Saturday shopping for a 1911

[Milkmaster]

It sure makes a large difference when you get into an actual gun store instead of shops that have just a few guns and everything else. I started out this morning making the rounds through the local pawnshops and then to the gun stores. For my effort, I made a list ahead of time of things to look at during my trip. I have not owned a 1911 pistol in years, so my list included finding a stainless 1911 with a 5" barrel. Springfields, Rugers, Kimbers, Sigs, Colts, CZ, and a few odd brands even kept my interests up. I must have looked at least a 100 different pistols over my 183 mile journey today. I was budget conscious even though I had the scratch to get what I liked this time. In the end I was sure surprised at what I liked. I narrowed it down to two pistols based on looks, finish, slide and trigger feel, and of course price. I sweated down to two pistols that actually surprised me in the end. A nice Kimber Custom Shop Raptor and the Ruger SR1911. Those two pistols had the smoothest operation, trigger, and appeal to me. The sales tax rate here is 10%. Background check is $10. Anyway, the Raptor out the door would have been $1420. The Ruger was $800 out the door. After some hand wringing and a cheeseburger, I bought the Ruger. I am excited to see what this pistol can do. I did not start out the day thinking that the SR1911 would even be in the running. Nevertheless that is what I brought home. Simple series 70 design with no sharp edges to speak of makes the initial pistol feel and appeal better than some others I saw today. That Raptor sure was nice too. Maybe it will be a future consideration. Who else has the SR1911? What ammo does yours like?

 

[Rockrivr1]

Nice pickup. I was going back and forth on either a Remington R1 Enhanced or the Ruger SR1911. My local gun shop had both and both just had a little something I wasn't thrilled about. So, after some careful mental deliberation I ended up going home today with this.



A S&W E Series SC Commander. To me it was hands down the better then the Ruger and Remington. It was on consignment for the same price so it was a win win for me! Off to the range tomorrow.

 

[CNobbe]

The S&W 1911s are excellent, nice gun!

 

[Milkmaster]

I did find differences between two pistols of the same brand and model although the Ruger and the Kimber seemed to be more consistant across the board. In fact I found one Springfield 1911A1 that was great and then one at the next store that I was barely able to rack the slide. I actually think something was wrong with that one particular Springfield pistol. It was gritty and just felt like it was binding up etc.

Nice S&W Rockrver1 ! What specifically was better about it for you?

 

[Rockrivr1]

Nice S&W. What specifically was better about it for you?

With the Remington I had a really hard time releasing the slide. I had to get both hands involved before the slide would release. The trigger pull also seemed to be a little sluggish with a lot of slop to take up before the hammer released.

With the Ruger the grip safety was very loose. The shop had two of them and they were both the same, so I'm assuming this is how they are put. It almost seemed like it was missing something to keep the tension on it. Otherwise the Ruger was fine in all other functions.

Then when I picked up the S&W and it just felt right. I wasn't sure how I'd like the Bobtail, but it fit my hand right, all functions were smooth and fit seemed right. Everyone is different, but for me it seemed like a better put together gun. The night sights put it over the top for me so seeing it was the same price it became an easy decision.

Congrats on your Ruger as I'm sure you'll love it. Nothing better then a fine 1911!

 

[owlhoot]

You won't regret your choice. The Ruger is a solid gun. I urge you to take the money you saved by not buying the Raptor and purchase a reloading outfit. I like Dillon but there are other good ones as well. That will be another purchase you won't regret.

 

[bannockburn]

Milkmaster

I think you made a great choice with your Ruger SR1911. A few years ago I was having the same debate going on inside my head. I wanted a new 1911 and went on a Saturday morning to a gun shop that I knew that lots of them; basically a whole display case dedicated to just 1911s. Tried out many of them, both new and used, and finally found one that had the right combination of design features, overall handling, and quality construction; all at a decent price. My choice: a Colt Lightweight Government.

 

[Milkmaster]

My choice: a Colt Lightweight Government

I am seeing a private ad this morning for that same pistol in steel Bannockburn. The model is 01980xse. He is asking $975. I think I would buy it for $900. Firearm prices seem to be high right now. That a decent price? BE a series 80 to go with my series 70 to see which I like better. After all, it is a hobby

 

[gotboostvr]

I wanna say the XSE lightweights are available for about 850 w/ free shipping from Bud's.

I've been long considering a LW Commander and that's about as good a price you'll find without getting lucky on GunBroker or a private sale from someone who needs cash fast.

