Help me pick my first 1911

[Bmeow]

I know it's probably been debated many times and i've watched tons of youtube videos. Still want to get some useful insights from local 1911 owners to help me pick my first 1911. Price range $1k - 1.5k

1. Springfield vs Sig vs other brand
2. Difference between Springfield models (MC operator, range officer, TRP etc). Have no idea what they mean other than price diff. (looking for a full size)
3. age-old debate 9mm vs 45 ACP
4. worth paying extra buying off-roster or just buy California compliance model?
5. full rail vs no rail
Thanks.

[norcalAF]

In that price range they are all production guns, look at the features that you want and go from there. It is up to you if you want to pay the off roster premium. Personally when I get around to getting a 1911, it will be a Sig, as I like the nontraditional slides on the older ones aesthetically.

[snacks]

If you want .45 I would recommend a Springfield but I’m biased towards Springfield. Mc op has a light rail bushing barrel and no front checkering
Trp has two models full rail and no rail. If you don’t need or want the rail I would go standard Trp in black or stainless. Bushing barrel and front checkering

Dan Wesson has often been recommended I’ve handled a few and have to say there fit is really nice but for some reason they don’t wow me. I’m going to get flak for this but I’m not a fan of Kimber the ones I’ve handled and shot don’t impress me at all.
I have no experience with Sig.

If your wanting 9mm I think we only have two options that’s on roster. Springfield or Kimber. Although I like Springfield I have to admit their tolerances for their Loaded guns do vary from one sample to the other.

I’m basing my decisions on the Trp’s And Mc operators I have. I have an older TRP that is better fit than my newer Trp. I know Springfield will fix it but it works and I have not had any functional issues

[SgtDOC]

I would say 45 for sure... that's what a 1911 is... Springfield very good... I am not a fan of the Swartz (aka 80 series) safety system on 1911. Most other manufacturers have that. SW, Sig, Kimber, Ruger etc... on most of there guns. If you can jump another 100 bucks I would go for Springfield TRP. I think best bang for the buck out there... Our local shop I volunteer at just got a few in even in this buying frenzy Stainless and Blued. Other than that the new colts have some 70 series, I just got the competition model... very nice, but off roster. If you are near Clovis check out HalfCocked firearms. Bill or Larry, and tell them I sent you.. take care of you.

[Barbarosa]

... 3. age-old debate 9mm vs 45 ACP....

You really limit your options if you go 9mm. Springfield (Loaded or EMP) or Kimber (Target II). The Loaded or Target II are excellent choices and ammo is a lot less expensive for the range. You can find other off-roster 9mm but I wouldn't pay the off-roster premium.

If it was my first 1911 I'd stick with a .45 simply for nostalgic reasons.

[BigPimping]

Get a Glock 21 and a lot of ammo. I would never depend on a 1911 for any kind of a serious situation. This is why Glock is used by more military units and police agencies in the whole world. And it has nothing to do with price. It has to do with reliability, ease of use and maintenance.

[harbormaster]

Go cheap. $500 RIA with the upgraded model, buy 6 extra magazines, buy leather you want, and then buy 2k rounds of ammo. You can always sell it for about $500 when you area ready to go higher.

[iareConfusE]

For $1000 you can get a SA Loaded and a bit of ammo to go with it, or a SA MC Operator with no ammo. The difference between those and the TRP or Professional is the fit and finish. TRP has been my realistic dream 1911 for some time now after shooting one at a Calguns shoot many years back.

And of course, in 45ACP.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Bmeow]

Get a Glock 21 and a lot of ammo. I would never depend on a 1911 for any kind of a serious situation. This is why Glock is used by more military units and police agencies in the whole world. And it has nothing to do with price. It has to do with reliability, ease of use and maintenance.

Have enough glocks already.

[Canucky]

I suggest if you can, hold off purchasing a firearm. Wait till this panic plays out. It's a sellers market right now. But if you got that itch that needs to be scratched? Good luck with your search.

[rodralig]

Interested in a used Springfield Armory 1911 Marine Corps Operator...? Of course, in 45 ACP.

About 2,430-rounds down the pipe. Make an offer?

This was three (3) years back... About 9-months since I got started into firearms (was already happy with 2.5-inch groups at 7-yards; right now, with a 1911, I can fit all shots in 1.5-inches).



Cheers,


_

[Sure Shot 45]

.45 ACP NHC or WC and never look back.

[BigPimping]

If you have Glocks, then save your money and buy ammo and only ammo.

[Powder_Keg]

1. Springfield vs Sig vs other brand
I have both, both are good to go. Sig has a non traditional slide and external extractor.

2. Difference between Springfield models (MC operator, range officer, TRP etc). Have no idea what they mean other than price diff. (looking for a full size)
As price go up, fit, quality and options go up. TRP’s are very nice, but 20 LPI front strap checkering is aggressive and not for everyone. MC Operator is a great option. Sig’s have 25 LPI front checkering, that’s my preference. Still plenty of grip.

3. age-old debate 9mm vs 45 ACP
For 1st 1911, go 45 ACP

4. worth paying extra buying off-roster or just buy California compliance model?
Save money and buy used or on roster.

5. full rail vs no rail
Either is fine, extra weight of rail helps a little with recoil/muzzle flip

[Bmeow]

1. Springfield vs Sig vs other brand
I have both, both are good to go. Sig has a non traditional slide and external extractor.

2. Difference between Springfield models (MC operator, range officer, TRP etc). Have no idea what they mean other than price diff. (looking for a full size)


3. age-old debate 9mm vs 45 ACP
For 1st 1911, go 45 ACP

4. worth paying extra buying off-roster or just buy California compliance model?
Save money and buy used or on roster.

5. full rail vs no rail
Either is fine, extra weight of rail helps a little with recoil/muzzle flip

Thanks!!! Sounds like i should be looking at MC operator more. ($400 cheaper than TRP before tax) Also considering buying an used on roster to save a little more. But this one is gonna be a keeper, so still considering spending a little more to get a nicer TRP.