Nice High End 1911 - Any Recommendations

[XYZ]

I don't have a 1911 in my collection as I consider my handguns as tools and don't want anything too nice if it get's lost in tragic a boating accident. I want to purchase a nice 1911 and would like some recommendations. I'll probably shoot it from time to time but it may be a safe queen/trophy gun - awful, I know. I'd like it to be nickel plated or a nice steel finish. Something like the photo below. My budget is $2500. Thanks for any input.

[Steyrlp10]

Oh, you're going to get plenty of feedback now

I don't know if I could even make a suggestion now that I see the word "Safe Queen" in there - lol

[dascoyne]

A lot of contradictory statements there. It's hard to get an idea of what you want.
If you're looking for something that's just pretty you might just want to consider getting a used Colt or Springfield and then send it to someone for a professional "master blueing" where they prep the slide and frame with 1200 grit and then hot blue to a mirror finish. It'd probably be about $1500 just for the finishing.

I've been considering doing this for some time myself.

[tacticalcity]

I assume you want a Wilson Combat, Nighthawk, Les Bauer, Ed Brown type 1911?

I have been drooling over the Ed Brown Special Forces for some time now. Might look rather ordinary, but it shoots extraordinary.





But any of the above brands make 1911s in your price range that will serve you well.

[sniper4usmc]

For $2500,I would buy 2x1911s

[Steyrlp10]

If you're looking for something that's just pretty you might just want to consider getting a used Colt or Springfield and then send it to someone for a professional "master blueing" where they prep the slide and frame with 1200 grit and then hot blue to a mirror finish. It'd probably be about $1500 just for the finishing.

That's the exact "pretty" that appeals to me and how I like all my 1911s to look However, I'm going to continue running rounds through them and dread the thought of them getting shoved into the back of the safe.

On the other hand, if I forget that I have a particular 1911, I just may go shopping, thinking I need to fill the space...

OP, you need two pretty 1911s in your collection: one with iron sights and one with optics!

[dlouie87]

I assume you want a Wilson Combat, Nighthawk, Les Bauer, Ed Brown type 1911?


But any of the above brands make 1911s in your price range that will serve you well.

ditto

[faterikcartman]

For right around $2,500 you can get a Springer Pro. That would be, IMO, the best bet for that money. Owning a couple Ed Browns, a Wilson, and a Dan Wesson, I bought a second Pro. YMMV.

[Legasat]

Plan A: If I was going spend $2500 on a single 1911, it would be a Wilson Combat.

Plan B: Buy 2 Dan Wesson PM-7's, shoot the heck out of one, and safe queen the other.

[gumby]

I have the Ed Brown Kobra Carry, great gun!

[Arias]

I'd go with the Springfield Professional in that price range

[kahai808]

O man, there are so many choices! Ed Brown, Wilson Combat, Nighthawk...

[alfred1222]

I would go with a Kimber, one of there high end models. I have there super match 2, which I don't think they make anymore, but I would definitely check out there catalog.

[rgs1975]

Nighthawk T3 would be my big $ 1911 but I can see how it might not fit the bill for your requirements.

[RedFord150]

...Buy 2 Dan Wesson PM-7's, shoot the heck out of one, and safe queen the other.

I bought my DW PM7 a year ago. I love to shoot it and it still looks brand new. I have a lot of shooting buddies that are intrigued by the brand (they know the .357 revolver by DW and nothing else) and than start drooling when they see it. Most of these guys are LEO or former military and just do not keep up with the less popular brands. Anyway, this was one of my better gun purchases.