[MagKnightX]

Yeah, I know it's been asked about a million times... I just can't find it with the search tool...

Full size, preferably not over $700, reliable, and as accurate as possible for that price. Doesn't have to be concealable (that's why I have a wundernine/will have a wunderforty), although that would be a plus. Also, a commander-style hammer is practically a necessity... the regular hammer bites my hand...

Maybe the Springfield full-size parkerized (PX9109L)?

[meathammer]

I bought a Springfield loaded for my first 1911. I'm sure you'll get alot of other first choices from other members. I liked mine so much I bought another Springfield. A used, stainless loaded model. My buddy was selling it, (and I knew the thing was reliable) I couldn't pass it up for $400. These two pistols are by far my favorites to take shooting.


--meathammer

[AZ Heat]

I'd recommend a used Kimber Custom Classic (Series 1). They are extremely well made guns and you can find them in the $500 and $600 range. This is the gun that changed today's 1911 "out of the box" standards. Good luck!

[Ford]

Get a Kimber Custom

[Brick]

Are there any excellent 1911s in .22?

[flatpicker]

I would recommend the SW 1911. A very accurate and out of the box reliable semi custom gun at a plain jane price. They can be had for around $650 with fixed sights. Target model slightly higher. Chech link below.
Click here (http://www.firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=293581&sw_activeTab=1)

flatpicker.

[Ala Dan]

For an introductory 1911, its very hard to beat the Springfield WW-II G.I.
.45 ACP. I received one as a gift, and it is one of my favorite handguns.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[deputy tom]

A second vote for the SA Loaded.tom.

[RicVa]

Another vote for the Springfield WWII GI model. Basic, classic, and mine has functioned flawlessly so far. Good price too.

[at-home-daddy]

...and another for the SW1911.

[Steelharp]

This is NOT a biased response.

If it says COLT on it... it's a great first... middle... and last 1911. They are making some of the best guns they've ever made, right now. They don't have funky keys, and grip safeties that don't engage from time to time, and they have the least MIM in them of any manufacturer. They work... every time.

'nuff said.

[Brick]

so there aren't any .22 1911s?

[Morgan]

I believe Kimber is making a .22 1911 pattern. Ciener and others make .22 conversions.

I doubt I'll ever have a non-Colt 1911, for good reason. They really are putting out fine pistols recently. The new throat design alone is worth it's weight in gold.

[The Freeholder]

I like my Springfield. Just watch out for the manual, it stinks. Get someone familier with a 1911 to drill you on dis/assembly before you shoot.

[valnar]

For the price you won't get better than the Dan Wesson PM7-S or Patriot series. The Smith SW1911 is a good one too. I would consider both of those above any Springfield or Kimber.

There are a few folks left making them right.

-Robert

[boofus]

Don't get something cheap like a Rock Island, or anything oddball like a Colt Delta Elite 10mm. I got both for my first 1911s and I've pretty much given up on the design. Neither of them worked right, even the little golden pony on the Colt didn't make it work without jamming every 3 shots.

Maybe if I had gotten a Springer or Colt NRM or Kimber .45 for my first I wouldn't dislike 1911s so much. I just really don't want to take the chance of buying another one and having it not work either. :eek:

[cslinger]

As of right now it really seems like Colt is making some of the best 1911s for the dollar right now. I have a basic no frills 1991A1 NRM that has the most wonderful polished bluing on the slabsides and a nice contrast of matte blue on top of the slide. It has been very very reliable, required no break-in which I expected and am not used to ala SIG pistols, and is generally fit and finished very very well. I paid somewhere in the neighborhood of $550ish.

I am not a Colt fanboy either, although when it came down to it I wanted a real honest to by God Colt .45. :D

Don't go any cheaper than Springfields and Kimber has me soured since I have seen a lot of them with problems and for the money they command problems should not be that frequent.

Here is a link to mine that shows the reflection of the slide bluing pretty well. The link loads a large picture so be warned.

http://www.hunt101.com/showphoto.php?photo=36809&sort=7&thecat=500&password=

[MagKnightX]

Okay, another question:

if I get something like the Springfield gov't model or GI that has the regular hammer (as in, not the commander hammer), would it be feasible to dremel or file off about 1/4" from the end of the hammer to save my hand, or would that effect firing?

[popeye]

Buy the gun first. A WWII Springfield around $450-$475. A Colt around $550. Some people have real hammerbite problem, some, like me don't. Taking 1/4" off a spur hammer would make it look real unusual and perhaps loss of mass, unreliable. You can always put a commander hammer on it.

[sfhogman]

'Nuther vote for the Springfield Loaded. Mine's Parkerized. Goes to range with me every time. Solid, accurate gun.

Jeff

[ruger357]

Sw1911.

[Gunnutz13]

Yea...gotta love the 45...big & slow is the way to go. My 1st 45 was a S&W model 645 stainless ( 1985...S&W first entry into 45 arena ). 5 inch, 8 shot ambidex safety, handful of steel ( sigh ). Then I got the Colt Gold Cup National Match...another beauty. And my carry choice in the Para Ord P-12. Small package for carrying...great belly gun. Of all the guns in my collection, 45's are my favorite, no matter what name is stamped on the slide. I hear Colt is now out with a WW1 pattern ( true 1911 ) that even comes with the original look packing and original offered screw driver. Let us know what you wind up gettin...later :evil:

[Todesengel]

Full size, preferably not over $700, reliable, and as accurate as possible for that price.

Kimber Custom; usually well under $700, Reliable, Accurate, easy concealable with the right holster and Kimber has great customer service and very fast turn-around time.

[Rogue2]

Another vote for the Kimber custom.