American made 1911 in 45 ACP: which one is the best bang for the buck
- Thread starter Onty
- Start date
Mark_Mark
Contributing Member
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2021
- Messages
- 23,211
I’m saving for a Premiere 2! should be in a few months, as long as I concentrate on not buying gun guns
chicharrones
needs more ammo
For my budget range, Springfield Armory. Supposedly, my particular model was made in America. But I'm not quite sure if that means North America or South America.
Last edited:
Quality over quantity every time…
earlthegoat2
Member
Probably Dan Wesson
However, you may want to research what COO and/or what “Made in USA/America really means.
However, you may want to research what COO and/or what “Made in USA/America really means.
UncleEd
Member
A good and dedicated shooter will do very well to excellent with a Ruger or Colt.
Think it will help or just want the best, go for Les Baer or Nighthawk or Wilson--or whatever.
And be happy with what you have on any shooting day.
For me in my day with a little tweeking, a Colt was peachy great as it was for thousands of others.
Think it will help or just want the best, go for Les Baer or Nighthawk or Wilson--or whatever.
And be happy with what you have on any shooting day.
For me in my day with a little tweeking, a Colt was peachy great as it was for thousands of others.
1KPerDay
Member
Dan Wesson all day
Mark_Mark
Contributing Member
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2021
- Messages
- 23,211
they all shoot good as a Colt Gold Cup from 1978!
Riomouse911
Contributing Member
If money is no object, Wilson, Nighthawk, Brown, Baer, etc. make great guns.
For more run of the mill production guns, my Ruger SR1911 and Kimbers are both 100% American made and have been very good guns for me. (I don’t know if my two Springfields are all USA or a mix
.)
Stay safe.
For more run of the mill production guns, my Ruger SR1911 and Kimbers are both 100% American made and have been very good guns for me. (I don’t know if my two Springfields are all USA or a mix
.)Stay safe.
halfmoonclip
Member
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2011
- Messages
- 4,387
The Prancing Pony for the win. Their current production seems decent, and it's always easier to trade in a Colt.
Moon
Moon
nettlle
Contributing Member
The Colt was $1,200 new. The Dan Wesson $1,200.00 used with about 200 rounds on it when I bought it. Both of these have nice triggers, accurate, and are very reliable. These are keepers. The Colt is a nice looking gun but is a long way from the fit and finish of the Dan Wesson.
Last edited:
LV Gun
Member
Springfield Loaded Series.
My personal preference in a production 1911 one of the Dan Wessons...mostly as a better value than an Ed Brown or Springfield Professional.
Baer used to be high on my list until I found out that their frames aren't "in spec"...allowing aftermarket parts like the Chen S.I. Magwell
Baer used to be high on my list until I found out that their frames aren't "in spec"...allowing aftermarket parts like the Chen S.I. Magwell
Lo-Profile
Member
Dan Wesson
Mark_Mark
Contributing Member
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2021
- Messages
- 23,211
they both look GOOD!The Colt was $1,200 new. The Dan Wesson $1,200.00 used with about 200 rounds on it when I bought it. Both of these have nice triggers, accurate, and are very reliable. These are keepers. The Colt is a nice looking gun but is a long way from the fit and finish of the Dan Wesson.
Thanks to all! I passed link of this thread over there.
Sir, you made statement that reflects my view. The only thing I will insist on any semiauto pistol that I will shoot extensively, would be stainless barrel. Additional cost over standard steel alloy is negligible, but benefits are overwhelming.
Sir, you made statement that reflects my view. The only thing I will insist on any semiauto pistol that I will shoot extensively, would be stainless barrel. Additional cost over standard steel alloy is negligible, but benefits are overwhelming.
Anchorite
Member
Smith and Wesson.
King Medallion
Member
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2021
- Messages
- 538
My favorite has always been and always will be my old Colt 1991A1,
But I've grown quite fond of my Springfield Armory Ronin
But I've grown quite fond of my Springfield Armory Ronin
AlexanderA
Member
Assuming they want a low priced but well-made and authentic American-made gun, I would suggest the Kahr/Thompson/Auto Ordnance (it goes by different names). This is like a WW2 clone but it has the Series 80 firing pin safety.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
I love 1911's and have a bunch of custom revolvers (actual custom) but I don't see me ever paying the tariff on one of the premium 1911 like Wilson or Les Baer. They're production guns with a custom price. Though I have considered having my gunsmith build a 6" .45Super.
The newer Colt's are nice. I had this one for a while.....
.....but when a local shop got a new Standard in, I traded it in for it. There's no rational reason for these guns to be $1200.
The newer Colt's are nice. I had this one for a while.....
.....but when a local shop got a new Standard in, I traded it in for it. There's no rational reason for these guns to be $1200.
Quanah
Member
Seconded.
halfmoonclip
Member
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2011
- Messages
- 4,387
Any background on 'Standard'? Were they making well regarded SAAs, and what is the story on their 1911. That's a great looking pistol.
Moon
I think Cocked and Locked too dangerous for my tastes, consider hammer down safer, once the hammer is down. Never lower the hammer with a thumb, the pinch method is better.
