Choosing a 1911 from the ocean of options...

Dan Wesson

Springfield

S&W

SIG Sauer, Springfield armory, Dan Wesson,even the New Double Star 1911, is retaied for under $1k. there is a pleathora of options out there and none of them should say Kimber on it.

In your budget, the nicest thing I have handled lately is a Dan Wesson. That is the next thing on my list as soon as I get all my change together.

In your price range I'd look at Dan Wesson and Colt.

I havent met many 1911s I didnt like but Im a big fan of STI and think you would be happy with any of their models. The Trojan is in your price range (you can order whichever rear sights you want if you dont like adjustable). The Lawman is a few extra bucks and is what I have and love.

Lots of other great models out there. I would also buy without hesitation from Colt and Springfield. My Springers and Colts just flat out work, although a little less refined than my STI's.

I'm new to 1911's myself. After coveting one for around 24 years, I got a beautiful( to me at least)plain Jane Colt 5" Series 80 for 8- something. I admit I'm biased, and haven't fired anything else, but I think it's a smooth firing, wonderful pistol. The cash left over may get you some ammo and a few mags of your choice.
People around here do love their Springers, the Loaded model in particular so you may want to check that out. Also worth noting, I think I notice a particular ABSENCE of fondness for Para-Ord pistols. I could be missing something though, but they may be worth avoiding. Good luck! Whatever you get, I think you'll love the 1911 platform. I'm already looking for my next one.

Colts and Kimbers are my vote.

I think most people recomend guns they own, which makes sense since they are familiar with that gun, and if they didn't like it, they wouldn't own it. Flawless logic huh? So in that vein I recommend the Colt 1991 series, because I own it and very much enjoy shooting it. (and will again if ammo prices ever come down) AND the price is right.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/1/products_id/36291

if it comes down to a top of the line pistol from a lesser manufacturer or an entry level pistol from a higher quality manufacturer, I would choose higher quality and skip some features.

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You just described a Colt. I'd stick with a series 70 though. You will pay more for it than you would a series 80, but worth it in my opinion.

If you don't have any luck finding a Colt within your price range, (bone stock series 70 Colts cost anywhere from $800 to $900 used) I would recommend Springfield or Kimber. Alot of fellas have really stong opinions against these two companies. One for not being made in America and the other for the firing pin safety system on the Series II Kimbers along with both companies using numerous MIM parts. There are ubiquitous threads addressing all of these common complaints and the vast consensous of the silent majority is that the Brazilians assembling Springfields, although not perfect, do indeed do a quality job using quality parts that will 99.9% of the time work as intended. If it doesn't work or a part fails, Springfield's customer service is absolutley fabulous and all Springfield's 1911s have lifetime warranties. Kimber is the worlds largest 1911 producer and they too use products that will work 99.9% of the time. They are #1 in 1911 sales for a reason, they do indeed make a very nice pistol for the price. Is it a Les Bear or Ed Brown? No. What it is, is a great entry to mid level 1911 that has a great warranty as well.

I can honestly advise that any of these brands would fit the bill quite nicely for your needs and price range. By the way, stick with forged frames and slides over cast ones. Most of the lower end companies that offer bargain priced 1911's use cast slides and frames to save money. Just something to be aware of.

A big difference between guns will be the type of trigger it has. Standard trigger which has a considerable amount of travel, or a target trigger which has minimal travel and a clean, crisp break. You mentioned the range so this might be important to you if you want to target shoot. Other things that might help are, Single stack or double stack, Polymer Frame (light), or steel frame (heavier but less felt recoil)



Kimber, I own and like. Great bang for the buck. Target Trigger many models and price ranges to choose from.
H&K, I don't own but want to. Standard trigger, polymer frame, high capacity.

Kimber states a 1 year warranty now.

I stand corrected TXHORNS. I'd read from several fellows that they had shipped their firearms many, many years after the warranty had expired and had the work done on their pistol on Kimber's dime. But yes, the actual policy is "1 year", although in practise it has been reported that Kimber routinely works on the gun well after the warranty without cost to the owner.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=196636

My primary recomendation to you would be to buy a COLT. They have plenty of options. The new 70 Series are nice basic pistols and cost just under a grand. If you want some more modern/hi speed they offer the 80 Series XSE line, Novak Sights, front slide serations, ect. Even more hi speed the 80 Series XSE Combat Elite or Special Combat. All of these fit in your price range but some are getting on the hi end. Some folks don't like the 80 Series firing pin block but it dosen't bother me one bit and I own numerous examples of both style Colt 1911. Never had any problems out of either.

STI, Dan Wesson, Kimber, Springer, S&W, SIG all make 1911 pistols that also fit or almost fit in your spending money. All build a very nice gun as well.

