Looking for 1911 .45acp for the range, $700-900

[Captain33036]

I know this is well trodden ground, but I seem to find so much conflicting information that I was hoping we could discuss it again.

I would like to finish my collection with a fine 1911 .45acp for target shooting at the range. I try to do bulls eye, not sure if I could compete, but do compete with friends. This would be a dedicated range gun.

$700-900 price range.


At the lowest part of the range:

I had a RIA 1911 .45 tactical. Shot great, really great. Wish I did not sell it...but still...would like something a step up in quality and accuracy.

In shops, the Para GI Expert seems to have a nice tight fit, but sources indicated that it has a series 80 safety and may not be able to be fit with standard 1911 parts. Also, cast frame and slide. So...while a decent gun, will not be a consideration.

The Taurus PT1911 gets mixed reviews and also has a series 80 type safety. Difficult to say how good the "match" barrel, "trigger job" etc really are on this gun. Just cannot seem to get a good feeling for this one.

Do not want to go with an STI Spartan. Those frames and slides are basically Armscor. Not bad...but would like to go a step higher.

So:

Kimber's get mixed reviews, but are supposed to be accurate. I shot one and was not all that impressed. Safety on that gun is also different kind of series 80 type. Ug.


So.... thinking about Springfield loaded, S&W SW1911 and perhaps Colt. Colts will have the series 80 safety...which is said to affect trigger pull ...so...this seems to be getting down to a Springfield or S&W?

Springfield gets high marks but there are reports of some not being as accurate as they should be and trigger pull weighs varying.

S&W has an external extractor. Reports are all positive and that does not seem to be a big issue to me...except that it is again a non-standard 1911 item and thus might affect future upgrades or other work.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Am I getting close to the target or way off? Any other 1911's I should consider, or re-consider?

Thanks,

John

 

[JTQ]

If you are looking for a dedicated range pistol for "bullseye" type shooting I think you would want to make sure you get a pistol with adjustable sights.

The concern over "standard 1911 parts", I believe is misplaced. Practically, no parts will "drop in" a 1911.

Nearly every 1911 maker uses some "odd" pieces. Springfield uses a proprietary sized titanium firing pin, and ILS safety in the mainspring housing. Colt, ParaUSA, Auto Ordnance, Sig, and Taurus all use a Series 80 style firing pin safety (a large enough group of makers, so should that be considered the standard?). S&W and Kimber use a firing pin safety activated/deactivated by the grip safety. However, they the are different from each other. S&W and Sig use external extractors. STI, with the exception of the Spartan, uses a ramped barrel. Good luck trying to figure out the different sight cuts when you are looking to find replacement sights.

I think it is unlikely you would be able to tell the difference between a 1911 with a Series 80 firing pin safety and one without. I'm sure an expert shooter may be able to tell, but if this is your first 1911, my guess is whatever you get will be a big improvement over what you are shooting now. If you need it tuned, gunsmiths can tune either trigger.

Find something that fits your budget, with adjustable sights, feels good in the hand, and you should be good.

 

[InkEd]

IMHO the various offerings from Springfield Armory seem to be the best choice for the money, pretty much regardless of price. I would suggest you go with a 5" model. It gives you the best sight radius and the little extra weight helps calm recoil for faster follow-up shots. Try a pistol with an arched mainspring housing too. I find it helps me keep a proper high grip and shoot better than the straight grip frames.

 

[Captain33036]

Hi

Thank you for the comments. Therein lies the rub, all brands have some little thing that seems to bother. Would prefer that Springfield did not have a proprietary firing pin design or the ILS. But Spring's always felt the best in my hands, for some reason.

This will be my third 1911 .45. Had an RIA tactical and a mixed together, worked on, Colt. In addition, shot a Kimber and Caspian (custom) extensively. LOVED the Caspian. Not sure why...but the Kimber did not impress. Shot the Caspian the best, then the RIA, of the group above.

Was impressed with one Para GI Expert I saw, but another had a somewhat loose fit.

Had been thinking Springer...but then handled a SW1911 and read some reviews. Have to say....looked very nice and the reviews are great.

But ...everyone seems to say Springfield.

Except those that like the Para, Taurus, Kimbers and Colts



Hmmmm....still thinking.....

