I'm starting to think about the next 1911 that I'd like to buy. It needs to be a GI style 1911, no frills, basic setup. I'd like either Colt, maybe Kimber, or something else IF it's a reliable yet basic GI gun. Of course the #1 thing is it has to be reliable and #2 it has to be reasonably accurate for personal defense. Suggestions?
Looking For a Reliable GI 1911 For Personal Defense
- Thread starter BenjaminR
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Deer Hunter
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Rock Island Armory is a good bet.
GreenFurniture
Member
Springfield Armory GI or Mil-Spec would fill your needs like a charm.
If you want to spend a tad more go with a Kimber Custom II or a Springfield Loaded.
If you want to spend a tad more go with a Kimber Custom II or a Springfield Loaded.
ojibweindian
Member
I second the Springfield GI.
If you want a true, basic GI 1911A1 .45 pistol you'll have to find exactly that. None of the various clones or Colt make a pistol that matches the original material, dimensional and workmanship standards that was required by the U.S. Government - who not only bought the guns, but also had their own inspectors.
Otherwise you are left with the unhappy task of trying to see who comes closest, and I'm sure you will have plenty of recommendations shortly.
Otherwise you are left with the unhappy task of trying to see who comes closest, and I'm sure you will have plenty of recommendations shortly.
Lonestar.45
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I can't say enough about my Springfield GI Champion. 800 rds of all kinds, zero malfunctions. So far so good. I think the Springfields are the best deal going.
ASM826
Member
Most of the suggestions are good
My addition is to find a good 1911 gunsmith. Have him do the trigger, polish the feedramp. Don't ask for bullseye accuracy. Ask for rock solid reliability. If it groups in the 4-5 inch range at 50 feet, but it is faultlessly reliable with any ammo, he's earned what he asks for.
Occasionally have it checked. Replace the springs after several thousand rounds.
Buy good quality magazines. Test them. Treat them like you treat the gun. Clean, lube, maintain.
Don't scrimp on ammo. Shoot enough of what you carry to trust it in your gun. Then shoot it until you trust it with your life.
If you do those things, any of the various 1911 models can be your favorite gun for life.
My addition is to find a good 1911 gunsmith. Have him do the trigger, polish the feedramp. Don't ask for bullseye accuracy. Ask for rock solid reliability. If it groups in the 4-5 inch range at 50 feet, but it is faultlessly reliable with any ammo, he's earned what he asks for.
Occasionally have it checked. Replace the springs after several thousand rounds.
Buy good quality magazines. Test them. Treat them like you treat the gun. Clean, lube, maintain.
Don't scrimp on ammo. Shoot enough of what you carry to trust it in your gun. Then shoot it until you trust it with your life.
If you do those things, any of the various 1911 models can be your favorite gun for life.
tbtrout
Member
I would say the Springfield as well.
Black Majik
Member
For a basic plain jane 1911, I'd suggest a NRM Government, or a S70 Government.
Otherwise, a cooler plain jane gun would be a Colt WWI Repro.
Otherwise, a cooler plain jane gun would be a Colt WWI Repro.
Geronimo45
Member
My Springfield GI model works jest fine. Cheap, bare-bones, not too pretty - but it goes bang every time I fire it. The lanyard ring is nice for hauling it around in the outdoors - if you're chopping wood, boating - whatever.
MICHAEL T
Member
COLT Thats all you need to remember
Thanks for all your input, everyone. I already have a Springfield GI 45 and was looking for something from a different manufacturer. My gun doesn't feed reliably 100% (more like only 95%). I think it's a great looking gun, and can be a great gun with some help, but it's not as accurate as I think it should be and definately needs help in the reliability department. I need to send it to Springfield, but I'm not ready to do that until I get a BUG.
I *hear* Kimber is good, but do they make anything in a plain GI jane (no holy trigger or loopy hammer)?
I *hear* Kimber is good, but do they make anything in a plain GI jane (no holy trigger or loopy hammer)?
Have you tried a good local gunsmith? I had a 1911 that was having troubles, that were really aggravating. He took one look at it, found a little burr from a machining problem in the wrong spot, buffed it out, popped in a slightly stiffer spring, and voila, has worked perfectly ever since...
Did it while I waited, and only charged me for the spring...
Did it while I waited, and only charged me for the spring...
As I pointed out, he only charged me the price of the spring, which was a whopping 8.95, and he fixed it while I was standing there.
Save you a 500 dollar purchase of a new gun for a few minutes talking to a smith.
But it's your money, do with it as you will... Unless you can't stand 10 minutes in the smith shop with out a gun ready to go...
Save you a 500 dollar purchase of a new gun for a few minutes talking to a smith.
But it's your money, do with it as you will... Unless you can't stand 10 minutes in the smith shop with out a gun ready to go...
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
I guess I'm caught up in the Springfield Armory 1911 craze, as I own 2 of
the WW-II G.I. model replicas and a brand new Springer MIL SPEC model.
the WW-II G.I. model replicas and a brand new Springer MIL SPEC model.
You will LOVE the Custom II if you get it. Seems to be made just slightly better than the springer (I have had experience with both i'm not being bias). The trigger breaks like glass, great sights, very tight slide to frame fit, very acurate and reliable.
longeyes
member
I went for that with my first 1911, a Colt Sistema. But that was five years ago, they were available and ticketed at $300.
Of what's around today I like the S&W line.
I've heard good things about the basic Springfields but also hear they're hard to find.
Of what's around today I like the S&W line.
I've heard good things about the basic Springfields but also hear they're hard to find.
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