Want a decent 1911... What do ya say?

[Jed Carter]

For the price STI, SIG and S&W seem to have the most quality and features vs cost. STI has the best trigger IMO, Paras are ok but their double stacks and LDA pistols seem to dominate their lineup, http://budsgunshop.com may have what you want in a used 1911. I currently have Colt Springfield, STI SIG and S&W 1911s with another STI on order, been waiting since April....GO CATS!

 

[Olympus]

My thinking is that 600 to 1200 is a big range. Personally, I see a lot of improvements between a 600 gun and a 1200 gun. I think you'll start seeing the difference in detail when you start getting to the $800+ 1911s. Everybody has their favorite 1911s and most people have different opinions and everyone will have their biases. Pick out the facts and useful information from all the posts and then buy the one YOU like. Just because a bunch of people on a forum like a particular model doesn't necessarily mean that's the one for you too.

Just don't be a sheep. Buy the one you like. If it happens to be a popular model among members, then cool. If you go off the beaten path and buy something different, that's okay too. The great thing about 1911s is that there are SO many different makers and models and I can't really think of a gun in your price range that I would try to steer you away from. Buy what speaks to you the most, but be sure to post pics!

 

[Shipwreck]

From research I say springfield, smith and wesson, colt, or for around 1200 Dan wesson, sti, Les Baer, or fusion/ custom Springfield or colt.

From experience I say stay far away from para ordnance. Unless reliability and customer service don't matter.

There are no $1200 Custom Springfields, unless you get used. The Springfield TRP is in the $1200-$1300 range, but its not a custom shop gun. It is the best "standard production" 1911 out there likely.

 

[bartman06]

I had a cop buddy that went to a swat training and when he was there he talked with some of the other swat officers who carried 1911's they suggested a Taraus 1911. They said it was just like the other American one but it costs less. I myself like the Smith and Wesson but i Wouldn't say no to a Taraus when i have money again.

 

[Zerodefect]

Dan Wesson.

CZ bought them and improved on the allready steller rep that DW had. Most 1911 companies are getting worse. DW has gotton better.

The DW Valor is back in black or stainless and is by far my favorite 1911 for real work.

The Classics are priced nice. I don't think they are worse than the high end Valor and Vbob models, just lack checkering and fancy sights. Not sure really what the huge price gap is from.

 

[Hatterasguy]

I'd vote for Springfield or Colt. My Springfield was $600 and has been a very good pistol.

 

[DRYHUMOR]

I saw a Wilson Combat in a shop this morning for 1299.00. I imagine the cash price may have been a bit better. There's good stuff out there.

There is a Les Baer Stinger on GB right now with a 1099.00 start, if it was blued, I'd be on it myself.

 

[Fremmer]

Colt government model in stainless. Fits your criteria. And it is a really nice gun, check out how nice that stainless Commander looks!

 

[HisSoldier]

I've owned a few 1911's over the years, Colts, Kimber (Never again!) Remington Rand, RIA. For the best bang for the buck the RIA is great. But since buying three Dan Wessons it's hard to get excited about anything else. You can still find a DW new in GB for under $1200.

I cannot imagine ever selling a Dan Wesson 1911.

 

[Maj Dad]

At the NRA Annual Mtg Confab & Exposition I handled a Bersa Model 1911 American Classic. The factory rep disassembled it for me to look at, and I have to say I was favorably impressed with fit, finish and amenities. I have Colts, and I love my Combat Commader but I have been considering getting a rough use gun, one that I wouldn't mind getting wet or dirty. I am on the lookout for a good used piece, but if something doesn't turn up, I may spring for the Bersa. Some guy slammed his on Bud's Gunshop reviews for cosmetic problems (though they were in areas where "idiot scratches" can turn up), but 4 other guys gave it 5 stars. Ya pay's yer money & ya takes yer chances, sometimes...

 

[DustyVermonter]

I have a Springfield but I'd say get a Colt, if not a Colt, get a Springfield for their customer service is leaps and bounds better than Colt's, and pretty much all others for that matter.

 

[Oro]

How about the quality of the colts as far as slide and frame?

Looks like folks skipped the posts and no one answered this. The quality of Colt frames and slides is second to none. Other makers will get a premium for squeezing/fitting the slide and rails more tightly at greater assembly expense, and it sure seems cool in the gun shop or at the show. But basically it really reduces reliability and doesn't improve accuracy a lot.

