1911 help

[rimfireriot]

I really considered the Spartan, but something about a 1911 made outside of the US just bothers me. I'm not bigoted about guns in general.

My everyday carry gun was manufactured in Croatia, and my Px4 is Italian, and many of my other guns come from other countries of manufacture, but my 1911... that has to come from the US.

So my list right now:

Colt Government
Kimber Custom II
Para GI expert.
Entry Level Dan Wesson, or STI Trojan (if I save up for a little while).

 

[Babalouie]

You should also consider the S&W.

 

[ol' scratch]

If you want a double stack, you can only get a Para

Para is the only company that makes a double stack 1911. Some of the other companies people are recommending are not US. One of the requirements was that the 1911 had to be made in the US. Springfield is made in Brazil. Dan Wesson is made by CZ over in the Czech Republic. As much as I like my Rock Island, it is made in the Philippines.

If you want a single stack made in the US for under a $1000, how about a Kimber Custom II? I love mine. Just don't use the mag that comes with it. Pick up some Wilson Combat Mags. ALL 1911s seem to like Wilsons. Also, the Kimber is smoother in my opinion than the Para. The Kimbers seem to be the best bang for the buck-lots of match grade parts.

 

[Babalouie]

I believe that S&W are made in America.

 

[rimfireriot]

The Dan Wesson I looked at said it was made in the USA.

Babalouie, S&W is now on the list -- they made some choices a few years back that left me saying I'd never buy a S&W, but the leadership has changed for the better.

I'm heading a gun store with a good selection in the not too distant future (assuming that used Colt Government doesn't find its way into my hands). My goal will be to handle many 1911's.

The Kimber Customer II is creeping to the top of my list

 

[Boris Barowski]

Dan Wessons are made in the US, but it is owned by CZ.

 

[Babalouie]

rimfireriot Babalouie, S&W is now on the list -- they made some choices a few years back that left me saying I'd never buy a S&W, but the leadership has changed for the better.

That's great Rimfire, one of the first things the new S&W leadership did was to issue a statement that said, in effect, if they were the owners they would not have done what the previous owners did, I can't remember the details now but it put S&W back on the buy list for me. My feeling is that the old is out and we should support the new S&W. They also make several great 1911s. I love my 1911PD, the commander size just fits me perfect in everyway. Here's a pic, I had her bobbed, made the thin grips and put some fancy stainless controls on her. Dang she's pretty.

 

[Jason_G]

You should also consider the S&W.

I would never try to talk someone out of buying a S&W (they are good pistols), but you ought to also be aware of, and okay with, the fact that the pistol is not 100% 1911 compatible. The extractor, and I believe one or two ignition parts, but I might be wrong about that (just can't remember now) are proprietary to S&W. Also, there is a variation of the Swartz firing pin block on S&W pistols that is proprietary to S&W. I don't think you'll find those parts, or parts upgrades in a Brownells catalog or anything. May not be a big deal to you, but I just wanted you to be aware of it.

All of that being said, the S&W 1911s are great pistols.


Jason

 

[Babalouie]

Jason is right about the external extractor, its not a technically pure 1911. In regards to the commander S&W states all commander spec. parts will fit the 1911PD. The parts I bought for mine, the safety and slide stop, fit perfect. The bobbed mainspring also fit not counting the machining for the bob tail. Not sure about all the internal parts. BTW the trigger on my PD is the best factory trigger I've ever experienced.