Help me select my first 1911

[Libertarian71]

Does anyone have an opinion regarding Nighthawk compared to the other custom builders?

[Souper]

Does anyone have an opinion regarding Nighthawk compared to the other custom builders?

IMHO once you're spending $2500+ on a (modern) 1911 it comes down strictly to preference in name and options. You're gonna get a great gun at that price.

[camcojb]

I think I like the Springfield TRP and Trophy Match. Anyone have any thoughts on which one they prefer, of those two?

I just went through the same, and picked the Trophy Match. I can't pick mine up until Wednesday, so I cannot give feedback. But like you've found, it's hard to find someone who doesn't like the Springfields and the Trophy Match was the best I could afford.

[Blackboomstick]

I think you should decide on a budget and then you'll know what's in your range. You cqn look at a Nighthawk all you want but if you're not dropping $4K on a gun, then what's tge point? I just picked up my Springfield Champion Operator and its a great gun. A lot of value and the customer service is second to none. The fact that actually have a REAL custom shop is another plus also. I vote for Springfield but no matter whom you choose among what's been suggested, I'm sure you'll love it. Be sure to keep us updated and post pics!

[trigger945]

Nighthawk vs other semi-custom 1911's will boil down to preference. I own a Baer (like it) and have had the privilege to shoot two Nighthawks, a Wilson Combat and an Ed Brown. My next 1911 is most likely a Nighthawk Custom Talon. Purely preference I might add.

And since you mentioned TRP, I will say that you can't go wrong with it. I have the Full Rail TRP Operator and love it.

Good luck!

[H K corporate assassin]

Could there be a more hotly contested question? My vote would be Springfield though rather other brands that have huge advertising budgets.

[paintballdad]

All Springfield Armory 1911's have frames & slides that are forged by Imbel in Brazil. Pistols that have serial numbers starting in NM have more than 50% of the finishing work done in the US and as such will be marked as made in the USA.

[mrblah]

Choose depending on your budget and availability:

Under 1000: Sig
1000 to 1500: Springfield, STI,
1500 to 2000: Dan Wesson and Les Baer
2000+: Nighthawk, Wilson Combat, Gun Crafter, many others......

As for me: I tend to buy Springfields (Mc Operator, TRP, and LW Champ Operator)... They offer a good compromise between value and reliability. They also have the best warrantee in the business. If you can get SSE's in your area, check out STI's offering. I was impressed with their fit and finish, and price point.

I personally don't any experience with Kimber.... that doesn't mean people shouldn't check them out also in order to make a informed decision.

[Bill Steele]

Just from a customer support perspective alone, you cannot go wrong with Springfield. If something is wrong, they send you a pre paid shipper.

From a value standpoint, SIG 1911 is the best value, more semi-custom features standard. I have owned a few Kimbers, they worked flawlessly, if finished a tad rougher than my Springfield's and SIGs.

Just get the Springfield to start, it likely won't be your last, nothing compares to a nice 1911.

[ap3572001]

I owned, shot and carried many 1911's. My favorite is Colt.

If we are only talking about carry guns, my first pick in a 1911 would be a full size Colt or a Combat Commander in .45ACP.

The gun would have top notch reliability work done by one of the known pistolsmiths , good sights and Wilson SEVEN round magazines.

For target shooting I would pick a five inch pistol form one of the know makers , like Wilson , Ed Brown, Lest Baer etc.