My first 1911

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Janson

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OK, so I'm thinking about buying my first 1911. I already own a Glock 19 and am looking at buying a 1911. My budget is between 500-700 bucks. THe gun will be mainly used as a hole punch. Just wonder what the best vaule is for the price range I'm looking at. I am considering a career as an LEO so it might eventually see some carry. (most likely off duty seeing as our local police youses full sized Glock .40) . any advise would be welcomed. (and yes I have shot a 1911 and have been in love ever since) oh yeah, I do want a full sized gun.



If I decide not to get a 1911 my next gun will be an AR-15
 
Colt is probably your best bet, followed by Dan Wesson, S&W, Springfield and Kimber.

I just picked up a very lightly used Kimber Gold Match, first series with no firing pin safety stuff, the asking was $800 but the shop sold it to me for $700. First test fire with Winchester USA 230 grain FMJ yielded some impressive groups.
 
I have the SW1911 with adjustable sights, the gun is accurate and reliable, it comes with 2 Wilson 8-rd. magazines, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in a nice 1911
 
Greeting's All-

Normally, I would recommend a Springfield WW-II G.I. model .45
Mil Spec as a first 1911 platform for a introductory type weapon.

But, if you want a true paper puncher in your price range; then
take a look at the Para Ordnance (PX745E) SSP 1911. It comes
with many features found on the more expensive custom model
1911's; and its currently priced at only $599.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
You are going to get as many suggestions as their are makers of 1911s... :D

I don't think you could go wrong with any of the major brands, Springfield Armory, Kimber, Para Ordnance, etc. Just make sure to test fire it, if break in problems don't go away, or it just plain breaks, it will probably happen in the early round count for any gun.
 
OK first of all thanks for all the replies

I just found out the local gun club I am a member of has a nice discount at a local store. So I'm leaning toward a Kimber Custom Target II. anyone have any reason NOT to buy the Kimber?
 
I'm very happy with my Dan Wesson Pointman Major (PM-1S). Shoots well, very comfortable, no malfunctions in the first 100 rounds, even with cheap ammo (I haven't made it to the range to fire any more). Looks pretty good, too. Price off the rack: $689. I'd recommend it to anybody.

http://www.danwessonfirearms.com
 
What are some good 1st mods to be made to the kimber?
Click to expand...

I have fairly large hands, so the ONLY change I made in my Kimber Custom (1997) was to have a Smith & Alexandar (sp) arched mainspring-housing / magwell adapter installed.

This is a one-piece drop-in part. The mainspring housing has 20lpi checkering; helps with getting a good grip in rainy Oregon weather. And the arch helps fill my hand with grip, and improved "pointability". Also, it gave me a better semi-high grip, which helped me to control the muzzle better. I bought the stainless version ... always a good idea to minimize rusting.

The one-piece S&A unit also included a magwell adaptor. Helps a LOT with reloading magazines into the magwell. If you're planning to use the Kimber as a concealed carry gun, you may choose the arched mainspring housing version only, as the magwell adaptor does add a quarter of an inch to the overall length of the grip. I use it in competition, and it's a definite PLUS!

Everything else, including the original fixed sights, has remained box-stock. The trigger of The Beloved Kimber eventually was improved with a little work, but no parts were changed except that I replaced the slot-head grip screws with the hex-head version. This makes it easier to remove the grips for cleaning (and may I add that I really like the soft rubber grips).

The gun has over 30,000 rounds on it, and continues to be smoother as the break-in process proceeds.

The only thing I don't like about it is the finish. Someday, I may have it hard-chromed. I would have done it already, but I realy like the black. Maybe a RoBar finish ...
 
What are some good 1st mods to be made to the kimber?
Click to expand...

Buy lots of good mags, Wilson 47D are usually the preferred ones. And practice, once you see or feel things that need to be changed, change them. Some people cannot easily reach the mag release, get a slightly extended one or super extended one depending on how the gun ends up being used. Lefty? Then you might need a nice ambidextrous safety etc. Once you use it a while, you will see where it lacks for your use, and can chance it accordingly.
 
Colt (if you can find one) or Kimber if you don't like the spur grip safety.

Don't bother with the rest.
 
For a pistol that won't be used for daily carry, I'd actually recommend the low-end (cast frame) Dan Wesson Pointman (PM-3). It can be had for less than $500.

Yes, it has a bunch of MIM parts but they're (supposedly) all McMillan. The inital investment is low, the 'feature set' is equal to most $750 1911-pattern pistols, and they just seem to work. I only have about 8000 rounds thru mine, but they have been absolutely troublefree rounds. For a range gun - it's a winner in my book.
 
I think the brand choice is nothing more than personal preference for a first-time 1911 buyer. Once one is familiar with the basics, then brand choice and application becomes much more important. Any of the major brands make suitable pistols.

Some specific advice:

1) For any manufacturer, buy the lowest priced model and shoot it as is for some time. Learn what features work for you and what features do not by shooting a few thousand rounds. I would not pay extra for fancy sights, safeties, checkering, mag wells, etc. until I knew how a 1911 worked for me. Spend that extra money on ammo for now.

2) Get good magazines for the pistol. Metalform and Wilson seem to work in all of mine. Magazines are a big source of 1911 problems.

3) Do not modify the pistol until its function is proven. If it needs warranty work, the aftermarket parts may void the warranty or disappear during the trip to the factory.

4) Modifications are very personal choices, so take what you read with a grain of salt. Go by your own experience. Ignore the "fad of the week" or the "tactical" pistol of the month.

5) Shoot high-quality factory ammo before trying any reloads. Make sure the pistol functions as it should with good ammo.

6) Find a good smith. Word of mouth from IDPA matches is a good way to go. Talk with him or her. When you are ready to modify the pistol, work with the smith. Since you are in Georgia, I highly recommend John Harrison of Precision Gunworks in Canton.

7) Have fun.
 
So, tomorrow I believe I will be picking up a Kimber Custom Target II.

I hope they have it in stock! :eek:
 
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