1911 Help Please - Best Value? Greatest Capacity?

[TC-TX]

I am making another addition to the stable and would like some intel...

I am looking for the Best Value (read: Not the Cheapest) in 1911 choices with the Greatest Magazine Capacity.

A couple of preferences: Well Made (Preferred Made in America), Single Stack Mags (for the Slender Grip), and Lightweight Version Options.

I am considering:

Colt
S&W
Springfield
Kimber

I am leaning toward the Colt Lightweight Commander XSE -

Any Suggestions?

 

[TMM]

when i get a 1911, i'm going to carry it with a 7+1 mag but pack 10-rounder reloads...

that being said, IIRC, Kimber has a flush-bottom 1911 with 8+1 capacity.

~TMM

 

[CougarRed]

Cobra mags from Virgil Tripp are 8+1 and fit any 1911. One of the best mags available

 

[farscott]

Since you have mentioned value and the listed choices have some of the modern touches such as beavertail grip safeties, I suggest looking at the STI Trojan 5.0. They are very well made in Texas, backed by very good customer support, and list for about the price of a Colt. They are available in 9x19, .38 Super, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. You have some choices regarding sight, grips, magazine releases, and finishes from the factory, reducing the need to spend more money in the aftermarket to get what you want.

Their web site is www.stiguns.com/

[eta]Just saw the lightweight requirement. STI may not have what you want, but it never hurts to take a look.[/eta]

 

[HSMITH]

Take a look at the STI models. They also make alloy frames and you can get 17 rounds of 40, 20 rounds of 38super/9mm/9x21/9x23 or 15 rounds of 45 acp in a flush fitting magazine. The STI doublestack frame isn't any bigger than a singlestack frame with standard grips, it is just a little more square. You can also get a slightly shorter magazine with a little less capacity.

If you aren't afraid to spend a little money you will be very happy with an STI.

 

[LoadedDrum]

Double stack frames are hardly wider overall than a single stack frame. The issue is near the front strap where the extra width there is not acceptable to some people. A single stack is more round and easier to wrap your fingers around, where a double stack is more square.

 

[TC-TX]

WOW! - I have never even HEARD of STI...

WOW! - I have never even HEARD of STI and I live in the Great State of Texas! How is that possible??? Thank you farscott and HSMITH for the heads up - I will look at these folks for sure!

 

[Zach S]

Double stack frames are hardly wider overall than a single stack frame. The issue is near the front strap where the extra width there is not acceptable to some people.

Another issue is the magwell. A single-stack 5" 1911 tapers nicely, and I can conceal one under my daily attire (mainly jeans and t-shirts). However, a widebody, say for example the P13-45, prints under the same shirt due to the squared magwell, even though the grip is shorter.

I'm 6ft tall and weight about 155 lbs, so of course, YMMV.

As for the original question, my Colt was a great pistol, and my SA is as well. I've had great luck with Kimber, however all of mine are Series None. Current Kimbers dont really do a lot for me, and the external extractor is a big issue for me. I have no experiance with S&W, but I hear good things about them.

 

[f4t9r]

I really like Kimber even if I do get some remarks back once in while
Made in the USA (good stuff) and use wilson 10 rd mag

 

[12-34hom]

1911 style pistols.

Para - P-14 - 14 rnds 45acp - P-16 - 16 rnds of 40 cal. P-18 - 18 rnds of 9mm, series 80 platform.

I have a P-14ltd - had some minor teething problems. excellent overall pistol.

12-34hom.

 

[lycanthrope]

The frontstraps on the 2011 (STI, SVI) guns are easily modified by the folks at APS or your own skills with the woodburner....

The guns look heavy, but even the full dustcover/bull barreled STI Edge weighs less than a Government style 1911.

I recommend Dawson Precision or Brazos Custom for a worked over Edge or Eagle. Both also make custom models.