Ivy Mike
Member
I'd say the best one hands down is made by FN
they call it the High Power.
they call it the High Power.
What's the Best 1911?
- Thread starter Phil DeGraves
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MT GUNNY
Member
S&W 1911 (stainless)
The first thing i did when i got mine i put rubber wraparound grips from houge on. Thats the only mods i did to it! It has been flawless in funtion and acuracy. If you are going to buy a 1911 and get a S&W 1911 (stainless) and dont like it, get ahold of me, cuz id would like to have another for the other side!
The first thing i did when i got mine i put rubber wraparound grips from houge on. Thats the only mods i did to it! It has been flawless in funtion and acuracy. If you are going to buy a 1911 and get a S&W 1911 (stainless) and dont like it, get ahold of me, cuz id would like to have another for the other side!
Get the Smith
My smith has been my first 1911 pattern pistol that has been failure free. Thier customer service is top notch. My smith came with nice wood grips. It was supposed to come with hogue rubber. I called and they sent me the rubber one free and told me to keep the wood grips. Can't beat that. My .02
My smith has been my first 1911 pattern pistol that has been failure free. Thier customer service is top notch. My smith came with nice wood grips. It was supposed to come with hogue rubber. I called and they sent me the rubber one free and told me to keep the wood grips. Can't beat that. My .02
I have 1911's by Colt (two NRM Series 80 GM, a Series 80 Officers Model, Series 70 Govenment & Gold Cup and a pre-series 70), a Kimber Compact Custom (pre Series II), a heavily customized Springfield, two Wilsons (1996A2 and CQB) and a Les Baer TRS.
One of the Colt S-80 Gov't needed work to make it run, the other was great (reliability, trigger, accuracy) OOTB. The Gold Cup has never failed, all it shoots are low recoil LSWC target rounds. The Series 70 GM shoots 230 ball only. The Kimber Compact has never malfunctioned. Neither of the Wilson guns has malfunctioned ever. The LB TRS failed to feed twice in the first 200 rounds, but has been perfect since that first range session -- I stopped counting.
If I needed a 1911 of the shelf right now, I'd probably go with a Colt. Preferably a new Series 70. Being in CA, I'd get a new Series 80.
That said, I use a Glock for PD and a Rem 870 for HD.
One of the Colt S-80 Gov't needed work to make it run, the other was great (reliability, trigger, accuracy) OOTB. The Gold Cup has never failed, all it shoots are low recoil LSWC target rounds. The Series 70 GM shoots 230 ball only. The Kimber Compact has never malfunctioned. Neither of the Wilson guns has malfunctioned ever. The LB TRS failed to feed twice in the first 200 rounds, but has been perfect since that first range session -- I stopped counting.
If I needed a 1911 of the shelf right now, I'd probably go with a Colt. Preferably a new Series 70. Being in CA, I'd get a new Series 80.
That said, I use a Glock for PD and a Rem 870 for HD.
gjblanchard
Member
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2006
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- 2
S&W
I've got two S&W's, a 1911 Sc (blued) and a stainless target model. Both guns have been 100% reliable (zero failures of any kind) and they are amazingly accurate. Comparing quality of fit and finish to other brands shows that the S&W guns are priced about $200 below the competition gun-for-gun. If I were to get another 1911, it would be a S&W, no question.
Take a look on the 1911 forum and you'll see a bunch of gripes about the QC and reliability of Colt, Kimber and Springfield. Compare that to the comments on S&W, where you will find many very happy owners. That says a lot.
Cheers, Gary
I've got two S&W's, a 1911 Sc (blued) and a stainless target model. Both guns have been 100% reliable (zero failures of any kind) and they are amazingly accurate. Comparing quality of fit and finish to other brands shows that the S&W guns are priced about $200 below the competition gun-for-gun. If I were to get another 1911, it would be a S&W, no question.
Take a look on the 1911 forum and you'll see a bunch of gripes about the QC and reliability of Colt, Kimber and Springfield. Compare that to the comments on S&W, where you will find many very happy owners. That says a lot.
