Buying new 1911 on $1500 budget

[Adrianos]

Having owned a couple of lower-end 1911's in the past, I've now got the itch to purchase another one that has a few more creature comforts. My budget is around $1500. This gun will strictly be a toy; not a carry gun. i.e. range, target, possibly competition.

I'm intrigued by the S&W Performance Center 1911's, particularly the Doug Koenig model. These can be had for close to $1500.

Are there any 1911's from the custom shops (Wilson, Les Baer, STI, Nighthawk, etc.) that will give me as much bang for the buck as the S&W?

What do you recommend at my price point?

 

[SwampWolf]

I'd recommend exactly the pistol you're considering. The Smith PC pistols are great values and, from what I've been able to deduce from a lot of posts, Smith's lifetime warranty is hard to beat.
And welcome to the High Road.

 

[Lloyd Smale]

sti trojan and pocket the other 600 bucks. It may not have the flash some of the others have but you wont find a more accurate reliable gun for twice the money.

 

[45auto]

I'd look at the Baer Premier II if you looking for a gun "off the rack".

I think it would be tough to find a better, more accurate gun for target use at that price...if you want checkering.

 

[Bill_G]

Colt gold cup and pocket the other $500.

 

[Walkalong]

Sweet Pistol. You will be happy with it or many that will come in that price range. Buy what flics your bic and don't look back.

 

[hkusp]

Great choice. SW makes a damn fine 1911.

 

[rellascout]

That is a fine choice.

If I had $1500 today I would buy this. New is not always the best wayto go IMHO.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=188675

 

[varoadking]

Two words: Yost-Bonitz...

http://www.yost-bonitz.com/packages/1asterisk-enhanced/

 

[Adrianos]

Nice recommendations, guys. Thanks.

I didn't realize the Yost-Bonitz gun was in my price range.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

Two words: Diminishing Returns.

 

[Seven High]

Recently I had to return a Smith J frame to Smith and Wesson for repairs. Their customer service is A+ IMHO. I would recommend a Smith & Wesson PC 1911.

 

[rellascout]

Two words: Diminishing Returns.

I agree with that to a large extent. You will pay 50% more for custom gun over a good production piece going from $1000 going up to $1500 and you will not get anywhere near 50% better performance.

I remind myself that everytime I look to spend over $1000

 

[Adrianos]

Originally posted by rellascout
You will pay 50% more for custom gun over a good production piece going from $1000 going up to $1500 and you will not get anywhere near 50% better performance.

So it's safe to say that the SW1911 DK is an excellent value at $1500...

 

[rellascout]

So it's safe to say that the SW1911 DK is an excellent value at $1500...

The SW1911 DK is a great pistol. You can get it NIB for under $900.

The preformance center pistol comes in around $1600

I do not like the schwartz safety on S&Ws and I am partial to Colts but really there is nothing wrong with a S&W.

I would also take a look at the Dan Wessons. They are also around $850 and are an incredible value in a 70-Series Pistol.

Forged, one piece match grade barrel and bushing.
· Round top slide with Bo-Mar style adjustable target sight
· Hand polished flat surfaces with contrasting bead blasted rounds
· Flat, all steel 20-LPI checkered mainspring housing
· Front and rear cocking serrations
· Beveled magwell
· All sharp edges dehorned by hand
· Lowered and flared ejection port
· Hand polished feed ramp
· Ed Brown slide stop
· Ed Brown memory groove grip safety
· Tactical extended thumb safety
· One piece full length stainless guide rod
· Commander style match hammer
· Match grade sear
· Aluminum trigger with stainless bow
· Extended serrated magazine catch
· Wolff springs used exclusively
· Diamond checkered coco-bolo grips
· Tuned, machined, internal extractor
· Test fired for reliability
· 38 ounces unloaded

 

[Adrianos]

Originally posted by rellascout
The SW1911 DK is a great pistol. You can get it NIB for under $900.

I think you're talking about this gun

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_39_72/products_id/15088

which appears to be an older Doug Koenig model...from what I can gather from S&W's website.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...angId=-1&parent_category_rn=15714&isFirearm=Y

 

[rellascout]

So you are looking for something in super .38?

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

Take a look at Springfield Armory's TRP, either in stainless or Armory Kote. I have the Armory Kote version, and love it. They are well made guns with some well placed hands-on work by gunsmiths before they leave the factory. These are lightly tuned guns, not just slapped together guns with lots of feature. They are well worth the asking price. Most who own them like them very much.

You might also look at the Ted Yost guns. He has some lightly customized 1911s in that price range, and he does a great job from what I hear.

 

[Adrianos]

So you are looking for something in super .38?

Not looking for it, but I don't mind it.

 

[Deadmarsh]

Springfield TRP or a used Professional (if you can find one - good luck)...

Forged frame/slide and the all important SA Lifetime Warranty with the 2006 Gunsmith of the year wandering around the Custom Shop...

Whatever you buy, good luck:


Dead

 

[rellascout]

I would stick with good old 45 but that is just me.

 

[Adrianos]

S&W also makes this model:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...ted=over&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=15714

I believe it is the same gun as the Koenig model, but in .45 and Melonite finish. As far as I can tell, it has all the bells and whistles as the Koenig model.

 

[rellascout]

I do not own a Taurus nor do I intent on getting one but for many people who do not have the money for a $1500 gun it might be a fine choice.

I own quite a few high end production 1911's. I own a custom BHP. I understand the value of a custom gun to a shooter. It is however a fact that you will never recover your money on a custom gun. High end shooters loose their value faster than other guns.

Back on topic the S&W isa fiine gun. If it is to yout liking you will not be disappointed.

 

[JoeHatley]

Adrianos,

You may want to shop around a bit. Your local dealer should be able to order you a new DK in .45 acp for under $1k.

Very nice guns...

Joe

 

[Adrianos]

You may want to shop around a bit. Your local dealer should be able to order you a new DK in .45 acp for under $1k.

S&W makes 2 Doug Koenig 1911's. The one that is pictured in the first post in this thread is from the Performance Center line and is the most "premium" gun. It's only available in .38 Super. MSRP is $2,323. Can be purchased for around $1,600.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...angId=-1&parent_category_rn=15714&isFirearm=Y

The less expensive SW1911 DK is from the regular product line, not the Performance Center. It's a lesser quality gun, but still a fine piece by most accounts. It's a .45 ACP. MSRP is $1,280. Can be purchased for less than $900.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...ted=tech&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=15709

I think if I decide to purchase a S&W 1911 in a .45 ACP, I will likely purchase their Performance Center model, which is available in 3 finishes. I prefer the Melonite finish, I think. MSRP is $2,307. Can be purchased for less than $1,600.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...angId=-1&parent_category_rn=15714&isFirearm=Y