Selecting a first 1911...

[Haemon]

I've been having fun looking for my first 1911 -- actually my first autoloader. I've rented other pistols, but the 1911 is the only one that feels right.

I need a reliable, accurate pistol that will last almost forever. I don't plan to drop 700-800 bucks on my first gun, then turn around and decide to get a $1500 pistol next year.

Once I work out the kinks and feel like I can avoid embarrassing myself, I'm interested in going to a few IDPA or USPSA matches.

Here's the problem: I'm looking at a few remarkably similar 1911s and I need help with a decision. The folks at the shop have been less than helpful ("they're ALL good guns -- buy whatever you want!") and haven't given much info on differences between brands.

Here's what I'm looking at:
Kimber Custom II (I don't like the sights, but I guess I can change them out)
Springfield Milspec
Colt Series 80 Gov't Model
Sig Revolution

I'm sure there are others out there, but this is what seems to fit my level of experience and price range.


Which do you recommend, and why?

 

[ugaarguy]

A base model Springfield Loaded is just a little more than the Milspec, and it's the real competition for Kimber Custom II in terms of similar price and features.

Kimber Custom II is a great gun, and yes you can have a gunsmith fit sights to its factory dovetails.

Colt Series 80 Govt. Model is another great gun, but like the SA you're looking at you should really look at a Colt XSE to level the playing field for price and features.

SIG GSR - only 1911 I've owned with serious issues. That aside, it still has an external extractor, which I'm not a fan of on 1911 style pistols. Preferences aside I still think the other three brands are better values. If you want an external extractor 1911 get a Smith & Wesson; they're a great value, and really well built.

Overall though, I'd advise you to look for a used Kimber Classic Custom (same gun as a Custom II, but without the firing pin block - FP block is denoted by II model number suffix on Kimbers). Find a good locally owned shop which has a 30 or 60 day used gun warranty, and an armorer or gunsmith on staff to back it. A used Classic Custom is the best 1911 buy I've ever made.

 

[Haemon]

Thanks for the info--

That was some good info that wasn't exactly forthcoming at the shop. I'll look into the other Colt and Springfield models. My local shop has very limited selection, and I really don't feel comfortable ordering online. I think I might have to take a trip into the city and check out a store with a better selection.

Not to change the subject too much, but are the differences between the Milspec and the Loaded really worth the difference in price? Likewise for the two Colt models -- what am I REALLY getting when I upgrade between the two as far as durability, accuracy, etc? I really don't care about slide serrations or hammer style, etc.

 

[Haemon]

So maybe the new choices should be

Kimber Custom II
Springfield Loaded
Colt XSE
Sig Revolution

 

[Aguila Blanca]

Buy the Colt. Of the pistols you listed, it's the only one of the bunch you won't regret buying within a year. But I wouldn't buy an XSE. I'd buy either a 1991, or (if you are serious about competition) a Special Combat Government.

http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/pistols.asp

 

[tlen]

My local shop has very limited selection, and I really don't feel comfortable ordering online. I think I might have to take a trip into the city and check out a store with a better selection.

You haven't checked Cabela's and/or and Sportsman' s Warehouse in Lacey ?
Check out the S&W SW1911 line.

 

[Catherine]

I do not own one but my husband loves his KIMBER. Several of our gun buddies shot his, liked it so much that 3 guys, if not more, bought Kimbers.

They live in state and out of state. They conceal and open carry too.

Best wishes.

Catherine

 

[ugaarguy]

Not to change the subject too much, but are the differences between the Milspec and the Loaded really worth the difference in price? Likewise for the two Colt models -- what am I REALLY getting when I upgrade between the two as far as durability, accuracy, etc? I really don't care about slide serrations or hammer style, etc.

The two biggest things you're getting with the XSE and the loaded are the the improved front and rear sights, the dovetail cuts for those sights, and the beaver-tail grip safety.

The improved sights will help you to get a faster and cleaner sight picture. The dovetail cuts are expensive to have properly done later, and with the factory dove tails you only have to do minor fitting of any after market sights you choose. Most after market sights are sold with options to fit Colt, Springfield, and Kimber factory dovetail cuts.

