picking out a 1911...

[RP88]

^I just started looking at the PT1911. The stainless steel model seems to be a good way to go. I'm definitely leaning towards that right now, as well as looking more into the RIA and Spartans. Gunbroker seems to have them hovering around $600, which is within the budget.

The only bad thing I've heard about the PT1911 is that the non-stainless apparently has a horrid, weak finish that comes off easily. That and the usual "it ain't made in America grrr" attitude towards certain brands.

How tight is the fit on your PT1911s though?

(p.s. - thanks everyone for the help so far. It's directed me towards a lot of info)

 

[adc]

RIA compact

gets carried daily, very reliable. will shoot any ammo it's fed with no problems. decent 1911's for the $$.

 

[Magnumite]

to the OP, nice choice on a first 1911 format. Lots of suggestions here.

If you are going with the beavertail, then you'll end up with a "Commander style" or "ring" hammer. That is how most are formatted. Any of the major brands will get you a decent pistol. There are negative examples of each, but usually you'll get a good one. I could go over my likes and dislikes, but that is my assessment of features.

If you are spending a $1K or under, you can't go wrong with a nice condition SA Trophy Match. That is a good gun for the money.

 

[f4t9r]

Just keep saving and buy all the ones you mentioned !!
All pretty good choices

 

[Rexster]

My three Kimbers required parts replacement, in order to just work, period. All three were too finicky about magazines. My Colt Government Models, and Springfield, worked just fine. My Les Baer TRS has been 100% reliable, from round one.

If someone offered me $2000, with the restriction it be used to buy a 1911, locally, within one day, I would go shopping for a Colt or Baer.

 

[BHP FAN]

+1 more for a ''I recommend looking at a Rock Island as a first 1911...''
I love mine,and wish they'd make a BHP.

 

[BlayGlock]

I would stay away from Para. My newest Para has serious problems. I called the customer service and they said that it would be 5 weeks to get anything done, which means they are having serious qc problems. IN addition, I have been in 3 large gun shops around my area. All of them, after explaining my problem, told me that they have stopped stocking Para guns because they have so many problems.

Howver, my PT1911 is a good shooter. I have two Springerfield Loaded models, one in 9mm and the other in .45. Both are great shooters, very good slide-to-frame fit, nice triggers, accurate. My STI Sparatn needed some work to feed hollow points reliably, but shot ball ammo just fine. It was not as accurate as the SA Loaded that I have. I had a Kimber that was uncommonly reliable for that brand, but the finish sucked. I also had a Colt Commanded 1991 that had a crappy finish but was otherwise a decent gun.

I almost forgot, I have another Springfield, a GI 1911 Hi-Cap. The first 100 rounds it hasnt missed a beat, the GI sights make it hard for me to get tight groups with. I ordered a set of Wilson Combat sights that will fit in the government cuts and I will install them when they come in.

Also I had a Rock Island Compact that was also a good gun. I had to sell it to fund another project but if you wanted a carry gun, the Rock Island tactical compact would be the way to go.

 

[GIJOEL]

I've shot colt gold cups, commanders, 1991s and so forth. In my opinion they are nice but not always worth the price. My kimber custom target has 25,000ish rounds through it and is still tight. That said I took a look at the springfield loaded model and it's a very nice gun for the price.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Colt is a good place to start

My para was a 1 shot clear jam pistol. Kimber was little better but still problems
Dan Wesson was great but they have dropped the bobtail
American Classic good entry level 1911 for around 500 Mine is accurate and reliable as my DW or Colts

 

[ol' scratch]

I think that for the price of them you can do much better. Besides, if you're paying over a grand for a Kimber why would you have to put up with MIM parts and a plastic MSH?

Why is it everyone thinks a Kimber is going to set you back a grand? I paid $750 after tax for mine last year. It is a Custom II and has worked great.

 

[Zerodefect]

Dan Wesson is the best bang for the buck. Based on my limited experience I'd pick one of those over more expensive 1911's. All forged steel parts, no MIM. Get one Melonited and you have a very high end 1911.

Fusion, Colt, and Wilson have fine 1911's as well.

 

[RP88]

I think I'm sold on the PT1911. Too good for the money and prices I am finding off gunbroker for brand-new ones.

Does anyone have any experience with the stainless steel w/ pic rail model? like...is finding a holster for it hard/does it not fit in a standard holster? I'd imagine not... but, thought I'd ask. I like guns that you can do anything to, and if it fits in a holster AND can accept a light or something and work as a tacticool'd nightstand gun, well, that'd be nice.

 

[GojuBrian]

Dan Wessons are very nice, but so is their price now. I'm not saying they are not worth what they are asking, I'm just saying they went out of range for alot of people.

BTW, not every kimber is a $1000 gun. Several models can be had at around $800 or less.

In the end just go feel them up and get the want that feels right to you.