Cheers, Gary
Devonai
Member
To fit my criteria, the best 1911 is the one that goes bang every time and will fly through magazines as fast as I can touch the trigger.
My first was a stock Norinco 1911A1 and it did just that. I traded it for a pre-Kahr Auto-Ordinance 1911A1 that had severe extractor problems. I put a great deal of effort into fixing it before I sold it back to the store with full disclosure.
I later picked up another stock Norinco 1911A1 for $290. So far it has been just as reliable as the first one. Anything but a "scrub."
I am sure that there are many fine, robust 1911 pistols out there, but as long as my Norc continues to perform count me as satisfied.
My first was a stock Norinco 1911A1 and it did just that. I traded it for a pre-Kahr Auto-Ordinance 1911A1 that had severe extractor problems. I put a great deal of effort into fixing it before I sold it back to the store with full disclosure.
I later picked up another stock Norinco 1911A1 for $290. So far it has been just as reliable as the first one. Anything but a "scrub."
I am sure that there are many fine, robust 1911 pistols out there, but as long as my Norc continues to perform count me as satisfied.
glocker1911
Member
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2004
- Messages
- 186
Keeping in mind that every person has their own likes/dislikes, and every company will let out a real lemon now and then, for me I really like Sigs 1911, as long as you are talking the newer Revolution series, and I really dislike and Kimber with a II in the name. Smiths, Springfields, or Dan Wessons would be my only choice behind Sig in a non custom 1911, YMMV.
Colt 1910 (See link provided)
For me, Colts are hand-down best. I have owned about 14 or 15 Kimbers, 3 Colts. The only Kimber I would own is the "Series I", same as Colts. My only remaining Kimber is my Warrior, a "series I" format.
Now, Re: Colts, I am not opposed to the series 80 (same as "series II"). They are excellent quality. But, for me, I'll take series 70 as first choice, series 80 as second choice and and series I Kimbers as third choice.
For me, the concept of the firing pin-block is a red herring. The 1911 series 70s (series Is) are NOT apt to go off even when dropped. This concepot is nothing more than extra, needless tooling, parts and bother.
Keep it simple. You want to see sweet pistol, look at the Colt 1910. Lordy sakes!!! Check out the picture at the bottom of the page. The rounded hammer is sleek and sweet!!!
http://www.usfirearms.com/cat/1910.asp
Doc2005
For me, Colts are hand-down best. I have owned about 14 or 15 Kimbers, 3 Colts. The only Kimber I would own is the "Series I", same as Colts. My only remaining Kimber is my Warrior, a "series I" format.
Now, Re: Colts, I am not opposed to the series 80 (same as "series II"). They are excellent quality. But, for me, I'll take series 70 as first choice, series 80 as second choice and and series I Kimbers as third choice.
For me, the concept of the firing pin-block is a red herring. The 1911 series 70s (series Is) are NOT apt to go off even when dropped. This concepot is nothing more than extra, needless tooling, parts and bother.
Keep it simple. You want to see sweet pistol, look at the Colt 1910. Lordy sakes!!! Check out the picture at the bottom of the page. The rounded hammer is sleek and sweet!!!
http://www.usfirearms.com/cat/1910.asp
Doc2005
justaguy
Member
I agree with some of the other posters here, it's mostly personal preference. You know like Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge. Everyone will have their own opinion on wich one is the "best". Almost all production 1911 makers have had some problems with quality control over the years. As to the different price levels, most of the time you get what you pay for.
psychophipps
Member
I hear great things about Nighthawk and Wilson Combat 1911s. Of course, the pistols from both are pretty spendy so bloody well better work. 
Mark(psycho)Phipps( HAHAHA! )
Mark(psycho)Phipps( HAHAHA! )
BevrFevr
Member
Buy a smith
I have shot all the major manufacturers. I bought a smith and it is sweeeet!
I would hesitate to buy anything else unless I got to shoot the exact pistol first. My experience is that I have had every manufacturer of 1911 that I have shot malf except for the Smith. This goes hand in hand with the reps of each manufacturer.
