1911 yes, no, maybe so?

[rsalib]

I've been really impressed ever since I tryed out this guy's Wilson 1911.

I'm new to handguns and the only 2 guns that have really made an impression on me are the H&K USP guns, which I will for sure get, and the 1911 type guns.

But the problem is, 1911 is a model type that a lot of manufacturers have adopted. Who is good, who is the best, what should I look for in the gun?

H&K seem to make the best polymer guns. Should I also consider a polymer 1911 or only steel?

Thanks in advance,

Richard

 

[lycanthrope]

How about on par with a Wilson AND polymer........

STI Edge or Eagle.

 

[longtom4570]

Go with a 1911. Me i would go with steel but thats just me. Go with what feels good to you

 

[McNutt]

I've never been a big fan of polymer guns, but I don't think there's anything wrong with them. There are a ton of 1911 brands out there and many are completely different. Do a lot of research at 1911forum and hear what the people have to say. I bought a Dan Wesson Patriot for about $650 and have been very pleased. The Wilson's are supposedly very nice, but you're talking about a lot of money.

I plan on buying a Springfield Armory WWII Milspec soon. This is a quaility plain-jane 1911 that costs around $400. It's perfect for modifying or satisfying the nostalgic feeling many of us have.

Be warned though, you may think you're simply buying a 1911, but you're actually starting your collection.

 

[Black Majik]

Definitely go for the 1911. If you want to go 1911, polymer, AND wilson go for the KZ-45

As for the semi-custom / higher end category, they'd be Wilson, Valtro, Les Baer, STI/SVI, Ed Brown Rock River Arms.

Medium price but still great guns are the Springfield Armory, Colt, Kimber, Para Ordnance

Entry level would be Rock Island Armory, Springfield Armory Milspec, Charles Daly, Dan Wesson.

Whatever you go with though, you shouldn't be disappointed. They're all accurate.

My first recommendation for a first 1911 though would be a Colt NRM Government. Those things are reliable and accurate. Or a Kimber... those are surprisingly accurate also.

 

[Chupacabra]

I would start with a REAL 1911 and get an all steel one.

Colt, Kimber, Springfield, Wilson...They're all good.

 

[9x19]

In all honesty, if you are only going to have one... it should be a full size Government Model... and it should probably be a Colt.

New Colt GMs are just under $600 most places.

Good luck.

 

[stans]

I would say Colt or Springfield Armory, steel or stainless steel. When I think of polymer frame I think of Glock. J.M. Browning designed the 1911 around a steel frame and that's what I like my 1911's to have. Of course, if J.M. Browning were alive today, I dare say he would use polymer in his design. The man was a thinker and great firearms designer, I am sure he would have taken advantage of the latest materials.

 

[RUT]

>>Entry level would be Rock Island Armory, Springfield Armory Milspec, Charles Daly, Dan Wesson.<<

Aside from price, I'd say the Dan Wesson "Patriot" is far more than an "entry" level 1911.

 

[Zach S]

Medium price but still great guns are the Springfield Armory, Colt, Kimber, Para Ordnance

Note: To the best of my knowlage, Para doesnt offer a single-stack, single action.

 

[45auto]

I'd say Yes to the 1911.

No to the polymer 1911 at this time. For the first one try a singlestack 45.

I'd buy a 5" Springfield loaded model. I believe it has many of the same features as the Wilson, which you liked. Of course, not the same gun, but you don't have to bring an extra $1300 either.
Neither 1911 has the silly firing pin safeties activated by the grip safety used by S&W or Kimber.

Colt is good, but it's a mil-spec and won't feel anything like the Wilson you shot IMHO. It would take many hundreds of dollars to properly outfit the Colt even to the Springfield level.

Have fun.

Para now offers a single stack 45...new this year. I'd pass on that one since it's new and it has a proprietary extractor system. Maybe it will be better, maybe not!

 

[dav]

rsalib,

Since you are in So. Cal., Turners Outdoors has the Springfield Loaded for $699.98 during March. Click Here

 

[redneck2]

When I was getting mine, I asked the gunsmith at our store (who's also a County Deputy Sheriff)...

which one would you pick for duty if your life depended on it???

Springfield Loaded Stainless. Has all the goodies that guys used to pay an extra $500 for just a few years ago in the aftermarket. I had him adjust the trigger down to 2 3/4# (best move I could have made)

Also added Wilson Combat night sights. IIRC it comes with an air gauged barrel. Lots more accurate than I can shoot and super reliable.

That said, I don't know that there's a wrong answer, it's just that the Springfield Loaded had what most guys end up wanting at a reasonable price

HTH

 

[MaterDei]

1911? Absolutely!!!

Polymer 1911? If it is polymer it ain't a 1911. That would be like adding a sun roof to a classic '57 Chevy. It just doesn't look right to me.

There are a lot of fine polymer guns on the market. If you want a polymer gun, get an HK or something else. If you want a 1911, keep it steel.

Others mileage may vary.

 

[Scooter .45]

I'd recommend getting as basic a 1911 as I could find, such as a Springfield WWII milspec. IMO, if you get polymer or other features that depart from the original, it might shade your opinion of the classic 1911 when such gizmos aren't truly classic at all. If you want options later, by all means add them. 1911 is one of the most customizable pistols on the planet. Happy shooting!

 

[Longbow]

Note: To the best of my knowlage, Para doesnt offer a single-stack, single action.

Yes they do! Check their new catalog. But I'll vote for a Colt, also.

 

[Zach S]

45auto, Longbow, thanks for correcting me. I may have to look into them, later...

 

[HD]

just received an SA ww2 1911a1...
very impressed with it ...
not too loose , not too tight , as close to an 'issue' WW@ 1911a1 as you'll find for the $$$$...
less than $450.00 most places , impressed enough that i may order another just to have it ...