How is this 1911?

Most reliable 1911 manufacturer

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eatont9999

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Hey guys,

It is time for me to decide on what make 1911-A1 I want. October 1st I will be 21st birthday and I will be applying for my class A LTC. I have a long list of military and C&R handguns I want to purchase at some point, but a 1911-A1 is at the top of my list. This will be the gun I carry, so I want reliability first and foremost. I really like the look of the mil-spec 1911 from WWII. I think blued or stainless finishes will last the longest, so I have been looking at those. I would consider buying an original WWII 1911, but I would probably be hesitant to carry or shoot it much because of the collector's value. I am looking to spend up to $800. Please advise me on which manufacturers to look at and which to stay away from. Please vote for the most suitable manufacturer within my means.

I like the look of this one: http://www.jgsales.com/product_info...ll-size-5in-new/cPath/16_365/products_id/2156

Thanks for the input guys!
 
i own a sa 1911, and it is great 100% reliable after 1500rds, and yes with jhp's too. but the model that i have isn't what you are looking for and a little more than you want to spend.

however i have shot several other sa 1911's that will suit you and meet the financial criteria.

the sa gi's are extremly accurate for what they are, but for a gun that you want to carry and probally want to shoot alot, i say look at the loaded line up they are good to go and accurate. the added features of the loaded model will be better for shooting and ccw IMHO. ie the ambi thumb safety, beavertail grip saftey, night sights etc.

for ccw you might want a 4" gun and they have those also. you can't go wrong with a sa.
 
Overview of the performance of my 1911's over the last 35 years. (May have missed a few, as memory is not what it once was.) see NOTES below.

9MM Colt Commander (6)
45 ACP Colt LW Commander (5)
45 ACP Colt/Gov. Md.(original S70) (5)
45 ACP Colt/ Commander (1991 ORM) (4)
45 ACP Clot/Defender (4)
45 ACP Colt/LW Commander XSE (4)
45 ACP Norinco/1911A1 (Blue) (1)
45 ACP Norinco/1911A1 (Hard Chrome) (1)
45 ACP Norinco/1911A1 (park) (1)
45 ACP Norinco/1911A1 (park) (1)
45 ACP Norinco/1911A1 (park) (1)
45 ACP Kimber/Clasic (3)
45 ACP Kimber/Royal Cary (2)
45 ACP Kimber/Custom Royal (4)
45 ACP Para-Ordnance/P12-45 (1)*
45 ACP Brown KC (1)
45 ACP Brown SF (1)
45 ACP Brown SF (1)
45 ACP Brown/Class A Ltd Commander (1)
45 ACP SA/TRP (3)
45 ACP SA/PRO (1)
45 ACP SA/Trophy Match (3)
45 ACP STI/Trojan (3)
45 ACP Dan Wesson CBOB (2)
45 ACP Taurus / PT 1911 (1)
45 ACP Valtro (1)
45 ACP S&W 1911PD (1)

Honorable mention “1911ish” guns (Like other external extractor “1911 want-to-be’s”)
45 ACP Star/PD #1 (1)*
45 ACP Star/PD #2 (1)*
45 ACP Star/PS (1)*

NOTES:
(1) 100% out of the box with all mags & ammo
(2) 100% with slight break-in, &/or mag change
(3) Reliable after break-in with specific ammo & mags
(4) Reliable after part(s) change &/or minor gunsmithing
(5) Reliable after major gunsmithing
(6) Never worked even after multiple returns to manufacture and gunsmiths
(*) Only OEM mags used
 
I only currently own 2 1911s.
A WWI Colt and a Springfield Loaded (ambi safety, nightsights, beavertail, etc)

Obviously a 90 year old Colt isnt really what your looking at, but I have to say, its still a great gun and rarely jams. I shoot it fairly regularly.

The Springfield, in my opinion is the most reliable 1911 I have found.
I believe Springfields Lifetime Warranty attests to the quality of their product.
I put a few hundred rounds through it a week, and have never had a problem.


I would not hesitate to tell anyone to buy a Springfield.
 
I would consider buying an original WWII 1911…

I am looking to spend up to $800.
Click to expand...

If you’re referring to a 1911 made before 1946 that’s going to be a problem with your price range, assuming you want one in good condition.

Could you go, say, another $150? If so you can buy a new original Colt’s 1911 – I own a S70 reissue (Model O1970) that’s been 100 percent out of the box. The WWI reissue (Model O1911) would also be an excellent choice.

