1911: .45, .40 or 9mm

[dorfer21]

I currently have a Taurus PT840 and i love it, but I bought it thinking that Tauras would make a .22 conversion for it (they said that ther were, go figure) but now they decided that ther are not gonna release the .22 conversion, so i now wnat to get a pistol that has a LOT of after market support and I very much dislike glocks, so that really leaves the 1911...

Now, i like the tradition of a 1911 in .45 but also am a fan of the 9mm and .40S&W. If this was yur first (to own, not shoot) 1911, which 1911 would you get and in which caliber? I have heard great things about Rock Island and have no problems with Taurus, but i hate over-spending, so i will not spend more than 800 for a 1911.

 

[ThePunisher'sArmory]

I own a RIA 1911A1 Tactical in .45ACP and the only failures have been magazine issues. I would suggest a .45ACP 5" gov model. Any deviation from that and you are tossing the dice of reliability.

Plus its the 100th birthday of the 1911 .

 

[cyclopsshooter]

really thinking about a 38 super upper

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=588451

 

[JTQ]

I think .45ACP is the way to go, and as mentioned, the 5" model is the best for the first time user.

The problem I see with 9MM or .40S&W in the 1911 is they are shorter than the .45ACP and some "tricks" are required to make magazines that work correctly. The Springfield EMP though is specifically designed around the shorter 9MM/.40S&W round if that is what you may be looking for.

 

[Ramone]

It is totally acceptable to own a pistol that is not a 1911 in .45acp, but not to own two pistols, neither of which is a 1911 in .45 acp.

I would take a look at the Kahr/Auto Ordinance 1911 Thompson Custom. Stainless, excellent quality, and while a little hard to find, a excellent value at the price (< US$700.00 new).

 

[WC145]

If I was in the market for my first 1911, didn't know if I'd like it and didn't want to spend a fortune on the gun or ammo to try out the platform I'd go with a RIA Tactical in 9mm. Solid, well built gun, good quality, has the usual upgrades that most everyone likes, and the company is known for their outstanding customer service. The gun would serve you well and never feel like you went the "cheap" route. Also, 9mm 1911's have been around for 60+ years and there's no more bugs to work out, mags are no big deal, just buy quality.

 

[G27RR]

For $800 or less I'd go with one of these two models:
Springfield Range Officer .45 about $750 +/-
STI Spartan in .45 or 9mm about $600-$650

Nothing wrong with a 9mm 1911. One of my Ranger IIs is 9mm and it runs every bit as well as my other STIs, which means extremey reliably. Wilson ETM 9mm mags work perfectly in mine.

The Range Officer is a great deal for what you get, and just as reliable, too.

 

[don12]

45,40,9mm.

I had that problem sooo I have a goldcup 45acp, dan wesson single stack competion 40 s&w and a kimber target II 9mm. I still don't know witch I like best.:banghead:

 

[Olympus]

I think a person's first 1911 should be a 45. On e you have the original then you can branch out from there.


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[galena]

Go with the 1911 in .45ACP. Second choice, 9mm. I have several in .45ACP and a Kimper ProCarry in 9mm, never had a problem with either set up. I had a Colt MK IV in .40SW, I have talked with two custom 1911 smiths who advise staying away from the .40
SW in the 1911, multiple feeding problems..........exactly as I experienced. Traded the Colt and went back to .45ACP............just my experience. Keep shootin'

 

[Smaug]

If it's going to be a 1911, yes, go for .45 ACP.

But it seems like you're ruling out some others out of ignorance. (no offense) For instance, the CZs have a Cadet kit available that is pretty well-liked. You can shoot 9mm for 1/2 the cost of .45, then shoot 22LR also.

EAA offers a couple of combination deals, in which you save some dough by buying the gun/.22 kit at the same time. Poke around at Bud's and have a look.

Sig Sauer also makes one, but it is spendy; > $300 if I recall correctly.

Happy shopping!

 

[InkEd]

.45acp!

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

With as little help from a competent 1911 smith, you can have all 3-in-1!

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[Ankeny]

If it were my first purchase I would get a 5" in .45 ACP without a firing pin block.

 

[dorfer21]

Well... I think I'm gonna get it in .45 THEN get a .22 conversion THEN get a 9mm slide for it, and i'll do the 9mm slide my self to cut my teeth on 1911 smithing, course this all depends on me selling my 840 (maybe) and getting the wife to sign off (definitely).