I consider this tantamount to suicide
this is more controlled
So, if you understand I want a 1911 with a big hammer spur, don't want a long "extended" safety that is easily bumped to fire. And I don't want the modern beavertail that blocks access to the hammer. In other words, I am looking for a "Mil Spec" 1911. (I do want better sights and a throated barrel, GI 1911's have awful sights) I do appreciate short triggers because I have stumpy fingers.
In terms of "bang for the buck" I think the Springfield Armory Mil Spec the best deal. I have two stainless versions:
They are both accurate and reliable and shoot to point of aim with 230 grain bullets traveling at "GI" velocities of 800 fps.
I removed the proprietary titanium firing pins from all my SA Mil Spec pistols. These lightweight firing pins were installed so the pistols could pass a three foot California drop test. Titanium firing pins are also a known source of misfires in 1911's, so I removed mine and installed Ed Brown steel firing pins. I want an ignition system that provides the maximum amount of energy it can, to the firing pin and the primer. I am of the opinion that reducing the energy output of a firearm ignition system is a misfire waiting to happen. A weak mainspring will also creating timing issues with the slide. (the slide has to push the hammer down...) You can see how much titanium SA removed from their firing pin, in order to lighten it. This also makes installing a titanium firing pin a total pain as the sharp edges catch on the firing pin hole. I regularly clean out the firing pin hole and remove crud from the firing pin.
Just installed four steel GI firing pins in four Tisas 1911's. Tisas has installed GI configuration titanium firing pins, while I did not weigh the titanium, the GI firing pins went from 67 grs to 73 grains. Heavier is better for ignition reliability. Do understand the series 70 is not drop safe, either with a titanium firing pin, or a steel firing pin. It does take more drop height for a titanium firing pin to ignite a primer.
Just an opinion, but I have had less problems with fixed sights than adjustable. I have had pins come out of Bomar's, screws get loose. Had a number of times where sight base screws and elevation screws worked themselves out on S&W revolvers.
I went to the local gunstore and asked to pick the tightest and best trigger pull out of three SA 1911's which was a shock to the salesman. I guess I am not the normal customer as I consider these issues when buying. The new stainless I picked is as tight an my Kimber Clackamus and my Les Baer, and it shoots well. The used, 2012 SA Mil Spec, was as tight as a vault and had a great trigger. The hook was baited and I swallowed it.! Springfield Armory told me they make their own barrels. SA has its own forge shop, so the slides are forged, probably the frames. I don't like the reduced weight firing pin, but was able to find a steel replacement that brought the weight up. I think I have very decent, American made 1911's for the price.
I consider this tantamount to suicide
this is more controlled
So, if you understand I want a 1911 with a big hammer spur, don't want a long "extended" safety that is easily bumped to fire. And I don't want the modern beavertail that blocks access to the hammer. In other words, I am looking for a "Mil Spec" 1911. (I do want better sights and a throated barrel, GI 1911's have awful sights) I do appreciate short triggers because I have stumpy fingers.
In terms of "bang for the buck" I think the Springfield Armory Mil Spec the best deal. I have two stainless versions:
They are both accurate and reliable and shoot to point of aim with 230 grain bullets traveling at "GI" velocities of 800 fps.
I removed the proprietary titanium firing pins from all my SA Mil Spec pistols. These lightweight firing pins were installed so the pistols could pass a three foot California drop test. Titanium firing pins are also a known source of misfires in 1911's, so I removed mine and installed Ed Brown steel firing pins. I want an ignition system that provides the maximum amount of energy it can, to the firing pin and the primer. I am of the opinion that reducing the energy output of a firearm ignition system is a misfire waiting to happen. A weak mainspring will also creating timing issues with the slide. (the slide has to push the hammer down...) You can see how much titanium SA removed from their firing pin, in order to lighten it. This also makes installing a titanium firing pin a total pain as the sharp edges catch on the firing pin hole. I regularly clean out the firing pin hole and remove crud from the firing pin.
Just installed four steel GI firing pins in four Tisas 1911's. Tisas has installed GI configuration titanium firing pins, while I did not weigh the titanium, the GI firing pins went from 67 grs to 73 grains. Heavier is better for ignition reliability. Do understand the series 70 is not drop safe, either with a titanium firing pin, or a steel firing pin. It does take more drop height for a titanium firing pin to ignite a primer.
Just an opinion, but I have had less problems with fixed sights than adjustable. I have had pins come out of Bomar's, screws get loose. Had a number of times where sight base screws and elevation screws worked themselves out on S&W revolvers.
I went to the local gunstore and asked to pick the tightest and best trigger pull out of three SA 1911's which was a shock to the salesman. I guess I am not the normal customer as I consider these issues when buying. The new stainless I picked is as tight an my Kimber Clackamus and my Les Baer, and it shoots well. The used, 2012 SA Mil Spec, was as tight as a vault and had a great trigger. The hook was baited and I swallowed it.! Springfield Armory told me they make their own barrels. SA has its own forge shop, so the slides are forged, probably the frames. I don't like the reduced weight firing pin, but was able to find a steel replacement that brought the weight up. I think I have very decent, American made 1911's for the price.
Last edited:
Similar threads