The two Colts I bought new in the last hear have been perfect – the S70 as noted and a Model O1091 – and I can highly recommend Colt.

Good luck, enjoy your search, and hope to welcome you to the 1911 community soon!
 
I've had great luck with Kimber--just bought my fifth, and already looking at another. In order of purchase:
Ultra CDP (pre-series II)
Stainless Ultra Carry II
Another Stainless Ultra Carry II (sold it, shouldn't have)
Pro CDP II (external extractor)
Pro Eclipse II

I've had so-so luck with Colt. In order of purcase--all are sold now:
1911 (pre-A1)
Defender
Combat Commander

I owned one Charles Daly (Rock Island/Armscorp) that was quite a bit of trouble. When I bought it I could not get through three consecutive rounds without a failure, regardless of magazine or ammo used. Eventually got it to be 97% or so, and sold it with full disclosure.

Para-Ord--owned four, minor trouble with one. Fixed by Para free of charge, even though I had bought it used. Sold all but one (Tac-Four nightstand gun).

My Springfield experience only relates to EMPs:
Original had so many problems I returned it to Springfield. They apparently could not fix it, and after about two months sent a replacement. It had troubles which required another trip to Geneseo. It is now functional and seemingly reliable but I don't carry it, and may sell it.
 
You're going to have one big problem,Eaton you are going to have a very hard time trying to buy a mil spec 1911 in Ma new
or used,unless it's from a private sale. There are very few models of the 1911 available for sale in Ma due to the AG's list and the EOPS list. Most out of state dealers will not send a pistol of any type here and even if you could find a dealer you have to get a local dealer to accept it. I wish you luck cause your gonna need it.
 
It looks like it is either hit or miss with reliability on 1911s. I guess I need to shoot for the least problematic brand name. Keep posting opinions, the more the merrier!

I am hoping I can get a local dealer to sell me the 1911.
 
Off the top of my head Para and S&W are available new in MA some others may be but I think they are high end competition models. Your best bet would be to contact a local dealer and ask what he can get you. If you can't get what you want,might I suggest a S&W 625 in 45acp very nice revolver and very accurate. again your only other option is a private sale.
 
as i cant contest to the other models you mentioned in your poll the only 1911 I've owned and carry daly is the taurus pt1911 (700Rd's) haven't had a hiccup yet
 
I voted the DW because of all the great things I have heard about them on this website. Granted I could also have voted for the Colt cause hey the ol' saying goes... If it ain't a pony it's a fony. but I am not that shallow to say something like that. BTW OP I am going to send you a PM with a link so that you can read up on the DW, but won't post it here as to not hijack your thread or spam on it.
 
I'm deeply disappointed that CHarles Daly was not in that list. We have been selling 1911's for many years and we are serveral cuts above a few that are already on the list, particularly Shooters, There is no comparison.
 
That just goes to show my ignorance on 1911s. I do remember hearing Charles Daly before now that you mention it.

It looks like I am only able to get what is on the MA approved list or made before 1998. I have no problem buying a used 1911 so long as it is in good condition.
 
I have a Colt that was made in 1928, and it is still a shooter.
I used to like kimbers then I moved to Springfield, but after inheriting this Colt I an a full believer. If I were gong to buy one, it would be either a Colt or a Parkerized Springfield Loaded. I voted for Colt, but Springfield is up there too. I have shot them both and like them both.
One thing that I would make sure of WHEN I get another 1911 is user replaceable and customizable sights. Anyway, that is the best advice I can give you. Honestly, I wouldn't get anything other than Colt (first preference) or Springfield (second). Maybe if I had lots of money to burn... a Wilson Combat .
 
Do you guys think I could easily bring it back to the shop if I bought a lemon? Do manufacturers stand by their warranties and guarantees? What do I do if I get a lemon that jams a round every other clip or so?
 
i said other because your not gonna touch most of those brands with $800. a 1911 is just like racing "how fast do you want to spend" a 1911 is what you make of it . off the shelf $800 will buy a good 1911. 1300 will buy an excelent 1911. above that and your in to costom territory and you get whatever your heart desires. your call quality or economy. no one can blame you for either
 
Not to disagree, but I think you find several of those listed for around $800. SA Mil-spec is well below that in most places. Just got done looking at Colt 80 series for $790, and I am sure I can even beat that.
Used market is even better...
 
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