I'm about to buy a 1911 to use. And I'm not a very schooled 1911 guy. I've read what I can, listened to everyone who is willing to teach, and now I'm asking you folks. I want something reliable. Accuracy is important, yes, as is trigger action. But nothing is more important to me than reliability. And I don't have a great gunsmith nearby to coach me through the nuances. Which gun would you choose? And one last thing, I want a full size pistol. Thanks for the help!
R1/R1 Enhanced/ Range Officer
- Thread starter whalerman
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JTQ
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I don't know much about the Remington line-up, but they are fairly new, and I'd personally stay away from them just because their track record is so short, not just with 1911's, but with pistols in general. They may be a great pistol, but since I have so many choices in the 1911 category, I'd pick another maker.
There is lots of love for the Springfield Range Officer on the various forums. Springfield has a great reputation for customer service and warrantee work, so you should be able to buy one with confidence.
However, I always like to point out to the new to 1911 folks, the Range Officer has an adjustable sight and you better make sure that's what you want before you buy. The slide is cut differently for an adjustable sight, something the first time 1911 buyer doesn't always notice, and there are not a lot of aftermarket replacements if you decide it is not the sight you like. If all you want to do is target shoot, an adjustable sight is probably a good way to go, but if you ever want to carry the pistol, the adjustable sight will most likely become a problem.
There is lots of love for the Springfield Range Officer on the various forums. Springfield has a great reputation for customer service and warrantee work, so you should be able to buy one with confidence.
However, I always like to point out to the new to 1911 folks, the Range Officer has an adjustable sight and you better make sure that's what you want before you buy. The slide is cut differently for an adjustable sight, something the first time 1911 buyer doesn't always notice, and there are not a lot of aftermarket replacements if you decide it is not the sight you like. If all you want to do is target shoot, an adjustable sight is probably a good way to go, but if you ever want to carry the pistol, the adjustable sight will most likely become a problem.
The Lone Haranguer
Member
On a handgun meant for concealed carry and gunfighting, I don't personally care for the RO's large, protruding, sharp-cornered rear sight. (I don't fancy myself a gunfighter 
, but I have concerns about cutting or snagging your clothing when carrying it, or your hand when grabbing a handful of slide in a hurry.) But it depends on what you want to do with it.
, but I have concerns about cutting or snagging your clothing when carrying it, or your hand when grabbing a handful of slide in a hurry.) But it depends on what you want to do with it.
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ColtPythonElite
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I'd choose the Springfield.
crracer_712
Member
I can give a lot of love for my R1 enhanced. It operates smooth as butter and fit and finish are excellent. I also have the Ruger SR1911, and the Range Officer happens to be the other 1911 I want/need.
The R1 Enhanced has novak 'style' sights, The Ruger has actual novak sights. The 'style' comes from the looks, and maybe or maybe not the way the dove tails are cut. I've read of a couple people wanting to swap out the sights only to find the dove tail cuts where not the same as that of the real Novaks.
The Range Officer isn't much more than the Enhanced, at least for me, paying 713 for the Enhanced and being able to buy the Range Officer for 740, it's pretty close. The Range Officer comes with a Mag and a pistol holster, the Enhanced does not. Something, IMO, needs done with the front sight on the Range Officer, it's black, same as the rear sight. I'd probably start with a dab of paint.
The grips on the Enhanced are thicker than most 1911 grips. I wear a large glove and notice it, I like the feel of the Ruger better for this. If you wear a bigger glove, you might like the grip on the Enhanced better. If you wear a smaller glove, you might wish to change grip panels. The Range Officer feels about like most others including my Ruger, in the grip department.
I've not shot a Range Officer, but feature wise, I think it and the Enhance and SR are all real similar, except for those target sights on the RO. But then again, that's one of the reasons I want it, the sights are different compared to my others. I like the skeletonized triggers, enhanced hammer and beaver tail safety.
The R1 Enhanced has novak 'style' sights, The Ruger has actual novak sights. The 'style' comes from the looks, and maybe or maybe not the way the dove tails are cut. I've read of a couple people wanting to swap out the sights only to find the dove tail cuts where not the same as that of the real Novaks.
The Range Officer isn't much more than the Enhanced, at least for me, paying 713 for the Enhanced and being able to buy the Range Officer for 740, it's pretty close. The Range Officer comes with a Mag and a pistol holster, the Enhanced does not. Something, IMO, needs done with the front sight on the Range Officer, it's black, same as the rear sight. I'd probably start with a dab of paint.
The grips on the Enhanced are thicker than most 1911 grips. I wear a large glove and notice it, I like the feel of the Ruger better for this. If you wear a bigger glove, you might like the grip on the Enhanced better. If you wear a smaller glove, you might wish to change grip panels. The Range Officer feels about like most others including my Ruger, in the grip department.
I've not shot a Range Officer, but feature wise, I think it and the Enhance and SR are all real similar, except for those target sights on the RO. But then again, that's one of the reasons I want it, the sights are different compared to my others. I like the skeletonized triggers, enhanced hammer and beaver tail safety.
JTQ
Member
S&W while relatively new to the 1911 world, has been making pistols for a long time. S&W like Springfield has an excellent customer service and warrantee department.
S&W does have some "oddities" in the 1911 world. All have an external extractor and some have a firing pin safety, things the Springfield won't have. Some don't like these items since they are different from the traditional 1911. In spite of the fact I recommended the Range Officer over the Remington, I'm not a big Range Officer fan. I would pick most S&W models over the Range Officer.
S&W does have some "oddities" in the 1911 world. All have an external extractor and some have a firing pin safety, things the Springfield won't have. Some don't like these items since they are different from the traditional 1911. In spite of the fact I recommended the Range Officer over the Remington, I'm not a big Range Officer fan. I would pick most S&W models over the Range Officer.
crracer_712
Member
I'm one of the one's that don't care for the external extractor on the S&W, other than that, it's a fine looking 1911.
Husker_Fan
Member
I also don't care for external extractors on 1911's, but S&W's appear to work very well. The E series guns are also pretty well priced.
For a first 1911, though, an RIA or other import may be a good entry level gun to cut your teeth on.
For a first 1911, though, an RIA or other import may be a good entry level gun to cut your teeth on.
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