1911 Selections...

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Papaster

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So I know there are a ton of 1911 builders out there. And I absolutely love the platform. I'm wanting to buy my first, and so far have only shot Kimber & Colt models. I want to get a 5" model which will serve nightstand duty, rare (but sometimes) ccw, & mostly range time. I have pretty much narrowed down to two (possibly a third) options.
Taurus PT1911B: http://taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=59&category=Pistol
or
Charles Daly Field EFS: http://www.charlesdaly.com/1911.asp

I like the features list for both of these pistols, and they definitely hit my price range nicely. I've got the small pistol niche filled to overflowing right now, so size for ccw is a non-issue; I want the 5". I would also entertain the idea of any other brand, most likely SA, if it falls into the sub $520 range. I really don't want to buy anything too basic that I'll want to upgrade later though, so no "just add this" or "just replace the..." I want a finished product with my features list:
Extended Beavertail grip safety
Decent sights (no tiny bumps or grooves)
Large(er) safety (than the tiny old mil-spec style)
Ambidextrous safety is nice, but not a must
Tac rail is not necessary

I can find both of these guns for under $500, but if there is something that just blows these out of the water for $20-50 more, I am interested. Let me know what you think, and particularly, who has had one or both, and how are they?
 
I liked the PT1911 very much. I found it equal in quality point for point with my Colt Series 80 (though the Taurus was actually just a bit tighter). The ONLY reason I traded it was that I already had the Colt (my first semi-auto).
 
I have one of the PT1911's and it's my favorite gun to shoot, and with all the extra features it comes with you'd have a hard time finding something for that price that beats it...IMO.
 
Also, Taurus has the sexy stainless version out now. If I were buying one now I definately have to go that way. That may be out of your range but not by much (I think they are like $575 or so?).

I'll edit in a pic:
DSC02201.jpg
 
Oh, and rcelis' post reminds me...
Being relatively new to the platform, I am unfamiliar with the differences, strengths/weaknesses between series 70 & series 80 safety's. I don't know which either of these guns has, or what is better. By reading the forums I ascertain that a majority of people prefer the series 70, I assume for some intrinsic reliability traits. Enlighten me...
 
I have thought about the stainless version, and may still go that way, but for the purposes of comparing these two pistols, I wanted to compare similar finishes; & CD doesn't offer stainless. From looking at the two, the Charles Daly does seem to have a nicer blued finish, but the stainless from Taurus would be nice.
 
I believe the series 80 uses a series of levers to securely keep the firing pin from moving forward unless the trigger is depressed. The PT1911 uses this Colt designed series 80 safety. A lot of shooters prefer the series 70 because they believe the 80 adds junk to the trigger and is just a solution to a problem that didn't exist.

I'm not so sure how series 70 works but I'm thinking it blocks the pin as well until the grip safety is down. Without the extra "junk" it would have a smoother and/or lighter trigger pull. Also I could be wrong so if someone knows better feel free to correct me.
 
I just ordered the Charles Daly EFS from Bud's. It should be here by Monday. Can't wait. Their customer service from what I understand is great and the turn around time if needed is a lot shorter than Taurus. My 24/7 Pro 45 took 7 weeks to get back from Taurus. They both have lifetime warranties.
 
Does the CD have a forged frame and slide? I've had my PT1911 for nearly a year now and I really like it.
 
I don't know about the mfg. process of the frame & slide; all I have seen is this from their website: "All Daly 1911-A1 pistols are built from the finest steels on state of the art CNC machining equipment." So my assumption is no.
 
The PT1911 is a solid choice but...

I shot my first ever IDPA with my PT1911 tonight and overall it went pretty well..came last on points of course but I didn't embarrass myself and I certainly had fun!
The PT1911 is a good pistol, and it's the first 1911 I've owned, although certainly not the first I've shot.

Good points:
It's accurate, more accurate than me and that's essential as far as I'm concerned because it allows me to call shots and assess my mistakes correctly.
It seems to be well made and feels like a quality item.
The sights are very good.
The trigger is not bad- quite crisp and I would estimate about 5lbs break (mine has a slight creep before let-off but this is improving after about 500 rounds)
I've had only 1 FTF ansd that was in the first 20 rounds.

The not so good points:
The safety is not really secure in either off or on position and this can lead to the safety accidentally being engaged by slight pressure from the base of your thumb while taking a firm grip (this is apparently a "typical" problem with the PT1911's)
The grips are average but this is no biggie ( I have micarta gatorgrips on mine)
The recoil spring feels very light and IMO caused a lot of muzzle flip on firing due to the slide slapping the rear of the frame, I installed a 18lb HD Wilson Combat spring in mine and I think the sight picture comes back much quicker now.

All in all a good 1911 platform to play around with and I'm enjoying it!
 
Armscor has terminated their agreement with Charles Daly due to poor sales, and picked up Tanfoglio Witness as their new line.

CD, meanwhile, is dickering with BUL. Bottom line, CD might end up being another dead end for you.

Here are the BUL items handled by Marstar in Canada, http://www.marstar.ca/gf-unique/unique-BUL.shtm but that's no precursor to what CD might offer. Capital for advertising and inventory isn't a problem for Marstar.
 
old ironsights: I know you mean well, but these stories you repeat here about Charles Daly are rarely ever accurate.

Armscor did no such thing to Charles Daly. Whomever is filling your head with such stories could not be further from the truth.

And as to what our future line will look like, I'd be very surprised if anyone knows what we are up to. Rest assured Papaster, what we are planning will not be a dead end for anyone interested in our 1911's. And even if you purchase a current CD EFS made by Armscor, you will find that we have the best after-sale service support in the industry.
 
Just picked up my 1911 EFS yesterday. Was very impressed with the coloring, grips, tightness of the slide. Was very oily but that was expected. Mags drop freely. I had a bit of trouble getting the slide stop back in the gun but I am sure I will get the hang of it after a few more times. Besides the gun itself the lifetime warranty was what really sold me. Can't get to range till next Tuesday. Can't wait. Will post a range report as soon as I do.
 
I'd save a couple more dollars and hound the various boards' for a used gun.

I picked up a Kimber that had been stripped and rebuilt devoid of suckiness (by a IDPA 'smith) for $775. Out of your budget now, but save a little longer and scour stuff in the meantime.

Why people buy new versions of popular handguns at retail prices is beyond me...
 
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