If someone want just one 1911, what would you recommend?

Only one? I'd have to make it a Colt.

VooDoo

And Nighthawk T3 Thin?

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Is an officers sized gun, kinda not what you initially stated...


However, a T3 in SS or a PDP will be my next acquisition.

Personally, I would look for a nice, tight, WWII-Era Remington Rand.

Towards the high end of your dollar amount, if I wanted a finely-crafted 1911 that might reach collectible value in the future, I would go for a custom by one of the leading smiths in the industry. If I could, I would commission a Ted Yost pistol. Pistols with a documented history of being built by the most highly respected smiths will usually command a premium. Yost is considered one the very best.
http://www.heirloomprecision.com/index.php/gunsbyyost

Anyone have or shot a Nighthawk Falcon?

Anyone have or shot a Nighthawk Falcon?

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Yes, what would you like to know?

el Godfather said:

Dear THR:
If someone asked you for advice on buying the only 1911 what would you recommend? The following is the general criteria:
- Preferably in SS finish
- .45 ONLY
- Collectible value and a looker as well
- Full size. No carry models please
- Very accurate
- Very reliable. Does not need to pass any silly torture tests!
- Must be under $5k but over 2k
- Combat sites
- Not too keen on rail and threads but not against it as well
- Please no Kimbers, DWs, Springfields.


What do you suggest?

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Why not $1700 Colt "Marine Commando" aka 'Sand Spider'. It has match barrel, bushing and will be easy to re-sell in future in case you want to go that route. Old guys in cargo pants and safari jackets luv US military hardware and handguns.

JTQ said:

In that price range, I'd like to have an Ed Brown Special Forces. Ed Brown offer's enough options to set it up the way you like, and I think I'd prefer the "chain link" to checkering. If you'd prefer checkering there are other Ed Brown model's you may prefer.

http://www.edbrown.com/specialforces.htm

However, if you are a 1911 guy, and you're only going to have one, I'd think it should be a Colt.

http://www.coltsmfg.com/Catalog/ColtPistols.aspx

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Look, our average special forces soldier does not have funds to buy Ed Brown 'Special Forces' 1911.

I found one for sale, and I am wondering if you have one and if you are happy with it. The one that I checked out in my LGS was super tight. I assume it just needs some action. It has fixed sights, and I had a bad experience once with a lesser quality gun with fixed sights.

Christensen Arms Damascus

That is a BBQ gun !

Given your price range, I would look at Wilson or Guncrafter.

I'm gonna throw this one out. and this comment is controversial.

before I go on ... I just bought a 1911 Sig myself. I have not done enough shooting with the gun to evaluate the comment below.

OK - moving on. I was talking to a SOF guy who teaches handgun classes. As in ... a lot of classes. I happened to mention 1911's. His response was ... "I don't like them". That surprised me and I asked why not. He said - look I'm sure your gun is ergonomic, is fun to shoot, and is accurate. But the problem with 1911's is that they always have a failure to fire. I have taught many students with different kinds of 1911's, and every single one has failed to fire at some time during the day training. So I would not recommend them as a gun for battle, and I don't even use one for home defense".

So those are words from one person. But it's a person who does a lot of shooting each week, and has taught many students.

My suggestion is that if you are going to get a 1911, get the most reliable version you can possibly find. Ask around.

CA R

Finally someone said SIG!!!

I have 3, black nitron, all stainless, and a TTT. All are fantastic.

Why you need to spend atleast 2 grand? You can have 2 of these for around 2 grand!

If you want to upgrade they can do it all over the world.

be safe

I found one for sale, and I am wondering if you have one and if you are happy with it. The one that I checked out in my LGS was super tight. I assume it just needs some action. It has fixed sights, and I had a bad experience once with a lesser quality gun with fixed sights.

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Its a great gun, mine has never had a single malfunction. The checkering and grips are very aggressive and can cheese grater your bare hand by the end of a very long shooting day. I like that though as the gun stays put when your sweating, etc.
The Heinie Ledge sights are great, I will eventually put them on most of my semi autos. lining the "8" is quicker and easier than conventional three dot sights IMO.
The only negative I can say is you will end up with brass marks around the top of ejection port. No biggie as I bought it as a shooter not a safe queen.

Dear THR:
If someone asked you for advice on buying the only 1911 what would you recommend? The following is the general criteria:
- Preferably in SS finish
- .45 ONLY
- Collectible value and a looker as well
- Full size. No carry models please
- Very accurate
- Very reliable. Does not need to pass any silly torture tests!
- Must be under $5k but over 2k
- Combat sites
- Not too keen on rail and threads but not against it as well
- Please no Kimbers, DWs, Springfields.


What do you suggest?

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Maybe a Colt?
My choice would be a WWI 1911 or a WWII 1911A1 Colt replica, but since you prefere a SS finish and combat sites...

"Finally someone said SIG!!!

I have 3, black nitron, all stainless, and a TTT. All are fantastic."

I am really hoping I can say the same thing about my own 1911 Sig.
However, I plan to give this gun a really thorough shakedown, and test it over several months at the local ranges. By that time I will know exactly how it functions, and whether it is finicky with any types of ammo.

I am slightly suspicious that the people who are having trouble with their 1911's have maybe chosen to go with lower-cost ammo, and have not taken the time to investigate carefully which ammo will feed well in their particular gun. But I could be wrong, so I am keeping an open mind.

Right now ... I'm just hoping the best for my Sig. I really doubt that SS would turn out a 1911 unless it worked really well. I just can't see them doing that.

CA R

Some, mainly Series 70s, were jam-a-matics unless a smith fixed 'em.

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Never knew that and, based on my experience with thousands of bullets reliably expended down-range from my own Colt Series 70 Gold Cup pistol, purchased new in the early seventies, still don't know that.

I'd suggest the op take a look at the Sig Models TTT and/or the STX-nicely finished, accurate and reliable pistols that come with a "tactical" size but adjustable rear sight and night sights.

A few years ago, I was able to check 3 high-end full-size 1911's side-by-side: Ed Brown, Les Baer, Wilson. I would have chosen the Wilson.

Just saying.

STI... Made in Georgetown, TX, USA!

A Les Baer, or a Colt worked over by one of the premier Gun Smith's.

I'd say either browse the Springfield custom shop or go directly to Ed Brown. Not knocking the Baer, Colt and other custom offerings, but those seem to be at or near the top of the heap right now in bang for the buck.

To be clear on my opinion, Colt makes a darn fine pistol. But... you'll drop extra coin for the logo that will get you more customization from another maker. If you must have a Colt, go for it. They are FAR from inferior. But like buying certain luxury cars, you pay a lot for a name and a little for the car.