Choosing a 1911 from the ocean of options...

[Geno]

Notice that not a single person here has answered,

I bought a Colt because that's what Geno carries, and he's my 1911-action-hero!

Guess that shows how little the previous posts know.

 

[357SIG]

I say Colt. I have one and couldn't be happier with it.

 

[DeadLiver]

I've shot a few that belonged to friends, or were rental guns at the range. I was looking long and hard in the same price range when the opportunity came up to trade an almost brand new Para Ordnance SSP for my Glock 23 carry gun. My hands fell in love with the gun as soon as I held it. Comparing with pictures of other 1911's here on the boards I think they do the radiusing of the front strap and the cutout under the trigger guard a little differently. Either way, it fits my hand more perfectly than any other 1911 I've handled.



Plus Para has a lifetime warranty to the original buyer and they give you a coupon to have them install night sights for $99. The only thing I don't like is that the trigger itself is made of plastic, but everything else is great. Sorry about the crappy lighting in the pic.

 

[DougDubya]

Notice that not a single person here has answered,



Guess that shows how little the previous posts know.

Pics! Or do we just imagine like a novel hero?

 

[Geno]

DD

Go back in your mind to the days of 10th grade English class, short stories. Just picture Walter Mitty...that's me as the Action Hero.

Geno

 

[biblefreak]

I will add my vote for STI. I bought a used Trojan and had issues firing semi wad cutters and hollow points. Called STI and they said send it in. I told them it was used and I would pay for repairs but they wouldn't have it that way. They told me to send them a variety of ammo I wanted it to feed and they would fix it. That was several years ago and has run flawless since.

I have owned a Springer and while it was a decent gun, it isn't even close in feel/function to STI. My buddys old Kimber was nice and had a smooth feel to it so maybe that's worth considering. My Grandpa has an Ithica that dates in the 40's that has a certain nostalgia to itn would be fun to own and shoot a piece of history. At the end of the day if I had to do it over again, I wouldn't buy an STI. I would buy 2 STI's!

 

[Oro]

if it comes down to a top of the line pistol from a lesser manufacturer or an entry level pistol from a higher quality manufacturer, I would choose higher quality and skip some features. Who do you recommend and which models?

Speaking specifically to your preferences and needs, I'd suggest the following:

1) Colt 1991 80 series. All you really need; well made, reliable, accurate, and very competitively priced.

2) For a little more money, I'd look at a Colt XSE series; particularly the new "Combat Elite" model.

In the 80s and 90s I owned (and still do) other brands; but my last four 1911s have all been Colts; I doubt I'll be buying another brand 1911 style pistol again.

 

[Tacbandit]

I've owned a Llama(my first .45, 25 years ago), Springfield Armory, and currently my
carry gun is a Kimber Pro Carry. The Kimber is definitely a winner, and a keeper...

 

[RichSenecal]

Take a look at Taurus

I own a Colt MK IV Series 70 government model as well as a homebuilt 1911 I put together myself from an Essex frame and slide and I am seriously considering getting the Taurus PT-1911 for my third 1911. It seems like a very fine gun.

I own a Taurus PT-24/7 and it has been rock solid from day one. Absolutely trouble proof. If their 1911 is just as good it would be a heck of a deal.

 

[banjoman2255]

I just received my Dan Wesson Rz 45 today. Paid 925 and love it. It is my first handgun.

 

[m2steven]

I have the standard Smith & Wesson 1911 and it's a superb pistol. It's accurate, comfortable, and never misses a beat. Pick one up and dry fire it.
Trigger is wonderful. I probably have 1200 rounds through it now, and it's never failed to perform perfectly.

 

[HisSoldier]

I own Kimber, Colt and DW, all great guns. I can't say much about any others as I don't own them.
Dan Wesson is an outstanding handgun for the money, almost too pretty to shoot.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Id say get a Kimber if you want good quality but higher prices. Get Springfield if you want good quality and fair prices. Get a Colt if you want a Colt.

Me, I would get a Colt. I like the Stainless Combat Commander.

 

[jogonmd95]

I own 5 colt 1911s and an STI Edge. I have been happy with all of them. So for me get a Colt or STI.

 

[paul45]

Another vote for Colt. I have had great performance from all of mine, with very minimal tweaking.

 

[beltfed74]

Spend as much as you can and find one at a gunshop you want.

The new Colt Combat Elite is looking very nice for the money. So is the Dan Wesson Valor, the only one from them Id buy but I dont see you finding one in your price range. STI, Springfield MC Operator, used TRP are all excellent choices but me personally, knowing what I know now. Id save up a little more and get one of Les Baers entry level 1911s or a lightly used one. With the economy it seems theres deals out there to be had right now on cherry Les Baers.

I spent 15 years telling myself that my Colts, Springfields, Kimber and Paras were as good as my friends "semi-custom" pistols. I caved in when I finally realized I was lying to myself.