Best PRODUCTION 1911, a poll

[AR15activist]

Which model too, and a sentence or two telling us why you picked what you did. Include your vote in your post.

 

[wow6599]

What poll?

 

[AR15activist]

I voted for other because I'm not sure which is best, I've been trying to brush up on these guns alot the last few days -- I think I've learned enough to at least have included every major manufacturer!

 

[ADKWOODSMAN]

This was a tough one.

I started with a series '70 gold cup in the early 70's for bullseye than sold it. (never sell or trade a great pistol/revolver)

Purchased another used about '85 for pin shoots.

Then about '89 purchased an enhanced .38 super Colt.

About '92 a Springfield super match .45.

They all run like the wind!

 

[jmorris]

SVI makes the best ones I have messed with but are really just a factory custom. All of the parts that are not springs are machined from billet to the specs the customer requests on their gun builder program.

Out of your list STI would be my pick as long as your not taking about the cheapie intro products they sell.

 

[wow6599]

Colt

100% American, forged steel, very little MIM, and the iconic pony.

 

[Chocolate Bayou]

I have 2 Colts and just picked up my second Springfield Loaded. Tough call on which is better. I would consider them based on my old Spriingfield (got stolen when my son borrowed it and his truck was stolen, got truck back but no gun) I would give a slight edge on the Springfiield, but it is .45acp while my Colts are 38 Super and 9mm Defender for my edc.

 

[mavracer]

Best for what? and best in what way?

 

[AR15activist]

"Best"

Best combination/availability of accuracy, reliability and ergonomics?

 

[AR15activist]

Best for what? and best in what way?

For the purposes that a production 1911 is most commonly used -- obviously, I'm not asking about a carry gun or 100 yard piece.

 

[JTQ]

For the purposes that a production 1911 is most commonly used -- obviously, I'm not asking about a carry gun...

I know you're new, but I'll think you'll find an awful lot of "my 1911 is my carry gun" here.

 

[LeonCarr]

STI/SVI

Even the entry level STI Spartan made in the Phillipines with STI Internals is still IMO the best 1911 for the price.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[AR15activist]

I know you're new, but I'll think you'll find an awful lot of "my 1911 is my carry gun" here.

HaHa and that's fine -- out of the 3 million people who CC, I do wonder what percentage CC a 1911..

But to be more clear, if I wanted to know what the best CCW 1911 was, I would have asked that more specific question.

The 1911, unless otherwise specified, is a full-sized general purpose handgun.

Let's not be needlessly pedantic.

 

[agtman]

Colt, obviously.

Since 1911 - which makes everything else just a copy or a clone.

Remember: "If it don't got the Pony, it's a phony .... or a clone(y).

 

[Creature]

Colt 1911's hold their value better than most.

 

[tarosean]

Since 1911 - which makes everything else just a copy or a clone.

Im guessing your forgetting many companies built the M1911 under contract for the US Government.

 

[Teachu2]

Im guessing your forgetting many companies built the M1911 under contract for the US Government.

Yep - they copied Colt, thus making copies.

 

[agtman]

Im guessing your forgetting many companies built the M1911 under contract for the US Government.

Dude, seriously?

Don't kid a kidder. Because I'm guessing you forgot that Colt produced the original model of 1911, which the government approved and adopted as the official sidearm of the U.S. army, and after which all subsequent models, as the one in your picture, are just copies.

Nice M1911, by the way.

 

[Zerodefect]

Then by that logic, isn't a Colt a copy of a Colt? They're were all copied from the same milspec diagrams.

 

[agtman]

[Zerodefect Then by that logic, isn't a Colt a copy of a Colt? They're were all copied from the same milspec diagrams.

No, because subsequent products of an original aren't "copies" but simply later originals of that maker. All Colts are either original M1911s or derivatives based on design change (i.e., Colt 1911A1s).

 

[farm23]

I still have a Star PD but also Colts. There are many good 1911 out there and if I were to buy a new one I am not sure which one I would get but would lean to Ruger.

 

[AR15activist]

So far most people are saying Colt, with Dan Wesson in 2nd place.

 

[AustinTX]

From a purely technical standpoint, setting aside nostalgia and other nonmechanical considerations, Dan Wesson 1911s are comfortably at the top. STI does excellent work; I'd rank them second. (Not too crazy about their styling, but that's not the question.)

I see some people mentioning SVI/Infinity with STI. I guess it's worth mentioning that these are two completely separate companies operating at two very different levels. STI makes quality guns, but SVI makes some of the finest full-custom 1911s you can buy.

 

[AustinTX]

So far most people are saying Colt, with Dan Wesson in 2nd place.

That shouldn't be any surprise, due to the name and history.

 

[420Stainless]

Colt XSE is the best non-custom I've messed around with. Haven't tried them all, and most importantly, never shot a Dan Wesson 1911. I've shot at least one from all the others - well, except for some of the "others" I'm sure. Most I've shot have been good to great.