oh no, I think I want a 1911. Where's a newbie to start?

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kirby

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I've been thinking about a 1911 style pistol for a while now, but I haven't really done much more than think. Over the weekend, I got to handle a couple of Kimbers at a local store, I immediately liked the smaller grip profile (I've got big hands, but a double stack 40S&W grip is pretty wide).

What's a good entry level 1911? Which brands? The only real customization I might want to do would be to put either an ambi safety, or switch the safety to the other side (I'm a lefty), but since I haven't even shot this style yet, I'm not sure. Once I rent one at the range I'll know more if the safety is a problem for me.
 
Congrats! I loves loves loves my 1911s...

There are a TON of good ones out there, and I'm sure everyone will have input, but I'd ask - when you say "entry level," do you mean a full-size gun more or less for the range? Or a small model? Do you have a rough idea of what you might want to spend?

Definitely rent a few to see what you like best. I'd say (in my largely unqualified opinion), the two biggest things that will vary on a BASIC 1911 that you'll want to ensure please YOU are
A) the sights
B) the grip safety/backstrap/grip "feel" I don't know how to explain this well, but I've run across a couple that just don't seem to fit well together and can really beat up your hand when shooting. Different grips, swapping out parts, etc can fix this if you're in love with a particular gun, but if you're not, you can just keep looking for something that pleases you right off the bat.
 
Rock Island is okay (good price for the bang); however, I think the current best is the Springfield Armory Inc. Mil-Spec (not the GI as the sights are GI sites--useless for us mere humans). Great entrt level 1911A1.
Course, if you got the bucks, I am a Colt fan, and the 1991A1 is a fine pistol.
 
Definitely spend some time doing searches on this site (and others) - you'll see there is a ton of threads about 1911's.

A key point to know will be how much you are looking to spend. For example, you can get ambi safeties on guns from Sprinfield or Kimber, but they may be $700 - $900 in price.
 
Sorry, I realized as soon as I posted that I was one of those: "tell me what I want and I won't give you enough info to really help".

- Price isn't a huge factor, other than the more it is, the longer I'll have to save to afford it. If I could keep it near $600 I'd be happy, more wouldn't be out of the question, just a bit longer of a wait.

- I'm an avid shooter. Probably 3,000 rounds thru this H&K USP in it's first year. A tiny bit of competition, mostly indoor range time and training. I know that I'm not a fan of adjustable sights.

- Concealment isn't really an issue. I'm in Northern California. CCW permits around these parts are rare. I'm not looking for a "huge" gun and I wouldn't be opposed to a smaller gun.
 
I picked up a fairly basic Para-Ordnance from Academy Sports last week for $650ish with tax. Model PX745E (or E-M, I think, it's a special model for Academy). After ~400 rounds in a week, I can say I love it. Fine sights, more accurate than I am, not a single FTE/FTF/etc. (Sellier & Bellot, WWB FMJ), their extractor is supposed to be foolproof.

The pattern on the grips is pretty rough, but probably no worse than a Mil-Spec/GI. I replaced them with Hogues - ugly but cheap and comfortable.

The same model is available for quite a bit less from budsgunshop.com, but I decided I needed it that day.
 
IMHO S&W makes an outstanding line of 1911s. I've got a Commander sized stainless scandium and it's been flawless. If weight and size aren't a problem, they make some very nice full sized steel guns.
 
0357-40525-0001-p1.jpg

That's the exact model I picked up.
 
I love the 1911 so I will play !!!!
600 range I like the Kimber Custom II with the EE paid 629
Lower price and gun that impresses me for the money Rock island 325
 
I think the Commander size should be more to your liking. Not too big, not too small. As far as $600...is that for NIB or used? If NIB, The Para is a good deal as well as one of the Springfields. The Taurus is also there, but not sure what the concensus is on it yet.

To answer your original question...."Where to start." I'd start by finding a range that has assorted models to shoot and see how they fit you. Perhaps you find a 5" steel gun to heavy after your H&K. Perhaps you like it more. Who knows?! That is why you should start by shooting them first, if possible. If you narrow down the choices, we can give you a better judgment.
 
hmm...

If it's yer first 1911, get a 5" full size frame and slide. After that you'll be hooked and you'll still have one that works to fall back on. At least you'll know what to look for in a short gun...;)
 
Finally, a question we haven't seen before! :sarcasm:
Really, stick with the big names & you'll be fine. I've owned Kimber, Springfield, Colt & Dan Wesson & liked them all - although I only own Colts & DW currently ;)
Welcome to the club ;)
 
Springfield Armory. Great pistols, awesome custom shop, fantastic customer service. You cannot go wrong.
 
Rock Island Armory (Armscor), Springfield Armory and Taurus all make sub $600 1911s.

I've got the RIA "GI" 1911. The only thing I've done to it was add the required ambi-safety (lefty) and change out the grips for a nice set of checkered rosewood grips. It's been reliable and fun. I intend to get a GI pattern holster for it, though in lefty config, because it just begs for it.

In addition to going bang every time, the RIA reminds me of the 1911 carried by my grandfather in WW2, and his father before him in WW1, and makes a nice companion piece to my M1 Garand. Would I love an authentic GI 1911? Of course I would. I'd love to have my Grandfather's 1911, but it ended up with a cousin who has agreed to keep it in the family if he ever has to sell it, but I'm not holding my breath. Until that time, or until an affordable GI 1911 crosses my path, the RIA fills that my 1911 niche.

Of course that Taurus looked very nice, especially the price tag for a modern config 1911, but that's all I know about them. :)

Tex
 
I just recently purchased my FIRST 1911.

It is a S&W1011SC commander. AWSOME GUN... I LOVE IT

I just cant shoot it to well yet.

Weird how I can shoot my S&W 908 9mm GREAT then I try shooting a 1911 for the first time and I have bullets going everywhere but in the lil red dot in the middle of that big target

J
 
Another plug for the Smith and Wesson line here - excellent value for the money.

At that price point I'd give the new Taurus a long look too - somewhat mixed reviews on aesthetics but no-one's arguing the features are all there at a nice price.
 
Death before a plastic gun!
Click to expand...

Felt that way for a long time. Finally got over it and tried an XD SC .40. I like it a lot.
Polymer framed guns are here to stay.
 
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