Grayrider
Member
Hmm...a lot of guys on here telling you to get Colts. I don't hear that very often amongst my friends who are into 1911s. Now I won't argue about the quality of their metallurgy, but if you get a Colt you will probably end up customizing it quite a bit. Not because you have to, but because you will want to shape it to your liking. I personally prefer to have much of that done already when I buy the gun. Thus a Kimber, Springfield, or maybe a Dan Wesson Patriot has much of this taken care of. Will they still be reliable? Sure they will. My Kimber and SAs have been as realiable as any 1911 I have ever owned. I don't have a DW Patriot, but Stephen A. Camp does. Read his review at the 1911 forums. Then there is the STI Trojan, and I think that will be my next purchase. Very impressive piece of work for just under a grand.
I am not knocking Colt exactly. I have one Delta, and at one time back in the 80's that was the only brand I had in handguns. But they have fallen far behind in terms of features offered, and from my experience their pistols are not as accurate out of the box as the other makers. I cannot see a difference in reliability based on my recent experience either. So I would look further and be sure you get everything you can for your money.
GR
PS: After you get into 1911s, you won't want to buy your friends USPs!
I am not knocking Colt exactly. I have one Delta, and at one time back in the 80's that was the only brand I had in handguns. But they have fallen far behind in terms of features offered, and from my experience their pistols are not as accurate out of the box as the other makers. I cannot see a difference in reliability based on my recent experience either. So I would look further and be sure you get everything you can for your money.
GR
PS: After you get into 1911s, you won't want to buy your friends USPs!