Starter 1911

[fireblast713]

Hey Guys,
So I'm looking to get into 1911's after reading all the posts about them. I want a good reliable and durable starter 1911, I'm not really looking to spend more the $700 or so, I just want something that will feed HP ammunition reliably out of the box and will preform well under normal use (no IDPA or whatever). I was leaning towards the Sig GSR 1911, but I'm really open to suggestions, I've heard good things about springfields, and someone advised me against Kimber as they use MIM parts? Any opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciate... or if someone has a good quality used 1911 they want to sell me for cheap that'd be nice too

[neomentat]

Hey Guys,
So I'm looking to get into 1911's after reading all the posts about them. I want a good reliable and durable starter 1911, I'm not really looking to spend more the $700 or so, I just want something that will feed HP ammunition reliably out of the box and will preform well under normal use (no IDPA or whatever). I was leaning towards the Sig GSR 1911, but I'm really open to suggestions, I've heard good things about springfields, and someone advised me against Kimber as they use MIM parts? Any opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciate... or if someone has a good quality used 1911 they want to sell me for cheap that'd be nice too

GSR are good guns, some may have feeding problems which can be corrected by changing mags. But I think the GSR is a little over your budget. Get a RIA Tactical, it's a great gun and feeds anything, the best part is it's only $389 NIB.

[Capita159]

Turner's outdoorsman is having a sale on a Kimber Custom 1911 for $699. The kimber comes pretty equip with novak sights, beaver tail, trigger, and hammer, so I think that might be a good buy. I hate dealing with Turners, but they have good deals from time to time. I have a bias opinion on 1911s and they lean towards Colts. Pick up a Colt and you can't go wrong.

[Black Majik]

Kimber Custom II, Smith & Wesson 1911, or Springfield loaded. They might be a tick over your budget, but they got much of the whiz-bang options such as fixed sights, extended thumb safety, beavertail, FLGR, etc...

Or, get a Springfield Mil-spec and call it a day.Use the difference on ammo and get familiar with the 1911 platform. If I was in your shoes, I'd pony up a bit of extra cash for the 3 I mentioned initially.

Then there's always Les Baer...

[CWM4A1]

Agree with Kimber and springfield loaded. Smith? Although it does have more reliable external extractor compare to now discontinued Kimber external extractor or SIG GSR, I would stick with Browning's original internal extractor design.

And Black, stop trying to push the poor guy deeper into the hole...

[oghl888]

S&W for your price range

S&W has done it right with their 1911 implementation. I have a few of them and they are all super reliable and fun to shoot out of the box. The basic stainless version is what I shoot the most, followed by a couple of PC1911, and then the rest. I can shoot better the S&W1911s as well as Les Baers. They perform so well that I don't shoot other 1911s any more.

The S&W are slightly heavier than most 1911s (except the PD versions), and they all have flat main spring housing and long triggers. So try one and see if it feels right.

[neomedic]

I believe the Kimber Custom II has an aluminum frame. How about the SA loaded? Is it steel? If so, does one make it bette than the other? (In terms of accuracy, reliability, and toughness?)

[HUTCH 7.62]

Can't beat a springfield for price and quality however the Kimbers tend to be way lighter than the SA 1911's

[FatKatMatt]

I bought a Kimber Tactical Custom II, couldn't be happier. It has a lightweight frame, night sights, match trigger and barrel, etc. It's very accurate if I do my part.

I would suggest a more expensive model if you're really into 1911's, as most will last a lifetime. I would suggest a Kimber Custom II, Springfield Loaded, Sig GSR, etcetera. Springfield Milspecs feel nice and solid, but the sights are rudimentary and not too good. DO NOT get a Rock Island, they're jam-o-matics.

[Kruzr]

I believe the Kimber Custom II has an aluminum frame. How about the SA loaded? Is it steel? If so, does one make it bette than the other? (In terms of accuracy, reliability, and toughness?)

Your beliefs are wrong. The Custom II is all steel forged frame and slide. The Tactical, CDP and most of the Pro sizes and the Ultra's have alloy frames.

BTW, SA uses MIM internals also. Even the high end Springfield Pro uses a MIM slide stop, mag catch and beavertail.

You need to handle the guns you are thinking of getting since they are all cut slightly different.

[fireblast713]

So one person says RIA is great and one says RIA is crap... they are however cheap. Any other opinions of them?

[GW]

The Rock Island is a solid basic 1911
With ammo prices as they are, I'd suggest you get the less expensive RIA or a High Standard and spend the remains of your $700 on some quality magazines and ammo, with a few bucks set aside in case your gun needs tweaking by a gunsmith.

Best of luck with whatever you choos.

[cho034442]

The Sig GSR Revolution I got has better parts compare with Kimber TLE II. However, the GSR also went back to Sig twice for the "3-point jam" problem and it also cost about a little bit more. TLE II on the other hand, had a trigger creep. These are my most recent 1911 .45s and I do love shooting them. I would said that go with the one that fits you the most (budget and actual hand feel) and go from there.

[kilword]

Get a Kimber custom II. Picked up mine today and just recently got back from the range and omg I couldn't be happier. Shoots awesome, super accurate and not one hickup.

[fireblast713]

was that from Turners? the $699 one?