Mid Range 1911s

[Velio]

So this year it's my resolution to jump on into the 1911 family, and I figure I'll go in at around low to mid range. I already know what I need to know about the GI standard models and the RIAs, but my question is this:

As far as mid range 1911s go (mid range being 700-1000 bucks in my book), what is going to be the best bang for my buck?

My sights are set currently set on the Springfield Loaded, the entry level Kimbers, and the Para. Not currently looking to save a few more Benjies and get a TRP or Les Baer, since I'm on somewhat of a budget. Any advice is welcome, thanks in advance.

[BillPear]

Get a Springer loaded you can't go wrong. Then you'll be well on your way to LB, EB, or Nighthawk!

[PandaLuv]

Sig 1911 Nitron or Kimber 1911 Custom II, you can find them for around $900.

Great firearms, I didn't buy RIA because I wasn't happy with certain things, but if you are on a budget, get it. If you can afford a well made 1911 tricked out for around $900, get a sig or a kimber

[GW]

Another vote for Springfield Loaded.
Its a great 1911 at a very good price

[PatientCone]

Springfield Loaded, Dan Wesson PM7...Colt XSE maybe?

[Clownpuncher]

Sig 1911 Nitron or Kimber 1911 Custom II, you can find them for around $900.

Great firearms, I didn't buy RIA because I wasn't happy with certain things, but if you are on a budget, get it. If you can afford a well made 1911 tricked out for around $900, get a sig or a kimber

If you are in SoCal and ready to buy, Turners has the Kimber Custom II for $699 tomorrow only on their weekly killer deal.

[PandaLuv]

If you are in SoCal and ready to buy, Turners has the Kimber Custom II for $699 tomorrow only on their weekly killer deal.

ugghhh!!! I hate bay area!!!

I just bought a sig 1911, almost bought a Kimber Custom II Stainless.

Man, that's a good deal

[PandaLuv]

op, if you live in CA, get that Kimber then sell it to me once you are done

Seriously though, Kimbers are amazing guns.

[Velio]

My issue with Kimbers is that I've heard a lot of problems about rust forming on the barrels if you don't keep it soaked in oil, and the finish being weak on some of them. That being said, the stuff I read was dated back in 2009... is this no longer an issue?

[PandaLuv]

DirtyKoala put one in the boiling pot of ramen, looked fine after that.

I honestly haven't heard anything bad about them once, except for that time when some PD sent bunch of kimbers back for malfunctioning, or something.

[PandaLuv]

http://ww.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=512528

[skyscraper]

DirtyKoala put one in the boiling pot of ramen, looked fine after that.

I honestly haven't heard anything bad about them once, except for that time when some PD sent bunch of kimbers back for malfunctioning, or something.

My Kimber came with rust from the factory. That test he did was overnight, so rust would not have had time to form yet. Kimbers are good, I'm just disappointed that they let so many guns leave and have rust on the barrels before the end user gets it.

[1911Luvr]

Get the Loaded as you mentioned and you will be very happy. Plus, you can always build it into the gun of your dreams!

I have two that started life like this:


But now they look like this:

[cfusionpm]

My issue with Kimbers is that I've heard a lot of problems about rust forming on the barrels if you don't keep it soaked in oil, and the finish being weak on some of them. That being said, the stuff I read was dated back in 2009... is this no longer an issue?

There were bad, obvious, notable brown smear marks all over the barrel of a Kimber Tactical II at my local Turners. Shame, because I really liked it otherwise! The guy I usually talk to there said he called Kimber and complained about it. Kimber said "You live too close to the beach! Sea salts and stuff!" The shop is 10 miles inland and sits in a glass case all day.

[smird]

If you are in SoCal and ready to buy, Turners has the Kimber Custom II for $699 tomorrow only on their weekly killer deal.

Where is the info on that? I might have to pick one up.