got the itch for a 1911 need some help

[Johnny Lightning]

I have got a the itch for a 1911 that I need to scratch. I will need to trade my tcp and ruger p97 along w/ adding some funds to get one of the 1911's that I am looking at. I am looking in the $600 - $750 range for the 1911. I would want a 1911 w/ 5" barrel preferably a match barrel and as many match parts as possible. I like the Springfield target model except the price is out of range and the pistol didn't feel quite right. I have also been doing some research on the Rock Island Target model which is in the right price range and has all the right features but there is not a whole lot of info out there on them and i have not had the chance to pick one up. Then I saw a used Para Ordnance ssp at a local gun shop that I liked the look of and it felt good - no parts clanking when shaken and very tight feeling. They are asking $700 for it but I think i can talk them down a bit. Does anybody have an opinion on the ssp especially?

 

[grace2u]

The Para's look nice, but I've heard their QC is not great. Is there a specific reason you're not considering Kimber? There are several nice Kimber models that could be had in the upper end of your price range.

 

[Johnny Lightning]

I have heard mixed reviews on the kimbers - some people have luck w/ them but then some will get a gun that jams consistently. I do like the sounds of the accuracy that comes w/ the kimbers though. If I were to look at a Kimber what model should i be looking at?

 

[DeepSouth]

If you can find a used Springfield target model you'd be good to go, they stand by that lifetime warranty. I will also say part of the fun of a 1911 is learning the gun, starting with a basic Mil-Spec model and gradually customizing and upgrading it until you have a one of a kind, made by you (at least in part) and for you.

BTW: I would say all the 1911's will feel basically the same, with the exception of some having a flat main spring housing and others having a curved MSH. They are all close to the same weight and frames are built to nearly identical specs. Unless your looking at Hi-cap or commander models they'll all feel basically the same.

 

[Johnny Lightning]

I was just on gun broker and saw two custom 2's and a royal made by Kimber in my price range. Do all Kimbers come w/ match parts?

 

[Johnny Lightning]

DeepSouth, If I were to start w/ a basic 1911 say mil spec SA, how much would it cost me to upgrade it to mostly match? Also how hard is it to upgrade the parts yourself w/out a gunsmith? for instance would i need a gunsmith to change barrels out or the hammer?

 

[ttheel]

Kimber gets bashed more often simply because they produce and sell significantly more 1911's than any other manufacturer. Thus you are going to hear more complaints. 2007 numbers were 55,722 for Kimber and the next closest company was Colt who produced 17,833. So Kimber produced over 3 times more 1911's than the next biggest competitor in 07. That means that most likely you are going to hear 3 times the complaints by sheer percentages of the numbers. Kimber makes a quality firearm and one of the best as far as the options available for the money. I don't even own a Kimber myself but I know lots of very satisfied owners and one of my friends that has owned and operated a gunshop for over 10 years says that he considers them one of the pest pistols available. I asked him one time if he gets alot of complaints from his Kimber customers and he replied "never." I tend to believe the folks that have to deal with irate customers if they are not happy, especially when they are also a good friend.

 

[Fremmer]

You could start with a good base gun like a Colt or Springer and build it up with custom parts as needed.

 

[Quack]

shop around. i picked this up this past week for $699 (used)

 

[Presto]

I agree with getting a Springfield. They are hard to beat for the price, or any price for that matter. I seriously doubt that most folks can shoot better than a Springfield Mil-spec or GI will out of the box. Don't get me wrong, I love an accurate gun, but I know for a fact that my Springfields shoot wayyyy better than I can hold them. And if you ever find that you've outgrown their ability, then is a good time to upgrade to "match" parts. You'll still be cheaper than most factory "match" guns at that point. It's just something to think about.

 

[JDGray]

I'll be the first to recommend a S&W. Wish I had my old SC Commander back!! The fullsize Smiths are great shooters, if you can get past the EE.

 

[JTQ]

If you liked that Para SSP it would probably a good way to go.

Here is a Todd Jarrett video of an SSP endurance test.
http://www.downrange.tv/show1/

ParaUSA (note the new name formerly ParaOrd) recently moved operations from Canada to the US (North Carolina). The move coincided with the big run on firearms after the President Obama election which could have combined to cause some of the recent problems you see on the net about Para's. The SSP models seemed to have a pretty good reputation, though all of the finishes seem to wear quickly. Stainless would be the way to go.

 

[Jed Carter]

In my experience the Para 1911s I have handled and shot have a rougher fit and finish than other 1911s in the same price range. The Springer pictured earlier in this thread, would make the Para look cheap if placed side by side. If you want to do a build by throwing parts at a Mil-spec 1911, it will be a challange to get it to work, and expensive a good match barrel could run $300 or you could spend about half that on a barrel that "Match" is stamped in the receiver. If you want a looker and shooter for less than $1000 then perhaps look at an STI Spartan. Cost is under $700 and will perform as advertised and look great. One thing about the STIs I have used they work and work very well. One piece of advice is spend the money on good magazines, Chip McCormick. or Wilson Combat are some good choices.

