1911 Recommendations...

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Werewolf

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I'm in the market for a 1911 platform .45 ACP. I'll probably be picking one up within the next two weeks based on all your recommendations.

I'd like to keep the price below $800 (in OKC prices generally run 70% to 80% of MSRP).

I've had bad experiences with Kimber - been there - done that - so don't go there but anything else is fair game.

I'm more interested in one with a 5" bbl. Adjustable sights would be nice. I've searched gallery of guns, read about numerous brands and cannot make up my mind - there are just so many choices.

I kinda like what I read about para-ordnance but have no experience with that brand. I'm not terribly impressed by Colt because I believe their products are over priced but I've been known to be wrong before. Springfield Armory Mil-Specs look nice but are a little low end and I've heard they are prone to extractor problems. Rock River Arms seem well made but are also low end. Almost seems like for a 1911 you either go cheap or expensive with no middle ground.

I'm primarily interested in a carry gun. I've IWB carried a Glock 22, Sig P220 and CZ-75 so carrying a full size pistol isn't really an issue. What is an issue is reliability, minute of pie plate accuracy at 25 yards and ease of maintenance.

Here's all you 1911 guys chance to proclaim the worth of your favorite brand of 1911.

Let the games begin!
 
I have two NRM Colt's...a Commander and a Government model. Both are fine weapons & weren't outrageous in cost (both cost less than $600). I do not have any experience with the others you mentioned.
 
I have two Paras, both with 3-1/2" barrels. One is a single action (P12-45) and the other is a double action (LDA12). The P12 was purchased used and has never hiccupped once in the 4 years I've owned it. The LDA was purchased new. Initially had some failures to extract. Much of this appears to be mag related. The original 10-round mag works fine. A couple of Brand X mags don't work in either gun and have been relegated to the scrap heap. I had a problem with a couple of Para hi-cap mags that I couldn't fix. Sent them to Para and they came back greatly improved.

I like my Paras, but I think their new guns are butt ugly and I refuse to buy one. I'm looking for one of last year's (old model) Tac Fours.
 
I own Colts myself and never been a problem with them. As for the trouble with Springfields that can be fixed very easy. The people I know with Springfields have never had that problem.
 
If you like the looks of the GI Springers but think they're a little low-end, Colt is the obvious answer. The NRM Gov't model is anything but overpriced, is made really well, and is a Colt.
 
I'd go for the NRM Colt. Great guns. I love mine. I've never seen another brand new sub $550 1911 that I would trade for it. I've also had several Springfields that I was very happy with, esp a Stainless Loaded Target but overall, I like the Colt the best.

I paid $500 for mine since one of the grip panels was scratched. They usually go for $550 around here. Once you figure out how great the gun is, $50 for a crisp #5 trigger job, maybe another trigger (mines an STI), $60 for a good slide stop and a good extractor... sounds like a plan.

Personally, I wouldn't go for adjustable sights on a gun intended for carry use. I have used one (said Springfield Stainless Loaded Target) but had to file down the sights as they were more than a little sharp against my side. Adjustables are more likely to snag on clothing during draw and are more likely to be uncomfortable to carry. If the factory sights aren't what you are wanting, Novak and Heinie both have many loyal followers and when they are installed, they should be regulated to point of aim.
 
...to keep the price below $800

For me it's either Springfield or Colt in the price range that you mentioned...
In the Springer you will get more options for the money, it all depends on what is important for you. I had a very good experience with my Springfield Loaded.
P8220109.sized.jpg

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the two that come to mind are the NRM Colt Government and the Springfield Loaded.


But I'd still recommend the Colt of the 2. The springfields never impressed me that much, though they do work for their intended purposes
 
I'm primarily interested in a carry gun.
Click to expand...

Carry guns are best with fixed sights. Adjustable sights tend to have lots of sharp corners that can dig into flesh and catch on clothing. Adjustable sights also have little springs and pins that can part company at inopportune moments.

