1911 Purchase

[huthjonm]

To make a long story short, I am going to purchase a 1911 for home defense and to take to the range. I've fired a couple of different versions, but I need help deciding. Somewhere around $1,000 is going to be my max. I've seriously considered a Kimber Custom TLE, although I've also heard good things about Springfields and Tauruses.

Any thoughts on which are the best at this price range?

 

[dogmush]

Taurus is not in the same price range as the other two.

From that list I'd go Springfield, but if you find a Kimber you love lots of people like them.

 

[SureThing]

Taurus has been having problems with the safties breaking/coming off. I would avoid it. Springfields are good, but are machined in Brazil. Kimber would get my vote.

But if your budget is $1000 I would get a cool tactical shotgun, then get a Beretta, CZ, Glock or something for the range.

When I first started into guns I did what you are attempting to do, for home defence, you cannot beat a shotgun!

 

[Treo]

You could cut your price by 50% and get a Rock Island Armory that will function (regardless of what the Kimber snobs say) quite as well.

BTW welcome to THR

 

[PakWaan]

Smith & Wesson is in that price range, and is the finest 1911 I own...

 

[psychophipps]

I feel that the Sig GSR will give you the most bang for your buck, IMO. You get all the checkered straps, stainless steel w/ optional matte coating, Novak night sights, beavertail hammer/safety set, match internals, zero MIM, and it's right about your price range.

 

[CSG]

I voted for Kimber but not because it's really any better than a comparable Springfield IMO. I voted for them because the best compact .45 I've ever owned is their Compact CDPII.

That said, my main home defense pistol is my tried and true Glock 17. If I owned a Glock 21, it would be that model as I generally prefer .45 over 9mm.

As to the comment about shotguns, I agree to a point but they are too unwieldy in close quarters and hard to grab from a nightstand. If someone comes into our room I don't want there, a discreet pistol is a better choice IMO.

 

[Coyote Hunter]

I've not had a problem with my Taurus PT1911. No falling off saftey or jams of any sort. I carry mine most every day with the Taurus copper hollowpoints.
It's a matter of choice. I've read stories of the $1000.00 plus guns being sent back or to a gun smith because of problems out of the box. You'll get a different review according to likes and dislikes of the writer. SOme people can't stand Ford or Chevy either, and others wouldn't be caught dead in anything less than a Rolls Royce. To each his own.

 

[Ala Dan]

Now retired from the PD, I sell firearms for a living. With that said, I must
admit I am not a fan of Taurus firearms. Some customers have reported
that they are totally happy with the purchase of these 1911 weapons;
while others complain of nothing but problems with the Tauri guns~!
Simply put, I myself believe there are better choices out there. The
Kimbers are fine weapons; particulary the series I Kimbers. There are
also those that report big time problems with series II Kimbers, and
the "Schwartz Firing Pin Safety System". I own one Kimber, a series
II Stainless Ultra Carry in .45 ACP; and thankfully I can report that
I have had 0 issues with this firearm~!

Both of these company's have a history of not being "customer friendly";
while OTOH, Springfield Armorys customer service (if ever needed) is
out-standing; friendly and courteous, with a really quick turn-around
time in most cases. So, with this information at hand I would have to
give the Springfield MC Operator top consideration; based on your
budget restrictions.

 

[jdc1244]

I voted ‘other,’ and that would be a Colt Series 70 reissue. Right for your price range, the one I own has had no failures. I enjoy this 1911 a great deal and can highly recommend it.

 

[Lifttech]

Love my S&W as well even if it has the external extractor, totally reliable so far and made in the US. My second choice would be the SA.

 

[kcshooter]

Taurus is going to be hit or miss, and I'd take it off the list. If you get a "miss" you will have the displeasure of dealing with what is arguably the worst customer service in the industry.

Springfield would get my vote here, and the fact that they are forged in Brazil is not a detractor from this brand. Imbel (who mfgrs Springer slide and frames) has been making 1911's a looong time. Lifetime warranty from a company who really stands behind it.

Kimber has made a lot of great guns, I carry a pre-series II Ultra Carry regularly and it has been flawless, but they also seem to have a higher rate of out-of-the-box issues now than they used to. The Swartz safety system seems to be a very rare issue with these, so I wouldn't let that be a factor in the decision.

I also think Colt should be on your list, along with S&W and Dan Wesson.

Colt's are outstanding guns, period. There's just something about a Colt 1911. My series 80 is my favorite manufactured 1911.

S&W also has the Swartz safety system, but if you take user error out of the equation, there are extremely few problems with this system. Although external extractors are sometimes looked down on by 1911 purists, S&W has them figured out. I didn't think I'd ever enjoy mine because of the extractor, but my Gunsite is flawless and one heck of a reliable 1911. I'd buy another.

Dan Wesson will give you the quality of a semi-custom mfgr in a production gun price. Best value on the 1911 market right now, bar none.

 

[375JDJ]

Springfield is the best of the list. IMO

However a Colt will always be in demand.

 

[Mad Magyar]

For that much money...Go with a Colt, either Series.....

 

[mtngunr]

you messed up your poll......considering gun mag bias and dealer pressure/profit margin, it's understandable, but sad.....there's COLT, and then there's all the copies....their current customer service is superb.....and the guns are still totally assembled by hand, individually, one at a time, with lower MIM/cast parts count than most any other maker, regardless of cost, and the barrels are match-grade....I've got $1000-even in this new production gun including faux-WWII-refurb/refinish, which shoots 1"/25yds/standing-braced....

 

[wtfd661]

Kimber is my choice, but i also don't think you will go wrong with a Springfield. My kimber is Tactical Ultra II which has had zero problems out of the box for 3 yrs now, fantastic shooter (eats everything)

 

[R12GS]

SIG or Dan Wesson for the best price and quality recieved without a doubt. Spingfields are decent but not worth the money in my experience if you are looking at $700-800 guns.

 

[Gila Jorge]

Have a Sig Platinum Carry and a Dan Wesson CBOB...either would be preferable to those shown above...but of those, Kimber is the best value for the money...

 

[DFW1911]

Springfield is the best of the list. IMO

However a Colt will always be in demand.

+1

You can find a used Springer Loaded in great condition for less than your price point: take the savings and buy a good holster, ammo, etc.

A Springfield Loaded just took over CCW for my Wilson while it's being "tweaked."

Good luck and have fun with whatever you get!

 

[GingerGuy]

Springfield

 

[schmeky]

Kimber. My Classic Custom has been stellar, a "never sale" gun.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Dan Wesson or Colt . I love my DW little under a grand tax and all.

 

[The Reverend]

sw1911

1. American Made
2. Lifetime Warrenty (likely you will never need it)
3. Uber-reliable
4. well priced

 

[jlh26oo]

sw1911

1. American Made
2. Lifetime Warrenty (likely you will never need it)
3. Uber-reliable
4. well priced

5. Available with Melonite®

 

[larry starling]

Colt!