First 1911 purchase

[Heythatsneat]

oh okay thanks for clarification.

[esartori]

You don't have to go through any kind of a transfer process or anything, but let's say you buy a used 1911 and you go shooting. After a few hundred rounds, something breaks. They will typically fix it under warranty no questions asked.

+1 they will stand behind their products for sure. And when buying a springfield, look for the NM serial numbers as those were assembled in the US.

[Merc1138]

Yea yea, you can't make the claim about SA manufacturing pieces in Brazil, or Kimber using plastic pieces, or colt being over priced. Whatever.

Yes I can make that statement and I did. There is nothing false about it either.

Are you speaking in terms of new? Im looking to buy used because i want a shooter. And it is my first 1911.

Yes, I was referring to new. I'm not sure what being used has to do with it "being a shooter" or your first 1911. New or used doesn't make it a safe queen.

Figure out what your budget is, go to a gun shop and get your hands on some, and figure out exactly what features it is you want. Also keep in mind that a lot of 1911 parts aren't just a matter of dropping them in, they differ slightly between manufacturers and may need fitting(filing usually). So if you want a specific type of sights, or a mag well, ambi safety, rail, etc. try to buy what actually matches your personal requirement. Between all of the bigger manufacturers, you'll be able to find exactly what you want as long as you aren't dead set on one specific brand name.

[Heythatsneat]

Yes, I was referring to new. I'm not sure what being used has to do with it "being a shooter" or your first 1911. New or used doesn't make it a safe queen.

i ment that im not buying it to look at.. if i was i wouldnt consider used unless it was a GI issued. i was just mainly stating that used or new, it doesnt matter to me.. sorry for confusion..

[Ubermcoupe]

Yes I can make that statement and I did. There is nothing false about it either.

Nothing wrong with that.
"SA uses pieces machined in brazil" done.

My point is it has never ruined my shooting experience.

[JoeinLA]

Turners was selling the Kimber Custom II for $720 during their Fall Special. Maybe they'll do something similar for Thanksgiving or ask in their Vendor forum if they'll let you use that old price...?

FWIW, I looked at the Kimber but thought that a used TRP in the 1200 range would be worth extra $ bc i knew i'd want to add a bunch of stuff to the Kimber that would have quickly added up, and thr springfield TRP seems to enjoy an A+ reputation right now. Yeah, its a $500 difference, but dont forget sales tax and the time/parts/installation for even just a few parts...

[Merc1138]

Nothing wrong with that.
"SA uses pieces machined in brazil" done.

My point is it has never ruined my shooting experience.

I never said there was anything wrong with it being made in Brazil, I was simply stating that's where they're made. Some people want to make sure as much of what they buy is made in the US as possible(and the OP made it sound like he wanted something made in America). It's up to them what they do with the information.

[Heythatsneat]

I never said there was anything wrong with it being made in Brazil, I was simply stating that's where they're made. Some people want to make sure as much of what they buy is made in the US as possible(and the OP made it sound like he wanted something made in America). It's up to them what they do with the information.

i stated that i want a colt because they were the original producer of 1911. i am still open to brands if they are superior to american brands.

[billybob_jcv]

I suspect there is a very good chance that any "Made in America" product is made from material NOT from the USA - and that includes a great deal of the steel, wood and polymers used in firearms! Or, if they do use US steel, are the forges, presses and CNC milling machines made in the USA? How about the computers and electronics controlling those CNC machines? I think about the best anyone can do is determine where the parent company HQ is located. IMHO, everything after that just a matter of semantics and is probably an obsolete concept.

Back on topic - I would buy Colt if I could afford it - but only just so I could say I had a Colt - but ANY of the guns will go bang - and if it's a 1911, I would enjoy any of them!

[DArBad]

Hey, i am looking to get into the 1911 game and i have been wondering what a good starter 1911 is. In a perfect world id want a colt for the same reason i watch baseball in america and not brazil -- it was done first here.

In my research i have found the most recommended entry to mid range 1911s are springfield, colt, and kimber. I have also read about each brand and their faults. More specifically quality issues with colt series 80 and quality control with kimber.

Can anyone please school me on the 3 brands and what, in your opinion, will be the best for me. I will be using mainly for range time so i want a shooter.

THANKS!!

I have had 4 Colts, 4 Springfields, and 2 Kimbers. So I guess I can offer a fair assessment on the three brands.

The Kimbers gave me the most satisfying experience in a 1911 of all the 3 brands. Reliability, quality of fit and finish, and accuracy were above the other 2 brands.

Rather than argue as to which is an " American " brand or not, I'll just say that------whatever brand of 1911 you choose, INSPECT what you are buying real well. If you are not very familiar with the intricacies of the 1911s, bring someone with you who is.

A PROPER functioning 1911 is a real sweet experience.

Good luck!

[InGrAM]

Check out the SigArms GSR or Sig Sauer 1911. Made in America and very good 1911's for the price.

[Lead Waster]

Honestly, if it's your FIRST 1911, then you won't know what features you like or dislike. Buy a cheap used one, regardless of make. Shoot it, then figure out what stuff you like/dislike and then go and buy the one you want based on what you've learned.

Asking here will get you a million opinions which may or may not reflect the things you feel are important.

Honestly, I couldn't care less where the thing is made as well as it's well made.

[esartori]

Honestly, if it's your FIRST 1911, then you won't know what features you like or dislike. Buy a cheap used one, regardless of make. Shoot it, then figure out what stuff you like/dislike and then go and buy the one you want based on what you've learned.

Asking here will get you a million opinions which may or may not reflect the things you feel are important.

Honestly, I couldn't care less where the thing is made as well as it's well made.

This is good advice. I wasn't too sure what I wanted in a 1911 so I got a mil-spec. Most common add-ons can be had for not too much more money if you really want them. Who knows, you might like it just the way it is without all the bells and whistles (i do ). I say get a cheaper one, shoot the **** out of it for a year while saving up for another one IF you want it.

[chiselchst]

I never said there was anything wrong with it being made in Brazil, I was simply stating that's where they're made. Some people want to make sure as much of what they buy is made in the US as possible(and the OP made it sound like he wanted something made in America). It's up to them what they do with the information.

Some SA's are "Made in the US". That doesn't mean all of the parts or steel are made in the US. When assembly in the US accounts for more than 50% of the work to construct the gun is done here, it's considered made in the US.

If you have any problems with an SA, they won't ask if you're the original owner, or if you have the original receipt.

Dan Wesson makes fine 1911's, and the forged SS they use is not made in the US. As stated earlier, much of the stuff used for construction may not be sourced in the US.

Have fun and good luck!

[Merc1138]

Some SA's are "Made in the US". That doesn't mean all of the parts or steel are made in the US. When assembly in the US accounts for more than 50% of the work to construct the gun is done here, it's considered made in the US.

If you have any problems with an SA, they won't ask if you're the original owner, or if you have the original receipt.

Dan Wesson makes fine 1911's, and the forged SS they use is not made in the US. As stated earlier, much of the stuff used for construction may not be sourced in the US.

Have fun and good luck!

You guys are reading way too much into one sentence. I said some people nitpick, that's a fact. A bunch of SA's 1911's are made in Brazil, also a fact. People can make their own decisions based off of that information. Yes, the Springfield Custom 1911's are "made in the USA".

The OP seems to think the Colt name makes a difference because they were the first to make the things. It's not the same people, and it's not the same equipment. It's as close to the original 1911 as just about any other manufacturer is(actually, didn't Armscor end up with a bunch of old Colt equipment that they use to make the RIA 1911s?)