Please help me pick a 1911

[weezil_boi]

OK guys, I want a 1911. I plan to buy one, maybe two in the next couple months.

I'd like to know which 1911's you like for under $600, and which you like for under $1000.

Please give me a few points on WHY. I especially would like to hear about differences ( or lack thereof) between the cheapers models (Rock islands) and others.

I have only shot a couple of 1911s before ( Kimber compact in 45 and a colt GI) so I would appreciate your advice.

[sfwdiy]

I love my EMP. Springfield has great build quality. Their high-end 1911s are great and great for the money. Their customer service is also second to none. The mil-spec they make is an awesome pistol for the price too. I like Kimbers too but I've never owned one.

--Ben

[Lumpia is sarap!®]

Springfield and Kimber.

[Black Majik]

For under $600, the cheapest I'd look into would be a Springfield Armory Milspec. The GI is cheaper, but it'll have really tiny sights and non lowered ejection port. The slide and frame is forged, whereas a RIA will be cast. That may matter, it may not, but SA also has a great reputation for CS if you'd ever need it.

If you could bump up your price by $200, you'd open up a lot more options, such as a Kimber Custom II, S&W1911, or Springfield Loaded.

Under $1000, there's many more options available: The ones listed above are a starting point, then you can get into a Kimber TLE (Custom II with 30LPI frontstrap checkering and nightsights), Colt XSE, Dan Wessons and maybe a lightly used SA TRP.

A few notes:

Kimbers: Schwartz firing pin safety, look for internal extractor models. If you do find a EE model, chances are it's been sitting on the shelf a long time.

SA: ILS in the MSH. This can be swapped out easy for a firing pin safety free gun.

DW: No MIM, great value

Colt: Series 80 firing pin safety

S&W: Nice gun, uses a S80 FPS. Some asthetic issues still, primarily the poor fit of the rear fixed sights.

Good luck!

[wamphyri13]

It's really hard to give suggestions without knowing more. It's like asking, "Which is better, vanilla or chocolate?" It all depends on what you're after. What barrel length? What will be it's purpose? If you just want to jump into the 1911 addiction, on the cheap, you can buy a base model 1911 like the RIA or the SA G.I. model or mil-spec. If you want one with all the more modern features, my personal preference would be a Dan Wesson. I own several 1911's and the DW is my absolute #1. Kimbers can be good, (mine is) MY Para Ordnance has been perfect, I just got my S&W back from having some mods done, and just bought an SA mil-spec. It will be a future custom piece, but for now, will remain pretty much standard.

Post some more info about what you want to achieve with your puchase. It would help to give you specific info rather than a lot of general info.

Ryan

[oghl888]

1911 is a journey that will take years and much money to enjoy. 45 ACP is not cheap. Shooting it often will cost hundreds or thousands a year. Any custom work will not be cheap either, and believe me, you will want custom work after a while.

Having said that, I would say spend a little more up front on the gun. It will enhance your experience and make the ownership much more enjoyable. The difference between a Springfield loaded or the S&W equivalent, and a sub $600 1911 is less than the cost of 1000 rounds of factory ammo. The shooting experience is worth the extra cost.

So my recommendation would be to start with a Springfield loaded or S&W base model (which has most of the loaded features like better sights, extended safeties/beaver tail etc). The Springfield is more upgradeable than the S&W in most people opinion. I've upgraded by buying higher end models mostly, rather than custom work. The reason is that warranty and support is a lot better, and I don't have to count on one gun smith to not mess up my gun.

Many like Kimbers in this price range ($700- $1000). I've not warmed up to Kimbers, so no opinions for me here.

Colts have a great following, but the Colts I've looked at are way over priced for what they are.

More personal experience: The most use 1911's in my possession are a Norinco 1911 from the early 90's, and a S&W base stainless model from 2005. The Norinco has substantial custom work done to it, and it was a great shooter. The deterioration happened slowly over the course of ~15 years. The trigger is not longer as crisp as it used to be, and extractor needed retuning/replacement, the barrel fitting has gotten loose over time/use, etc. When I got the S&W, it because the range gun of choice because it shot well, and feels great. I occassionally compare it to a Baer TRS because I can shoot it as well as the TRS that I've shot. The external extractor is done right and should last much longer, may be the life of the gun. The fitting is still pretty good. Accuracy has not deteriorated any. Based on my experience on this gun, I've bought 3 more higher price S&W1911s. So I am a bit biased in that regard.

Good luck, and hope you enjoy 1911's as much or more than I did.

[BamBam-31]

I've been drooling over DW CBOB's for the past few days.

That said, I'd really look at Springfields offerings in your price range. The Loaded is a nice package at a good price point.

[domokun]

If money is no object, how about one of these?


Valtro 1998A1 .45 ACP

[Black Majik]

If money is no object, how about one of these?


Valtro 1998A1 .45 ACP

Good luck finding one.

If you find one, find one for me too.

[Snapping Twig]

DW, specifically the CBOB.

Check out S&W and Kimber too.

[Gunaria]

I say get a Kimber. Why? Because Boxy said so.

[dgey]

Kimbers are my favorite. I have 3... get a gun with all the bells and whistles you want. building one up afterwards is extremely expensive... and you'll have a long wait time, depending on who'll do your work.

[rolo]

Since you are in Sac, go to Wild Sports and take a look at the Para 7.45 they have had on sale for the last several months. If I recall correctly it's $529, but they've been flogging them for awhile so you might be able to get it for that OTD. When I went in, I was able to pick my way through their inventory until I found one I liked, silly as that may seem. They had several.

It's a painted gun, but it holds up to EDC in my unlined leather holster very well. I've put about 4500 rounds through it so far and it's just as fresh as the day I bought it.

[weezil_boi]

It's really hard to give suggestions without knowing more. It's like asking, "Which is better, vanilla or chocolate?" It all depends on what you're after. What barrel length? What will be it's purpose? If you just want to jump into the 1911 addiction, on the cheap, you can buy a base model 1911 like the RIA or the SA G.I. model or mil-spec. If you want one with all the more modern features, my personal preference would be a Dan Wesson. I own several 1911's and the DW is my absolute #1. Kimbers can be good, (mine is) MY Para Ordnance has been perfect, I just got my S&W back from having some mods done, and just bought an SA mil-spec. It will be a future custom piece, but for now, will remain pretty much standard.

Post some more info about what you want to achieve with your puchase. It would help to give you specific info rather than a lot of general info.

Ryan

Good point. basically, I love the idea of the gun and have very little experience with it. I have shot just a couple and have learned that they vari in flavors to at least the same extent as the AR-15s

I wanted to hear from some of you guys about which models you like inthose price ranges ( I cannot afford more than the 1k, and even then... the wifey will scream!) and I was hoping to see what you liked about them. That way, as I shop around and handle them, I know what I am looking for and can see what you mean.

As far as my needs... well, I am not and never will be a match shooter. I want a solid, reliable, easy to shoot and good looking 1911. Hah! I know that doesnt narrow it down much. I am not concerned with carry/ compact. Dont need huge match grade sights. It will likely never be my "go-to" gun ( Im VERY happy with my XD. But just love the look, feel and history behind the 1911. So its basically a goody for me.

I am not even sure what I am looking for yet. Thats why I was hoping to learn what you like ( and dislike) about your models.

One thing I would like to be able to do is use a kimber .22 conversion slide kit with it if possible. That would be a nice benefit but not a requirement.

I look forward to your posts!

[domokun]

Good luck finding one.

If you find one, find one for me too.

If I have the cash, I might just have to bug John Jardine in person about getting one.