Caution... controversial topic... who is making the best production 1911 these days?
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351 WINCHESTER
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I have not seen a current production Colt 1911 in many years so I cannot comment. I do hope they have improved on the ones they made back in the 1970's and 80's though. They had lots of problems. The current crop of 1911's from the cheap Phil. models to the Rugers and S & W's are much better handguns right out of the box if you ask me.
Desertrat357
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Since I didn't see anyone else saying this, I will. I vote kimber. To be fair I've only handled and shot Springfields and colts besides my kimber. And, my humble observations are that the kimber's fit and finish was much better than either the Springfield armory or colt. Just my two cents 
Old Dog
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Sheesh. The OP wanted opinions about guns from 5 specific makers, and yet, still, guys still chime in with comments about their own personal favorites ... not on the list.
My nod goes to Colt -- I think the Series 70 Repro and the Wiley Clapp LW Commander are just too cool. I love the SA TRP and would happily take one into battle, but my Kimber TLE II and CDP Pro are quite nice, too, thank you. Good choices abound these days if you like the 1911.
Just can't class versions with external extractors as 1911s, hence my lack of enthusiasm re the S&W and SIG offerings (though I am a huge fan of both companies' other semiautos).
My nod goes to Colt -- I think the Series 70 Repro and the Wiley Clapp LW Commander are just too cool. I love the SA TRP and would happily take one into battle, but my Kimber TLE II and CDP Pro are quite nice, too, thank you. Good choices abound these days if you like the 1911.
Just can't class versions with external extractors as 1911s, hence my lack of enthusiasm re the S&W and SIG offerings (though I am a huge fan of both companies' other semiautos).
Detritus
Member
Springfield
I've handled recent production guns from all 5 of the listed makers and shot examples of 4 out of the 5 (haven't gotten to shoot a SIG 1911 yet), my experience is that the Springfield was the best of them.
Colt came close, but the springfields I've handled all had better fit, finish, and small refinements (fewer sharp edges), lacked the "Series 80" garbage, and within the small random sample I've been able to play with in the past few years, the Springfields were more accurate/shot better.
With regard to Kimber, I have to admit that I think I'm a bit biased. I can too well remember when they were building Better guns, with better internals, for less money, and I'm just not impressed anymore
I've handled recent production guns from all 5 of the listed makers and shot examples of 4 out of the 5 (haven't gotten to shoot a SIG 1911 yet), my experience is that the Springfield was the best of them.
Colt came close, but the springfields I've handled all had better fit, finish, and small refinements (fewer sharp edges), lacked the "Series 80" garbage, and within the small random sample I've been able to play with in the past few years, the Springfields were more accurate/shot better.
With regard to Kimber, I have to admit that I think I'm a bit biased. I can too well remember when they were building Better guns, with better internals, for less money, and I'm just not impressed anymore
Skylerbone
Member
From the list I voted Colt. IMO none of the five exemplify all of the traits listed.
I'd choose Colt or Springfield for reliability and function. I'd pick Kimber for finish, Sig for fit. I don't have a problem with external extractors nor do I see them specifically as an improvement on the original. I don't feel any of the five would consistently edge out all others for accuracy though if I had to place my mark, Sig.
I would also agree with the COTEP crowd that Dan Wesson makes a line of 1911s that sweeps all categories across the board in comparison. Not perfect, but very well appointed for the price. Ditto with many of STIs offerings, again at a reasonable price-point.
I'd choose Colt or Springfield for reliability and function. I'd pick Kimber for finish, Sig for fit. I don't have a problem with external extractors nor do I see them specifically as an improvement on the original. I don't feel any of the five would consistently edge out all others for accuracy though if I had to place my mark, Sig.
I would also agree with the COTEP crowd that Dan Wesson makes a line of 1911s that sweeps all categories across the board in comparison. Not perfect, but very well appointed for the price. Ditto with many of STIs offerings, again at a reasonable price-point.
Jim PHL
Member
I voted Colt. I have a Colt and a Sig, both bought new in 2013, and a Springfield bought new in 2003. If I had to pick one I'd pick the Colt, but none of them are likely going anywhere soon except into a holster or range bag. All three are accurate and reliable.
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