taurus 1911

[csd4682]

I have always been a 9mm person, but had the chance to handle a colt 1911 and I really liked the feel. I have also been wanting a full size pistol for a while, mainly for open carry, when working outside, farms woods, hiking ect. ect. The 45acp seems like this would be a good round, if I find myself face to face with some wildlife. I have no intentions of comp. shooting so I dont need the best. My local gun shop has a taurus 1911 for really cheap compared to most. I have owned taurus revolvers and loved them. Am I missing something as to why they can include all the bells and whisltes at 1/2 the cost of the big names. Are these good pistols? any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[tomh1426]

Mines been great, do a search this has been discussed more than once.

 

[Technosavant]

The PT1911 gets its low price from overseas assembly, so-so fit/finish, MIM parts, and economy of scale.

Mine has likewise been decent, but there are definite differences between a PT1911 and a Springfield Loaded or S&W. They're good shooters and from what I can tell, a bit better in quality than Taurus' other semiautos and they're good shooters, but they aren't finished as nicely as the $700ish 1911s.

I wouldn't pay much more than $500-600 for a PT1911, depending on finish and rail (a stainless railed model would be the high end of that, regular blued model the low side).

 

[Texastbird]

Springfields come from Brazil too. I have enjoyed my PT1911 and I think you would like the stainless model better than the blued one if you are going knocking around with it. The blue finish doesn't seem to be real durable.

 

[jdc1244]

had the chance to handle a colt 1911 and I really liked the feel.

In that case I’d get a Colt – you won’t be sorry.

I wouldn't pay much more than $500-600 for a PT1911

Agreed, for about another $150 more or so you can get a new Colt Model O1991. I have noting against the PT1911, I’m sure it’s a fine gun. But I guess I have an in for a penny, in for a pound mind-set about such things: to me the savings of, say, $200 doesn’t justify the end result. Save for another month or two and get the real thing.

I own two new Colts bought in the last year – they’ve been flawless.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Save a little longer or use lay a way and get a Colt .
Colt worth the difference.

 

[azlobo]

I own one, a stainless steel model. I ended up putting a new ambi-safety on it due to a loose right-side lever. The gunsmith said he's seen the same thing happen to other ambi-safeties on more expensive 1911's, so I don't completely hold it against Taurus (that it happened within a week of buying it, means I do a little...). Once I put a Kings safety on it all was right.

Only other negative about it to me are the less than high end plastic panels on the handle, but that's easily and inexpensively taken care of. Hasn't been a problem for me yet, but I've read elsewhere that people have had to replace the hammer due to cracks forming in them, perhaps due to the locking feature built into the hammer (thinner metal as a result).

Great set of features others cost extra for (many of them are built into the higher price tags of others).

Would I recommend it? I do like my PT1911SS, but I also put more money it than the sticker price suggests due to replacing the safety, which is contrary to its marketing and advertising. Sure. I've heard its mostly hit, and a little miss, when it comes to a problem like I had. And my recommendation means less than that of other folks on the forum with more experience with a wider variety manufacturers.

A Colt for a little more is a great idea too. A little more that that (like double the PT1911SS at this point in the little more scale) and you can get a nice Para or Kimber SIS. I've owned cheaper 1911 45's and can say yes quality and price generally go hand in hand. It all depends on your comfort zone for how much you're willing to spend at the time.

I enjoy my choice (now), but can see myself getting more 1911 style guns down the road and there's plenty to choose from. I also haven't put thousands of round through it yet to say how it holds up with some mileage.

Warning though: 1911's seem to be addictive. And Kimber and other manufacturers make .40S&W's and 9mm's if you like the feel but want a different calibre.

PS: Combat Handguns November '08 has a set of articles on 5 different 1911's (including one 9mm model, plus the Taurus PT1911 and SS).

 

[neededausername]

I posted a similar thread to this site or maybe another one a month or so ago. I got a lot of responses and came away with this, to shoot competitively(which I do) it's not a good gun, to protect yourself it's fine.

 

[gun4funtime]

You would trust it to defend your life.
but not trust it to shoot a match with??

Isn't your life worth more than winning a match? mmm...

Buy the taurus if you like it. The so called "purest" will always say buy colt? I have a taurus and like it, very well made for the money. What you might want to upgrade, you will do on the colt any way, so why not start money ahead?
Out of the box, the taurus is really hard to beat. just my opinion.

 

[possum]

there are many happy taurus pt1911 owners here and the other forums as well, even the 1911 specific forums.

 

[Hoffy]

I like my PT1911 and would buy one again...and drop the extra $70 for the stainless model. Use Bud's as a pricing guide: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/495/products_id/17286.

However, I would also give a hard look at the RIA tactical. Many happy RIA 1911 owners. I keep looking at them at: http://www.centerfiresystems.com/1911.aspx.