For carry in the 1911 format, the Government model is likely to be the most reliable out of the box, but can be a bit big for concealment, at least for some of us. The Colt Commander is usually just as reliable as long as you don't stick a shock buffer on the recoil spring guide rod. The shorter 1911 pattern guns are usually reliable, but are more finiky and a little harder to maintain reliability. Recoil and magazine springs have to be changed at about half of the interval for the larger guns.

Personal opinion, the best 1911 carry gun is a Commander top end on an Officers ACP receiver. You get the reliability of the Commander and the short butt of the Officers ACP. The butt of the pistol is the hardest part to conceal. Colt made this combo, but for only two years. Wish they would bring it back!
 
If Kimber is out, you want adjustable sights and spend less than $800, I think you only real choice may be the stainless Springfield Loaded Target model. They don't offer it in blue(carbon steel) for whatever reason.

Delete the adjustable sights and you are in the "main" discussion of which there is no "clear" answer and a thousand threads.

But, if it were me, I would go with Springfield or Colt. You will need to spend at least $2-300 to get the Colt up to(or close) to the "Loaded" level of the Springfield.

There are too many choices now. ;)
 
I've seen the blued Colt Gold Cups for around $800. Adjustable sights and all.
 
quote:
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Rock River Arms seem well made but are also low end.
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$1600 is low end? Are you sure you done meen Rock ISLAND Arms?
Click to expand...
You're right it is RIA that is low end...

So far what I'm hearing is most folks recommend a Springfield loaded or a Colt NRM. I'll check those out at the gunshop I usually buy from today or tomorrow.

I'll keep ya posted and thanks for the recommendations especially about the adjustable sights and a carry gun. I hadn't considered the sharp edges because all my other carry guns have fixed sights.
 
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rock River Arms seem well made but are also low end.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

$1600 is low end? Are you sure you done meen Rock ISLAND Arms?
Click to expand...
You're right it is RIA that is low end...

So far what I'm hearing is most folks recommend a Springfield loaded or a Colt NRM. I'll check those out at the gunshop I usually buy from today or tomorrow.

I'll keep ya posted and thanks for the recommendations especially about the adjustable sights and a carry gun. I hadn't considered the sharp edges because all my other carry guns have fixed sights.
 
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rock River Arms seem well made but are also low end.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

$1600 is low end? Are you sure you done meen Rock ISLAND Arms?
Click to expand...
You're right it is RIA that is low end...

So far what I'm hearing is most folks recommend a Springfield loaded or a Colt NRM. I'll check those out at the gunshop I usually buy from today or tomorrow.

I'll keep ya posted and thanks for the recommendations especially about the adjustable sights and a carry gun. I hadn't considered the sharp edges because all my other carry guns have fixed sights.
 
OKAY...
I've gotten price checks and I've narrowed the search down to a SA Loaded 1911A1 at $631 and the Colt Government 1991A at $578 (both stainless steel models).

Need help with final decision. Lotsa threads on here about the SA guns having extractor and ejector problems. All say the problems are easy to fix but I've neither the skill nor the inclination to do so. Is it a particular SA model with the problems or is it across the board?

There aren't nearly as many negative threads about Colt other than a feeling that their QA has been hit or miss over the past 10 years or so and folks not terribly happy with MIM parts. The idea of having a Colt is a positive and I was surprised at the reasonable price.

Thoughts, comments, flames????
 
Colt

Get the Colt. Actually Colt has the least MIM's - I think maybe 4. Shoot the heck out of it and later on you can have a smith work it over to your liking with the parts you want. The latest Colt's have been some of the best they've made and generally have fewer problems then their competitors.

Also, do a search and if you aren't happy with the Colt, they are usually VERY easy to resell.

And finally - buy American - if that's important to you, Colt's are made here. Springfiled's Loaded is made here, but the frames and slides are forged in Brazil. Nothing wrong with that, but I'd rather support a fully American company. Now you guys can flame me because my car isn't 100% made here...:)
 
Good prices on both.

If you must have or want an extended beavertail, safety, better sights then the Springfield is the clear value, even if you have to "adjust/fix" the extractor.

If you can live with the "mil-spec" confiquration, then the Colt or even the Springfield GI/mil-spec at even cheaper prices.
 
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