Help me decide on 1911

[rscot]

How can you own just one 1911?


Get the one that interests you the most first ... use the single-shot workaround if necessary.

You'll probably want more before long.

I allready have 3, two smiths and an old auto ordinance, and it looks like with the work around I might get two more!

[jjchan1]

Unlimited budget? - Smith Professional.
.

Springfield Professional?

Get what you want, you'll be happy regardless of whether it be a wilson combat or a colt. I happily own a colt and a springfield and i like them both the same in different ways.

[rscot]

How HIGH end do you want to go?

Unlimited budget? - Smith Professional.

Under $1500 OTD? - Dan Wesson PM7

Then there are a TON of choices between there.

budget is about 2800 but I don't need to spend that much. I was just thinking if I couldn't get a gold cup or the xse I wanted I might go higher. I have the smith w/crimson trace that I bought last year and really like it but always wanted a colt! Now it looks like I can get both! Thanks to all for the information. Thats what I love about cg, everyone is willing to help.

[Argonaut]

One of my boys has an early Gold Cup that was tuned by Bob Chow. Every time we take it to the range people want to buy it offering the 4-5000 range. King in so cal used to do wonderful M1911 work too. I would buy a COLT and find the best 1911 smith these days and have it tuned. I don't know who that would be right now but the right guy will ad to the value as well as utility of the gun. For the money you have available, it will be under budget and exactly what you want.

[VegasND]

Then you might appreciate looking at a couple of (poor) pictures of my latest Colt acquisition.

I allready have 3, two smiths and an old auto ordinance, and it looks like with the work around I might get two more!

I've only been able to shoot it once. Ammo is a little hard to find but I'll order a case. I also ordered a 9mm barrel from Midway and the cheaper ammo should make it much easier to shoot.

I'm definitely going to speed up the process of returning to reloading as well.

BTW -- this makes 5 1911s for me

[tacticalcity]

I just started the DROS on a Kimber Custom II. This is going to be a long 10 days!

[jakuda]

I really like Colt's XSE combat elite but as we all know it's not available. So in that catagory what would you consider. I'm looking at Brown, Baer and wilson. I've never owned a high end gun and think I'm ready. I know there are many members more knowledgable and experienced than I, so let me know what you think and please try and include some details

Thanks,
Scot

It also depends what you plan to do with the gun. If you really want the best accuracy and reliability, with looks being secondary: With a budget of around $2500, your best bet (IMHO as I've learned recently by experience) is to buy a cheap 1911 (basic Springfield GI, RIA, or even a Kimber Custom II Target), then send the gun to a REPUTABLE gunsmith to furnish and fit/install high quality replacement parts for almost everything: Kart barrel, bushing, slidestop, thumb safety, mainspring housing (if plastic), extractor, ejector, sear, hammer, and disconnector.

To save a few bucks, you can probably buy the parts yourself online and send them along with the gun for the smith to install, the only thing is you better buy the right parts and the right brand.

Downside is that this process can take time...anywhere from 2 to 12 months in the gunsmith's hands. I think it's worth it though. Check the 1911forums.com for recommended smiths.

[dodge]

totally agree w/jakuda ^^ on the upside seesm, here on calguns, & avid racer, is a smith & can assist. possibly reducing wait time to get your prize pistol back

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/member.php?u=23115

idunno, maybe pm him first to find out

otherwise, you'll just devalue your colt slide; from brass occasionally hitting it after round is fired & other mishaps that happen from heavy use.

i'd still choose a colt though, guess i'm just spoiled. my buddies 'gold cup' is amazing & why i went w/colt when making my purchase. he's done nothing to it but use it. ie. no upgrading & extremely accurate.

also, see what the true sales people @ most retail shops will also agree. you can spend a lot more money, but still merely a copy of brownings' designed colt made by another manufacturer.

my 10mm delta elite will be w/me the rest of my life sends a round down range everytime i pull the trigger. which feels about 4lbs or less after break in








pistol has around 1k rounds through it w/very few misfires; which i'd blame on the ammo used