I got a bad case of the 1911 itch

[holdencm9]

A 1911 has always been on my list of buys, just haven't gotten around to it yet. I have always thought that it is such a timeless pistol, that I would wait until I can drop well over a grand on one and get a real beauty. Something of an heirloom that I can still shoot, but that will be quality and durable enough to pass along to my kids someday. Problem is, I am really wanting one right now, I don't know why. It is inexplicable. I feel like I just can't wait. Help! I probably wouldn't shoot it a ton, wouldn't carry/compete with it, but I still want one so bad.

I have about $800 that I could justify (to myself) to spend right now. Maybe a bit more. I know Remington, Ruger, Springfield, Magnum Research, all have offerings in this price range. Taurus and Citadel make even cheaper ones, but I'd really like something I could keep for not just my lifetime but my kids' lifetimes too. Is there anything I am missing? What do you guys recommend? Or should I just wait and save more?

PS I know the standard response of "go handle some and shoot some and decide for yourself" and of course will do my best to do that. I just wanted to get a feel for opinions on THR regarding durability, fit and finish and such. Ya know, to help me narrow my selection process.

Thanks!

 

[HKGuns]

This one works very well for me.

 

[KennyFSU]

Let me help you scratch that itch.





For $800 I got this Springfield Loaded .45 ACP.


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[jay bird id]

I caught the 1911 bug about a year and a half ago.
I bought a SS pt1911.
I really like it.
However, with the gun I bought lots of factory rounds, 2 spare mags, a box of home defense ammo, .45 specific cleaning items, etc.
I ended up spending about what a SA SS loaded costs.

Be forewarned, sometimes 1911's, no matter the manufacturer, need to go back to the maker or a smith.
Or you can FUBAR it yourself.
It's very tempting to tinker with your 1911 once it's in your hands.
Considering this, you might think about a gi mil-spec and make it a project.

 

[tuj]

I have a Les Baer and an STI Spartan.

Honestly, in terms of reliability, the Spartan has been a better gun. The Baer has a better trigger and is more accurate, but the Spartan is surprisingly accurate for a so-called 'low-end' gun.

This is the Les Baer at 9 yards off-hand, 10 shots, and yes, the one flyer is my fault.


But...this is my STI Spartan, factory barrel, off-hand at 50 yards, 10 shots.

 

[ichiban]

No, no, no, I am not going to help you narrow your selection - I'm going to expand it.

Do yourself a favor and look at the S&W E-series and/or the Sig "Tradional" models. Well made/fitted and they have many of the extras that cost extra with other manufacturers. Both have an external extractor that some can not abide but that is not a valid concern IMHO as they just work.

 

[BYJO4]

Another make to add to your list of possible 1911s is Kimber.

 

[cyclopsshooter]

I like that bobtail ^^ Well, since we're doing pics:

 

[KennyFSU]

^ Nice matching pair of Colts!


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[kyletx1911]

Itchin for a scratch^^^^ nice heaters

 

[tomrkba]

Save for a bit longer and buy at least a Colt. Save a bit more and get a Dan Wesson. Wait a little longer and get an Ed Brown. You'll be happier if you get a well built gun with the exact features you want.

 

[ms6852]

Springfield makes them real nice and reliable, and best of all affordable.

 

[KennyFSU]

^ Those "ivory" engraved grips are nice!

 

[holdencm9]

Hypothetically...would $760 (after tax) for a Kimber Custom II be a good deal?

 

[viking499]

I would say Springfield or Dan Wesson would be a good choice. Also Spartan.

 

[Snag]

I've got the same itch. There's so many different offerings I get a bit overloaded thinking about which one I might want to buy. One minute I think I want a Colt, next maybe a Springfield, then I remember how sexy that Sig looked, or how maybe I should just buy a Dan Wesson and be done with it. So many choices.


Dan Wesson ECO

 

[Sergei Mosin]

While I'm happy with my Springfield Mil-Spec, if it's a shootable heirloom you're after, you may wish to save up a few more dollars and look at the offerings from Colt.

 

[Shuler13]

My suggestion would be to spend less than you intend and put the rest aside and start saving for the next one.

Once you scratch that itch, you will get the full blown infection.

You'll get the first one. Then you have to get the range toy (mine is a 9mm). Then the carry option. Then you'll start building your custom project. Then you'll Safe Art Masterpiece ..,etc

 

[Double Vision]

Springfield makes a nice 1911, but the Ruger is at a good price point too.

Whatever you decide, good luck and start saving for your next one.

 

[Pilot]

I like my Colts better than my Springfield, but they all work well. For around that budget you can find a standard Colt Government Model. Look around, they are worth it.

 

[soccergod04]

I'm looking at an STI Spartan IV in 9mm for my first gun right now.

 

[viking499]

I cured my itch last year by building my own. Looks like a CBOB. I call it my Dan Wesson wannabe.

 

[holdencm9]

My suggestion would be to spend less than you intend and put the rest aside and start saving for the next one.

^ I ended up going this route. Ordered a Kimber Custom II online for $730. Free shipping. Can't wait!

I think it will at least "hold me over" until, somewhere down the road, I can drop big bucks on that heirloom gun. For now, it will be a good entry level model and something I can modify to be more "me" as I see fit.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and pictures! I could post some pics of my Custom II once it arrives but I don't think it will hold a candle to some of the ones already on here.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Good luck and enjoy. My II series Kimber has been flawless.

 

[dubya450]

In the ~800 range I'd try to find a sr1911 but if you can go to 1000 I'd definitely get a Kimber first but if you don't find one you like colts are great 1911's around $1000.