Taurus PT 1911

[Play_Hard]

I'm kind of new to this site... I purchased my first gun (Glock 21SF) after moving out of California (the anti-gun/freedom state) to Arizona. Then my second gun a month later (Ruger SP101). Then last week a Kahr PM9 for my carry weapon. I'm addicted to this sport, I love shooting!

Now... I recently discovered that I really like the 1911 style gun. I shot my husband's 3" Kimber Ultra Carry and it's dead accurate. 75' on my first shot and hit one of those "shoot and see" targets right in the middle, the second shot about an inch away and the third shot almost right through the first. Crazy, it made me feel like an expert shooter! I never shot this gun before and was very impressed. A guy at the range let me shoot his Rock Island 1911, which was dead accurate as well.

I have been looking at the Taurus PT 1911 and it seems like a good gun for the price. I'm considering buying it, but wanted opinions on this model 1911. I heard that customer service is not the best, but would hope that if I would not have to call them about my gun not working. Also, the safety is for lefties as well (I'm a lefty). I just wanted opinions on this gun, has anyone shot it? What do you think?

 

[dogmush]

I've shot one and it's your entry level 1911. One step up from mil-spec in terms of options, and ok in terms of fit and function.

Holding them it's a noticable step down in fit and finish from your husbands Kimber, but it should function as well. I've heard horror stories about Taurus customer service, but I can't speak from experiance.

FWIW, in the sub-$500 1911 catagory I think the RIA Tactical model is the best buy. It has all the bells and whistles of the Taurus, is cheaper, and is backed by known service. My RIA's have shot favorably with any other 1911 I've pitted them against. They are an excellent, basic working gun. It would be my choice. [/unsolicited advice]

The Taurus is also a pretty good, basic, working gun. Just don't expect it to be something it's not. It won't be fit and tight like a Nighthawk, and it's not a bullseye gun. It's a basic, funtional combat pistol. and it does that role pretty well.



edited to add: Oh and fair warning, getting started on 1911's is an expensive addiction. I thought I was just getting one to tinker with 2 years ago, and I'm up to 4 and shopping for a fifth. 500 rds through a nice 1911, and that glocks trigger will feel like backing up a cement truck. You have been warned.

 

[theken206]

"500 rds through a nice 1911, and that glocks trigger will feel like backing up a cement truck"

dunno about that though there is some truth to it....... im about 2k into my les baer p2 and pull on my old Glock22 is still just fine

 

[mnrivrat]

We have one at the range here and it has been a well functioning and accurate firearm. Not sure I agree that it is only one step above a government model as it has several features that would be considered upscale .

I just shot this gun today (opps! it is 2:35 am here so it was yesterday) when I was showing a customer the basics of a 1911 pistol. He was pulling his shots to the left a bit and wondering why - I took the gun to check the sights and put the next two rounds through the same hole in the center of the X ring. Nothing the matter with this gun that I can tell. I would have liked to see Taurus come out with a cammander or officer size version though as they would be easier to carry.

 

[Min]

I just put the first two hundred rounds through my Taurus and no complaints here. It didn't like the Mec-Gar 7-rd mags though. Those mags did not lock the slide back after last round.

 

[theken206]

try kimber, les baer, wilson ect ect as far as mags

 

[denfoote]

First welcome to the board and to Arizona!!

Where in the state did you and your husband move to??
There are a couple of good ranges you might be wanting to know about.
The first is Ben Avery Shooting Facility, which is run by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (a government sponsored shooting range, what a concept).

http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/ben_avery.shtml

The second, in the east valley, is Rio Salado Sportsmans Club.

http://www.riosaladosportsmans.com/

The third, Buckeye Hills, is in the town of Buckeye. It is (or will) be run jointly by the Town of Buckeye and the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department.

It closed for renovation about a year ago and is scheduled to open sometime after the first of the year.

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/buckeye/Range.aspx

Now, as touching the gun you want.
I've heard nothing terribly about it.
Like others have said, it's an entry level gun.
I would think that it might be a decent platform for modest customization.

 

[gwnorth]

I have a PT1911 stainless. So far, I've put 450 rounds through it and it has functioned perfectly, not a single issue at all. I have several ACT mags that work fine in it (they also make mags under the Novak logo).

No complaints with the gun at all, although obviously mine is just getting broken in.

 

[electronrider]

1200 rounds through my PT1911 since I bought it, never have had a single hiccup. Reliably feeds everything I throw down its throat.