Smith may be the new kid on the block but they have done thier homework.
Don't be persuaded by all the external extractor bs. If it was a kimber with an external I would be worried but not the smith.
There are things that Smith could do better but I would hesitate to ask them to change anything because what they do now really works.
hth -bevr
I have shot all the major manufacturers. I bought a smith and it is sweeeet!
I would hesitate to buy anything else unless I got to shoot the exact pistol first. My experience is that I have had every manufacturer of 1911 that I have shot malf except for the Smith. This goes hand in hand with the reps of each manufacturer.
Smith may be the new kid on the block but they have done thier homework.
Don't be persuaded by all the external extractor bs. If it was a kimber with an external I would be worried but not the smith.
There are things that Smith could do better but I would hesitate to ask them to change anything because what they do now really works.
hth -bevr
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
Best 1911
Well...The best that we're likely to be able to find without mountin' a 2 year-long search would probably have to go to mid-March 1944-end of 1945 production Remington Rand. The pre-war Colts, starting about 1930-'32 to about 1939 were probably a cut above...but lotsa luck findin' one that's in good shape and for sale at a reasonable price. Very nice and little-used Rands are still out there. Yes, you'll give a couple grand for a minty example...but they're very very good. I'd rate the late-production Rands as a bit better than Union Switch or Colt for overall quality, functional reliability, and accuracy.
Forget Singers. I've only seen two original, mint examples...and the owners wouldn't take'em out of the display case for me to even handle, much less take apart. Besides...Who's gonna carry a 40,000-dollar collector's item?
Well...The best that we're likely to be able to find without mountin' a 2 year-long search would probably have to go to mid-March 1944-end of 1945 production Remington Rand. The pre-war Colts, starting about 1930-'32 to about 1939 were probably a cut above...but lotsa luck findin' one that's in good shape and for sale at a reasonable price. Very nice and little-used Rands are still out there. Yes, you'll give a couple grand for a minty example...but they're very very good. I'd rate the late-production Rands as a bit better than Union Switch or Colt for overall quality, functional reliability, and accuracy.
Forget Singers. I've only seen two original, mint examples...and the owners wouldn't take'em out of the display case for me to even handle, much less take apart. Besides...Who's gonna carry a 40,000-dollar collector's item?
FBI S.W.A.T HOSTAGE UNIT uses....
Read this artical!!!!
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BTT/is_144_24/ai_57886947
Shows why the FBI chose springfield....
just to add to your choices...
i own a sa champion, ive never had a misfeed, never had a problem of ANY type.
Read this artical!!!!
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BTT/is_144_24/ai_57886947
Shows why the FBI chose springfield....
just to add to your choices...
i own a sa champion, ive never had a misfeed, never had a problem of ANY type.
STI.
I've owned the following: Springfield, Kimber, Smith, Colt.
I've shot most brands, including a lot of the off brands. I'm also a dealer, and a competitive shooter. Outside of the custom guns (in that case, I would take a Nighthawk) and sticking with just production guns, I would get the STI.
Yes, people will accuse me of bias (I'm an STI master dealer, and I'm doing another group buy right now) but the reason I've done a lot of STI stuff is because I like them the best, and it is easier for me to sell something I really happen to believe in.
I've owned the following: Springfield, Kimber, Smith, Colt.
I've shot most brands, including a lot of the off brands. I'm also a dealer, and a competitive shooter. Outside of the custom guns (in that case, I would take a Nighthawk) and sticking with just production guns, I would get the STI.
Yes, people will accuse me of bias (I'm an STI master dealer, and I'm doing another group buy right now) but the reason I've done a lot of STI stuff is because I like them the best, and it is easier for me to sell something I really happen to believe in.
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
'57 Colt
Riverdog...If ya don't shoot it, sell it to me and I will.
Now, don't take that to indicate that I'd use it for a common old beater. I wouldn't...but neither would I be content to just let it languish around in the safe, waitin' for the day that one of my heirs gets it and decides to shoot it.