For the last several years, Colt has been leaving their slide/frame fit the same spec as always, but REALLY focusing on slide/barrel fit, which is the key to accuracy w/o sacrificing reliability. For a new gun purchase, or a used purchase of a recent production gun, I feel Colt is giving the best bang-for-buck trade-off out there right now. This hasn't always been the case. 10 to 15 years ago, Kimber and SA were really giving Colt fits in that comparison. But times have changed and so have the manufacturers, and I think the edge is to Colt now.

 

[omegaflame]

Kimber Custom Target II (or Stainless finish for +$100)

 

[stevek]

At that price point, our choices were 3 Kimber's

 

[skoro]

I would prefer something american

I have two recent Colt Commanders and both have been wonderful. Made in America by the original 1911 producer. Priced with their competition, too.

 

[ugaarguy]

Based on that, get a more basic model with a good frame & slide so you have a foundation you can build on later if you want to customize. Along that train of thought a Springfield GI or Mil Spec are going to give you the best bang for the buck. Yes, they're made in Brazil, but by IMBEL, and that forged frame & slide are amongst the best in the world. After that a Colt Series 70 repro is the next best thing.

In light of the below question, allow me to clarify my own statement quoted above.

How about the quality of the colts as far as slide and frame?

The current Colt frames and slides are excellent. Colt 70 series repros are your best bet, IMO, on an American made base gun to build from. I listed the Springfields in preference to Colt on the basis of bang for the buck. I specify the Colt 70 series vs. the other Colt offerings, because the latter all use Colt's 80 series firing block system, which adds unnecessary small parts. Yes, I've had a FP block plunger break on a Colt XSE Combat Commander, and render it inoperable (thankfully found during routine cleaning & function check, and not when the gun was needed). Based on that personal experience, and the published recommendations of premier 1911 gunsmiths, like Hilton Yam, who see much larger sample sizes; I will not own another 1911 with a firing pin safety. For a gun with bells and whistles, Dan Wesson offers some of the most nicely fitted & finished production 1911s I've handled (including one in 10mm which I no longer own).

 

[ExLipscombChief]

Taurus 1911. They come loaded with the bells and whistles. Lifetime warranty. The stainless will run close to $700. Contrary to popular tales told, the Taurus frame is not cast but is hammer forged steel.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

The more I read these 1911 threads, the more confussed I get on which one to buy.

 

[ttheel]

The more I read these 1911 threads, the more confussed I get on which one to buy.

Amen. It is almost impossible to get a good feel with all the strong differing opinions.

 

[bg226]

This might be going against the grain, but S&W 1911s are amazing.

 

[CPshooter]

Click the link in my sig

Can't beat a LB for the money. IMHO they are the best "bang for your buck" 1911 out there. Semi-custom quality and a true work of art for a price close to what "high-end" production Kimbers and Springers go for.

 

[Atticus the Finch]

I know they said Springfield's are made in Brazil but if it were me getting the 1911, I'd get the Operator. That's at the top of your price range but is worth the money (so I've been told anyway).

 

[brandonsuperglide]

Another vote for DW.

 

[gwnorth]

Amen. It is almost impossible to get a good feel with all the strong differing opinions.

True, so maybe all you can do is just plunge in with the best deal you find. That's what I did several years ago when I wanted to own a 1911. I just grabbed a really well priced deal on a LNIB all stainless Taurus PT1911 from the classifieds right here on THR. The gun was a great price, was offered as unfired and certainly looked it (I noticed the blackened mag followers had no drag line on them, for one thing).

That was a great pistol and I never regretted the purchase at all. I shot it monthly for over a year, while also renting and trying a few others. One thing the PT1911 taught me was that I definitely do NOT like ambi thumb safeties nor extended thumb safeties. And, while I got fairly good with them, I never really took to the Heine striaght-8 sights - they just seem odd to me.

So, I ended up selling the PT1911 and putting the money into a factory new Colt stainless Combat Commander. The size and controls of that gun suited me much better. It also impressed me enough with a Colt that I later picked up a used stainless series 80 Mk.IV gov't enhanced, which has also not failed to please and impress me. So far, I am certainly a Colt fan, and cursed when in the very midst of packing and moving I had to pass on a deal on a mint (near LNIB) original series 70 gov't at my favorite local store near my old home.

Now I have two great shooters, and have no idea what will be next. However, there will certainly be a next

 

[beeenbag]

Im leaning in the Dan wesson, or Colt direction. Has anybody ever had a BAD experience with either of these?

I'm really thinking the colt xse combat elite with the blued slide and stainless frame.

What do you think of it for a first 1911. My dealer said he could get it for me for $835 out the door.