Help me select my first 1911

[Libertarian71]

I have never owned one before. It will be for recreational shooting, not as a home defense gun or for conceal carry. I am interested in a Government-size production-level gun. I shot a Springfield Loaded at the range recently, and loved it.

The three manufacturers I am interested in are Colt, Springfield, and Smith & Wesson. Any thoughts on a make and model? I am really interested in hearing your experiences, positive or negative, with these manufacturers, especially their quality control and customer service. I am interested in custom models, too, but would like to get a production 1911 first, and get accustomed to the platform. Based on my preliminary research, I am leaning towards a Colt, but am open to a Springfield or Smith & Wesson.

Thanks in advance for your input.

[Alexjr1967]

Well if you have handled and shot a Springfield Loaded and you loved it .... Then I'd say that's the gun for you... Otherwise ask around and see if a place has other ones you can handle and shoot ...

[Glamis]

I have the older Springfield GI, but I wonted the WW2 looking gun. What kind of 1911 are you looking to get in to? Bare bones or something with bells on it? Take a look at the Sig 1911's if you find one.

[SILENT GUNMAN]

I love my Kimber Custom TLE II. Extremely accurate at the range and has never malfunctioned. I have well over 10,000 rounds through it. The makes you are considering all are good and any of their models will serve you well. Kimber is just another to add to the list. I can't speak for their customer service. I've never had to call them. I think that says a lot about the quality.

[underworld]

Springfield operator is great! But if you have money to burn you can get those highend 1911 like ed brown,wilson combat and nighthawk custom those are the for keeps imho.

[Libertarian71]

I have the older Springfield GI, but I wonted the WW2 looking gun. What kind of 1911 are you looking to get in to? Bare bones or something with bells on it? Take a look at the Sig 1911's if you find one.

One with some modern-type features, like a beavertail grip safety, and forged frame and slide.

[Libertarian71]

Re: Springfield, I am having difficulty finding a listing of the MSRPs on their 1911s. I cannot find one on their website. Does anyone have a link?

[BBB114]

1911

Springfield Operator first without a doubt. Then any of the Colt XSE series a very close second. You will probably have to send the Operator back if a 6 O'clock hold bugs you, but it wont cost you anything for them to put a taller front sight on it.

Boyan

[cc426]

I think it depends on your budget. I think the Springfield TRP is a fantastic gun, but pricey. The Springfield loaded I think gives you the most bang for the buck and I would recommend that as well. Especially if you've shot it already and loved it.

As others have said, the sigs and the Kimbers are both very good value as well. With 1911s everyone will give very polarizing opinions, but most the major manufactures are good, it's more about what you like from a features/price/looks perspective

Re: Springfield, I am having difficulty finding a listing of the MSRPs on their 1911s. I cannot find one on their website. Does anyone have a link?

You click on the buy it online button or something like that in the description and it takes you to a separate site that is basically listed at msrp

[polo.45]

Any of those 1911's .... But if you shots kimber you will fall in love!!!!!

[Souper]

id go for springfiield out of your choices. The colts i looked at were all crappy seeming, even their USMC gun fails hard.

[Dattebayo]

I am personally a Springfield Loaded Stainless owner. I love the gun and I definitely recommend Springfield. Their TRP line is a true value for pretty much a semi-custom gun.

Aside from that, I'd take a peak at the Kimber TL/RL II as those are pretty nice as well.

[cc426]

Oh, I should add to actually answer the OPs question. I don't have personal experience with s&w 1911s but their ARs have been fantastic and I've heard good things about the 1911s

The Colts don't seem to be fit as well as Springfield/kimber/sig and are more expensive. Not that it's a bad product but I feel like its more in name than actual quality. Everything seems more loose on the colt which is supposed to make it more reliable because of larger tolerances, but I have found all my 1911s to be equally reliable. They get cleaned after each range session (no more than 200 rounds or so) and I'm not throwing them in dirt or firing underwater so...

[Mojaveman]

I have a plain old Springfield Armory M1911A1 GI just like I carried in the service thirty something years ago. Paid about $500.00 for it and it suits me just fine. Never had any problems with it either.

[santamonica9]

cant go wrong with any of the kimbers, springfields OR go a bit higher end, les bear, ed brown etc if you can afford the extra cost. the Loaded package from SAI are great and I love my chip mccormick 10 round mags *kimbers are good also)