Help me pick my first 1911

[Bmeow]

Hey, Bmeow, You're right, very popular topic, but it's an interesting one, since there are so many choices.

1. I actually like both Springfield and Sig.
2. I really like the idea of a 9mm 1911 since I already shoot 9mm in all my other guns.
3. I feel like Ca-compliant 1911's offer quite a few options
5. I have a bed-side gun with a rail and light, so I would just as soon have a 1911 without a rail, since I would probably be carrying the 1911 in a holster daily.

That being said, for about $1000, I feel like the Sig stainless rail is a really nice .45acp rig, and is the one Sig that I've actually shot, other than a TacOps which was REALLY nice.

For Springfield, for about $800, I'd go with the loaded model with it's beavertail grip safety. I see a loaded stainless 9mm on Turner's site for about $100 more.

I will definitely try both SA and Sig once this lockdown is over. Glad i have friends with both offered to let me try.

[tomrkba]

Kimber treated me terribly and I will never own another of their products.

Springfield has ALWAYS failed me since 1997. I periodically forgot until my last EMP. All of them were duds. Several went back to SACS two or three times and were not reliable. SACS managed to fix this EMP and I still have it.

Therefore, if you are going to by an on-roster gun, buy a semi custom gun from Les Baer, Nighthawk or Wilson Combat. I know these guns are over your budget but they are worth both the increased quality and customer support.

[rodralig]

Therefore, if you are going to by an on-roster gun, buy a semi custom gun from Les Baer, Nighthawk or Wilson Combat. I know these guns are over your budget but they are worth both the increased quality and customer support.

And for an additional fee, you can get any off-roster Nighthawk from the factory with their EGI program:

https://www.nighthawkcustom.com/ca-express-gunsmithing-initiative

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[Bmeow]

And for an additional fee, you can get any off-roster Nighthawk from the factory with their EGI program:

https://www.nighthawkcustom.com/ca-express-gunsmithing-initiative

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damn, those are $3k+ 1911s
way over budget

[SomeGuy75]

When I wanted to get a 9mm 1911, I bought a Springfield and a Kimber. I took them both out twice, and both times the Kimber shot better, and just felt better. She SA wasn’t bad, I just shot better groups with the Kimber, and I liked the trigger better. But I’m just someguy on the Internet. Rent or borrow several and pick the one that feels best to YOU. It’s your money you’re spending, not ours.

[rodralig]

damn, those are $3k+ 1911s
way over budget

Well, another suggestion that was given in other threads was to get, say, a low-cost RIA/Citadel or a GI milspec 1911. Then reach out to 1911 gunsmiths like our very own @CifaldiPrecision, who trained under Will O'Hara, to "tune" your 1911 to your liking/specifications, etc.

Maybe reach out to him, give your budget, and ask him what he recommends?


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[Prepped and ready]

Kimber's can be overpriced especially since they use mim parts. Generally they're good quality except for their magazines.
They are probably the worst 1911 magazines on the market PERIOD.

I put Wilson combat magazines in mine and have not had an issue since.!

I use Tripp Research Cobra mags. They are great mags.

Yes Kimber mags suck, but if you take them apart, file down the follower a little and take the stamp edge off, they work perfectly. I have about 40 Factory Kimber mags and all of them Now, work perfectly.

I also have a bunch of Wilson mags and no complaints with those.

[Stanze]

My first and only 1911 purchased when it was on the roster.





I love it, excellent machining and no slide to frame rattle.

[ACfixer]

^^^ See? What is it about a Colt that is just so sexy?

I need to have mine dovetailed for some sights like that.

[GeeBee49]

I have a RIA FS Tactical; got it specifically for a truck gun, for a number of reasons.
1) it's a 1911, as are all my OTHER pistols.
2) it's their top-of-the-line model. If you're gonna buy a CHEAP gun, at least get the BEST one they make.
3) if it gets stolen, I'll be TICKED... but NOT like I would be, if one of my GOOD SA's or Kimbers got stolen.
That said, it's a decent shooter, and does exactly what I need, which is - cover my BUTT, if I'm out and about.
FYI
1) Yes, I DO have my valid PA LTCF, which allows me to carry concealed IN the vehicle, and
2) In these days of property crimes, no LONGER being... "crimes" ... I have removed ALL my guns from my trucks, for safe storage in the house. For all you professional worry-warts.

Those are all good reasons. I've read a lot more positive comments from RIA owners than I have negative comments. From what I've read they've sold a schiff load of them.

[RexHavoc]

I have a couple Kimbers that I really like but they’re both series 1 Kimbers. Not a huge fan of the series 2. I have a Sig C3 but haven’t fired it yet, I did really like the Sig Tacops but I don’t know if that’s on roster? Coming from TN/PA/WA I got spoiled with a bit more freedom.

I also built a custom with Bob Rogers before he moved to Idaho, definitely an experience if you can manage it. Though we probably couldn’t bring the pistol back any longer...

In your shoes I’d probably go RIA.

[Jimi Jah]

Go to a well stocked gun range (when open) and rent a few first. Me, I have a Springfield Mil-Spec, a Target 9mm and that cheapo ATI/GSG 1911 .22LR.

That ATI .22LR is a blast, very accurate and real cheap shootin'. It loves Armscore .22LR 38 grain hollow point at 3 cpr from Target Sports USA.

[1Carguy]

I've got a Springfield 1911 Loaded, stainless 45 ACP and I'm very happy with it. Good value for the $$. Looking back, I think I should not have bought the stainless steel model. The stainless surfaces are very soft and scratch easily.

[Mayor McRifle]

I've got a Springfield 1911 Loaded, stainless 45 ACP and I'm very happy with it. Good value for the $$. Looking back, I think I should not have bought the stainless steel model. The stainless surfaces are very soft and scratch easily.

The scratches are pretty easy to remove with 600 to 800 grit sandpaper or a light grey (ultra fine) Scotchbrite pad.