$1000 for a carry 1911? Help me choose!

[powder]

A used STI.

 

[optimator]

Man, I love my Kimbers. My EDC is a Ultra Carry II that has never, ever malfunctioned. Granted I've only put about 1,000 rounds thru it, but it works with everything. I also have a very early Custom Classic that I absolutely love. My Colts on the other hand, not so much. I have a CCO that I just wont carry. It's a good gun, but I don't trust it due to it's random (very random) issues. I also have a steel framed 1991 A1 Commander that I have an absolute love hate relationship with. It is, and always will be a range gun.

 

[Keaner]

So an update:
I checked basically every store in the Portland Metro area, and couldn't find a compact 1911 for sale anywhere! I want to check Keith's (if they're open monday) and The Gun Broker tomorrow to see if anything on my list is there!

My budget went up since I sold another gun, but I'm about 99% sold on the S&W 1911SC. I guess it is time to start trolling GunBroker

 

[76shuvlinoff]

I've heard so much sh*t on this site about Kimber I won't even mention my Series II Raptor, yes I said Series II, has been flawless for well over 1200 rds... and the count started at 1. Ok maybe I'll say it one more time...

(yawn)

 

[IBEWBULL]

1911

I have had quite a number of 1911s.
Colt mostly and the older ones which fed ball only without work.
My favorites are the Commander size.
I like my 1991 Compact also but I shoot better with the Combat Commander.
All but one is a .45 and one in 38 Super.
My wife has a Springfield Armory 5 inch which no one carrys we put a .22 Kimber conversion on it ant it shoots nice. She loves the Kimber Carry II which rides in her Simply Rugged.
My Glock 30 well it is a nice tool but there is no real "Art" to it.
The shorter barrels are harder to disassemble but I don't do that a lot.
Good luck in your choice. I would love a Ruger and Remington 1911 oh not to forget SW too.

 

[Zerodefect]

Colt is your best bet near your price range.

I strongly suggest making the jump to Dan Wesson or Les Baer. A 1911 will last the rest of your life, get a good one you can be proud of.

-A DW VBOB would fit your needs perfectly. The CCO and ECO are awesome CCW 1911's.

 

[CZ57]

The S&W 1911 Sc is a great choice. My shooting partner had one and I fired it a lot. Nothing not to like about it. Scandium is a superior frame material compared to aluminum and the Novak sights are outstanding.

 

[G19G36]

I saw the Sig Sauer nightmare carry. Very sharp looking pistol. All stainless with black finish, stainless controls and barrel bushing with night sights right at your price point.

I just picked up this Sig 1911 Nightmare at a gun show yesterday. It already has lots of goodies installed that you'd find more often on custom pistols. Mine was out the door for $1050 (gun + sales tax).

Here's a few pics of mine, plus one from Sig's website. They also have same thing on a shorter barrel (like a commander sized). To me, barrel-length isn't the hard part of concealed-carry. With the right belt and holster, I won't have a problem carrying my Sig around.

Good luck with your choices! Lots of choices out there. I bet Ruger's SR1911 is a sweet gun too!

 

[Keaner]

The weight of the 1911 is my biggest problem, that nightmare is 41oz! That is almost 2x the weight of my PT145. That was why I was pushing for the aluminum frame. The scandium seems like a good middle-ground between lightweight and strong, so I ordered the 1911 SC

Also, on my fullsize 1911, the barrel pokes out the back of my pants when I sit, so the 4" is going to be better I suspect. Sometimes the back of the grip makes a point on my t-shirt, so the bobbed frame will help with that too.

 

[wildehond]

What about something like this.

STI Gaurdian

 

[357 Terms]

Good choice.

For the money the SC has a lot of features, mine has been great.

 

[CZ223]

I think the S&W is a good choice but..

you shouldn't rule out Kimbers or even the Springfields for that matter. I have often said that I wouldn't buy a new Kimber, but I own five. I bought all of them used. The reason I wouldn't buy a new one is that they are overpriced. They are however a great gun. The only one I have ever had a problem with is the gun I carry practically every day. When I got it, at about 60% of the new cost, it needed to have the extractor tuned. Since then it has been a very reliable weapon. Remember, all manufacturers turn out lemons once in a while.

 

[bannockburn]

Keaner

Nice choice with the SW1911 Scandium! While I will always be a Colt Commander enthusiast, the S&W should meet all your requirements and then some!