Going .45 shopping

[gtgshooter]

Hello to all. I am new here. Just found y'all a couple days ago. Some real good info in here. Anyway I would like to buy my first .45 and like the classic 1911 look and history. My funds are limited. so are my choices. Right now I am looking at a new Springfield GI 1911 or a used Colt 1991 matte stainless. Both are running around 400.00 each but no tax on the Colt. I dont know much about the 1911 or the 1991 for that matter. Can anyone help me understand the differences and with my decision. Thanks.

 

[cslinger]

I personally think that Colt, today, makes the better product. I am by no means an expert though.

Chris

 

[Krag]

Avoid Colt products like the plague. Buy a Para-Ordnance.

 

[berettashotgun]

Have had most kinds of 1911 style pistols and really like my Para P-14's and the P-12 is perfect for concealed (most of the time ). I vote for a Para

 

[Ken Rainey]

First, Welcome to THR. 1911Tuner did an extensive test of the Springfield GI model that you can look up on here and read about......if you know the Colt and it performs well, then I'd buy it - it's a proven performer where the Springfield even though it is new would be a buy it and see...even though they have a lifetime warranty.

All 1911's require at least three good things (in addition to the rest of the pistol being "right") to work properly; a proper magazine, a properly tuned extractor, and proper ammunition. Some parts used in those models of 1911's are of a lesser quality than should be and may have to be replaced at some point...if it's a range gun thats no problem, if it's for self defense, then you may want to go ahead and do it sooner - of course, YMMV.

The Colt would be my choice of the two you are considering....I had one before and it worked well...I lowered the ejection port to stop dings in the brass and to give the empty a more open path to get out but other than that it was stock. I also prefer the firing pin safety that is in the Colt compared to the one in the Springfield - the Colt can be more easily modified to the original design of the 1911 (without the safety) than the Springfield can - if you desired to do that. I've learned a ton of information about 1911's since owning that Colt (my first).

1911Tuner is a moderator here that has provided a wealth of information on the 1911 pistol.....read his posts and you will learn a lot - I know I did (still am)....and he ain't a half bad fellow to visit with either!

 

[scubie02]

I've got three springfield 1911's, and no problems with any of them. Try going to a 1911 forum and look under the different sections to get an idea which brands you see more people saying they are having problems with. I think Springfield comes out looking very good, and if you were to have a problem, their customer service is generally praised.

 

[larry starling]

Get the Colt....Pass on the Springfield's. I'm biased though.

 

[MICHAEL T]

COLT nothing else

 

[gtgshooter]

Great info fella's. This would be a field/range gun for me. I have a G27 for CCW. I am assuming that there is not much difference between the 1911 and the 1991. The Colt is my Uncles (hence the 400.00 price) and has been a great shooter for him. He calls it his ugly Colt due to the matte stainless finish. I have never seen this finish before on any pistol. I think it looks pretty cool. I also own a Taurus pt 99ss and love it. Dont here much about those in here. I know its no high dollar weapon but I would definately trust it with my life. It just dont like the steel cased ammo (wolf, silv. bear, etc..).

 

[AH-1]

just picked this one up this month.colt series 70(reissue)it has been 100% no ftf/fte out of the box.

 

[mcmoyer]

I saved up & bought a couple of Colts first (one Gov't & one Commander-both NRM's) and am glad that I did...they both are great shooters & have not had any trouble with either.



Having said that, I have heard a lot of good about the Springfield GI model and will probably have one of those as well one fine day. Decisions, decisions...I don't think that you will go wrong no matter your choice.

 

[Ala Dan]

I have NO quarms with my Springfield WW-II G.I. replica's! Look in your
gun stores "Best Buy" department~

 

[tc300mag1]

Either is a good buy i have 3 springfields and 1 colt all work quite well

 

[bearmgc]

Since the Colt is your uncles, and you are familiar with its history as being good, I'd definitely go with the Colt. While Springfields have gotten good reports, going with something that you know has been owned by someone you trust and has a good history with reliabilty, would be a wiser choice in my opinion. Oh, did I mention all my 1911's are Colts?