Help me pick my first 1911

[GeeBee49]

All of my 1911s are 45 ACP. Yes, I'm one of those guys.
Colts are off roster and you will pay top dollar even when you wait for the current situation to end.
Your price range puts you in the upper level of Kimber and Springfield Armory. There are several 1911s from both companies on the roster.
I can't comment on Sig 1911s because I don't own one yet (but I will).
Full size is good but don't rule out the commander size. I like both.

[Bmeow]

also, stainless steel or black
hard to decide

[norcalAF]

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.

I would vote a Glock 30 if you want .45 acp. Very versatile with a 9rd mag and freedom week G21 mags.

[norcalAF]

Have enough glocks already.

Blasphemy

[Bmeow]

Blasphemy

Corrected: Have enough glocks already, for now.

[*_*]

For Springfield CA version:

Mil-Spec/GI, is the most basic model, around $600-$800. Shooting it, the most noticeable thing would be the smaller sights.

Loaded models, around $800-$1,200, adds better sights (combat or target sights), beaver-tail, aluminum long trigger. Mag-well and rail are also available options under their Loaded models. The MC Operator is listed as under their Loaded tier. Also, Operator just means it has a rail for Springfield.

TPR/Trophy Match, around $1,200-$1,600, are supposed to be a tier up from the Loaded. Adds everything from the Loaded line including a mag-well, magazine with pad, better grips, and front strap checkering (aggressive to some). Rail is an option.

If you like to tinker and replace some parts (grips, trigger, magwell, fiber optic sights), I would get the cheaper Loaded line.


I personally would get the 9mm . I take my 1911-9mm and 1911-.22lr to the range more often than my 45's.

[-hanko]

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).

Good shooting...

And that said, Springfield Armory has never had a contract with USMC, SOCOM, etc. That came up in a discussion here yesterday about Springfield's Marine and Long Beach "Operator" guns.

I verified that by calling 2 nephews in USMC Force Recon...one stared laughing when I asked the question.

My choice would be Novak or Colt in 45 acp, and probably a Commander-sized frame as I already have Government and Officer models.

[madmike88]

Welcome to the club.

Honestly get the best/most expensive one first. You'll eventually want an upgrade. You'll save money in the long run!

[norcalAF]

Welcome to the club.

Honestly get the best/most expensive one first. You'll eventually want an upgrade. You'll save money in the long run!

Best answer to any gun question. Buy once, cry once

[August]

My vote is Springfield.

[rodralig]

Colts are off roster and you will pay top dollar even when you wait for the current situation to end.

You can get a Colt through an LGS (and not through PPT). Off-roster premium not required...The Gold Cup National Match in both 9 and 45...

https://www.colt.com/detail-page/colt-o5870a1-gold-cup-ntlmtc-45-5-bl

I also have one. Never fired / NIB... @OP, make an offer??

Good shooting...

Thank you!! I try to practice as much as possible in my earlier years...


_

[Bmeow]

For Springfield CA version:

Mil-Spec/GI, is the most basic model, around $600-$800. Shooting it, the most noticeable thing would be the smaller sights.

Loaded models, around $800-$1,200, adds better sights (combat or target sights), beaver-tail, aluminum long trigger. Mag-well and rail are also available options under their Loaded models. The MC Operator is listed as under their Loaded tier. Also, Operator just means it has a rail for Springfield.

TPR/Trophy Match, around $1,200-$1,600, are supposed to be a tier up from the Loaded. Adds everything from the Loaded line including a mag-well, magazine with pad, better grips, and front strap checkering (aggressive to some). Rail is an option.

If you like to tinker and replace some parts (grips, trigger, magwell, fiber optic sights), I would get the cheaper Loaded line.


I personally would get the 9mm . I take my 1911-9mm and 1911-.22lr to the range more often than my 45's.

Thanks, exactly what i was looking for. I will try a few of my friend's 45ACP 1911 first before buying.

[bigdrunk92037]

Dan Wesson PM7

[jyc]

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.

1) Springfield, Dan Wesson, Les Baer are all excellent choices.

2) If Springfield, just go with a TRP model as I really enjoy the front strap checkering and magwell. Look for used Les Baers at a comparable price point.

3) reloading is the only way how I can afford shooting thousands of rounds of .45 acp. Nothing like seeing a sharp .45 caliber hole using lead semi-wadcutters.

4) No, if you're willing to pay off-roster prices buy the cheapest Springfield 1911 you can find and send it to Will O'hara for custom work. At the end of the day, what's another $500-$1000 if you're already willing to pay the sunshine tax? Get exactly what you want.

5) Home defense - Rail
Range use/all-around - non rail

*caveat - you're limited to 2 CA models from Springfield and Kimber for 9mm 1911s (other than the EMP). I see nothing wrong with a 9mm 1911 if it means you'll consolidate your ammunition and shoot more because of the lower prices.

**you might also want to consider a CZ 75 SP-01 with the Cajun Gun Works Pro Package if you don't like the on-roster 9mm 1911 models. And of course, 17 rd flush fitting mags you possessed since freedom week..... The CZ models are fantastic - just don't make the mistake of holding a Shadow 2 and pulling the trigger as it will make you want to pay off-roster prices for one.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[The War Wagon]

1. SA
2. LW Operator. You WON'T miss the extra ounces
3. 45 ACP
4. ???
5. MINE has the rail, but I'll probably never use it. Adds a little extra weight in a steel gun - might help offset recoil. If you find a good pistol at the right price WITHOUT it, I wouldn't sweat it!