Target, full size 1911 suggestions

[bikemutt]

I got to shoot a friend's Kimber 1911 TLE II at the range a couple weeks ago and geez was that fun. Now I have the urge to get a 1911 for myself. This would be strictly for punching holes in paper.

The few folks I've talked to recently suggested ATI or one of the clones made in the Philippines as a good starter 1911, mostly because they are relatively cheap, without being made too cheap. While that sounds good on paper, when I handle them and compare them to that old Kimber, or a Colt, or any of the other higher-end production or semi-custom guns, well, they just don't make me want to buy one.

So I'm thinking more along the lines of a Kimber, Sig Sauer or a Remington R1. Would like to keep it around $1K or less.

Figured I'd ask the THR experts if they'd mind sharing a few suggestions for a 1911 newbie in-utero

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Springfield Loaded or Range Officer

 

[1KPerDay]

Springfield Loaded or Range Officer

seconded

 

[tuj]

Used Les Baer PII 1.5"G.

 

[MarshallDodge]

I would steer away from the Philippine stuff, Kimber, Para Ordnance, and Taurus. Their quality seems to be hit and miss.

If I were to buy a 1911 today it would probably be a lightly used Springfield TRP or a Dan Wesson Valor. That would put you over your budget but I have seen them in the $1300 range in this market and they are a lot of gun for the money.

If that is out of your range, like others mentioned the Springfield Range Officer and Loaded models are reasonable, and the Desert Eagle 1911 is a good buy.

 

[1KPerDay]

Dan Wessons can be found for $1100ish (for the heritage). Definitely a step up from the "midrange" 1911s. but above your price limit. Me, I'd save another couple hundred and get a Dan Wesson.

 

[Bufford t. Justice]

I have to disagree here. Rock Island 1911's made by Armscor are some very good 1911's. No hit and miss with quality and if they do have an issue they have a wonderful stateside svc center that will fix it right the first time. They also make Taylor's and Cimarrons. Both of which are nice no nonsense no frill 1911's built to original specs. Go handle a few for yourself before making a purchase. I've owned them all from S&W, Colt, Kimber, Rocks, Springers too and I'll tell you straight out that quality wise there just isn't that much difference in any of them to be enough justification for the difference in price. Especially Colt which HAS been hit or miss recently quality wise. Try before you buy.

 

[MarshallDodge]

Many gunsmiths will not touch Rock Islands due to the tolerance issues.

One example of their quality control

 

[BlindJustice]

Find a Sig Sauer 1911 with the adj. rear sights for your range 1911.
it'll be under your budget limit

R-

 

[Bufford t. Justice]

Nonsense. That's one gun out of hundreds of thousands. Must be all of them though because it says so on one arfcom post? Gimme a break. You can cite any number of the same or worse issues from any manufacturer out there. OP try before you buy and don't listen to the hype.

 

[Pilot]

Colt Gold Cup
STI Trojan

 

[Fishbed77]

Colt Gold Cup, or if you want to save a few bucks, a Springfield Range Officer.

 

[bikemutt]

Find a Sig Sauer 1911 with the adj. rear sights for your range 1911.
it'll be under your budget limit

I think this is the one guys. I handled probably 20 different 1911s since I posted up. The Sig 1911 target felt as if they'd made it just for me. Even the stainless is within my budget. I will have to get an arched mainspring housing for it, which is true of most of them I tried, that shouldn't be a big deal.

 

[BYJO4]

I'm glad you found the 1911 that feels good to you. I'm sure this will be just the first of several 1911s that you buy.

 

[railroader]

I think this is the one guys. I handled probably 20 different 1911s since I posted up. The Sig 1911 target felt as if they'd made it just for me. Even the stainless is within my budget. I will have to get an arched mainspring housing for it, which is true of most of them I tried, that shouldn't be a big deal.

A sig 1911 is a good choice. I have one and it a very nice gun. You will be happy with it.

 

[1hobie]

If you ever have a chance to acquire a Les Baer 1911, you'll be spoiled. I have a Premier II Long slide that I bought 14 years ago and used it to shoot Bullseye competion. The gun never once let me down although I let it down more than once.

I do hope that whatever you get, it works well for you!

Hobie

 

[KYamateur]

Springfield Loaded $800-900, range officer $750, basic colt in stainless $875, you may be able to get an XSE for 1100, or Smith & Wesson e series $850. Smith & Wesson to me shoots the best out of these, but many don't like the external extractor. I have one and it has been fine. Just get a government size, solid steel piece for your first gun. I'm not a fan of RIA or ATI. You will just end up getting rid of it to fund a better 1911 and they resale is not very good. I don't know much about Remington 1911s but I saw the R1 enhaced in stainless at a gunshop priced at $825 and it looked very nice. It is the nicest looking 1911 I have seen under 1,000. I just don't have any experience with them to give an honest opinion.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I have a S&W E Series. I like it, but Sig seems to be turning out good 1911's at a good price.

 

[Dudemeister]

Sig 1911 all the way. I love mine so much, I put about 1800 rounds through it in less than a year...

I don't get to go to the range that often... but when I do, I shoot the Sig more than any other gun I have.

Wait... that sounded like the most interesting gun in the world...

 

[cpt-t]

bikemutt: I have a Kinber and I like it, and it shoots well, but my Son and I have several Springfield`s and have never had a problem with any of them. And each one of the Springfield`s shoots very well, with anything we have shot thru them. Un less you have a problem buying a used gun, you might haunt the LGS and Pawn Shops in your area. My Son and I seldom buy new guns. Good luck to you;
ken

 

[Water-Man]

I like the Springfield Range Officer in your price range.

 

[bannockburn]

bikemutt

For the money I think SIG, Colt, and Springfield Armory all offer a great value in your price range; especially for the kind of full size M1911 that you're looking for.

 

[bikemutt]

OK, I bit the bullet so to speak, and bought the Sig 1911 target online today. Decided to go stainless even though it'll never see the outdoors, can't hurt resale if that day ever comes. Thanks again for all the helpful suggestions.

I almost find it strange that these "standard" handguns, in the same price range, all feel and handle so differently. Then there's how they shoot, which I won't get to know.

 

[MarshallDodge]

Congrats!