chaim
Member
I love 1911s. I haven't had a full sized steel 1911 for around 15 years now (maybe a little less). I was going to sell both my RIA 1911CS (Officer sized steel gun) and 1st gen S&W 1911PD (scandium alloy Commander sized gun) and get a Colt, Kimber, SA or Dan Wesson. However, while I'm not 100% about returning 1911s to carry use, this will be a home defense gun in addition to a range gun. In case I do add 1911s back to my carry rotation, I will be keeping the 1911SC, so it will be more money out of pocket, and I'm cutting back a bit on the overall price limit. Also, I was comfortable with Kimber for range use, but since the Series II, their reliability isn't what it once was so I'm not as sure about them for self-defense usage. Then again, I stopped paying close attention a few years ago and they may have finally got things back together (I know the Kimber Micro and Micro-9 seem popular, and these are not range guns).
Some considerations:
It has been a while since I've really taken a close look at 1911s, and things do change over the years. So, I would welcome feedback on my choices,
Edit: The S&W I have is the 1st gen 1911Sc, which shortly after became the 1911PD. Hence my confusion using both model numbers, but mine definitely is a 1911SC.
Some considerations:
- This will be for both range fun and home defense. I want a 5" barrel and a steel gun
- I will likely put night sights on it, so dovetails front and back to save money is my preference.
- Since this is partially a home defense gun, and since I'll likely add night sights, I don't need adjustable sights.
- Even though a gun light would be an advantage on a home defense gun, I don't usually like rails on guns that weren't originally designed for them. This is all the more so on a 1911. I'll prefer to stick with my handheld SureFire tactical light and go without the rail (but for the right used gun, I might change my mind).
- I definitely want this gun in .45ACP.
- I prefer a GI half guide rod over a full length guide rod for easier take down and reassembly. Though, this won't make or break my decision. Both of my more compact 1911s have full length guide rods so I certainly can break them down and reassemble them, and if I really want the standard guide rod, I can buy an aftermarket part.
- It is nearly a toss up between stainless, blue or two-tone.
- My preferred range is under $800, I really don't want to go over $1000, and my absolute max is about $1250.
- Colt. Of course, it is the standard. However, other than a fairly stripped gun with a fixed front sight will be nearly impossible to get in my price range. Maybe if I see the right used example.
- Springfield Armory. I've long been interested in a Loaded, and I really like the feature set and value of the newer Garrison line.
- Kimber. Still on the list, there aren't many better looking guns in their price range. I'd likely go with the Custom II. But, I do have reliability concerns.
- SIG. I love SIG guns, by reputation they seem to do a good 1911 (or they did when I was last looking at 1911s). They may be pushing my price range a bit much though, and most have rails. Though they aren't quite traditional 1911s (external extractor, not that that is a deal breaker).
- Rock Island Armory. Mine isn't 100%, but I chalk up the 1-2% failure rate that matters (FTF, stovepipes, etc.) to it being an Officer sized gun. RIA has a great reputation for the price, so I have no reason to believe I'd have the same issues with a full sized gun, and they are a great value when it comes to the features you get for the price. The one issue that might transfer, I understand mags are a weak point. On mine, it usually fails to lock open when I use the Officer sized mag that came with the gun. When I use my 8 round 1911 mags from a variety of makers (mostly MacGar, Kimber and Wilson), it locks open on every shot. If I have to throw away the mag/mags that come with the RIA full size, it wouldn't be that big of a deal.
- Ruger. They seem to have got it right with their version of a 1911. Price is good for quality, though in the same price range as the Garrison (and I think I'd prefer the SA).
It has been a while since I've really taken a close look at 1911s, and things do change over the years. So, I would welcome feedback on my choices,
Edit: The S&W I have is the 1st gen 1911Sc, which shortly after became the 1911PD. Hence my confusion using both model numbers, but mine definitely is a 1911SC.
Last edited: