Choose one sub $1k 1911

[trueblue1776]

There are so many awesome 1911's to choose from, I want one. I have narrowed it down to a few semi-premium pistols, mostly just straight off the shelf.

So pick one....

If you have shot any of these and love/hate them let me know, so far I love all of them.

For the sake of the poll, please assume they all have similar options and judge on quality, value, and personal preference.

 

[Jeff Timm]

So, what's the best Factory-out-of-the-box M1911 type pistol.

I hate to say it, but I'd take a look at a S&W.

Geoff
Who has a Series 70, MK IV and a Springfield 1911A1 from the 1980s.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

I hate to say it, but I'd take a look at a S&W.[/QUOTE

I would definitely go S&W, and don't hate to say it!

Their 1911s are the best of the currently available guns. Colt is making nice guns too, though, and are worth consideration.

I have had so many problems with Kimber and Springfield that I would never consider another one from either of them.

 

[Chris Rhines]

In order:

Kimber Warrior.
STI Lawman.
Colt NRM 1991.

- Chris

 

[f4t9r]

Lots of choices, I like these
Loaded SA
Kimber
S&W
You can get Older Colt (70 series)

 

[trueblue1776]

I leaning to the GSR, I have a sig 229 and have never had a problem with quality or operation, but I don't want to miss out on a great gun I haven't thought about either.

 

[Murphster]

I've had several brands of 1911's but few of the exact models you're considering. I will say that I like all the non-1911 Sig's I've owned. I voted for S&W, however. I currently own one and I can't say anything buy nice things about it. Outstanding fit, finish, accuracy and reliability. I've owned some lower end Kimbers and Springfield Armory 1911's that I've had issues with. The Dan Wesson I owned was a very good value although mine didn't like swc ammo. You've got a tough decision to make.

 

[HighVelocity]

I'd get a Razorback. A friend of mine has one and that thing is extremely well made. It's on my short list of future purchases.

 

[Otherguy Overby]

STI has a few pistols for less than 1K. http://www.stiguns.com
These are available from Dawson Precision at a bit of a discount:
http://www.dawsonprecision.com/

For carry they have the LS and BLS models. I've an LS in 40 S&W that is my main CCW pistol.

STI also has a Trojan which is a full size 1911. It's been reviewed somewhere here, I believe, with positive response. Dawson's price is $921.60 from their current catalog.


If you could see your way to throwing another $500 on the pile, you could get excellent pistols from STI, Nowlin, Les Baer & etc.

 

[trueblue1776]

I think I have the trojan on the list

the cap, I am afraid to say, will be $1000ish (meaning $1250. in gun guy world)

 

[glocker1911]

I voted for the GSR, and while you didn't specify, I'm talking about the new Revolution version. Nicest 1911 I've owned, and a lot more features than the original GSR for less money. Very hard to beat, IMHO. Good luck.

 

[2k5Adam]

SA 1911A1 Loaded TRP
Sti Trojan
Dan Wesson Razorback

 

[Onmilo]

Smith and Wesson by far.
These are the best 1911 clone pistols I have handled, sold at retail, and owned, so far.

 

[dsk]

Don't overlook a Colt XSE or NRM 1991 if you can find one. Aside from that, an older pre-70 Colt would be even better.

 

[trueblue1776]

Colt's are the only expensive 1911's that I have every heard anything bad about, actually I've heard EVERYTHING bad about them.

I have no idea about the pre '70 guns, are they better than any of the eight I have listed above?

 

[Trumpet]

Colt NRM 80 or even better yet the 70 series. I have a new 70 and it's just as reliable and smooth as my Nighthawk.

 

[Father Knows Best]

Not sure why you listed the Para LTC, as it's a commander size 1911. What you want is the Para SSP. It's a traditional, full size 1911, and is the best value of the group you listed. Street price is right around $600 or under (I paid $569 for mine about a year ago). I like it better than any of my Colts or Kimbers. I've been impressed with the STI and Smith & Wesson offerings, but they'll run you quite a bit more than the Para.

 

[trueblue1776]

Not sure why you listed the Para LTC, as it's a commander size 1911. What you want is the Para SSP. It's a traditional, full size 1911, and is the best value of the group you listed. Street price is right around $600 or under (I paid $569 for mine about a year ago). I like it better than any of my Colts or Kimbers. I've been impressed with the STI and Smith & Wesson offerings, but they'll run you quite a bit more than the Para.

I got the model wrong, I meant the 5" model, I have no experience with the Para traditional 1911's, I've always been impressed with the flawless operation and capacity of their DAO's but I dont like DAO's in general. I had no idea the Para's were that affordable, now I'll have to find one to shoot, thanks for the good input.

I would happily spend $1000 for a good 1911, unless I could get one for less!!

 

[45auto]

I'd bet 3 or 4 years ago, this same poll would have had Kimber as the number one pick. They should be worried!

I picked the Springfield.

 

[Shipwreck]

Springfield TRP all the way

 

[Black Majik]

I've been quite impressed with whatthe TRP comes with as a package and its price. The fit and finish are superior than the Loaded, but not quite to par as the PRo model. It has most of everything I'd want in a 1911.

For under $1000, save it and wait til' you find a pristine Series I Kimber.

 

[TC-TX]

1st, 2nd & 3rd...

Colt
Springfield
STI

 

[gunfan]

I am a part of firearms history!

I'd get a Razorback. A friend of mine has one and that thing is extremely well made. It's on my short list of future purchases.

I have one of the first ones (#84 of the 1st 150 pistols) and I wouldn't sell it for any amount of money! Not only did my wife insist that I have it, but I am a part of firearms history! A pistol that was custom built to MY specifications by a gun manufacturer, at the price that one would pay for an off-the-shelf product! This hasn't been done since the days of S&W's "Registered Magnums." How many people alive can say THAT?

You can't beat that with a stick!

Scott

 

[Quentin]

I have to vote for the Colt MKIV Series 70 (well, I would if it was in the poll). Don't know why you'd hear bad things about Colts. Got mine in 1975 and it's still reliable after all those years. It's always ready to go. A fine pistol.

 

[IndianaDean]

I chose mine. The S&W 1911pd Commander length. And after reading posts at www.1911forum.com I'm thrilled I did. S&Ws in general (so far) have the least posts over there from purchasers of new 1911s having problems with them. Now it could be said because the Smiths haven't been around as long as Kimber, Colt and others. Most of the postings I found from Kimber users and Colt users with problems though were from the last year or so.
Kimber seemed to have the most unsatisfied owners.