Updated - I pulled the trigger. Which 1911 - First timer....

[Rekrab]

I like the Sig, so for me it would be a real close toss-up between the Sig and the Springer.

[SixtyDashOne]

Tough choice between the SA and the Kimber, imo. Probably would go with the SA though. I've owned/own both SA and Kimber and like both manufacturers' guns, and have never had any problems with either. I believe SA has a better warranty than Kimber, and there's typically no "break-in" period on the SA 1911's, as opposed to Kimbers where it's not uncommon to hear of people having issues with their gun for the first ~500 rounds. Not really a fan of S&W or Sig 1911's but that's just me.

[IPSICK]

Permanent mod, when I had my gunsmith smooth my gun a little he popped that out and it only took him a couple minutes. It cleaned up the trigger pull a lot.

So is this something you can do, or does it need to be done by a gunsmith? I forget my wife's Para is a series 80 with the firing pin safety removed and it works fine. So I guess they're OK, I just don't see a lot of the other guns mentioned being used as base guns for the full house customs I see on louderthanwords.us. To each their own I guess.

[mceod]

My vote goes to the SA. If the Brazil thing bothers you, look for one with an NM serial number.

[ptgarcia]

Does anyone have a picture of the external extractor on the S&W? I'd like to see what it is so many people don't like.

[cindynles]

Does anyone have a picture of the external extractor on the S&W? I'd like to see what it is so many people don't like.

[cindynles]

Thanks for all the feedback. After reading, reading, and reading some more I think the Kimber is out, but now the Sig GSR is looking like a contender. Anybody have experience with this gun?

SIG GSR - $850 from budsgunshop.com

[jdg30]

I recently purchased my first 1911. One specifically stuck out that I liked more than the rest and that was the Dan Wesson CBOB. After getting it and shooting it I don't have a single regret. Everything about it is quality and it shoots perfect. If this is the only 1911 I ever have I will be satisfied with it because it has all the qualities I was looking for in a 1911. The PM-7 is another excellent 1911 that I wouldn't hesitate to buy if I came across one and had the money for it.

Out of the choices you listed I would choose the Sig 1911. I held one and dry fired it and it seemed to be an excellent quality gun for the price. I've been very tempted to buy one even though I said the DW CBOB would be my only 1911. That's what I would go with if the Dan Wesson was out of the picture. Next choice would be the Smith and Wesson. I guess I'm drawn to high quality guns that aren't so popular for one reason or another that "everybody" has one.

[Ubermcoupe]

Can't go wrong with the Springfield Loaded

Or a Loaded Springfield =D

Loved it since I started shooting. It gets my vote!

[GW]

Springfield Loaded. Mine shot great right out of the box and is running great still. It's been through 2 classes at Front Sight without a hitch.

[jeffrice6]

3. Kimber Custom II ..... & you should be able to do better on the price!!!

[jonzer77]

So is this something you can do, or does it need to be done by a gunsmith? I forget my wife's Para is a series 80 with the firing pin safety removed and it works fine. So I guess they're OK, I just don't see a lot of the other guns mentioned being used as base guns for the full house customs I see on louderthanwords.us. To each their own I guess.

You can do it yourself, there is a little triangular shaped part you need because it blocks something off, can't remember what he said. It is a common procedure so I am sure a google search for convertin a series 80 should come up with directions and videos. You will like the trigger afterwards.

I have a sig xo 1911 and I really like it. It took a little cleaning up by my gunsmith to handle some of my handloads but it will eat up any commercial ammo I feed it.

[luckygunner]

I've owned the S&W 1911 for a couple years now. It's ran flawlessly and it has more options that I've found I need. Still a great pistol for the price. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up the SA Loaded. That might actually be my choice if I were in your shoes. More because I own the S&W and would want something new.

Best of luck to you in finding what you want. I wouldn't be scared of any of those. Although I tend to avoid Kimbers.

__________________
9mm ammunition

[Legasat]

+∞ for the Dan Wesson PM7!

[Bongos]

I don't really want a rail, and a crimson trace is not something I want to spend money on. This won't be a HD gun (that's covered with an Ithaca 37 with a Surefire 624 6V weapon light and Glock 17 with a Safariland RLS). It will be for the range and some competition work. A fun gun with decent sites, combat hammer, and a beaver tail with a speed bump.

Not all TRP have the Rail, the one at Ade's is an older one (which is a good thing) and does not have the rail, the Crimson is just a $300 bonus, you can always sell it later for $200 and use the funds to get VZ grips and some ammo Also TRP starts around $1400 + DROS + tax