 

[docnyt]

What about a Dan Wesson? You can find used ones in your price range.

 

[fildugn]

Kimber every time. Their FPS is disengaged by the grip safety so your trigger is still good. I've owned more than 25 1911s from most manufacturers and the Kimbers are the best. (Unless you are spending $3,000.00 instead of $700.00) I've never heard of any FPS problems with Kimber, but a lot of people dislike them. I think they are misguided.

 

[dcarch]

Go with a Kimber Custom II Target. Either that or a MR Desert Eagle 1911. Everything I've heard about them has been good. Good Luck!

 

[EdLaver]

STI Spartans are great 1911's.

 

[Psyco Tyco]

kimber and springfield both make great pistols. also if you have any LEO friends ask them if they know of anybody selling a 1911, i got a wilson combat for 1400 and a kimber raptor for 850 buying from a friend who has to have a new duty pistol every year

dont forget some good mags, either wilson combats or mecgars

 

[BlindJustice]

Hello Captain35036

For a range gun I'd also recommend the adj. rear sight.

If you want a model with some more bells and whjistles than
a GI appearing gun, it may not qualify for NRA 2700 Bullseye
so if you eventurally want to get into that see about gun requeirments

That said, Springers have a fine rep.

I opted for the base model S&W 1911 108282
Fit and finish is excellent - seems it's dehorned - no sharp edges
in the slide serrations, edges of the slide etc. tight slide rail fit.
and it has a bead blasted matte finish.
Features include:
Forged frame & slide
Forged Stainless barrel
beavertail grip safety w/memory button at the base
Commander style knurled edged and enlarged hole
three hole med. length trigger
Novak 3-white dot low mount carry sights both fixed
therr's a very similar model with the adj. rear sight.
beveled entry mag well

Mine came with the arched main spring housing it is/was
plymer and large checkering - it dug into the pal of my hand
so I got a Les Baer Custom SS matte finish flat MS Housing
with vertical serrations - the vertical serrations aren't flush
like a true flat MS housing - I like it and it works for me

Outside the traditional m1911A1/Colt Gov. MOdel the S&W deviates
with the internal FPS which is different than the 80s series colt S&W
tied the FPS to the grip safety so the FPS doesn't effect trigger pull as
some say it does with the 80s Seires FPS. ALso, S&W went to an External
Extractor which purists moan about but it's spring loaded so it doesn't
seem to require the 'tuning' of the original internal extraactor As far as
the FPS and Ext Extractor goes, they doent seem to be an issue on S&W
boards by owners and I know my S&W 1911 has always ejected rounds
never had an FTE. and I like the FPS in case of a dropped weapon.

If or when I want to get a platform to build on, I'd get a '70s
Series Colt Gov. MOdel

R-

 

[BlayGlock]

STI Trojan since you do not want a Spartan. No reason to let cast frames bother you.
Kimber Custom II Target

 

[Captain33036]

Really appreciate the advice.

Kimber Custom Target will be added to the list. Looks very good.

The Kimber I shot was the Crimsom trace. Alum frame, steel slide...and funky plastic grip due to the laser. Just did not get into it.

But...the Kimber Custom series looks good. Match grade barrels. Priced a bit out of my range, but perhaps used.

STI's are similarly priced above my range, but will always look at a used one.

Checked my local GS. Springfields consistantly had the better slide to frame fit of the ones I handled (and I handled A LOT of different ones). Triggers were a bit heavy...but that can be dealt with.

I think the short list is going to be: Springfield Loaded, Colt (used) and Kimber Custom (used).

 

[Kingofthehill]

REALLY can't go wrong with a Springfield Loaded, i have several in different styles and levels of customized features.

I do gotta say though, out of 15 1911's (i think) ranging from Rock Islands to Wilson Combat and Nighthawk. My Favorite and most all around amazing gun i own is my STI Trojan.

It truly is an amazing gun with a just as incredible company backing it up just in case. I picked mine up used for 700 a year ago and it is the 9mm 6" version.

They don't come up too often used but man.... if you come across one, i guarantee you won't be let down.

S&W's are getting really nice too... IMO forget kimber, they don't stand by their product... i'll never own another although 3 are still in my collection.

JOe

 

[floydster]

May I suggest a Witness Elite Match, I will run mine against any high dollar 1911 in double the price range.