1911 suggestions?

[DWH]

I've got an XD40 service, and a S&W model 19-5 6". So... I'm ready to get a .45 in a 1911 platform. I've got about $1700 to spend.
I've been contemplating Kimber, or a Les Baer, but I'm not really sure of all my options. I want to get a real quality pistol. Can any of you fine folks share your opinions, biases, or at least direct me towards some info/links that can help me make an informed desicion?
TIA

 

[mljdeckard]

First of all, you are about to be bombarded. Just remember what opinions are like.

I just complained in another thread that I recently shot a $2700 Nighthawk Custom, and I'll be butt-kicked if I can see why it costs $2000 more than my Kimber Custom II. (Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction. "That's the best #$@#$ milkshake I've ever tasted. But it ain't worth $5.")

What are the Kimber Raptor and Warrior going for, $1200, $1500?

I have a 1911 that works perfectly for ME. I dropped the full-length guide rod, added night sights and hogue wrap-around finger grips. I don't know anyone else who would use this combination. I also have a Ciener Arms .22 conversion kit. When I get around to it, I'll get a .400 Corbon barrel as well.

A couple of other options I might consider, Kimber has the BP-ten polymer frame hi-cap version. (Charles Daly inports a similar one.)

I honestly think if I had it to do again, for educational reasons as much as anything else, I would find myself a good frame, buy a book and a DVD, and build one for the ground up. If I had any trouble I would call a gunsmith. (the gunsmiths I know are semi-retired and take their time for everything,)

Some people have turned their noses up at Kimber and Smith and Wesson, and springfield armory, et al, because they use metal-injection-molded parts. My follow-up question to them is always, "Just exactly how much so you plan on abusing this gun that you would plan on breaking any of them?"

I suppose, to be fair, I should look at the Sig GSR or whatever their current series is. But if S&W is weird for making one, like Ford building a Nova, Sig making one is like BMW building a Nova. Whatever works.

Get some good aftermarket mags, don't be cheap with accessories.

 

[Walkalong]

First of all, you are about to be bombarded.

Love my two Kimbers. That doesn't mean they are the only answer.

 

[CDH]

Why spend $1700 just because you have it, when you can get the best of the best for under $1000.

Among the many suggestions you'll get here, mine is to go with either a Colt Gold Cup Trophy in stainless, or a Colt XSE Government in stainless.
Either one will run like a Singer sewing machine with no additional modifications, and you're not paying for a bunch of "extras" that don't really do much for you anyway other than get you bragging rights.
My personal preference is for the Colt Commanders, and those are available as well in XSE versions or all stainless "standard".

They can all be found here for well under $1000:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21_141

If you want some real fun, you can mix and match and buy almost three of those Colts for what you're willing to spend.

Highflight

 

[Black Majik]

You're tapping into Semi-custom 1911 territory with $1700. While the Springfield, Colt and Kimbers are really nice, the Wilsons, Les Baers, nighthawks and SA PRO's are even nicer. If you can tell a difference between all those makers then go for it.

Seriously, we can all give you manufacturers to check out, but best is to find out what options you really want and what you're looking for in a 1911.

www.1911forum.com

Good luck and be prepared to spend money!




*ahem* Les Baer *ahem*

 

[critter]

I recently purchased a Les Baer Custom Carry. A magnificient piece of work! I'm hooked on it!

 

[doubleg]

Kimber Custom II, all the high end parts you need and none ya don't. Also their around 630 so you have enough money left to turn it into a race gun if you wanted.

 

[Rinspeed]

I think Les Baer offers the most 1911 for the money in your price range. With some looking a slightly used Springfield PRO could be had for around $1700 which is another great choice.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Get a Colt LWCommander if carry a Gov for home. It will do every thing those over priced toys will and shoot better that 99% of owners could ever hope to.
Colts custom shop will upgrade if you feel its needed later.. Take left over but a good holster, ammo and enjoy.

 

[dmallind]

Hmm well I've certainly spanned the 1911 cost spectrum from the bottom to pretty close to the top and while my Ed Brown is an amazingly well made and fitted piece of work (and slightly different versions could sneak into your price bracket if you shop around) I must admit as a tool alone I wouldn't spend that kind of money again either.

$1700 gets you into some really nice territory and many I seriously considered when I bought the EB. The super-tight break in turned me off Les Baers, but plenty of folks love em and I won't argue. Kimbers make some nice custom shop stuff well under that price point, and Wilsons are always worth a look.

