SR1911 or a Prancing Pony

[thomis]

I'm diving head-first into a 1911. Been wanting one for years. I just sold an old shotgun safe queen that wasn't seeing the light of day. I'll be starting off with $800 which would cover the cost of the SR1911, But I could be talked into saving a few hundred more for a Colt 70 or 80 series. I'm more partial to blued steel anyway, so the Colt would cover that. With the SR1911 my only option is SS.
I'd like to hear from those of you that have handled and shot BOTH. What are your opinions, comparing the two, fit and finish, accuracy, reliability?
This would be strictly a target gun.
Many thanks!

 

[Auto426]

I wouldn't pay the inflated prices that most Ruger SR1911's seem to be going for now-a-days. Since you seem to be desiring a blued gun, I suggest you look around for a blued 1991 model from Colt, which can usually be had for right around $850. If you desire more modern features, then the XSE models can usually be had for around $950 or so.

 

[jogar80]

Colt

 

[Pilot]

I really like the two Colt 1911's I've bought in the last few years. They look and shoot great, and Colts seem to hold their value well.

 

[thomis]

I wonder if Colt's customer service is as good as Ruger's.

 

[19-3Ben]

I just saw an SR1911 in what looked like really nice shape in my LGS in the used case (I'm not in the market so I didn't look TOO hard though). I think it was marked at ~$580.

If you want info let me know.

 

[wojownik]

Colt, then Springfield, then Ruger, in that order. YMMV.

 

[Fishbed77]

I wonder if Colt's customer service is as good as Ruger's.

It is.

Brent Turchi, the head of Colt's Custom Shop hangs out at the 1911 Forum (goes by the handle BJT72), and has a great reputation for custom service.

 

[jim243]

It's easy to get a Colt, much harder to find a SR1911

Jim

 

[thomis]

All of my LGS's have the SR1911 in stock ranging from $729 to $779. If they are out now, they get more next one. One in particular, Perry's in Wendell, NC, has sold over 350 in the last couple months.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

For close to $800 I would buy a Springfield loaded or range officer before considering a sr1911.
I just bought a new Colt Combat Elite. I am really impressed with Colt's guns. Plus, it will be a better investment down the road.

 

[smalls]

I know I'm in the minority here, but to me Colts just aren't anything special. At least for what you pay for one. I haven't shot one, and I've only been able to hold one once, but the SR seemed tighter than any Colt I've ever seen, and all the corners were more rounded and not as sharp.

 

[WVsig]

I know I'm in the minority here, but to me Colts just aren't anything special. At least for what you pay for one. I haven't shot one, and I've only been able to hold one once, but the SR seemed tighter than any Colt I've ever seen, and all the corners were more rounded and not as sharp.

Cast vs Forged... Frames makes a big difference for a lot of people. The Ruger is a decent gun for the $600 it should be selling for. At inflated prices like $775-$800 it simply is not worth the cash.

Rugers still have not proven themselves in the 1911 market IMHO. They are off to a good start but there are very few reports of high round count Ruger 1911s.

Also I would be interested to know what you are referring to when you say the SR was tighter....

 

[thomis]

I want American made, that's why I'm not considering Springfield.
I don't want used, I rarely buy used guns. It's just between Colt and Ruger.
Can someone elaborate between forged and cast frames, and which one is which, I mean Colt is which and Ruger is which? That comment got my intention.

 

[mgmorden]

Can someone elaborate between forged and cast frames, and which one is which, I mean Colt is which and Ruger is which? That comment got my intention.

The Ruger is cast - Colt is forged.

Simplified explanation: on the cast frame, the metal is poured into a mold that is pretty close to the final shape of the frame. Once it cools, final milling and CNC work is done to bring the shape into spec.

On the forged frame, a billet/block of steel is heated and hammer forged (think of it as compressing the metal to make it denser and stronger). After the forged metal cools again the frame is cut completely out of a solid block of metal.

Forged metal is much stronger, and is more expensive to make. That said, given how many guns these days are using polymer frames with no ill effects, I personally question how important the added strength really is.

FWIW, as others have said, the Ruger's price has been inflated by its rarity. The great thing about the gun was originally that it was an American made 1911 for several hundred less than the competitors. After the scarcity drove up prices though you essentially have people paying premium prices for a budget 1911. At any price over $700 I'd personally spend the extra money on a Colt, Kimber, or STI Trojan.

 

[Pud]

Since no one here has answered the OP's original questions...and I CAN'T, because I have never fired a Colt( I do have a SR1911 CMD-very happy with it).
May I suggest checking out the "1911.com" forums...
You will find more than enough info to help you in your decision making.
Pud

 

[DANGERRUSS]

I have owned a Colt, STI Trojan, Taurus 1911, and a RIA. If or when I get another 1911 I think it will be the SR1911. It has all the features that I want and does not have some I hate ( front slide serrations, ambi safety, and fiber optic sights) add that it is American made makes it just right for me.

