How different can 1911's be?

[addictedToMath]

I'm sure manufacturing techniques and standards of 2014 surpass anything in 1911. So what does a $1000 1911 have that a say $500 RI doesn't? A lower end 1911 must perform the same as one of the WWII ones right?

[pterrell]

It's all materials and design. Is there anything with a $500 RI? No. Will you be happy with it? Most likely. People look for features and style though too. You generally won't get night sights or a fine finish on a RI. The parts may not be the highest quality of some other manufacturers.

IIRC, RI builds its 1911s on the same tooling that Colt used in the 50's and 60's.

[MXRider]

Well the $1000 Colt is built in the USA instead of the $500 RIA built in the Philippines.

When you get into the $2000 and up category of 1911 you are paying for a gunsmiths time to hand fit everything. That's why Wilson Combat and Nighthawk make such fine guns, and they all start over $3000.

[penguinofsleep]

Even diff 1911s from the same company at similar prices can "feel" different in your hands. Also $ isn't everything. A $1k bone stock 70 or 80 series colt balances slightly better in my hands than a $3k Wilson, even if I like most everything else about the Wilson better.

[jeffrice6]

How different can cars be?

What's the difference between a VW Bug and a Porsche? They both drive right ~

[scoobydo]

What's the difference between a VW Bug and a Porsche? They both drive right ~

I don't see that as an apples to apples comparison.
Now if "Porsche 911" type cars were made by other companies, now your talking.
Another good comparison is the Fender Strat or the Gibson Les Paul.
Other companies have copied the body and style and still make very good copies. It all depends on the musician to tell the difference.
I have heard musicians say that their $500 Epiphone sounds better than their $5000 Custom Les Paul.

[addictedToMath]

What's the difference between a VW Bug and a Porsche? They both drive right ~

What kind of analogy is this? I was comparing manufacturing processes of WWII era to today. A "lower end" 1911 of today should be comparable to a mil spec one from WWII wouldn't it? The example of RI was just thrown in there, there are several "lower end" lines. It's obvious the difference between a higher end build vs a lower end build compared to each other. But, I'm talking about in comparison to the military ones used.

[anthem]

watching....

[FourT6and2]

Differences would probably be (but not limited to):

Fit and tolerances of parts
Finish quality (whether spray-n-bake, blueing, stainless, etc.)
Quality of materials/metals used
Styling cues (for example the various grip patterns you'd see from someone like Ed Brown)
Warranty, if any
Reliability
Features (grip type, sights, rail, barre type, etc.)

Probably some other stuff in there as well. Basically, the same type of stuff that would separate most any other product from other competitors, be it guitars or cars or phones or computers or guns or shoes...

[Army]

Fit and finish...period. All 1911's ahve to be made with the same specs, or they are NOT a 1911. The Llama large frame .45 is a good example (sadly, one of the most accurate guns I ever owned ) While looking all the world as a 1911, only a very few parts would interchange. Ditto with the Ballister Molina.

An Ed Brown $4000 1911, will not perform mechanically any different than your RIA. Every Ed Brown part will interchange with your RIA.

Custom sights and carvings are nothing more than add-on finish parts, and do nothing to make it run better. Different grip styles can be had from dozens of custom grip makers, they are not exclusive to the gun maker.

If your RIA can shoot within 3" at any distance logically shot with a 1911, all those performance upgrades and fancy colors are moot.

[Loubot10]

If you purchased a basic GI model 1911 for $500.00 it would be a basic dependable weapon made here or not. That BS about "made in Phillipines" is FUD.

That's the gun that Browning designed. It's loose, it eats all kinds of ammo, it's not pretty, but most of all, it delivers 45ACP quickly and reliably. Just like a basic Timex.

To make a Timex a better timepiece takes knowledge of the relationships between parts, experience at "tuning" or replacing those parts so that they operate smoothly when tolerances are minimized, and the creativity to refinish the piece so that it serves it's intended purpose and not just provide eye candy.

In short, to make a Timex as fine and exact as a Rolex, you'd spend more than it costs to purchase the Rolex.

[anthem]

I was comparing manufacturing processes of WWII era to today. .

All due respect: You weren't comparing anything. You asked a question, I didn't see any comparison in your original question.

[MissiontoMars]

Nope, all the same…all 1911's yearn for the the simplicity, ruggedness, and out-of-the-box performance of a polymer striker-fired pistol.



lolz...I kid, I kid…gear down big shifter.

[TitanCi]

How different can 1911's be?

Delete

[gumby]

IIRC, RI builds its 1911s on the same tooling that Colt used in the 50's and 60's.

Not true, check with Arnel in Pahrump, NV. 150 N. Smart Way (775) 537-1444