Best 1911 Manufacturer

[Lefty Gunner]

I like older Colts, but have not owned a newer one. Those I know who have them have found the quality somewhat mixed.

I have a Springfield TRP. It had a bad safety, returned to the factory for repair. They tried to tighten it to get the accuracy better, but the frame-slide fit was loose within a hundred rounds. I spent $$$ for parts and finally got a decent trigger after removing the ISL and replacing all of the mainspring/trigger system. It finally grouped at about 2" at 25 yrds. EXCEPT FOR THE CONSISTENT SINGLE SHOT FLYER! It is in a shop on consignment to be sold.

I have worked on a few Kimbers for someone who really loves them. They all would not feed hollow points and the triggers were just so so. I fixed the feed problems, but he did not want to spend the $200-300 to fix the triggers.

I am going to vote with my dollars and get a Les Baer. By the time you get one of the others and get it running good, you might be up to the Baer/Brown/Wilson level anyway.

I want all of my firearms capable of being my primary defense weapon. I don't care if they are in the safe or not. The must be capable, or I don't want to own them.

Save up and get a real blaster. You won't regret it.

 

[Leedavisone]

It's all in the name

I like all the 1911's. I like Colts because they sometimes say 'Government' on them, and that feels important. I like Springfields because Indian Motorcycles were made in Springfield Mass. Kimbers are great... once knew a big chested gal named Kimberly, and they remind me of her. Rock Island Armory sounds like part of the Johnny Cash song. Dan Wesson has my vote because he was a talented fellow, Les Baers I haven't a clue about but everyone says they are good. Hispanos are cool, cause they are cheap, and made by a car company (kinda like a reverse BSA). Taurus are belittled a lot, so I think my next one will be one of them. Auto and Para Ordnance sound very military and macho. LLama sounds very lame... yeah that is the one I vote against... after all, who wants a pistol named after a tibetan monk? Or is it the furry animal? Well, same difference... Not a good gun at all for monks.

"Fortunately, I always keep my feathers numbered" -Foghorn Leghorn

 

[tommygunm1a1]

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I like all the 1911's. I like Colts because they sometimes say 'Government' on them, and that feels important. I like Springfields because Indian Motorcycles were made in Springfield Mass. Kimbers are great... once knew a big chested gal named Kimberly, and they remind me of her. Rock Island Armory sounds like part of the Johnny Cash song. Dan Wesson has my vote because he was a talented fellow, Les Baers I haven't a clue about but everyone says they are good. Hispanos are cool, cause they are cheap, and made by a car company (kinda like a reverse BSA). Taurus are belittled a lot, so I think my next one will be one of them. Auto and Para Ordnance sound very military and macho. LLama sounds very lame... yeah that is the one I vote against... after all, who wants a pistol named after a tibetan monk? Or is it the furry animal? Well, same difference... Not a good gun at all for monks. [\quote]

funny

 

[George Hill]

I've picked up two Kimbers. A basic Custom II and a Tactical Custom II. Both of those two have outshot all the Colts and Springfields that I've ever shot. More accurate and reliable out of the box with no modifications or gunsmithing required.
I'll take a Kimber every time now.

 

[Autolycus]

I voted for the Colt myself.

 

[ponyboy314]

I'll say this much...

About six years ago, I bought a Colt M1911 (pre-A1 model) made in 1917. It has its share of pitting. The serial number is 174771. It has every original part. In the 90 years that my M1911 has been around, not one thing on it has been replaced.

And it fires like a dream. Never jams, no feed problems...it's a real joy.

For my part, all I can say is that a really ancient Colt is working fine for me.

 

[Sylvan-Forge]

Since Sam is my distant gramps, I gotta say Colt.

Nice as they are, I've never owned a Colt 1911, for shame

 

[Rob96]

bar stock hammers and slide stops as it should be while others use MIM for these components

Yes Colt does use barstock slidestops. On other boards 1911'smiths have posted that they have been seeing broken Colt slidestops while they have not seen a broken one from Springfield. From everything i have read, Springfield does MIM right and the parts are of good quality.

 

[Rob96]

You are entitled to your opinion, but based upon that:

--My brand new in box EMP was a total POS; no Springfields for me.
--My Colt 1911 was an even bigger POS; no Colts for me.
--My four Kimbers have been flawless.

How do you think I voted?

The 3 Kimbers I had were dogs. One of which couldn't be corrected by the Custom Shop. So much for $1,000+ pistol. Dennis said I was limp wristing. Funny I have had no problems with Springers or Colts. I think the attitude at Kimber ruined it more for me than the product.

Oh, I voted Springfield by the way.

 

[possum]

My brand new in box EMP was a total POS; no Springfields for me.

personally i wouldn't let this change the way that i view anything or keep me from buying sa. it is a new design and there are always bugs that need to be worked out of guns when they first come out. thats why i generally wait at least a year after the gun hits the market to jump on it.

 

[Old Dog]

If the original poster even cares anymore, and if he does indeed put stock in opinions he reads on the internet, a better method of getting information on the 3 manufacturers he asks about would be to head over to the 1911 Forum www.1911forum.com and peruse the individual maker forums.

Frankly, useless comments such as:

I voted for the Colt myself.

-- with no further remarks reflecting personal experience (perhaps gained with a few years of owning, shooting and carrying) with that maker's 1911s -- couldn't possibly sway an undecided buyer ...right?

 

[Rinspeed]

Frankly, useless comments such as:

Quote:
I voted for the Colt myself.

-- with no further remarks reflecting personal experience (perhaps gained with a few years of owning, shooting and carrying) with that maker's 1911s -- couldn't possibly sway an undecided buyer ...right?

Would it be better if he typed out a two page report saying how great a pistol was when he has only put 800 rounds through it. On the errornet they're all opinions. Do your homework slap, down your cash and take your chances. They all put out a dud once in awhile, some more than others.

 

[varoadking]

I'm not surprised that SA has more votes - their price point appeals to a broader market - Colt doesn't have a $400.00 piece. I am surprised to see Kimber with as many votes as they have...given their spotty reputation...