Which 1911 for under $1100

[bmoray]

This thread has been extremely helpful!

I own several shotguns and rifles, but just picked up my first handgun earlier this week - a S&W 629-4 4" .44 Mountain Gun. I knew that I was going to want a semi auto right after getting the revolver and this is pretty much the exact thread I was hoping to start. I do not know too much about STI and am surprised to hear everyone rave about them.

If you knew you could only have one .45acp 1911 - under $1200 with great all around features (those are my only requirements) - is there anything that I would be missing out on if I went with the STI Trojan?

I ask because I do not have as many intricate requirements as the OP. Could I possibly regret purchasing the STI Trojan as my only 1911 ever?

 

[sprice]

I love this question- It's my favorite ever But I like Dan wessons and sti's. Maybe colts.

 

[JTQ]

bmoray wrote,
If you knew you could only have one .45acp 1911 - under $1200 with great all around features (those are my only requirements) - is there anything that I would be missing out on if I went with the STI Trojan?

I ask because I do not have as many intricate requirements as the OP. Could I possibly regret purchasing the STI Trojan as my only 1911 ever?

One of the significant points of the OP's requirement is the desire for adjustable sights. The STI Trojan has adjustable sights (though you can order the Trojan with fixed sights), as do a few other 1911's, but the vast majority of 1911's have fixed sights. If you don't need adjustable sights the recommendation may be different, though the STI Trojan is a very well respected pistol.

Another significant feature about the STI Trojan (and most of the pistols in STI's lineup) is the ramped barrel. Some love them, some don't. Most 1911's don't have a ramped barrel, so in that instance STI has drifted away from the 1911 "standard", though it must be noted that nearly every non-1911 semi-auto has a ramped barrel.

 

[bmoray]

Thanks for the prompt response and information JTQ. It seems I am always learning how little I know...

 

[unibrau]

Well I still haven't ordered the gun. Brazzo's and Dawson are out of stock for a bit yet. I had to stop at Cabela's to pick up a rangefinder for a friend and saw a Dan Wesson Sportsman on sale for $1199 hmmmm I know I said .45, but this thing just feels so right! Anybody have experience with this model?

 

[navyretired 1]

Colt's Gold Cup Series 80 new will run you about $1200 now and it's full of MIM parts. If you can find a series 70 Gold Cup you'll have a jewel but may cost $1500 and up.
I like what I hear about STI but haven't shot one yet.

 

[germ]

Maybe this isn't your cup of tea, but for a little over 800 bucks you could get one RIA FS Tactical for each hand (from centerfiresystems). Sure it's not quite as pretty or trick as a Kimber or Dan Wesson, but if you just want a beater range gun, the RIA is great. Just happens to come with first class customer service as well, should you need it.

Last spring I visited my brother who had just purchased a new Kimber. We swapped back and forth a couple of times. Mine had better trigger action, but it was well broken in while his was not. He paid three times what I did, still, it's hard not to appreciate a well made piece.

One last point. If I ever had to use it for home defense, that's $400 stuck in an evidence locker not $1200.

 

[APIT50]

springfield loaded adjustable sights