 

[Full Metal Jacket]

springfield armory is the one you want.


read this. here's a list of issues with pics that plague kimbers:

http://full-auto.org/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=54

avoid this brand like the black death.

 

[Nushif]

If you plan on carrying it at all I'd say to not get a full-size one. Simply because they're friggin' huge.

 

[DeepSouth]

springfield armory is the one you want.


read this. here's a list of issues with pics that plague kimbers:

http://full-auto.org/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=54

avoid this brand like the black death.

Man, there is some nasty stuff in that link. Reminds me to look a little closer at a gun before I buy if possible. I'm also good with the Springers, if they do make some junk like that at least they will make it good. I have heard bad things about Kimbers CS, but I haven't used them so I don't really know.



Now we shall continue on.

 

[Evenflo76]

Springfield. Lifetime warranty. The pistol comes with a smith in Geneseo, IL for life.

 

[BlayGlock]

If you want a "match" ready gun in that price range you should look at the STI Spartan:

http://shootersconnectionstore.com/STI-Spartan-45-Stocked-Item-P967.aspx

Before I upgraded to custm 1911s I had one of these and it was a phenominal weapon. STI has good customer service as well.

 

[Full Metal Jacket]

STI discontinued the Philippine made spartan.

 

[Jed Carter]

Shooters connection has the STI Spartan in stock for $628. http://shootersconnectionstore.com You cannot find a 1911 that will out shoot it for the money, for a parkerized pistol it is a looker as well. I personally have ordered the STI Trojan 9mm with some custom additions and subtractions from their custom shop, it will be here sometime in mid September. The Springfield is a good 1911, I have the Longslide 6" in stainless, love it but it is too long for IDPA.

 

[rd2007]

This one is in and out of stock (currently out), but a hella good deal I think. Hopefully picking mine up today.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/53/products_id/62575

 

[JTQ]

STI discontinued the Philippine made spartan.

They still show it on their website. They even showed a GI style version at the SHOT show.

 

[CZ223]

Johny

You really haven't said what you wanted this pistol for. If you want a true bullseye gun you probably need to save some more money. If, however, you want to shoot IDPA or something like that along with some informal bullseye shooting there are a good number of guns in your price range. The following are my opinions only, based on what I have owned, what I currently own and, the experiences of my friends.

Taurus PT 1911: I have two of these and they are exceptional guns for the money. They are the most accurate 1911's that I own. They are not however bullseye gun though I have heard of people starting with these and upgrading parts later.

Springfield Mil-spec: I own one that has had a lot of upgrades including target sights. Someone put a lot of money into this gun though they did not put any into the trigger pull. I will be buying new internals to smooth things out in the near future. My next step is to have a new bushing fit and probably a new link. I still don't think it will make it as a Bullseye gun. Right now there is close to a thousand dollars in this gun, fortunately I bought it for way less than that. It will do all I need it to for another hundred. If I were going to buy a Springfield, with the intentions of upgrading later, I would probably start with a "Loaded Model". Look around the classified section you might find a good deal.

Kimber: I own two and I bought them both used. I like them for what they are and, in the case of the newest one, for how it looks. Neither of them shoot particularly well. In the case of the first one, it wouldn't feed ball ammo when I first got it. I would not buy a new Kimber, they are overpriced. If you you buy them right however, they can be a good deal.

Rock Island: Honestly, I have been trying to buy one of these for a long time. There is too much good out there being said about them to not be intrigued. I really want a compact model. I love bargain guns that work. I was going to buy one when I came across the Kimber Eclipse Target that I just bought. In your price range, their target model might be the place to start unless you aren't going for a bullseye gun, then I would recomend their Tactical model.

Colt: I have owned two colts in the past and frankly they were the reason for me not owning ANY 1911 for the past 18 years. Neither worked for beans. That said, I am willing to give them another try but, as I said, I have not had good luck in the past. Like Kimber, however, the name Colt does get peoples attention.

Para: Personally, I have had no experience with them other than to handle a few of them. At this point, due only to what I have heard, I wouldn't spend the money on one.

 

[BlayGlock]

STI still makes the Spartan, they just added a 9mm model Spartan into thier line as well.

I also agree with Jed Carter, that you cant beat the Spartan for the price.

 

[Full Metal Jacket]

They still show it on their website. They even showed a GI style version at the SHOT show.

incorrect.


they introduced the "G.I." model at the SHOT show. it's american made, as apposed to phillipine made like the spartan. it will also have a higher price point than the spartan as a result.