Time for a new 1911

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:

• 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.

I'm primarily considering:

• 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).

My leanings are the SA Garrison or Ruger. I can't drop the RIA, I can get a similar feature set for around $200 less. If Kimber has their act back together they may move to the top though, very few 1911s in that price range look nearly as good as their guns.

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.

Well, that was quick this time...

I had it to the SA (Garrison or Ronin about equally likely, Loaded a possibility), Kimber Custom II, RIA Rock or a Colt (either the Competiton or Classic). I posted on a MD gun forum to see if anyone knew of any available locally (well, the Kimber is easy to find). Someone linked to a local FFL selling the Garrison at a good price. I ordered it online and will go fill out the paperwork on Sat. Unfortunately, MD has a 7 day waiting period so that means it will be about 11 days until I get it in my hands.

anothernewb said:

I have more 1911s in the safe than I can readily count. in 45, 9 and 10mm. Got on a wild kick some time back to have one from every maker I could find. Stalled when I got to the really expensive ones. Found a Baer CMP hardball at a stupid good price - but kinda doubting I will ever add the wilson, brown, or Nighthawk to the stable.

Click to expand...

My goal is to eventually get one of the really nice ones. Not sure between Les Baer or Wilson. If I don't manage to do it sooner, it might be my retirement gift to myself in 10-15 years.