First 1911 purchase - advice

[Robert1234]

Incorrect

I like the TRP and the Colt Series 70 idea.

However just to brainstorm another option, I will say to find a
RUGER SR 1911. They are extremely reliable and Hickok45 loves them.

They are stainless steel. They are based on the series 70 1911 which is considered the best Colt ever built. However Ruger fixed the firing pin Problem (drop a real Series 70 and in some instances the firing pin could Detonate a cartridge in the chamber) (series 80 fixed that problem with a pin Disconnect governed by the trigger, but at the expense of a heavier trigger )

Ruger made the firing pin out of titanium and the Series 70 only problem went away.

Another advantage to buying a Ruger SR1911 (off roster) from the classifieds is
No Sales Tax. Less than a $1000 as well.

Good luck




Grip safety, not trigger on the seizes 80

Incorrect. On the Colt Series 80 system, movement of the trigger releases the firing pin safety.

On the Schwartz (sp?) systems, I believe invented by Colt, but now used by Kimber and others, movement of the grip safety releases the firing pin safety.

Of the two systems, I prefer the Schwartz. It has zero effect on the trigger so it does not affect trigger jobs. My Kimber never had an issue with the Schwartz system. I've shot Series 80 Colts that had no issues with the firing pin safety system. Not a big deal really.

That said, given the choice, I'd opt for a gun without this "feature" at all. Not for any specific reason other than I prefer fewer moving parts. I wouldn't let the presence of a firing pin safety system deter me from buying a gun that otherwise had all the features I wanted. I'd just prefer it not have the system, and ***** about it after purchase.

[pipboy]

OP, if you are somewhat new to the 1911 platform, this article is a little dated but still contains a lot of good info. Plenty to consider when jumping into the 1911 pool.

http://www.10-8performance.com/pages/Choosing-a-1911-for-Duty-Use.html

[morfeeis]

In terms of overall quality, are you specifically referring to the RIA Tactical or RIAs in general? I'm researching options for my first 1911 and don't want to spend a fortune.

if you don't need the rail than the normal RIA will do. the OP said he wanted to use the 1911 for HD duty so a rail for a light was a must, so in his case the tactical.

[xbxb040]

I am in the same boat. Want to buy my first 1911, after shooting one this passed weekend. I am wanting it for CCW, nightstand, range. The most important things to me are accuracy and reliability out of the box. My budget is under 1000, preferring to keep it low as I can and still get a very reliable and accurate 1911. I am thinking full size as well.

I had been looking hard at SA mil spec, RIA 1911A1. The Taylor's Tactical 1911-a1-fs seems like a great deal, but lacks extensive reviews and advocates. Although, after reading this thread I am giving serious thought to the SA loaded.

Prefer parkerized as well, or carbon anyway.

[holt7153]

if you don't need the rail than the normal RIA will do. the OP said he wanted to use the 1911 for HD duty so a rail for a light was a must, so in his case the tactical.

Thanks for the info.

[Robert1234]

Sonething about gun-mounted lights; you end up pointing your gun at anything you need to see, not a really good idea when you consider most things that go bump in the night are late coming home family members, pets or spouse getting up for leak/midnight snack or because they just can't sleep.

My advice, avoid "Mil-Spec"type 1911. BTGS makes for a much more comfortable shooting gun. Sits lower in the hand, more surface area and no hammer bite. And adjustable sights. Nothing more annoying than POI being different than POA. Stainless steel, is more immune to holster wear if you care about such trivial mattersfor home defense, get a plastic gun. They hold more rounds and they hold more rounds. Oh, and they hold more rounds.

[deckhandmike]

Does your night stand gun get moved into a safe every time you leave the house, or does it get left out everyone once and a while? Something to think about before you drop a bunch on a HD gun. HD guns are generally gone for a long time if ever used in HD and guns left out are prone to being stolen.

[BigPimping]

I will never understand the appeal of a 105 yr old design with so many modern and reliable choices to choose from. But it Is your money to spend as you wish.....

