$1300-$1500 1911 pistol with these options

[Gunsmoker]

I want to get a 1911 for home defense and self defense. This won't be a carry gun. I've been looking at the Springfield Armory TRP and the Kimber Gold Combat II. I realize that these 2 models are MSRP over 1500, but I would be willing to pay for these 2 models.

Please recommend some other guns with these options.

- Ambi safety
- Front strap checkering


I see the Kimber Gold Combat II has a 3.5-4 pound trigger. Is this considered a light trigger pull?

 

[hceptj]

http://www.lesbaer.com/1911s.html

You can get something for around $1600. I have a concept III and I've been super happy with it.

 

[GunNut]

How about one of the STI guns?

I like the value priced STI Trojan at around $1,000. You can add a ambi safety for $45 as a custom order, or just have your local gunsmith install one.

Steve

 

[Geronimo45]

The Taurus 1911 has both, for a lower price.

 

[10-Ring]

Of your choices, I like the TRP and as an option, I like what Dan Wesson has to offer in their PM7

 

[HSMITH]

For that kind of money you couldn't GIVE me a production 1911. I am going to go with a Les Baer Premier II on the low end or a full custom from a good gunsmith on the higher end. The difference between a TRP and a true handbuilt gun from a good gunsmith is more than you can imagine. After 25K rounds compare the TRP and a handbuilt gun that was done right and you will fall over. The Kimber still has the hokey series 2 safety in it, I think it is a travesty to incoporate it on a gun like a Kimber but Colt won't let them use the series 80 mechanism so there isn't much left.

I would require ambi safeties, I shoot with both hands and want the gun to operate with both hands. I require some sort of traction aid on the front strap, checkering is pretty also so if the gun has it that is a plus. If it doesn't have it I can put a piece of skateboard tape on it easily enough. 3.5-4 pounds is about as light as I will go for home defense or self defense. It isn't a light trigger by any means but I want a little weight there on a defensive gun. A Commander I carry has a 3.5 pound pull, but most of my others are a little higher at 4-5 pounds.

Nighthawk and Rock River make some REALLY nice 1911 types also, far and away more gun for the money than a TRP or a Kimber.

 

[Shipwreck]

I know this isn't part of your question - but in Dec of 2005, I bought a $1200 Springfield TRP. Irritated the hell out of me that I routinely out shot it with a 9mm SW99 that I bought for $439. The SW99 is a clone of the Walther P99.

I bought the SW version because at the time, The P99 w/ the A/S trigger was damn near impossible to find in my area. They started to import the A/S P99s again in the Spring of 2006, and I managed to get one. That P99 is even a tiny bit more accurate than the SW99.

I no longer have that TRP because Tripp screwed up the refinish even after I gave him 2 chances to get it right (I got rid of it because this screw up irritated me to no end). But, I've lost the urge to spend that much on a 1911 anymore, when I still shoot better with the SW99/P99.

I ALMOST bought a Nighthawk last month. Used to be my dream gun. But why spend $2300 for a gun when my $439 gun shoots just as well. I spend the money on something else instead.

What's my point... Go buy a nice $900 KImber. Its not necessary to spend that much. Besides - I never found that TRP to be as accurate as many 1911s I've owned in the past. The most accurate one I've ever owned was a KImber Tactical II.

 

[Gunsmoker]

Good post Shipwreck.

The only things I want (and need) on a 1911 are an ambi safety and the front strap checkering.

The only guns that come close are above $1000.

I was considering getting a Kimber Tactical Custom II, but I don't want an aluminum frame and the TLE II doesn't come with an ambi safety.

 

[Black Majik]

Les Baer Custom Carry

* 30 lpi fronstrap checkering
* ambi safety
* fixed night sights
* no MIM
* accurate. very, very accurate

 

[Shipwreck]

I was considering getting a Kimber Tactical Custom II, but I don't want an aluminum frame and the TLE II doesn't come with an ambi safety.

U are right - I got rid of the gun because of the aluminum fgrame (it just happened to be the most accurate 1911 I had ever shot).

Buy one of the other Kimbers - U can always buy an ambi safety seperatly and have aa local smith put it on.

Be aware that some ambi safeties scratch up the frame on the right side of the gun as they are moved.

 

[Walkalong]

You can get something for around $1600

A Les Baer for $1600? Not being funny. I just have not seen one for less than $2000. Where is it at that I am not seeing?

 

[vintage68]

I like the Rock River Arms semi-custom pistols, starting at right around $1600 retail. Still relatively unknown, but word is getting out and they're starting to be backordered. I've had pistols such as the Nighthawk, and I think the RRA's are better guns. Aesthetically I like the RRA's better, too. No nonsense, very workmanlike. Too many manufacturers are putting their logos all over the pistols these days ( Springfield) really junking them up.

IMHO

 

[Rinspeed]

A Les Baer for $1600? Not being funny. I just have not seen one for less than $2000. Where is it at that I am not seeing?

There are several Baers that are less than $1600 and a few under $1500. Last I knew the PII was around $1450 but prices have been going up.

 

[Canon9]

I am just a beginner in shooting and gun collecting. I am trying to avoid what I have done in the past with other interests and be very selective with what I buy. My wife gave me a Kimber Stainless Gold Match II. This was my first gun and the target results were much better than I ever expected. It's a beautiful gun. However I do think there are much better guns out there for not a lot more money. Don't get me wrong the Kimber is a keeper but I doubt that I will buy another one. I went "ga-ga" when I saw an Ed Brown Custom Kobra Carry. I ordered one last week. It is about twice the price of my Kimber. My next gun will be a Les Baer. I don't know which one it will be but most likely a Premier II or one of there competition guns. Les Baers start at around $1600.

Good luck with your search!

 

[Chuck R.]

For $1500, IMHO get a Baer. They're probably the best value going in a semi-custom. I've got two and couldn't be happier with my purchases.

A "base" Baer can be had for around $1400 or so.

Check out the Baer website, figure out what you want, then contact Becky at Sporting Arms:

http://www.sportingarms.com/

She'll be happy to give you a quote and it will be less than MSRP. IF you use some patience, you can order a PII the way you want it, fixed or adjustable sights etc, and depending on options it will come in around $1500. They got me for a $500 deposit on my orders.

If you want it "today" you'll pay MSRP or more. While you wait the 16 weeks or so while your gun is being built, save up your cash and get the gun the way you want it.

Find an FFL that will handle the paperwork for $20 and pocket the sales tax you won't have to pay.

Chuck

 

[ddj8052]

Between those two guns I would (and did ) get the TRP. BUT, I was quite disappointed with my TRP. Overall the gun is nice. It is very acccurate and function has been very good. What I did not like was some of the fit and finish on the samll parts. Almost all of the controls and stuff on my gun have been changed out. If I had to do it over I would just buy a Les Baer. So my recomendation is to save a couple more bucks and by a Baer or STI.

 

[HankB]

I have a Les Baer Premier II which I purchased (gently) used. It's slightly different than the usual PIIs in that it has a Baer/MMC adjustable rear sight rather than the Bo-Mar type.

I like it a lot - it's extremely reliable and accurate as all get-out; feeds anything and everything I've fed it, though the usual diet is hardball-duplication level handloads, albeit with a cast bullet.

A number of other shooters I know have Baers, and the only problem I've heard of was a broken ejector (or was it extractor?) from a guy who'd fired several cases of steel-case Wolf ammo - the lacquer on the cases was building up in the chamber and causing things to get a bit "sticky."

IMHO, Baers are as good, if not better, than the offerings you get from Big Name Pistolsmiths, which are generally over priced and over rated.