I Want a New 1911

[ArchAngelCD]

Thanks for the info Bob...

 

[wally]

Thanks for the info Bob...

I would not take that info as gospel.

If you don’t believe that the round nose dives, take a look at the copper witness marks on your feed ramp after a heavy shooting cycle

In which case the mags springs are weak and/or the mag is releasing too late. The 1911 is a "controlled feed" design and the "ramp" is more of a clearance cut than a ramp. His point is true for double stack Wilson/Nowlin ramped barrel double stack 1911-like designs.
He shows a photo of a bolt over base feed failure and is talking about ramps as the cause

I shoot mostly reloads using Unique and the uniform sooty fouling on the "ramp" says nothing is hitting the ramp very often as can be shown with a dirty gun and dummy rounds, or even better dummy rounds and some DyChem on the ramp. If you see a long line on the ramp your mags need work.

If you pick up a 1911 and shake it side to side if it don't "rattle" it probably won't be reliable (Although Colts form the late 70's to 80's often had the right "rattle" and were still terrible). Lack of rattle as been perversely mistaken for "quality" over the years.

If you demand reliability forget the 8-round mags. I use them because I like the extra shot and the failures are almost always on the last shot so I'm really no worse off if I need the extra shot shooting steel plates and don't get it.

I would look at the ATI 1911 selling for $299 at PSA. My search on this website has most saying its fit and finish is better than RIA

Maybe. Will you still get the good customer service and support RIA provides? Everyone lets a bad gun get out from time to time, 'tis the nature of mass production.

 

[sauer1911]

Why havent you got a Sig yet?????

be safe

 

[cgrutt]

I've got a Colt Commander and would love to buy a Wilson Combat someday. But I've got to tell you, my Ruger SR1911 is a hell of a gun for the money...

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Good information wally, thank you.

I do appreciate all the time and effort so many have put into this thread, thank you all.

I'm really looking hard at an S&W E-Series 1911. I asked about the Ruger because one of the local gunsmiths said that's what he would buy if he were buying a new 1911 today. For some reason the S&W keeps calling me...

I am not recoil sensitive. I can control the recoil and get back on target fairly quickly.
That said, another question...
How much more felt recoil is generated when shooting a alloy 1911 weighing 29.6oz compared to a steel 1911 weighing 39.8oz? I have shot steel J frame revolvers and alloy J frames and the felt recoil isn't all that much more but I don't know if it's different with an alloy 1911 compared to the all steel 1911 I now shoot.

 

[Valkman]

I notice a bit more recoil with my Kimber CDP than I do with all steel 1911's. But it isn't much and easily controllable.

 

[Big Bad Bob]

Good information wally, thank you.

I do appreciate all the time and effort so many have put into this thread, thank you all.

I'm really looking hard at an S&W E-Series 1911. I asked about the Ruger because one of the local gunsmiths said that's what he would buy if he were buying a new 1911 today. For some reason the S&W keeps calling me...

I am not recoil sensitive. I can control the recoil and get back on target fairly quickly.
That said, another question...
How much more felt recoil is generated when shooting a alloy 1911 weighing 29.6oz compared to a steel 1911 weighing 39.8oz? I have shot steel J frame revolvers and alloy J frames and the felt recoil isn't all that much more but I don't know if it's different with an alloy 1911 compared to the all steel 1911 I now shoot.

Good thoughts, you cant go wrong, the fish scale cocking serrations is a nice touch too.

I wasnt trying to scare you off getting a 1911, the last couple of years the 1911 has gotten really popular. This has led to a couple of my own observations, cheaper quality guns on the market, and folks wanting a 1911 to run as reliable as Glock, M&P, XD, etc. This has led them to bash the platform. Google or Youtube 1911's suck, the opinions are endless. Is mine "gospel". no, its my opinion, hence why I prefaced with that. However my opinion is informed by guys who know the 1911 well, Hilton Yam, Larry Vickers, Ken Hackathorn, and the late great Col. Jeff Cooper.

Im not gonna argue about "rattle", however pickup a Wilson, NightHawk, Baer, Wesson, Colt Gold Cup, Springfield TRP, they dont rattle and I would never say any of these are comparable to a Philippine bush hut 1911. And there is a difference between a rattle and wobble from poor slide to frame fit.

Whatever you get, run the snot out of it, and work it till it fails, and malfunctions. I love the old slabsides, maybe its nostalgia but to me it points better, its accurate and I have a ton of fun running it.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Bob, I didn't take what you said as a scare tactic. Besides, I wouldn't turn away from the 1911 anyway.

Until about 2 years ago I owned mostly revolvers and a Springfield 1911 was one of only 2 semi-autos I owned. Until then I had a Kel-Tec P-32 for those times you need something very small and a 1911 because, well, every man should have at least one 1911!

I now have 2 more semi-autos and this thread is all about buying as nice a 1911 as I can for ~$1000.
If my Springfield had replaceable sights I wouldn't even be looking for another 1911.

 

[PistolPete45]

I love my Kimber never a problem . I also have a Safari Arms Match Master . That one is finicky ( match grade ) no tolerance for almost perfect reloads. I would like to add a sig to the safe but that may take a while . Whatever you chose I am sure you will be thrilled . Something about a 45 that is just so pleasant. Long ago I bought a Star and was not happy enough to keep it . Buy quality and stay happy ...

 

[gunsablazin]

Springfield makes a great 1911, it's a quality pistol priced right. I have used one in CDP class in IDPA since 2007, and it has proven reliable,and durable for many thousands of rounds. If I were in the market for a solid shooter I would be looking at their Range Officer line.

 

[Big Bad Bob]

Good stuff, your springer has that classic 1911 A1 look. You could always send it a proper smith to get sight cuts done. But if your goal is to have that one "nice" high end 1911 within your budget the E-Series is a good bet.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Bob, you keep telling me to send guns for work, I'm not looking to do that. First off good gunsmiths cost good money. Then there is the wait because good gunsmiths have long turnaround times. Add to that I don't know of any good gunsmiths locally I would have to send it out. Back in the 1970 you bough an expensive Colt 1911 and then spent almost as much doing the work to make it shoot right. today there are A LOT of good manufacturers making very good and accurate pistols. I'm not going to spend the money to fix a new gun.

 

[tarosean]

If my Springfield had replaceable sights I wouldn't even be looking for another 1911.

Having your slide milled and sights fitted is certainly cheaper than a new gun. Not that I want to cheat you out of New gunitus....

 

[OARNGESI]

Dan wesson