What is the best 1911

[bannockburn]

A Springfield Mil-Spec or a Colt Government would be a decent choice for an M1911A1 that would have been similar to the M1911s at the time your grandfathers served in the military. Colt has also produced some limited runs of M1911s as they would have been built if they were made for use during WWI and WWII.

 

[tarosean]

Turnbull is putting out some nice Originals.

http://www.turnbullmfg.com/store.asp?pid=37325&catid=19872

 

[4x4moses]

I suppose the G.I. specification may be the reason, but I'm surprised to see so few recommendations for the Ruger SR1911. For the money, the Ruger would be my choice. Regardless of what you buy, if you don't like it you can always trade up/down for something else. Better yet, just send it to me and I'll give it a good home!

 

[19-3Ben]

I suppose the G.I. specification may be the reason, but I'm surprised to see so few recommendations for the Ruger SR1911.

I suppose you're correct. The members of this forum have relatively high reading comprehension skills and would actually answer the question being asked.
I like the Ruger and think it's a great 1911 for its price range, but it does not fit the needs/desires of the OP and has nothing to do with the question he asked.

 

[Chocolate Bayou]

I have both and think either would be great choice. I like the Springfield Loaded for the Springfield. For the Colt the series 70, p/n 01970A1CS. Happy shooting!

 

[ForumSurfer]

For the Colt the series 70, p/n 01970A1CS. Happy shooting!

I recommend that (although the trigger on mine could use a bit of TLC out of the box...an extremely, extremely, sorta minor complaint) along with a set of esmeralda grips.

 

[sauer1911]

sig sauer TTT.

be safe

 

[moxie]

One note to think about. The "mil-spec" Springfield has a straight mainspring housing and a long trigger. Neither are correct for WWII or Vietnam. The Colt Series 70 is correct.

 

[tmr612]

Or you could go to a gun show and get a real GI 1911. I found one a month or so back.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

One note to think about. The "mil-spec" Springfield has a straight mainspring housing and a long trigger. Neither are correct for WWII or Vietnam. The Colt Series 70 is correct.

I'm afraid you're mistaken - both the current Colt Series 70 reproduction and the Springfield Mil-Spec are 1911A1 pattern pistols with the arched MSH and short trigger. The Colt 1991 Series 80 follows the original 1911 pattern with straight MSH and long trigger. In any event, plenty of both types were in service during WWII, probably fewer in Vietnam but still some.