excellent performance, and fantastic build quality all for less than $1000.

The other gun I've had with that level of reliability has been a Springfield TRP without a rail. I haven't owned it for as long as I've had the GSR, and haven't fired quite as many rounds, but its performance has been great so far. Even once at Angeles range with a particularly bad batch of ammo, the gun did great. Night sights, but no rail. The TRP is available with a rail, but it is really a different gun because it is a bushing-less barrel configuration that only comes with adjustable sights. Quite a bit more than $1000 new, but you see them used in the $1000-$1250 range.

I also have the springfield MC Operator, which lacks the fit and finish, and front strap checkering of the TRP, but does have an accessory rail. I've yet to really put it through the paces though.

[chim-chim7]

Words like 1911 and $700, does not leave many doors open on options. I would go with the Ruger then save more for a better 1911 later on.

[JanG]

rock island armory... with wilson mags, mine goes bang every time.

[Rob Roy]

Thanks, guys. How tight 1911s like Les Baer tolerate harsh environment?

[Recession]

Thanks, guys. How tight 1911s like Les Baer tolerate harsh environment?

Les Baers are tanks. They will go to hell and back and still shoot 3" groupings from 50 yards.

I have a Les Baer TRS that has 1000000000 rounds through the barrel and it still shoots as accurate as the day I got it.

That's what $1800 gets you, a hand made, hand fitted gun that will last you a lifetime.

< $1000 will get you something that was pumped out of a machine on an assembly line.

[stphnman20]

Kimber or Wilson. Both are very high quality piece of gear!!

[Interfan]

Start off with a Colt series 70 and send it, along with an extra kidney, your weight in gold, your firstborn, and $3000 to Larry Vickers or Ed Brown for customization.

Otherwise a Springfield MC Operator is a decent choice, albeit a little over your budget listed. You could get a Springfield GI and a Dawson rail to get it under budget. You are stuck using a Surefire light, but that's really not a bad thing.

If you want something that goes bang every time, stay away from Kimber Series II or S&W 1911s. The Schwartz safety has had mixed reviews on reliability, and disabling it is not a great solution.

[Colt]

"I have a Les Baer TRS that has 1000000000 rounds through the barrel and it still shoots as accurate as the day I got it."

One billion rounds through the Baer? Wow. Spent a fair bit on ammo, did you?

How many hours of shooting would that be?

[saybng]

"I have a Les Baer TRS that has 1000000000 rounds through the barrel and it still shoots as accurate as the day I got it."
WOW.....LMAO!

[sker13]

If you want something that goes bang every time, stay away from Kimber Series II or S&W 1911s. The Schwartz safety has had mixed reviews on reliability, and disabling it is not a great solution.

I believe the vast majority of Kimbers and S&W 1911's to be of high quality. Also I believe the Schwartz safety to be a non-issue. I chalk it up to internet myth. While I am sure there have been instances of failure, I believe it to be no more than any other mechanical failure on any firearm.

However, for you price range I would skip the rail and get a slightly used Dan Wesson. Or, get a new RIA tactical and not worry about drilling and tapping the frame to add a rail.

If you want a rail, front strap checkering, and fixed night sights, your only option that I can see in your price range is a used Kimber Custom TLE/RL II. Unlike the previous poster,I believe it is a fine pistol .

Good Luck with your decision!

[1911Luvr]

I believe the vast majority of Kimbers and S&W 1911's to be of high quality. Also I believe the Schwartz safety to be a non-issue. I chalk it up to internet myth. While I am sure there have been instances of failure, I believe it to be no more than any other mechanical failure on any firearm.

It has nothing to do with quality, I'm sure they are well made guns. The Schwartz safety design has issues, plain and simple. My gunsmith showed me the issues and potential problems before I bought a gun to start a custom build, and I have stayed away from that design since. I'm sure most people never have an issue, but after seeing the comments on owner forums and reading stories, I'm content to choose other brands for now...

[Cyc Wid It]

10-8 and some other reputable folks no longer endorse guns with the Schwartz safety for duty/hard use and many won't work on guns with them.

Maybe the Cylinder and Slide Trident would be a good option for your given criteria (except for price)?

There's one available for immediate purchase @ C&S: http://www.cylinder-slide.com/index....show&ref=FZ078

[FNH5-7]

Start off with a Colt series 70

I wish these were easier to come by in our state. I'm looking for one myself.

The few that I've seen people want way too much for a gun that's worth $700-850.