Which 1911 best out of box?

[MarcusWendt]

Here is my situation. I'm considering getting a 1911. It will be a fun gun only. Not likely I'll shoot it more than once a month at the most. It's more of a I want a 1911 to round out my collection kind of purchase.

I'd prefer it be very functional and reliable right out of the box. I don't want to have to out a lot of work into it to make it work right.

I know I'll likely pay over 1K, but I don't want to go crazy. Sub $1500 would be nice, sub $1200.00 would be better.

I am really only interested in a few brands. Among these brands I'd be interested to know what model you recommend?

 

[austin360]

The Sig GSR Revolution is the best 1911 I've owned/shot!

 

[jdc1244]

I am really only interested in a few brands.

I assume those are the brands you listed in your poll.

Regardless, I can say all the new Colts I’ve owned have been perfect out of the box and Colt is as good if not better than some you’ve listed. The S 70 reissue has been outstanding.

Good luck and enjoy your new 1911.

 

[Ske1etor]

My opinion is either the Kimber Custom TLE II or Springfield Loaded.

 

[boogalou]

You don't need to spend that amount of money to get a reliable and accurate 1911 out of "the box".

 

[Old Dog]

At least locally, seems in the production 1911 market one goes from about the $750 to $850 price range directly to the $1050 - $1150 price range -- nothing in between.

So, well, if one had to choose from only the four makers the OP stipulated ...

I'd go along with exactly what Ske1etor put forth (and both retail for 750-800 bucks around here) -- the Springfield Loaded or the Kimber Custom TLE II. I have both; each is more than adequate in the accuracy department, each has been 100% reliable smack out of the box (no malfunctions of any type, ever, with any brand or configuration of .45 ACP ammo and each has seen well over 2500 rounds).

I do like the Kimber's Meprolight nightsights a bit more than the SA's Novak-licensed Trijicons; the Mepros have larger dots and seem a tad brighter.

The TLE II also has excellent frontstrap checkering but but no ambi-safety.

The Springer has an ambi-safety and a smooth frontstrap.

Both of these pistols can be had in either a parkerized (SA), black (Kimber's "Kim-Pro") or stainless steel. The stainless loaded is a bright finish on the frame and slide flats but the TLE II has a matte stainless finish.

Also each can be had in a 4" version, SA's "Champion" or Kimber's "Pro."

TLE II comes with only one magazine where the SA gives you two in the box and a coupon to order more factory mags at a low price from the company ...

Of those two, it's pretty much a wash for me. I've no exerience with any S&W 1911s or SIG's version (though I love my S&W revolvers and SIG P-series pistols).

 

[surjimmy]

Les Baer, go to proload.com John will make your dreams come true.

 

[CWL]

For a grand, Springfield or Dan Wesson.

 

[Eightball]

FWIW, I hear more people complaining about Kimber than it's probably worth, haven't heard much about the SIG offering, and something about paying $600+ for Springfield Armory "Made in Brazil" 1911 strikes me wrong (not that they're necissarily bad firearms, just that they're charging that much for it).

Voted S&W, because I really haven't heard many complaints about them. Though, I have to ask--why not order a Colt WWI Repro or Series 70 Repro if it's going to be "once a month" at best?

 

[Texastbird]

I wanted to spend a lot less for a 1911, so I went with the Taurus, and its great for the money. If I was going to spend around a thousand, it would have to be a Dan Wesson Valor. A custom pistol without the custom price.

 

[MarcusWendt]

Hmm,

Obviously I haven't looked closely enough at prices. I'm surprised they are that inexpensive.

Sig would have been my first choice, but Springfield was a very close second.

I really don't have any good reason to settle on these four except that I have a gun from each except Kimber and I've always been happy with the customer service from these 3 that I've dealt with. I've heard good and bad about the Kimber so I just figured I'd throw it in there.

 

[Ske1etor]

"Made in Brazil" 1911 strikes me wrong (not that they're necissarily bad firearms, just that they're charging that much for it).

IMBEL (Induststria de Material Belico do Brazil) makes some of the best production 1911's out there. They are just really difficult to get a hold of here in the states. In Brazil they are in very high demand due to the fact that most of their production is now going into slides for Springfield Armory.

 

[rellascout]

Colt

Or Dan Wesson.

IF was spending $1200 on a 1911 right now it would be the new Dan Wesson Valor

 

[FEG]

For a grand, Springfield or Dan Wesson.

With a DW PM-7, that would still give you $150-$200 for ammo and a holster. I'm curious why the original poster did not include these on the list...

There's enough different Springfield models that you should be able to find what you want in that $700-$1,000 range.

 

[Geno]

Colt, Colt or Colt. Take your pick.

http://coltsmfg.com/cmci/pistols.asp

Those are pretty, reliable, accurate. They're Colts. Everything else is an imitation.

 

[GearHead_1]

Of those listed I can only comment on the Kimber and SA but I could also give you a first hand opinion on Colt should you wish. Both are great guns and you wouldn't regret owning either. All things being equal I prefer the Kimber over the SA. Fit finish and the way it feels in my hand is just better.

 

[10-Ring]

I have a natural love for Colts but ever since my DW CBOB, I've learned to appreciate DW's too

 

[possum]

i have an mc operatot, which is a sa, and i would buy another in a heartbeat. they are less than you want to spend, even the loaded series is way less than you are planning on spending. either way sa is the way to go, and they have many models that will serve you well.,

 

[2nd 41]

Colt Gold Cup. I'm on my 3rd. The GC is a cut above. I have a SA Loaded. Very nice but does not compare.

 

[punkkin]

Springfield Loaded 1911 has been 100% for me. Couldn't ask for more.

 

[MarcusWendt]

mc operatot

What is that?

I didn't mention Colt as I just don't know enough about them. To be honest, I didn't know they were still in business.

Dan Wesson? Well, I've heard good things about Dan Wesson, but I always thought they were very high end. I suppose if the price is right...

 

[ShooterX]

i like my Taurus even though the grips suck.

 

[mpc12]

I vote Dan Wesson.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Colt or Dan Wesson .

 

[BikerRN]

I just recently picked up a 1911 after not having or carrying one for about five years.

With that said, I'm loving my Springfield "Loaded" and it's been 100% reliable. I looked at Kimber and a few others, even the Taurus, but felt I got the most bang for my buck with the Springfield.

BikerRN