Ya only live once...What are ya savin' it for? Investment? Okay. It won't hurt it to shoot it a little, once in a while, unless it's an unfired specimen, NIB with original papers and documentation that it is, in fact, unfired.
Riverdog...If ya don't shoot it, sell it to me and I will.
Now, don't take that to indicate that I'd use it for a common old beater. I wouldn't...but neither would I be content to just let it languish around in the safe, waitin' for the day that one of my heirs gets it and decides to shoot it.
Ya only live once...What are ya savin' it for? Investment? Okay. It won't hurt it to shoot it a little, once in a while, unless it's an unfired specimen, NIB with original papers and documentation that it is, in fact, unfired.
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
Colt
Shoot it! It'd be a sin not to...
I've shot all mine...including the Union Switch Twins. I don't shoot'em much...but I do shoot'em. Today's beater is tomorrow's rare and collectible.
Shoot it! It'd be a sin not to...
I've shot all mine...including the Union Switch Twins. I don't shoot'em much...but I do shoot'em. Today's beater is tomorrow's rare and collectible.
If the 1911 mfrs are't careful
Taurus will steal the show for value.
If the new 1911 from Taurus performs like the two PT models in 45 and 9mm. Other manufacturers should worry, because I make my decisions from information here, not from gun rags who love EVERYTHING!
I'm loyal for their current performance, because that's where I've started and they have been the most solid thus far. With Sig45, Kimber45 and Witness base model to compare with. Not all mine, but current Taurus offerings has me NOT buying a more expensive gun unless I want a project. All of these I've personally shot. Not that they all jammed on me, but I did witness them jam while shooting.
jeepmor
Taurus will steal the show for value.
If the new 1911 from Taurus performs like the two PT models in 45 and 9mm. Other manufacturers should worry, because I make my decisions from information here, not from gun rags who love EVERYTHING!
I'm loyal for their current performance, because that's where I've started and they have been the most solid thus far. With Sig45, Kimber45 and Witness base model to compare with. Not all mine, but current Taurus offerings has me NOT buying a more expensive gun unless I want a project. All of these I've personally shot. Not that they all jammed on me, but I did witness them jam while shooting.
jeepmor
Tuner,
One of my earlier purchases was a S&W Mod 27-2 nickel that judging by the front of the cylinder had only been test fired by S&W (every other chamber). So I took it to the range and fired six 158 gr magnum XTP's. What a nice revolver. Cleaned it and put it away. No box there either.
One of my earlier purchases was a S&W Mod 27-2 nickel that judging by the front of the cylinder had only been test fired by S&W (every other chamber). So I took it to the range and fired six 158 gr magnum XTP's. What a nice revolver. Cleaned it and put it away. No box there either.
varoadking
Member
I own a Yo-Bo Colt, a Springfield and a Nighthawk. The Colt is both uber accurate and reliable. The Nighthawk, though not a production piece, is flawless. The SA WWII model can shoot as well as either of the other two. I've owned a dozen or more Springfields over the years - from GI .45's to TRP's.
I am contemplating a S&W. A friend has one that shot terrific groups at 25 yards - custom shop groupings and terrific fit and finish - despite the external extractor. They have a new nickel model that has me leaning that way.
Kimber has had perhaps the spottiest reputation of the upper half of the dozen or so listed. SiG, with all the quality they are capable of, has no business trying to make 1911's - something like Porsche making an SUV - not to mention the fugly proprietary slide that should only be seen on a P series piece. I owned a Dan Wesson - it was OK, but lacking something - dunno, maybe it was the sharp angles on the slide.
I'm 54 years old and learned a long, long time ago not to buy "cheap" handguns, hence the scrub list...
Me - own a Llama? Please...
daysleeprx
Member
That's too bad. I think you might be surprised how good some of those "scrubs" on your list are.
varoadking
Member
I'm not interested in surprises...a prime reason why I don't buy "cheap" handguns...
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