I think another 1911 series .45 is in my future

It's too bad Dan Wesson discontinued thier Heritage model. Buds used to have them under $1200. Though I don't remember if the rears were adjustable.

I'd go with the Colt. Or a used DW.

I haven’t even laid my hands on a gold cup in decades, but if things haven’t changed, they have a wider non standard trigger that I didn’t care for. Personally, I think that you can get a much bigger bang for the buck with pretty much anything other than a Colt.

my “target” 1911 is an STI Spartan, but again, I don’t even know if they make those anymore. For $650 or so mine came with an extended safety, fitted beavertail, front fiber sight and LPA rear, which are something of a Bomar knock off.

Dan Wesson.

I'm fond of the Gold Cup National Match. While the current mass production version is not as good as the early Gold Cups, they still have alot of mystic. I have a 45 ACP version that I have fitted a 38/45 Clerke barrel to. I can switch it back to 45 ACP by installing the original barrel. I shoot mostly 185-200 grain SWC when the gun is in 45 ACP mode.

I also have 9x19 Range Officer. It shoots great but it is not 45 ACP. The 45 ACP Range Officer has a good reputation.

I'm no help but you probably can't go wrong with any of the three.

CZ/wesson pm7, have seen them as low as $1,300 recently online. I'm trying to get the funds together to get one myself. Handle one at a shop you won't be disappointed.

1) Dan Wesson Pointman
2) Colt Gold Cup
3) Ruger SR1911-Comp
4) Springfield Armory Range Officer

Ya know, when I face decisions such as this, I kinda tend toward buying the one I think looks the best. Looking at the OP's pics, not even close … Colt for the win.

Now, I like Dan Wessons, but the PM-7, no way you'll touch one for under 1200 bucks. Plus, do you really want that matte stainless look with the front-cocking serrations, or nicely blued clean lines with the classic Series 70 rollmark?

Dan Wesson

RIA, then buy ammo with the rest of the money.

There are a couple of Dan Wessons under your $1200 limit (pre tax, transfer, etc), but none have adjustable sights that I could find. If used is an option you could get a Dan Wesson with target sights.

You put up hard choices but with considerable availability and realistic pricing - assuming you don't already have one - I HAVE to notch the Gold Cup up.

While it's had its issues in the past, it is INARGUABLY the gold standard and even if another is arguably *better* or less expensive... Why NOT get a G.C.?

Though, here is one significant consideration: If you intend, are likely to, or even consider modifying it.... DO NOT get the G.C. because if you ever do go to sell it, it will suffer more for modifications in the resale marktet than most any other.

Todd.

If NRA Target Shooting (Bullseye) is your goal, the the Gold Cup. If you might be more inclined towards the action shooting sports then I'd look at the Colt Competition model.

Range Officer Elite 9mm. Unless you handload, 45acp in pretty expensive to shoot compared to nine's. Depending on your shooting volume, the savings can be significant.

I'd scrounge up another hundred or two and get a DW Pointman, myself.

Range officer elite operator 9mm

Remington R1

Thewelshm

In that budget, with adjustable sights, I'd give serious consideration to the Springfield RO (best bang for the buck), and then the Colt Gold Cup (a classic). The Range Officer is a very solid pistol. So is the Gold Cup, though you are paying a premium just for the Colt name.

For the same budget as a Gold Cup, take a peek at the Springfield Trophy Match (a very nicely appointed pistol).

My Ruger 1911s have not thrilled me (yes, packed with features, but I've had all sorts or little annoying problems - like the front sight flying off of one lol). I've divested myself of my Rugers, can't recommend them over Springfield (or Colt).

I've got four 5" stainless 1911's in 45 ACP and I just added a 5" blue in 9mm a couple of weeks ago (my first ever time owning anything chambered in 9mm) and all are well under $1200.00 and have windage only sight adjustment.

I shoot my 230 gr. FMJ ball loads in the 45 ACP's and I ordered bulk Speer Lawman 124 gr. TMJ ammo from Target Sports for the 9mm.

I'm not a competitive shooter and I'm not much of a paper puncher so I always shoot at the 25 yd. 10"- 8"- and 6" steel gongs, it's what I like to do.....I rotate the guns I take and I go to the outdoor range a minimum of once a week (weather permitting) and fire 100 rounds through them each time I go.

I wouldn't say the edge goes to one gun or the other as far as accuracy and dependabilty go......all of them run as they're supposed to and will ring steel consistently at 25 yds. and that's all I ask of them.

1. Springfield Armory Mil-Spec
2. Ruger SR1911
3. S & W 'E' Series
4. Remington R1-S
5. RIA 1911A1 FS (blue 9mm)

I wouldn't mind having a $1000.00, $2000.00 or $3000.00 1911 but at age 70 I can't see me purchasing another 1911 and I can't see where a high dollar 1911 would do any better at what I like to do any better than the five I have now.

Colt

I would go with the Gold Cup. Really like mine.