Need some help picking my first 1911

[Mobius38]

Starting doing some research since I am in the market for a 1911. I had the chance last weekend to shoot a friends Springfield TRP and fell in love but its a little out of my price range. Looking for one in here but in the mean time I though I would ask some questions. What do I need to look for a in a quality 1911? I am looking for something that is reasonable prices but accurate at the very same time. So far I have looked at a few Kimbers and a Sig and have a hard time understanding what features are important and what makes one 1911 beter than another. Just throwing this out there so that I can make a good educated choice.

Thanks in advance!

[beocon]

Whichever you end up you will probably be happy with. I spent a year saving up and researching all the reviews and forums about 1911s and ended up with the Springfield Mil-Spec (not GI) in stainless and I am totally satisfied. $750 out the door brand new. I will share that of lilterally hundreds of opinions I've gone through on all the main stream brands, Springfields have a little edge in the value-for-money category under $1500 and a lot of that is due to superb customer service. Anti-Springers will claim a good pistol shouldn't need customer service, and it seems true there is variability between individual guns. The Range Officer is probably one to check out, I would have gotten one but I was looking for a stainless with more classic features.

[jswr450]

I think a lot of it is personal preference since there are so many good options. Some people look at the MIM parts list. I'd suggest you buy one with the features you want (sights, beavertail, finish, long or short trigger, etc.). I haven't heard of many 1911s that are not fairly accurate.

Don't forget to look at a Colt too. You could probably find a good deal on a new or used 1991. No matter what you pick you're bound to end up happy. Good luck.

[G60]

Springfield or Colt.

Some folks will give you a myriad of reasons why some other off brand is just as good or better and whatnot, but there's a reason most of the best 1911 gunsmiths in the country don't work on anything but Springfields or colts. And it's not because they don't know how.

[KTM RICK]

Springfield for me.

[skyscraper]

Shoot a bunch and pick from there. My favorite is Springfield also, but soon enough there will be plenty of haters of each brand in this thread.

[MA2]

TRP with the bull barrel, it's going to be difficult to find another to equal it at that price (hope I made sense, LoL).

For the social shooter, all modern 1911's should be as accurate/group as the next.
Well, Les Baer will guarantee grouping, but those are over the TRP's pricing.

Check out the Springfield Trophy Match, if you love the TRP.

Also don's forget to look at the 1911-9mm's, long term savings in ammo, and fun as heck to shoot.

[safewaysecurity]

Look at the back of the gun where the slide meets the frame. Compare it with the other guns. Can you see gaps? How tight is it. Check the beavertail and jiggle it. Does it jiggle and have side to side play? Or is it solid? Put your finger in the barrel muzzle end and move it around. Does it move around? How much play? Press on the barrel where the brass ejects. Is it tight or does it move around? Check trigger pull. Pull the slide back slowly and ride it forward slowly. Is it gritty at all or is it smooth as silk? These are the few I can think of.

[Dark Mod]

Springfield makes a great 1911, the lifetime warranty doesnt hurt either

[jeffrice6]

Kimber Custom II

[Press Check]

Springfield makes a great 1911, the lifetime warranty doesnt hurt either

+1

To the OP, since we're talking about production pistols, none are immune of malfunction. Based on legendary customer and warranty service, I've always been partial to Springfield pistols, both Polymer and Steel. Currently own a Loaded 1911, and currently in the market for another XDM.

[Press Check]

By the way, if I were to stray away from Springfield for some reason, I would own a Colt. The Rail Gun looks great.

[CoyoteHunter555]

Ive got SA and Kimber, love em!

[weekend_plinker]

I would like to try the new Ruger 1911 good price MSRP: $799.00

[Ofna]

Here is my first SA 1911 Target Loaded

I say it's a matter of what feels good to you, my buddies own different 1911's Dan Wesson PM7, Para 14-45 limited and a Rock Island 2011 Tactical. Don't get me wrong they are all great guns but to me my Springfield fits me perfect and I have no regrets buying it, to me it's the best feeling 1911 in my opinion. As a matter of fact I'm planning on saving up for a TRP!!