First 1911 purchase - advice

[Bagel_7]

I've been planning on purchasing a 1911 for a while now, and this weekend I won a cheap FMK 9mm in pink at the local Friends of the NRA dinner. Well I am going to put that back up and take a $300 discount off a 1911 at my local gun shop. I have to wait the 10 days for the transfer of the FMK to be completed and then I can select the 1911 and complete the transfer (30 days later) stupid California.

I am planning to purchase a Kimber, I only want to spend $1,200 ($900 after my trade in value). What does everyone suggest, is the Kimber the way to go? Should I select something else? I'm open to concealed carry size, but I think I would prefer a full size for my first 1911.


Stock picture from Google provided.

[DVSmith]

I would suggest you look at the Springfield 1911 Loaded. A solid gun at a good price. I have used mine for all of my training classes. Just a great workhorse. I have Kimbers, Colts, Springfields of every flavor and I still use that one for all of my basic shooting applications. Don't get me wrong, I love them all. That is just my go-to for practical use.

BTW - Love the pink... did it come with matching ears??

[DDM4556]

I'm DROSing my 1st 1911 tomorrow. Its a Springfield Loaded Stainless. From hours of research, and the opinions of fellow Calgunners with 1911 experience, it seemed to be the best choice. However, you have a higher budget than I did so perhaps a better Loaded model would suite you? Like an Operator?

I hear Kimbers are really good too so you're probably making a good choice either way.

Heres what I'm getting

[Soginator]

For $1200 you can either save money and get a Springfield loaded or get a used trp. Both of those are better choices than a Kimber.

[dune870demon]

Sig

[AusomeDood]

I bought a Kimber Custom II, which is basically their cheapest gun. I like it but if I could redo it, I would have gotten a Springfield Loaded or TRP. From what I hear, Springfield is the way to go.

[nephrodoc]

Go for the Springfield loaded

[Wordupmybrotha]

1911 in 9mm is fun to shoot.

[mikeovers]

I have three Springfield 1911's one Sig 1911 and one Wilson Combat. I love the Springfields (1911-A1 Stainless, 1911-A1 38 super, and one 1911 stainless loaded in 9mm) Trust me the Springfield will get you the most bang for your buck. Also if you want you can buy upgrades for them later, but it's best to get the loaded and not have to keep adding on.

[keenkeen]

What 1911 brands can your FFL get?

[cabikefreak]

SA loaded or used TRP if you can find one. And yes go full size. I have a Kimber I like but the SA is better IMO (and all who have shot both of my 1911s).

[GW]

Another vote for Springfield Loaded, but Rock Island Armory always deserves an honorable mention.
Both models have all the usual upgrades from the GI model.
RIA will cost significantly less.

[Harley]

Love my Kimbers but a Springfield Non Rail TRP is what you seek OP...

If you do go Kimber, make it a Raptor.

[beretta929mm]

Don't overbuy; keep it around 1 grand.

[cebuvfr]

SA Loaded.