Is it really worth it?

[RT13]

In my hunt for my first 1911, I have learned many things about them, differences, prices, quality of fit and finish, etc, and am now at the point where I question and ask myself, and now you guys the worthiness of the price difference of the higher end 1911's. I saw some Nighthawks and Wilsons which run in the $2600 or so range. Way too much for my blood to pay for one gun. Just below that are Dan Wessons and Les Baers. I saw a Premier II going for just under $2k and a TRS for $2100 or so. Not too sure if that is an overpriced price but at the same time, this one shop seems to be the only shop in SoCal that has them, so who am I to complain about the price. Next are the SA TRP's and Ed Browns. Saw a TRP Operator full rail for just under $1900. Is this a decent price for this gun or is it another supply and demand thing? And this is from one of our favorite retailers in the area known for decent prices and great CS. Another shop is about to receive the stainless no rail TRP and seems like their price is going to be $1600-$1700. I can get a SA loaded stainless for $900 right now. I am just trying to justify the price difference of these guns especially between the SA loaded vs the TRP. I know why the TRP and others cost more and shoots slightly more accurate. The question is, is it worth paying $700-$900 more for it over the lesser SA loaded or even more so for one of the Les Baers? This will be my first 1911 and want to do it right and get a gun I will love and not want to sell in the future. I have shot a few 1911's in the past mostly Colts. This gun will only be a target or range gun. Need some insight...

[CSDGuy]

Don't forget to also look at Kimber. Then there's the option of building one from a basic frame. There's a lot of choices out there. Springfield Armory puts out some good guns in the $1k and less range too.

[Allentu]

You can always get something like a Springfield Mil spec right now and put what you consider is "needed." I am in the same boat you are in

[JTROKS]

Only you can answer that question. If you can spare the $2.5K for the top of the line 1911 and be able to utilize its' accuracy and appreciate the beauty of a custom 1911 then it is very worth it. If you go to an USPSA/action pistol match you will see that the sport is dominated by 1911s and there will be Open class race guns costing in the tune of $3.5K and some as high as $5K. Those shooters shoot hundreds of rounds through them every week and what they pay for is accuracy and reliability.

[Allentu]

Jtroks is right. As long as you find one that is reliable and works, everything else you do is preference if you aren't able to utilize its potential. So save some money of that pink hello kitty scheme and buy more ammo =)

[RT13]

Only you can answer that question. If you can spare the $2.5K for the top of the line 1911 and be able to utilize its' accuracy and appreciate the beauty of a custom 1911 then it is very worth it.

I can spare up to $2k, the question is, would I? That's just the thing, I know I am probably the only one who can really answer it and that is my current dilemma. I'm trying to justify it to myself and a little bit to the wife, lol. She doesn't really care but I have to here the "$2k for a freakin gun" line, lol. I can appreciate the beauty of a quality gun. I own a few already which I put in that category but nothing costing that much.

[IPSICK]

How many times do I have to recommend the Springfield Range Officer (non-roster/single shot exemption)? It has the TRP slide to frame fitting at the Loaded cost plus other Loaded style enhancements (beveled magwell; TRP does not have these AFAIK; my TRP Operator did not). The TRP at present is way overpriced. The Range Officer gives you TRP fit and tolerances at a price that will save you money for customizations later.

Here's an example of the Range Officer slide to frame fit:
*Of course barrel fit and crown contribute more to accuracy/precision. Slide to frame fit is the icing on the cake.

$839 at this site.

If you don't plan to customize, I'd suggest either the Les Baer or Dan Wesson. AFAIK, they have a minimum of MIM parts.

[RT13]

Actually that RO Officer would be my choice, but it's not on the roster.

[IPSICK]

Actually that RO Officer would be my choice, but it's not on the roster.

You really have to read up on the single shot exemption procedures. Rough summary, find ffl willing to convert to single shot -> DROS -> convert back to normal. Perfectly legal way to purchase non-roster pistol.

I hate saying this but "search is your friend". Sorry.

***

Btw, if you're still willing to part with the ~$1000+ you save then find an awesome smith to do trigger work, replace all MIM parts, and match target barrel (and barrel parts). I personally would go with a weld-on magwell but the Smith & Alexander (replaces the goofy ILS mainspring housing) one is nice too.

[Cyc Wid It]

You can buy a new Les Baer TRS for $1775 shipped. A PII will run closer to $1550.

[RT13]

I'm looking at local gun shops. I've looked at GB and Bud's. They seem out of them as well. And some are priced almost to be the csame after shipping and all the cost. I think $1600 is the most I would go for one of these nice 1911's depending on what it is.

[tonelar]

Which Nice 1911s have you shot?

[RT13]

Which 1911s have you shot?

Colt Gold Cup built in the 80's, Colt Govt, and another Colt, not sure which one but probably the standard GI model. And to be honest with you, I didn't care for any of them. I was never a 1911 fan. I just recently got the bug when I went to a truck event Springfield was holding at a local gun shop and I held the TRP. I fell in love with it. The feel, balance and the trigger was near perfect even though I didn't shoot it.

[sirgiles]

You really have to read up on the single shot exemption procedures. Rough summary, find ffl willing to convert to single shot -> DROS -> convert back to normal. Perfectly legal way to purchase non-roster pistol.

I hate saying this but "search is your friend". Sorry.

***

Btw, if you're still willing to part with the ~$1000+ you save then find an awesome smith to do trigger work, replace all MIM parts, and match target barrel (and barrel parts). I personally would go with a weld-on magwell but the Smith & Alexander (replaces the goofy ILS mainspring housing) one is nice too.

there are'nt alot of stores with 07 ffl doing single shot in socal where the OP is from and if you do use the "search", you will see that the conversion service adds around $200 for local pickup.
with cost being a main concern, your better off getting a semi-custom like a les baer pm II that is on the list.

[7anthony7]

Maybe the 1911 isn't for you. It's not everyones cup of tea. The Gold Cup is a good weapon. I have owned and still do many 1911's ranging from 600-4200. There is a difference when you pay more, but if you are just getting into it, or trying it out, I would rent awhile longer and see if you really want one with the way they shoot. 1k or $100 is a waste and a lot to spend on any gun if you don't like the way it shoots.