The beaver-tail grip safety is nice because it lets you get a high grip, which effectively lowers the bore axis in relation to your hand. Most shooters find this reduces muzzle flip and leads to more comfortable shooting. The Colt XSE has more of a downward swept "duck butt" grip safety. I replaced mine with a Wilson drop in up swept beaver-tail for a more comfortable grip. Note that even the "drop in" grip safety will require minor fitting, but it's not difficult to do. There are some drop in beaver-tail grip safeties for some manufacturers' frames with the GI style grip safety; others require the frame to be radius cut for one. By getting a factory beaver-tail you avoid the issue.

One other benefit of a high grip is that you can let your thumb ride the safety lever in your firing grip. I never have to think about disengaging the thumb safety on a 1911 because it disengages with my high firing grip, thumb riding the lever.

But I wouldn't buy an XSE. I'd buy either a 1991, or (if you are serious about competition) a Special Combat Government.

For competition or range only use the big Bomar style adjustable rear sight on the Special Combat is great for accuracy. If you're ever going to carry this 1911 that big adjustable rear sight is great for snagging on and cutting up your shirt and your hand. That's a decision you'll have to make based on your intended use.

I'd take the XSE over the 1991 for the sight & grip safety reasons outlined above.

 

[alanjtc73n]

If you can, give some of them a test run. It might be hard to find a Kimber Custom series 1 but the others should be available. Wade's in Bellevue has quite a few 1911's in their rental selection. I've got a Kimber Custom series 1 you could try if you make it up to the Bellevue area. I was in the same boat as you and settled on the Kimber after stumbling upon during a business trip. Take your time and you'll find something that fits you the best.

 

[johnson_n]

I think my first 1911 will be a Dan Wesson Valor. At first I was looking at the CBOB and the Valor is only a few hundred more but you get more options.

 

[Frog48]

A Springfield Loaded or Kimber would be my recommendations.

 

[steelyblue]

+1 for Kimberor SA loaded. I would find a used model in good condition and save some dough. Use the extra $200 on some ammo! I've seen some Kimber Custom II's and SA loadeds around for aroud $500. Then again, I live about as close to Mexico as you can get without actually being there. Things are pretty cheap around here.

 

[Black Majik]

+1 for SA Loaded or Custom II also. GI type 1911s are no fun to shoot during a match, when your riding the small thumb safety, shooting through those tiny sights, while getting hammer bite at the same time.

Also take a look at S&W's line of 1911s, they'll have some which are comparable to the Loaded or Custom II

 

[kamagong]

A Kimber Custom II was my first 1911 (I also thought I would stick with it for a while, but I liked it so much I got a Les Baer Concept II 4 months later). You won't regret it.

On the other hand, I only bought it because I couldn't find a Springfield Loaded when I was ready to buy. Kimbers may be finished just a little bit more nicely than Springfields, but a Springfield 1911 doesn't have a firing pin safety. The Schwarz on my Custom II never gave me any trouble, but I'll always choose a 1911 without a firing pin safety, all else being equal. Another thing to keep in mind is that Springfield has a lifetime warranty, while Kimber only offers a 1-year warranty on their guns.

 

[Haemon]

Great information from everyone -- thanks for the advice and keep it coming.

You haven't checked Cabela's and/or and Sportsman' s Warehouse in Lacey ?

I went to both -- sorry to say that they didn't see either the Colt XSE or the Springfield loaded. Lots of Kimbers, a couple more Colts and Springfields, but they seemed to run into the 1000-1300$ range. I'm not really interested in spending the extra 2-300 bucks unless i get something worthwhile (to me) in return.

I was a little surprised at the counter service at both Sportsman's warehouse and Cabela's. Neither of the clerks seemed too familiar with their stock and didn't provide much information. I got much more specific, and more useful advice from you folks than from the salesman at the counter. I'm not sure if they didn't want to "steer" me towards a specific pistol, badmouth an item in their stock, or insult me by being too direct, but the service really wasn't that much help. Probably my fault for not being specific enough and not knowing the right questions to ask. I'll go back and bring this info -- maybe that will help.

I'd be perfectly happy to drive to Tacoma to get the right pistol. Anyone know a good shop with a big 1911 selection there?