 

[bannockburn]

Milkmaster

Well $975 is a bit high; I would probably offer $900 as well. I paid around $800 OTD a few years back. One of the best built Colts I have seen in a long time. The owner of the gun shop, who also does custom work on 1911s, felt the same way; that these new Colts were very well assembled.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

My buddy just showed me his Ruger 1911 he picked up last week. It was a preowned, never fired gun. He got it for $600. It seemed to be well built. The trigger felt pretty good for a factory gun.

 

[critter]

The Ruger is a really good choice. I've had a full size and a commander length. Little to desire they don't have. Great shooters!

 

[GetmeoutaCT]

I believe you made the right choice. I love how the Ruger SR uses the simple, tried-and-true 70 Series trigger. I owned a Kimber Stainless Gold Match a few years back and the trigger (I believe they called it a Schwarz at the time) just did not feel right to me. I understand that they've since made some improvements to their triggers, but the price of admission for Kimber seems very high for what you get; I'm not saying they are not good guns, but for what you get for the price with the Ruger, I'd say it's not even a close call. Of course I'm not that fussy; give me a match barrel, a nice beavertail and an ambi safety (I'm a southpaw) and I'm good with a 1911.

 

[Milkmaster]

Update... Cleaned the SR1911 and ready for a box of ammo to break it in a little. I came upon a second pistol yesterday because a guy I know asked me to borrow money. I bought his pistol instead. I didn't cheat him, but I did get the pistol for a good price. I have cleaned and reassembled both now. The Ruger still feels better, but we will see which one operates the best. Going to be an interesting few weeks of shooting. I look forward to it. Which pistol would you choose? The best feel or the more famous name?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I would choose the Colt.

 

[GetmeoutaCT]

You'll have a lot of fun comparing the two. Off the top I can't say which I'd choose, because I don't know enough to judge the Colt based solely on appearance. Do you know its history? It's had some work done, clearly.

Let us know which you like better

 

[Milkmaster]

Do you know its history? It's had some work done, clearly.

Both pistols are new and have never ben fired. The Colt is just an 80 series government model. The Ruger is the SR1911. Both have a 5 inch barrel.

 

[HexHead]

I owned a Kimber Stainless Gold Match a few years back and the trigger (I believe they called it a Schwarz at the time) just did not feel right to me.

Kimber has a Swartz firing pin safety, activated by the grip safety. Has nothing whatsoever to do with the trigger, like Colt's Series 80 system.

 

[GetmeoutaCT]

Thanks. My recollection (this was some years ago) was that if the grip safety on a Kimber was not fully pressed, the Swartz mechanism would not fully disengage, leading to some felt resistance in the trigger pull. I'm not saying this was the issue with mine; suffice it to say I never could seem to shoot the gun accurately. I sold it in favor of a stock Colt which I then modified with a new trigger, match barrel and Bomar sights. I had much better results with it, for whatever reason.

Being an old timer, I like the 70 series triggers. For that reason (and the price) I'd pick a Ruger over a Kimber, but your mileage may vary. To each their own.

 

[TomJ]

I've had the SR1911 Commander for a while, and it's been fantastic. I don't remember it malfunctioning regardless of what ammunition I've used. I picked up the lightweight model a couple of weeks ago and absolutely love it. Ruger hit a home run with them. The attractive price is a bonus.

 

[Bill4282]

I've had the SR1911 Commander for a while, and it's been fantastic. I don't remember it malfunctioning regardless of what ammunition I've used. I picked up the lightweight model a couple of weeks ago and absolutely love it. Ruger hit a home run with them. The attractive price is a bonus.

Enough about the guns. Where did you get the hamburger? Looking for a good joint in the Nashville area

The S&W 1911s are excellent, nice gun!

Nice pickup. I was going back and forth on either a Remington R1 Enhanced or the Ruger SR1911. My local gun shop had both and both just had a little something I wasn't thrilled about. So, after some careful mental deliberation I ended up going home today with this.



A S&W E Series SC Commander. To me it was hands down the better then the Ruger and Remington. It was on consignment for the same price so it was a win win for me! Off to the range tomorrow.

 

[stchman]

I would choose the Colt.

Shocking.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Shocking.

Not really...I have owned other brands.

 

[orionengnr]

I've owned about 25 1911s over the last 30 years.
Currently own around six...two of which are S&W 1911 PDs, one an E-Series. Nice 1911s.

 

[Milkmaster]

Will most major brand 1911 mags work in other brands too? Will the Ruger work in the Colt etc?