[Chief-7700]

Go for the Springfield they have a better warrenty than Kimber. Night Sights are overrated. I have three Springfields, Two Ruger 1911s, A custom built Colt M1911 and my new baby a Les Baer Concept V. Berofe I bought the Baer shoot my SA Range Office in IDPA matches all over the State of Texas.

[Robert1234]

I think they're great guns, I shoot one every weekend in USPSA matches (Single Stack, nit a 20 round 2011). But for defense I'm of the opinion that plastic guns are a better option. And as I stated, I'm also not a fan of lights on guns in the home, for the reasons stated.

For home defense, I prefer living in a town where I'm not likely to need a gun on my nightstand. Locks, alar mm s and a dog round out my home defense protocols. If I need a gun, I will get one but so far situational awareness, the afore mentioned security protocols, and my charm have spared me the experience of a home invasion or break in while I'm home.

[vinny_land]

Tag for later.
Been wanting to have a 1911 only for collection purposes and as a range toy. I'll leave my polymer pistols for grunt work.

I will never understand the appeal of a 105 yr old design with so many modern and reliable choices to choose from. But it Is your money to spend as you wish.....

What I've been wanting to do is to make a collection of American service pistols and keep in a display case: Flintlock, percussion, SAA clone, 1911 variant, and Beretta M9/92FS. I only have the first two and the only 1911 is a 22 trainer from GSG, so .45 ACP is in the near future.

[golfish]

I had been looking hard at SA mil spec, RIA 1911A1. .

Do you want GI sights or an up grade?

The Mil-Spec is the way to go if you plan to build up the way you want it, if you want one that's loaded then look at the loaded. I have the RIA 1911A1 too, I like the RI but the quality doesn't match the SA guns.

Buds Guns has had them in stock, off and on all year. I just bought another Mi-Spec with plan to send it to the Custom Shop.

[xbxb040]

Do you want GI sights or an up grade?

The Mil-Spec is the way to go if you plan to build up the way you want it, if you want one that's loaded then look at the loaded. I have the RIA 1911A1 too, I like the RI but the quality doesn't match the SA guns.

Buds Guns has had them in stock, off and on all year. I just bought another Mi-Spec with plan to send it to the Custom Shop.

I do want to upgrade sights. I am pretty certain I will want the EBTS, maybe a skeletonized hammer, and I like the short trigger, leaning towards no rail because of holsters. Front serrations don't have much sway on me either way. Likely flat main spring housing as well. Not exactly sure yet, just going by the 1911 I just shot and its features, which were excellent.

Thanks for your feedback, I do like to tinker with stuff, and I have a feeling I would regret not buying better quality out the gate.

[zan101]

SA TRP

My first 1911 was a Ruger SR1911 and thought it was nice, then moved to Springfield Armory 1911 loaded in 9mm found it nicer than the Ruger. Last night I took my Springfield Armory TRP Tactical with full rail out of jail and life will never be the same. I just fell in love with it. I know they can get a little expensive but well worth the money. Now I'm saving my money up to buy one of the higher priced 1911's

[golfish]

I do want to upgrade sights. I am pretty certain I will want the EBTS, maybe a skeletonized hammer, and I like the short trigger, leaning towards no rail because of holsters. Front serrations don't have much sway on me either way. Likely flat main spring housing as well. Not exactly sure yet, just going by the 1911 I just shot and its features, which were excellent.

Thanks for your feedback, I do like to tinker with stuff, and I have a feeling I would regret not buying better quality out the gate.

xbxb040, have you seen this SA Range Officer? I'm just throwing this out there since Bud's is out of stock on the Loaded model.

I can't shoot a pistol worth a darn, I'm buying now just so my 3 kids will each have something to pass down to their kids, and so on. At least that's what I tell the boss. I think a quality gun will always hold its value, even more so in these times.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_24/products_id/70940/Springfield+PI9128LP+1911+Range+Officer+7+1+45ACP+5%5c%22+Package