Went 1911 window shopping today.

[RT13]

I'm on a 1911 fever right now and went window shopping today. More like a Rodeo Dr window shopping for a 1911. Got to see and hold these three guns which are my top choices but not sure if I can pull the trigger on their high prices. But although I can't decide on which one, I am leaning towards a full rail SA TRP. Les Baer Premier II and Thunder Ranch were the other two. I liked the thinner grips of the Thunder Ranch. The Premier II cost $1950 while the TRS cost $1995. I held a TRP which felt the best in my hand although I believe the extended magwell has alot to do with it. The TRP is $1700. Is there any other good 1911's out there that have that extended magwell which I love the feel of that doesn't cos as much as these bad boys? Any recommendations? Or should I just go with a S&W 1911 which I also like, a SA Loaded or something cheaper. Are these higher end 1911's really worth it?

[Cyc Wid It]

Can get you the TRS for $200 less, shipped and P2 for much less. I love my TRS, and don't see much practical use for the full rail.

[Blackhawk556]

if the TRP felt the best I would go with that one

plus the full rail looks awesome

what ever you do

buy buy buy buy

[Saigon1965]

Economy needs you to buy all - Cheers -

[rsinmv]

Don't have any input on the guns on your list but I do envy the dilemma you are in. There's nothing like being in a candy shop with a pocket full of change

[JaeFern]

I can't speak on the other two because I've never shot them but I fell in love with the trp when I shot it. I would've bought it but the wife wouldn't have it. Apparently buying an m1a , sig p226 equinox, and a fn slp in one month is overdoing it. Women... Sigh

-Jae from my HTC EVO

[No-ladder]

I bought the TRP, love it. I looked over all the others I could get my hands on, Kimber, Sig, S&W, RIA, one of the Kimbers felt real good, in the end I could not get over the aluminum frame. I did not have a chance to look over the Wilsons or Baer's no one stocks them around me,
I would never have believed how great the TRP was until I shot it....it just loves to tear the center out of a target. I cannot group with my other shooters like I can with this thing.

[bigbob76]

The most bang I ever got for my buck with a 1911 is an STI 6" Targetmaster. They are off list but cost less than everything you mentioned. I guess it also matters what you use a 1911 for but you didn't mention that.

[xxINKxx]

If you may not afford the high end ones. There is nothing wrong with going with a SA 1911 which is quite highly thought of by most. My kimber custom II was 780$ and that has been flawless since I've owned it without a single hiccup.

[ElToro]

Come on now... If it doesn't have a pony, its a phony


I hear ya though. Those hi dollar 1911s sure are nice. But if it was me I'd get a very basic one (maker of your cgoice) and build from there.

[melman]

i havent had a chance to shoot any, but i have held the springfield TRP, i love the hold of it.

[Old4eyes]

I'm happy with the S&W 1911's I have (two, one steel, one alloy, both with rails). They were in the 1000 - 1100 range. Now, how much "cheaper" in quality vs the prices of the guns you mentioned, that I can't answer.

I chose SW for the out of the box reliability, and was not interested in doing a lot of tweaks to make it the perfect gun. The Smith has an external extractor which works quite well and doesn't need tuning (it works or it doesn't - send it back to S&W if it doesn't). Some people hate the external extractor.
Smith has their version of the Swartz safety (on the models we can get in California). Not a lot of problems reported there, but it is something to go wrong. The cuts for the sights are not compatible with stock 1911 sights, so you have to see if what you want for a replacement sight is for a Smith 1911.

I would buy Smith again, especially one of the new models without the Swartz. Alas, until that dang California gun list gets junked, I'll drool from afar.

[Legasat]

If you are looking at nicer 1911's, you owe it to yourself to look at the Dan Wesson's as well.

You can thank me later

[Tack425]

I went with the TRP. Mine is the half rail so it isn't as nose heavy as the full rail, but it is heavier than without the rail at all. I felt it was a good middle ground if I do decide to go with a weapon light like the X300. The TRP comes with all the little upgrades already in the gun to begin with plus the grips and front strap checkering sold me The fit is fantastic and I have no complaints...actually I do have one...I don't have enough time to shoot it....have fun

[alex45auto]

Extended magwells can be added to any 1911s. You can get Smith Alexander, Fusion, Wilson, etc. Choose what you want best and add the features you want later. I tend to lean towards a full rail TRP. But you can't go wrong with your other choices