1911 Dilemma...

[kauaibuilt]

So Im trying to get back into the 1911 game and I think Ive narrowed it down to 2 prospective candidates:
1 - STI Guardian
* Pro: front strap stippling, beavertail, bull barrel
* Possible con: plastic trigger

2 - Colt Commander XSE
* Pro: Its a colt (?!?!?!?!?)
* Con: duckbill safety

One thing I really like about both is the undercut trigger guard.

Ive read nothing but good reviews re: XSE with the exception of a recoil spring tunnel QC issue. STI apparently makes a great race gun but I havent found much in terms of their more combat oriented ones. STI appears to be more available @ retail (both prices appear to be within $100 of each other: around $1100 or so) but theres currently several Colts on the forum around $800 or so.

[Plisk]

...

2 - Colt Commander XSE
* Pro: Its a colt (?!?!?!?!?)
* Con: duckbill safety, Its a colt
.....

Fixed one thing in there for you.

Colt's QC and parts quality have been on a decline. STI makes very very nice pistols, but they're off-list and would require extra steps to acquire one.

Inside that price range, you should take into consideration the Springfield Loaded models. You're getting a quality pistol with a warranty that the company stands behind. I do not have any experience with STIs warranty and Customer Service, but I can tell you Colt''s is not very good.

[MA2]

^^I do not think the polymer trigger is a con, pro for me actually (lighter than aluminum).
I replaced one of my 1911 trigger, and do like how it feels...wish they made a flat version.

I would pick STI just for the S70 style (no pin safety).

[Plisk]

^^I do not think the polymer trigger is a con, pro for me actually (lighter than aluminum).
I replaced one of my 1911 trigger, and do like how it feels...wish they made a flat version.

I would pick STI just for the S70 style (no pin safety).

??

I never said anything about the difference in triggers.

[kauaibuilt]

I did.... Honestly I know next to nothing about the polymer triggers but have seen some complaints. Probably similar to Glock kabooms and such: 1 person has a real or perceived problem and it becomes internet lore.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[Brandon04GT]

You can get a Wilson Combat COMMANDER drop in beavertail for that colt and it should fit pretty nicely. Just make sure you get the commander version and not the usual government one. The WC drop in beavertails seem to fit best on Colts overall.

Here, I found a pic from the web:

[MA2]

??

I never said anything about the difference in triggers.

It was double ^^ towards op post

[Bunsen]

Go with the STI.

[wolflodge]

I have a Colt XSE , which has a duckbill, and I love the gun! All the 2012 models have the "upswept" beavertail.

[DuneShoot]

I had a great experience with Colt customer service. Found Brent (head of the custom shop) in a 1911 forum and he had my gold cup fixed, upgraded and back to me in less than 2 weeks.

[08GTCS]

I'd say get the STI but you should also consider a STI Spartan. Great value for the money.

[Horton Fenty]

Get which ever one you like the most. Me personally I would get the Colt. Colt's customer service is excellent and so are their guns.

[The Virus]

STI