Looking into a Full Sized FIRST 1911

[Waingro]

Okay guys - I went to the range and shot a Full Sized 1911 in .45ACP and it was my favorite gun I ever shot. I have been doing research and reading and I know there are many different makers and configurations for this pistol. All having to do with the frame I believe.

My questions are as followed:

1) What is the best 1911 we can get here in CA? (and of course how much does it run?)
2) What are the differences in the frames, beaver tails, things like that - I need to know what I have to choose from before choosing.
3) Anything else I should know?

I would like stainless steel. I am going to be using this gun for target shooting at the range and defense. Something well rounded.

I am not like a lot of the guys here that want to buy many, I only want 1 - so please no "buy a bunch" responses.

[gibbygoo]

buy a bunch

seriously, once you buy one, you will want another

[dfletcher]

I've already bought a bunch, I think my Dan Wesson PM7 and Dan Wesson Bobtail are among the best production 1911s being made. They're all stainless and have an excellent slide and barrel to frame fit. The PM7 has terrific adjustable sights, each has very good triggers.

[Fjold]

Here's a post of all kinds of 1911's. You can see a ton of different models and options. http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...ight=1911+porn

[OutlawDon]

What is the price range you want to spend?

[Waingro]

Guys - saying that stuff is not helping. I have a handicapped wife, I do not make much money. This is a big investment for me. I cannot afford to do the things that you guys do - wish I could, but I can't.

Spending over $1000 on a gun for me is a VERY big deal. I just got basic cable. I am not made out of money.

[gn3hz3ku1*]

if money is a big factor i would get the rock island armory tactical 1911.. you can get it for around 400 shipped from internet retailers. do a search here and you can find it.

[savasyn]

Soooo, what IS the price range you want to stay within?

[Waingro]

No price range. I want the best - because it's really the only gun the wife and I like to shoot. This is our Christmas present. Can I home build one? Just get the frame and add the best parts in? How does that work?

[OutlawDon]

Being a Kimber owner, I would say go for the basic Kimber Custom II. If you like stainless, there a Stainless II version of it. This is if you want to keep it under $1000.

http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/custom/custom.php

If you have no price range, then heck, I'd get a Les Baer.

[savasyn]

Unfortunately, wanting "the best" and being wary of spending $1000 in this case, don't mesh well. 1911s in the $1000 range are often considered mid-grade. You can get into the $2-3000 custom builds that are matched perfectly to you and your needs.

That said, I'm super happy with both my $1k Kimber and my $500 1991A1. I currently have no use for a custom gun or even one of the high end "off the shelf" ones from Wilson, etc.

[internet_user]

No price range. I want the best - because it's really the only gun the wife and I like to shoot. This is our Christmas present. Can I home build one? Just get the frame and add the best parts in? How does that work?

Frames are not CA approved?

[glockk9mm]

Which one did you shoot at the range? Mabe you can get that same model if you really liked it.

[Waingro]

Which one did you shoot at the range? Mabe you can get that same model if you really liked it.

I sort of want a "this is my gun" kind of thing - customization like you guys do. I want to spend around $1500 - it does not have to be a bulls eye at 100000ft.

I will put it in terms of cars

You have a Honda - good car
You have a Ferrari - really really really nice car
You have a Buggatti Veryon - really really really really nice car

With the Buggatti you only got one more 'really' in there but at much more the cost. I am not looking for the best bang for the buck. I am looking for the top of the line in CA without being "I am a professional target shooter navy seal that can kill a man by shooting his finger at 100 yards. Thats why I have this gun."

I would also like to keep it close to Colts original design of the 1911. Appearance wise, for the most part.

[fireblast713]

What is the best 1911 we can get here in CA?

Spending over $1000 on a gun for me is a VERY big deal. I just got basic cable. I am not made out of money.

No price range. I want the best - because it's really the only gun the wife and I like to shoot.

These are conflicting statements... if you want the best it will obviously cost a lot of $$$ probably much more than $1000, if you're looking for the best value then that's another story...

I am not looking for the best bang for the buck. I am looking for the top of the line in CA without being "I am a professional target shooter navy seal that can kill a man by shooting his finger at 100 yards. Thats why I have this gun."

So what you're saying is basically you want the 2nd best? lol dude you really are losing me w/ your analogies... I suggest you do some research first and see what you like there's plenty of resources for 1911's on the web and when it comes down to it, a lot of it is really preference, there is no one best 1911 they all have their purposes and their places, there are high quality 1911's, competition 1911's, value 1911's, HD 1911's... it's really what you want to use it for... and from your post I'm really not sure what you want to use it for because you listed you wanted it for target practice/HD (which does not require a very expensive/high quality gun, since most guns will outshoot the people holding them) but also listed you wanted the best just not "insert military/car analogy here" top of the line best... do your research and make a choice which works for you.