 

[WVsig]

The Ruger is cast - Colt is forged.

Simplified explanation: on the cast frame, the metal is poured into a mold that is pretty close to the final shape of the frame. Once it cools, final milling and CNC work is done to bring the shape into spec.

On the cast frame, a billet/block of steel is heated and hammer forged (think of it as compressing the metal to make it denser and stronger). After the forged metal cools again the frame is cut completely out of a solid block of metal.

I think you have a typo. Second paragraph should read "on the forged frame"

For the most part the cast frame is not as big an issue as many make it out to be. For the most part is it the slide where strength is really needed. It is where all the "action" takes place. The slide is the part that really takes a beating on a 1911. IIRC the Ruger slide is forged. The frame is just a mount for the slide and the barrel to ride along.

That said on a $800 1911 I expect both frame and slide to be forged. The only exception to that is the older Dan Wesson CBOBs which had cast frames.

 

[jogar80]

I voted Colt. Here's my bottom line:
I think, with a few exceptions, it's pretty hard to get a bad 1911 these days. Most will perform just as good as any other. I think what you WILL get with other brands vs. a Colt, for the same money, is a nicer exterior finish. I don't exactly like the factory finish on most Colt 1911's, which is why I sent mine back to Colt to get a full polish job. Aesthetics aside, the Colts perform equally to any other good brand I've ever tried. Why am I so passionate about the Colt then? Quite simply, that little prancing horse ensures that I'll pretty much get what I paid for it, or more, if I ever decide to sell it. That can not be said of ANY other brand of 1911, factory or full custom...PERIOD.

 

[mgmorden]

I think you have a typo. Second paragraph should read "on the forged frame"

Oops. Yes, that's correct. Edited .

 

[Auto426]

I want American made, that's why I'm not considering Springfield.
I don't want used, I rarely buy used guns. It's just between Colt and Ruger.
Can someone elaborate between forged and cast frames, and which one is which, I mean Colt is which and Ruger is which? That comment got my intention.

It's not just the frames though. Colt uses better quality small parts than most in their price range. For instance, Colt uses a slide stop that is milled from barstock, while many companies use MIM or cast slide stops. The barstock part is more expensive, but it will be stronger and better able to stand up to the forces acting upon it.

As another posted said, the Ruger was supposed to sell for around $600-$650, but demand for them has outpaced supply and prices have been effected. The prices on Colts have been pretty steady, though finding them can sometimes be difficult. They don't keep their entire catalog of models in production throughout entire year, which may leave you searching for some time to find a particular model. To me though, they are worth the wait.

 

[CNobbe]

I personally think the history of the Colt 1911 makes owning and shooting one more fun. I've had four of them, still have a Series 70 and a 1991 and they're made better than the Ruger IMO. Always prefer forged over cast, but I did have a Ruger 1911 and never had a problem with it. I sold it for a profit despite firing a few hundred rounds through it back in '11.

Depending on what features you want, and considering the price a lot of shops are asking (and getting) for the SR1911....check out the Sig 1911s too.

I've only tried the basic "XO" model, but boy was it a nice shooter. Nice features on it as well for a $750 gun.

I plan on adding one to the collection pretty soon here.

 

[Fishbed77]

I considered a Ruger SR1911 strongly, since it has a great feature set, is American made (a requirement for a 1911, in my eyes), and have not proven to be that tough to find around here (when I was looking, I had no problem finding them for under $700.

But I decided that I should just spend a little extra to get what I really wanted - a Colt Government XSE, and I have not regretted it for one second. American-made, incredible fit & finish for a mass-produced pistol, forged frame, perfect reliability so far, and a rampant pony on the slide (not a prancing pony). What's not to love?

 

[tarosean]

The Ruger a nice looking gun to look at. However if I was going for a shooter or carry piece it would be Colt.. You can always add E Brown or Wilson small parts to enhance the look.

 

[Ankeny]

Having shot both, I can say the Ruger is a nice gun for the money. But...last week a friend of mine bought the "commander" sized Ruger to go along with his full size. Looks like the short gun rode in on the short bus. Poorly fit small parts, lacking in quality control, etc. Still, he bought both of his gun NIB for less than MSRP. For that kind of money, they are good guns.

I bought a new Colt (Colt/Talo .38 Super Lwt. Commander) a few weeks ago. It's a nice gun. I have shot it a lot in the last few weeks and the slide now rattles on the frame like a BB in a box car. But the lockup on the slide to barrel is still tight and the pistol is still very accurate. Proof that slide to frame fit doesn't play a big a role as some folks think. The Colt is a nice pistol.

I am looking at buying a new steel Colt, and I have looked at several. Somewhere between the late 1970s-early 80's and today, Colt must have decided to improve their quality control. All of the recently manufactured Colts that I have examined are very well made for the price. In fact, (and I never thought I would say this) I think I would take a new series 80 Colt over a "series 70" Springfield.