Personally though I'd seriously consider a Rock River Arms if you want to spend all that on one gun. They also run a bit tight to begin with so I'm told but less extreme than Les Baers, and are available with a wide variety of attractive feature. I've seen a couple and they are the equal of my Brown in construction if maybe just a smidgen less beautifully finished.

But honestly - and this is entirely subjective and me only - I'd spend a ton less than that and buy a nice higher end Springfield or Smith and Wesson. Great real world quality and performance without that semi-custom price bracket.

 

[ugaarguy]

If it were me I'd get a SIG GSR with all machined internals (no MIM) and it's non-purist external extractor (which is what I did buy). My other option, which I almost did, was to get a Colt XSE Commander (steel frame, not the lightweight) and put in a Cylinder & Slide matched hammer, sear, and disconnector set to get rid of the few MIM parts that Colt now uses. Both of those options are less than $1000. If I'd had $1700 to spend I would've bought a Baer. I'd also like to get a pre-Series 70 Colt and tweak it to my specs.

Best bet is to do a search and read Eveerything 1911Tuner has said about the 1911, which will you give you a good knowledge base on the pistols.

 

[f4t9r]

price range you have , I would suggest the Wilson , Kimber Gold Match or Les Baer
there are good 1911's out there for less. Kimber, Springfield, Colt. Go check them out and enjoy

 

[10-Ring]

$1700 can get a nice gun...me, I'd get a basic Colt, shoot it & modify it w/ what I want to make it a better shooter

 

[.45&TKD]

Get a Kimber TLE (Stainess, internal extractor), and spend the rest on ammo, Wilson 47D mag's, hoslter. mag carriers, new grips, etc.

 

[DWH]

Well,
I must extend my thanx to all your great responses. You guys really got me thinking about going less expensive. I could get Colt XSE and a Sig p220 for just a little more than the rough budget I alloted. Sure would be nice to have one of those LB Premier IIs though!

Darn it! :banghead:

I'll just have to think about it some more. Your additional thoughts would also be appreciated.

 

[AnthonyRSS]

Springfield GI. Kart barrel, Ed Brown Hardcore extractor, decent sights, Wolff Mags. Milt Sparks Versa-Max, 1.5" Belt. Dillon 650 in .45ACP + Primers, Bullets, and powder.

Anthony

P.S.
Before I dropped $1700 on a semi-custom, I would get a 1* Enhanced from Yost-Bonitz. $1500 or so, and much much awesomer.

 

[bluetopper]

CZ-Dan Wesson 1911's are in a class by themselves in their price range.

Also Bob Serva (the guy who sold Dan Wesson) is coming out with his own brand of 1911's at the beginning of the year. www.fusionfirearms.com

 

[Longbow]

Why spend $1700 just because you have it, when you can get the best of the best for under $1000.

+1000

I think a Colt XSE, S.A. Loaded, Kimber non-II or Kimber Warrior (straight series 70 fire controls) will suffies, for less money. Save the extra $$ for accessories and range time.

 

[Michael Zeleny]

It only took me 29 years to make up my mind on this issue. My choice is this 1939 National Match Colt M1911A1, equipped with a Swartz safety, purchased from the great-grandson of the original owner. Setting aside the bonus commanded by a target grade pistol with a firing pin lock, there is no shortage of pre-war commercial Colts in excellent condition that can be had for $1,700. Nothing else comes close.

 

[up_onus]

SPRINGFIELD PROFESSIONAL!!!!!!
A 1911 "contest" was held by the FBI....
read here and research yourself!!

http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911-pro.shtml

If its good enough for the rigorous testing of the FBI, and beat out 5 other competitors of high quality...

 

[1911austin]

Personally though I'd seriously consider a Rock River Arms if you want to spend all that on one gun. They also run a bit tight to begin with so I'm told but less extreme than Les Baers, and are available with a wide variety of attractive feature. I've seen a couple and they are the equal of my Brown in construction if maybe just a smidgen less beautifully finished.

+1 on the Rock River. I have one of their full size guns and it is great. I have owned a Wilson CQB and Brown Kobra carry and currently also have a Baer. I actually like the RR more that any of the others even thought it was a little less expensive.

The fit and finish on mine are just superb. The barrel bushing is very tight like the Baers. You will need a metal bushing wrench to turn it! However, unlike a new Baer, you can easily rack the slide right out of the box but has zero play in slide to frame fit.

 

[Glockfan.45]

I love my Kimber Target II. I can blow the 10 ring out of a target at 20 yards all day with it. Its reliable, and in stainless steel its downright sexy. I would avoid the adjustable sights though. There is no use for them on a pistol, and they tend to shoot lose after 50 rounds or so.