Oracle
Member
I'm getting interested in a 1911, and have been trying to find out which is the best full-size stainless 1911 for under a grand: S&W, Kimber, or Springfield?
Which 1911 for under a grand?
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lycanthrope
Member
STI or Kimber. Springfields aren't in the same league as those two. Can't speak for a S&W.
The STI Tojan may be hard to find for under $1000, but the Kimber Classic or Target II's are easy to find and offer tight groups for the price.
Ther upper Springfields look really nice, but I've never seen one perform as well as a Kimber in terms of groups.
I'm not a bnig fan of the series II safety, but that's another thread.......
The STI Tojan may be hard to find for under $1000, but the Kimber Classic or Target II's are easy to find and offer tight groups for the price.
Ther upper Springfields look really nice, but I've never seen one perform as well as a Kimber in terms of groups.
I'm not a bnig fan of the series II safety, but that's another thread.......
Preacherman
Member
I'm afraid that I've had several VERY negative experiences with Springfields and Kimbers. I wouldn't recommend either of them in their current production configuration. If I were going for a new 1911-style auto right now, for value, I'd look at the Dan Wesson range: for quality and upgradeability, I'd look at a Series 70 Colt (now back in production): and for something "out of the box" needing no upgrades or modification at all, I'd save my money and go for a Valtro.
10-Ring
Member
For under a grand, I'd go Colt & customize as necessary.
spacemanspiff
Senior Member
i've enjoyed my kimber tle ii. with the exception that it has the wrong front sight on it so shooting at distance the bullet drops considerably. but for up close its a great shooter.
Rob96
Member
One Word-----COLT
Oracle
Member
Preacherman, what problems have you had with Springfields? I'm a bit leery of the Kimbers because they use sintered/MIM parts (far more subject to breakage), but people seem to like them.
I'm also leery of Colts because they are, well, Colts. Colt has had so many problems as of late that I'm hesitant to buy anything from them.
I'm also leery of Colts because they are, well, Colts. Colt has had so many problems as of late that I'm hesitant to buy anything from them.
The last 1911 I purchased was a Kimber full size Custom Exclipse II. It has everything I wanted on it (checkering, night sights, full length rod, ext safety, etc...), very well made, accurate, 100% reliable, and a great finnish. I paid $840. I like it a lot. I have also owned Springfields. I still have my mil-spec full size, and it's good too. Sold a Springfield V-10 Ultra-compact after nothing but problems. No experience with the Smith, but if I'm looking for a 1911, I'd go with a company that specializes in them.
jims98z28
Member
Colt has worked out there problems and now make one of the best 1911s on the market, IMO. When I get the money a brand new series 80 will be finding a new home.
sm
member
Don't forget Used...
Kimber, used series I ( even though several series II have been fine friends have...don't like extra "stuff" personally).
I have used some newer Colts and Springfields...prefer the basic Mil-Spec config. On SF get rid of ILS , on Colt I can live with series 80...just prefer the 70 design by far-on either If find a used one not 'messed with' I prefer that route. Especially: carry cash / be patient...people need money, and I prefer the only 'paper' being cash...
All I really want is smoothed trigger,mybe bigger safety (not always) and bob hammer a bit...I usually don't get bit...others might tho. I may fine tune ...used allows more $ for adjusting, ammo, etc.
Just because new-don't make it better.
Kimber, used series I ( even though several series II have been fine friends have...don't like extra "stuff" personally).
I have used some newer Colts and Springfields...prefer the basic Mil-Spec config. On SF get rid of ILS , on Colt I can live with series 80...just prefer the 70 design by far-on either If find a used one not 'messed with' I prefer that route. Especially: carry cash / be patient...people need money, and I prefer the only 'paper' being cash...
All I really want is smoothed trigger,mybe bigger safety (not always) and bob hammer a bit...I usually don't get bit...others might tho. I may fine tune ...used allows more $ for adjusting, ammo, etc.
Just because new-don't make it better.
Edward429451
member
The used series 80 Colts are highly desireable...And no, mine's not for sale!
Black Majik
Member
One more vote for a S80 Colt Government. Or even go for a S70, those also fall under a grand.
RON in PA
Member
COLT!
Just a year ago you would not have seen this many votes for Colt. I'm glad Colt is winning back customers with their new offerings.
I too vote for a Colt NRM M1991A1 and have it lightly customized if it even needs it. A $1000 1911 from Kimber, SA, or even Colt is attractive but their quality control is not much better (in some cases worse) than their 1911's that cost half as much. And semi-custom makers don't seem to be that much better either.