Everyone has problem guns come off the line every now and then. EVERYONE... so all this bashing one company over the other is wased space IMO. We all have our opinion based on our own experiences and preferences.

I recommend COLT because I honestly feel it's the best in the long run. Some of the others are made overseas, some are made from weaker/cheaper castings (vice Forged), some are both, but all are NOT a COLT and never will be.
Will

I'll cast a vote for Para. I have 3 of them and one (the LTC) is my carry gun. I also have Springfield, Kimber and S&W 1911s and have not had any problems with any of them and I really like them all. A lot of your decision comes down to the the details (like how you like the controls, grips, etc.) and the perceived value. For your price range I think you would have a hard time finding a "bad" one. However, I do not shoot matches and I am not an expert marksman so YMMV.

1911shooter said:

SIG Sauer, Springfield armory, Dan Wesson,even the New Double Star 1911, is retaied for under $1k. there is a pleathora of options out there and none of them should say Kimber on it.

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Why not a Kimber? Just curioius. Don't have one so I don't have a first hand opinion either way on it.

Springer, STI even Sig makes good 1911's

Kimber takes alot of heat from 1911 purists for their firing pin safety and the external extractor they tried and have now ditched. Also they can require a breakin period and come with poor mags which can give the illusion that you have an unreliable gun. I have no problems with Kimber but I dont own one. I think they make some nice looking guns that shoot well, and yes, I have shot them. They are just too close in price to STI for me.

Buy the gun that you just cant live without from a major manufacturer and the odds are heavily in your favor that it will run great. And if you fall into the minority that got a lemon, send it back. The GOOD companies will make it right at no cost to you.

Colt, for all the good reasons listed above

To include forged frame and slide, few MIM parts and none of a critical nature, great CS

And, Colt is the orginal with excellent resale value.

You where asking about 1911's right?

My Kimber is by far the best handgun I have ever owned, and I've owned a couple. When there is a manufacturer that sells SEVERAL TIMES more units than their competitors, they are going to have a more widespread reputation for problems. This doesn't mean their actual RATE of problems is any higher than any other. ALL guns break eventually. If MIM parts are destined to break, all of mine must be defective.

Having said that, if I had to replace it with something else, I would look hard at Dan Wesson, Springfield, RIA, and most of all STI. Not only are STI probably the best 1911s period, their corporate policies are solidly supporting us all as gun owners.

For the price range and the stated "wants", my suggestions for buying new:

1) Springfield Armory "GI" model. This is the least expensive of my suggestions, and is the most similar to a 1911A1. The forged Imbel frames and slides are good, and SA has a lifetime warranty that follows the gun, not the owner. These use a two-piece barrel that is accurate, but is often replaced by 1911 owners.

2) Springfield Armory "Mil-Spec" with NM serial-number prefix. An upgrade from the GI with a one-piece stainless steel barrel, a lowered and relieved ejection port, and slanted rear cocking serrations. Does not have the "Made in Brazil" stamp due to the machining operations on the raw Imbel forgings being performed in the USA. These seem to be better fit than SA "GI" guns based on my experience. Great value for the money and a favorite for custom builds. These are sought after guns and can be hard to find. For every NM-prefix Mil-Spec I find, I discard 20 "GI" guns.

3) STI Spartan. Very good value for the money and has some upgrades when compared to the "GI" and Mil-Spec. Adjustable rear sight, fiber optic front sight, STI hammer and trigger, decent beavertail grip safety, and an extended right-side safety. These also come with chromed barrels, nice, and FLGRs, not so nice. These were steals when they first were introduced and can be found for about $650.

4) Colt 1911. Forged slide and frame, good barrel, great hammer, decent sear, Series '80 firing pin safety, usually well fit, and the Colt name. These are now going for around $900 around here when they can be found.

5) STI Trojan 5.0. A great 1911 for the cost. Has most of what you need and little of what you do not. Great STI fire control parts, good barrel and bushing fit, and usually reliable and accurate. STIppling is a decent front strap treatment. STI has a reputation for standing behind their products. My only gripe is the included FLGR and reverse plug. These usually sell for around $1000. It is best to order from a dedicated STI distributor like Dawson Precision or Brazos Custom. I have ordered STIs from FBMG, run by one of the moderators here, when group buys were offered.

In the price range you listed, the Dan Wesson.

But, look at the Rock Island Armory, and save yourself some $$$$. Very nice 1911, and for HD, and range, they are a great choice.

Taurus

Gets trashed a lot around here for reasons I don't accept. I think the PT1911 is a fine gun. No, it's not a Wilson Combat or Kimber in terms of smoothness or looks. It's also only around $600, possibly less depending on the model you select. It shoots accurately, comfortably, and goes bang no matter what's in the chamber.