1911 Choices

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Tim Pierce

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I stopped by my LGS yesterday to see what they had in the cases. Most were empty, then I saw the end case that was loaded with 1911's. The ones I'm interested in run from 750-850 in cost. I handled a Springfield range officer, a Ruger SR 1911, a Remington R1 Enhanced model, and a Desert Eagle. All were fullsize 5" Models. They all had extended beavertail grip safeties, skeletonized triggers and hammers, polished feed ramps.
Each of these guns were very well fitted, with no rattles, and decent triggers.
I wanted to buy one, but I could not make up my mind on which to buy! I'm leaning toward the Range Officer because it's US made, and Springfield has excellent customer service, and if I want to customize it, I can send it in to the custom shop for work.
Help me decide which of these guns I should buy, and tell me why.:banghead:
 
Of those listed, I've had the best experience with the Springfield. It is an accurate gun, well made, and it exhibited better reliability than any Ruger I've used.
 
Yeah, I just was on the Springfield site, and that gun has a forged frame, and a match barrel, so I think based on that, their warranty, CS, and the option of having custom shop work performed, I'll get the Range Officer.
 
I'd give the ruger a try, just for something different, and I think it's made in the USA
 
Of the brands listed, I do not think you can go wrong. Personally I'm a Springfield fan.. but, walk back in.. BUY the one that draws you the most.. even if it's just as simple as the color of the blueing or parker is better.. you will not be sorry.
 
The big point I always try to make to guys, especially those new to 1911's, is to realize the Range Officer has adjustable sights. If you like them, that is great. However, if you want to change them to something different, your options are limited (I know Harrison, 10-8). The sight cut on the slide is very different than the sight cut for a fixed sight.

Springfield has other options that come with fixed sights if that is something you may prefer.
 
I have the Ruger - no complaints at all. I don't have enough experience with any of the others to put it head and shoulders above anything else. That being said, the rugers are damn near impossible to find, which could mean something.
 
I don't own one but the Remington R1 Enhanced had one of the best factory trigger jobs I've ever felt. Springfield makes great products, but I try to avoid them as a general rule based on their taking advantage of (and having nothing whatsoever to do with) the original Springfield Armory
 
Of those, Springer first and Ruger second. Buy good magazines--McCormick, Wilson, Tripp--learn how to tweak an extractor, and either of those will run.
 
HarcyPervin said:
I have the Ruger - no complaints at all. I don't have enough experience with any of the others to put it head and shoulders above anything else. That being said, the rugers are damn near impossible to find, which could mean something.
Click to expand...
Used ones hit Armslist in the St. Louis area every once in awhile. They're there if you look hard enough.
 
I'm leaning toward the Range Officer because it's US made,
Click to expand...

Frame and slide come from Brazil. With that said though, I would pick it over the others.
 
They're all fine. I'd probably put the Desert Eagle at the bottom of the list, and the Ruger at a top followed slightly by the Remington (I just think the Ruger feel better).

In the end, buy the one you like best, customize it is you like, and be happy.
 
I bought a Springfield Loaded last summer. I was looking at that and the Range Officer mostly (they were the same price). I looked at a few others but decided on the Loaded. I love it. It makes me look like a much better shot than I really am.
 
I would get the Springfield as well based on their customer service being awesome! But you will need a trigger job! Just plan on it!
 
I would take the Ruger, it is by far worth more then the asking price.
Click to expand...

Cast Frame and all MIM parts equal exactly what you pay for. Sure its one of the better looking ones in that price range. However looks are somewhat subjective.
With that said, I have not heard of any issues with the Ruger.. Thou I do not have my ears/eyes tuned with everything 1911 even though I own 3 types.
 
I love my Ruger SR1911. No malfunctions at all that weren't related to dirty magazines in over 2500 rounds fired (including HP's, FMJ, and LSWC reloads).

The bullet lube from the reloads was gumming up the magazines, and all malfunctions I've had were all on the same range trip. No more malfunctions after that day, and I'm now cleaning the mags regularly.
 
From the list I like the Springfield, but you haven't stated your intended purpose. Range toy? Home defense? Carry?
 
The last time I cleaned the magazines for my HK P7M8 was...

never.

The last time I had a malfunction with my P7M8...

never.

Guess I better get cleaning.
 
tarosean said:
Cast Frame and all MIM parts equal exactly what you pay for. Sure its one of the better looking ones in that price range. However looks are somewhat subjective.
With that said, I have not heard of any issues with the Ruger.. Thou I do not have my ears/eyes tuned with everything 1911 even though I own 3 types.
Click to expand...
Owned em, shot three different pistols. One was problematic, one had been returned and sent back fixed (running good thus far), and the third has been flawless.

I didn't like those odds, sold mine, and I've not missed it.
 
Got my Ruger SR1911 CMD about a month ago...it has been GREAT! :D
I'm not an expert, by any means. But, I do own a few guns, and have been shooting most of my 50+ years....And I believe the SR1911 is a real winner.
My .02 cents worth.
Pud
 
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