I too vote for a Colt NRM M1991A1 and have it lightly customized if it even needs it. A $1000 1911 from Kimber, SA, or even Colt is attractive but their quality control is not much better (in some cases worse) than their 1911's that cost half as much. And semi-custom makers don't seem to be that much better either.
Lone_Gunman
Member
Have you thought about a Wilson KZ 45? Its just a little over a thousand dollars.
Its a great gun, and one of the best kept secrets out there.
Its a great gun, and one of the best kept secrets out there.
Glockster35
Member
I would be looking toward a Dan Wesson 1911 myself. They make a darn good pistol, which can be had however you like it.
Rob96
Member
Originally posted by Oracle
Colt is probably putting their best 1911's out in a very long time. The NRM Series 80's are excellent buys. I haven't heard anybody say anything that they haven't been 100% reliable. Some people have had some cosmetic issues. I'll take a cosmetic flaw (which mine had none) over reliability problems any day.
Colt is probably putting their best 1911's out in a very long time. The NRM Series 80's are excellent buys. I haven't heard anybody say anything that they haven't been 100% reliable. Some people have had some cosmetic issues. I'll take a cosmetic flaw (which mine had none) over reliability problems any day.
I have owned examples of all of the factory 1911s out there save for S&W and DW.
Were I in the market today I wouldn't hesitate to buy a NRM Colt.
I last bought a Springfield. No problems. Would buy again in a minute except that the new Colt's are really nice pieces.
Kimbers leave me cold. When last shopping, one example I saw wouldn't lock in any mag. (Probable MIM failure on mag catch dimensioning). Another owned by a friend had to go back to the factory twice for Schwartz safety related FTFs. He still doesn't trust it.
Given the Kimber experiences both first and second hand, I wouldn't buy an S&W as it uses the same flawed firing pin safety system.
I have never even seen a DW in person, though I have tried.
Get a Colt.
Were I in the market today I wouldn't hesitate to buy a NRM Colt.
I last bought a Springfield. No problems. Would buy again in a minute except that the new Colt's are really nice pieces.
Kimbers leave me cold. When last shopping, one example I saw wouldn't lock in any mag. (Probable MIM failure on mag catch dimensioning). Another owned by a friend had to go back to the factory twice for Schwartz safety related FTFs. He still doesn't trust it.
Given the Kimber experiences both first and second hand, I wouldn't buy an S&W as it uses the same flawed firing pin safety system.
I have never even seen a DW in person, though I have tried.
Get a Colt.
Another Colt vote!!!!
I have had three M1991A1's that performed flawlessley. Get the basic one and modify it to you preferences as required(Keep It Simple Sweetie!). I have never personally had a problem with a Kimber, but I have only shot a couple of models for a few rounds...seeing ALOT of complaints on these thread about 'em though.
Springfield, though good, is really not in the same class.
Have never played with an STI, Wilson, Brown, etc...but I think I would still put my money on a Colt and get it done my way!
The only non-colt 1911 I have now is the ParaOrd LDA Companion which I carry on duty and it is super sweet!!!!
DVC,
Jercamp45
I have had three M1991A1's that performed flawlessley. Get the basic one and modify it to you preferences as required(Keep It Simple Sweetie!). I have never personally had a problem with a Kimber, but I have only shot a couple of models for a few rounds...seeing ALOT of complaints on these thread about 'em though.
Springfield, though good, is really not in the same class.
Have never played with an STI, Wilson, Brown, etc...but I think I would still put my money on a Colt and get it done my way!
The only non-colt 1911 I have now is the ParaOrd LDA Companion which I carry on duty and it is super sweet!!!!
DVC,
Jercamp45
Oracle
Member
Thanks guys, I reallly appreciate the advice. I'll look into the Colts and STI's now.
farscott
Member
The only issue is that the STI Trojan, the full-size 1911 model that is under $1K, is not available in stainless. STI will hard chrome the Trojan; however, the additional cost is just shy of $200.
Just bought a new DW Patriot. And I could not be happier This gun out of the box far exceeds any kimber I have ever picked up. If you want mor info on my personal DW here is a link to a thread http://www.1911forum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=57435
They sell for around $750.00 NIB
This gun out of the box far exceeds any kimber I have ever picked up. If you want mor info on my personal DW here is a link to a thread http://www.1911forum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=57435They sell for around $750.00 NIB
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