1911 recommendations

[saltyesq]

My buddy is looking at 1911's and he is trying to decide between colt, Kimber, or Springfield.

What are the ups and downs. He looked at one Springfield and the guy says its US made, does that mean these guns are also made in brazil?

What is everyone's recommendation for a 1911 45 cal? He is looking to buy used.

Thanks

[INFAMOUS762X39]

My advice, go to an indoor Range and rent whatever suits your buddy best.

Springfield 1911's that are "US made" are usually custom shop. Example: MC operator "Varies", TRP, True Customs, basically anything tuned by SA custom shop. For the Loaded model, the frames are made in Brazil. But dont quote me. I may be incorrect

I recently bought a Kimber TLE for my first 1911, havn't even fired it yet and I already want another. I am already looking at Springfields, Sig, Colt. I want them all.

[Plisk]

With Springfield Armory, everything Operator and above is a US assembled/finished weapon MC included (I have one as well). When you look at the Loaded and Mil-Spec series that is when it "varies". The way to tell is simply by looking at the serial number. The letter prefix will tell you. "NM" is USA assembled/finished. Anything else is Brazil. All the GI series are Brazil.

Depending on your price range, it can depend on what brand to point you toward. To give a wide range try looking at: Rock Island, Springfield Armory, Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson E or PD series to start with. If your budget is very high end, like $2000+ then try looking toward Ed Brown, Wilson Combat, or Nighthawk. I wouldn't recommend Les Bear unless you were planning to use it for competition shooting. Their guns are just too damn tight for a regular shooter in my opinion.

[ZX-10R]

My buddy is looking at 1911's and he is trying to decide between colt, Kimber, or Springfield.

What are the ups and downs. He looked at one Springfield and the guy says its US made, does that mean these guns are also made in brazil?

What is everyone's recommendation for a 1911 45 cal? He is looking to buy used.

Thanks

A buddy is also looking...
When I was looking it was
1) Colt
2) Kimber
3) S&W
That is how it finished for me. A Kimber is up next for me after an M9.
Colt - Original, made in USA, name, better resell value, collectible, great shooter
Kimber - Made in USA, great shooting, well made
S&W - Dependable, reliable, different than original design but that is not bad, great workmanship

I did not consider SA since the ones I handled were Brazilian per the serial...USA gun made in Brazil was a huge no no for me. Lots of SA guys here but availability doesn't drive my purchase.

[Oceanbob]

Another good 1911 is the Ruger SR1911. Good reviews.

http://www.ruger.com/products/sr1911/models.html

[skosh69]

OP, what is your buddies price range? This is really important, as you can get a quality pistol used pistol ( Les Baer or Dan Wesson ) for the same price as a new lesser quality pistol.

What "bells and whistles" does he want/prefer, aside from being American Made?

Like others have mentioned, if it's possible, he should find a range that rents 1911's and rent a few to see which one he prefers, rather than buy based on "our" personal preferences.

FWIW, I have a Kimber and a Dan Wesson and love them both.

Bottom line, any 1911 is better than no 1911!!!

[cwin]

I'm partial to Springfield and will not hesitate to recommend one. I've owned 7 in my time, all have been reliable with great fit and finish, backed by a lifetime warranty.

FWIW, all Springfields start as forgings from Imbel in Brazil. Whether or not the frame is stamped with "Made in Brazil - Imbel" depends on how much of the assembly is done in what country. If more than 50% of the finishing is done in the US, then the Brazil stamp is omitted and instead you will see "Geneseo, IL" stamped on the frame. This info is straight from the horse's mouth and can be verified either by a call to Springfield or through further research on the internet. Either way, don't let the roll mark convince you to not go Springfield. Imbel is a major player in the firearm game and their steel and work is amazing.

That being said, there are a lot of fine 1911 manufacturers. I definitely love Springfields but I'm planning on picking up a Sig 1911 sometime soon. Let us know what your friend chooses! Good luck.

[Lead Waster]

If he's buying a used gun, what difference does it make where it was originally made?

[cannon]

Tell him to avoid Colt.

I want them all for myself.

[saltyesq]

Max he wants to spend is 1k.
He is just trying to purchase the best model he can afford in his price range.
I would hate to see him spend the money and find out the gun not reliable.

I have a combat commander myself and love it!

[Brandon04GT]

The Springfield Loaded parkerized is probably the best value for the money in that price range. It's a series 70 style, full of modern features, Novak style night sights, and lifetime warranty.

The thing with most 1911's is you are not gonna get "glock reliablity" out of the box. You MAY run into small issues, whether it be as small as needing better mags or something bigger.

[wc12]

I went with a springfield stainless GI. Went with springfield for the lifetime warranty. spent an additional $$ customizing it, (new trigger, grip safety, grip, hammer, recoil guide, and sight). In all, I spent about 850.00 total. Why not buy the higher model should you ask? The fun of customizing it is priceless.

[cwin]

+1 for a Springfield Loaded.

[victorr]

Sprung my Springer Range Officer out of jail last Sunday and shot it for the first time on Tuesday. It went through WWB, Federal, PMC and Ammo Bros Reloads without a hiccup and the groupings were spot-on. It is a very ACCURATE piece - even moreso than my SIG 1911. Highly recommend - if you can find one - as they are off-roster. NM Prefix as well. I bought it for the price of a new RIA Tactical

[hkdad]

Springfield!