How to decide on a 1911?

[brockgl]

Okay, I just shot my first 1911-style gun on Saturday. It was actually a Colt M1991A1. I could not believe it's accuracy and comfortable feel. I was very smitten. I know the 1911 is probably THE most popular semi-automatic handgun in existence, and I am having a hard time narrowing down what kind of 1911 I want, since there are SO many makers and choices. I would simply like to know a handful of the most respected 1911 makers and maybe some of their popular 1911 models. I am not looking for a custom gun, just a respected brand and model. I definitely want stainless, though. And of course it needs to be chambered in .45ACP. I know this is a mega broad post, but any help from you 1911 enthusiasts would be very appreciated!

I also am not sure what the 'standard' barrel length for a 1911 is or the standard magazine capacity, etc...

 

[CountGlockula]

Colt, Kimber and Springfield Arm.

 

[The Tourist]

I'm a Colt guy.

If you can still find one, look for a Colt Enhanced. Try to avert your head when they slide your credit card.

I have never regretted buying any Colt 1911.

 

[romeo212000]

Don't let people tell you you have to get one of the big three. Those are great guns but usually not cheap. I have heard the Rock Island guns are great and a great value. Also look at Para as a middle of the road gun.

 

[todd-45]

Look at Taurus' new 1911. It's pretty tricked out and very reasonably priced compared to others. Stainless $549

 

[NGIB]

I have a Kimber Compact, a Para LTC, and a Springer Loaded - all are fine guns. I've also had a Rock Island and a basic Springer GI.

The only problem I have with the basic guns are the tiny sights and the cost to fix that (have dovetails machined in the slide). All can and do shoot well out of the box, but if you're looking for a platform to build a gun, I'd look hard at the Springer Loaded.

The Taurus PT1911 has a lot of upgrades from the factory and looks to be a good one; however, Taurus has been a hit or miss with me...

 

[Black Majik]

RIA

Springfield Armory
Kimber
Colt
Dan Wesson
Para Ordnance
Smith and Wesson

STI
SVI
Les Baer
Nighthawk
RRA
Ed Brown
Wilson Combat

Some will say to get a basic, plain jane 1911 and work your way up. I'll vote to get a factory hotrodded version (FLGR, extended thumb safety, BT, fixed sights etc...) from Kimber, Springfield, Colt, S&W or any of the middle group production manufacturers. It'll cost less in the long run and be much more enjoyable to shoot.

 

[Frog48]

Stainless 1911 you say?



Thats my Springfield 1911 "GI". I added the Hogue grips and Wilson Combat beavertail & hammer. I love the thing, its a great shooter!

 

[luckytexan]

I also am not sure what the 'standard' barrel length for a 1911 is or the standard magazine capacity, etc...

The standard barrel length is 5", the standard magazine capacity is 7 rounds, although 8 round magazines are available.

 

[10-Ring]

Colt -- the older the better

 

[romeo212000]

Colt's are great but painful to pay for.

 

[knockonit]

1911

Pal, you asked a question that has as many answers as manufacturers of the almighty 1911, and in all honesty I can say, I own quite a few from the lowly llama, ria, colt, ballester molina, sistema, smith and wesson, norinco, well as you can see the list goes on,
It is my belief that one cannot own just one, you must buy one of everything to ensure you have been able to make an informed decision.
I know, not what you were looking for, but you have to admit there is some merit with the comment.
Ha. Good luck, the best avenue is to start out with a midline manufacturer, learn what works well with your style and needs and upgrade the present unit or add to the stable by buying up, and up and up.
Its like buying shoes, really won't know if you'll like it till you wear it a bit.
rj

 

[Snapping Twig]

Go here:

www.m1911.org

They are a site dedicated to ALL 1911 brands, each with its own forum.

There you can read about likes, dislikes, general features and options of each and every brand.

I bought a full size Kimber, but you may like the Tarus (good value) or a Dan Wesson (sold by CZ) or any number of other brands. Heck, S&W makes a real nice one too.

There's also the super duper ones like Wilson, etc. They are fine, but it becomes a matter of how much $$ you're willing to throw at it.

Good luck and let us know how the search works out for you.

 

[riceboy72]

One of the best resources I learned what I know about 1911's was from www.1911forum.com. It's a professional, low tolerance for BS website dedicated to the pistol so revered by many over the decades. For me to recommend a specific brand to you is based on my bias; I tend to favor older Kimbers, but that's me. The next reader may disagree, but that's the beautiful thing about the 1911 - there are many manufacturers to choose from.

Lurk there for a bit and read up if you don't feel like joining. At the bottom of the forum, there are subforums dedicated to most of the major manufacturers of the 1911. As I'm sure you're aware, they can range from the basic, no frills 1911 to the most upscale, hand built 1911's that can run you into several thousand dollars. And trust me, there is a huge following for high end 1911's just as much as there is for mid level guns. To each their own.

Figure out what it is you want on your 1911 and base it upon what the purpose will be. Carry pistols will have different parts and configurations from target guns, so if your intent is a range gun only, then focus on that and learn as much as you can about them. You'll be amazed how much there is to learn.

Lastly, if you buy a decent to mid quality 1911, you can always modify the pistol and build it up over time and make it exactly the way you want it. Your 1911 is only limited by your wallet and your desire to change it; just be practical and don't go overboard.

Let us know what you decide to do, and welcome the very addicting world of the 1911.

 

[Gunsby_Blazen]

Tourist, that is one fantastic looking handgun.
I have a colt 1911 that looks fairly rough, was made in 1928. still works great but pretty worn but at least it has matching numbers. would really like to buy another one one day, perhaps a new one... haha

great gun man

for your question on which gun to get......
any of the big 1911 names are good
i would say: (in no particular order)
Colt, Rock River Arms, Springfield Armory, Kimber, Wilson Combat, but all of those will cost you a pretty penny,
The Springfield and the Kimber will be the least expensive of those listed and are great guns. I like the Springfield's in the Parkerized finished GI model they have. They look great but have old school sights. i don't know what kind of sights you were trying out on that gun...

As for Barrel length, I suggest the standard 5 inch.

There are lots more other brands out there but if I was going to drop money on a 1911, knowing i will have it forever, i would get one from one of those companies. Cant go wrong with a Springfield if your not willing to shell out the cash for a Colt. the Rock River and Wilson are more along the lines of a "production custom" where i wouldn't say they are really custom guns.
lots of options and lots of choices, just depends on how much you want to spend.
good luck in your serach..