Going to buy a 1911 please give me your input

[Irish4Guns]

The only 1911 I've shot is a Kimber and I loved it. It is expensive and I like the look of the one I did shoot. I am not very knowledgable about the different options as far as manufacturer and model or option vs cost. Any input would be appreciated. I want to keep the cost below $1,000. Thanks

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[FullCaliberII]

This is probably one of the most asked/debated questions on here. It seems most 1911 owners on here are very brand/model loyal, as I am
My suggestion would be a nice Springfield Armory R.O. You're getting a steel gun, with NM barrel, target sights, and a life-time warranty. Last time I looked, my local shop had them for $699. Hard to beat that... but then again, I'm a big fan of Springfield 1911s- never owned a Kimber.

 

[PX4WA]

if you can find them, a ruger sr1911 is a great value...

there are a lot of Kimber fans here and they are great guns, but their popularity comes at a price (literal dollars) and they tend to cost more than a comparable non-kimber gun...

if you're new to 1911's I would recommend springfield armory for their lifetime warranty and great customer service... just avoid N serial numbers (made in brazil)...

I would recommend the SA loaded.. usually around 800$ and has nightsights...

 

[Ron Eagle Elk]

I'm down to just two 1911's. One is a Remington R1, Talo edition. This comes the closest, in feel and balance, to the 1911's I carried while in the Army. Had a small issue that was quickly resolved and the gun runs like a champ. 50 rounds a week to stay in practice, probably well over a 1,000 rounds in the 6 or so months I've had it.

2d gun is a Rock Island match grade 1911. This has been a great shooter since I bought it. I'm not a fan of the Ambi-Safety, but that's because I'm just not used to it. The grips and frame seem a bit thicker in hand than the Remington, but not overly so. This one also has over a 1000 rounds through the tube and gets to eat an average of 50 rounds a week.

Both guns were under $700 each, have been reliable, accurate shooters. They both eat whatever ammo I feed them without a hiccup.

Whatever 1911 you wind up with, make sure it feels good in your hands and cycles smoothly. Then shoot it...a lot.

 

[joken]

Many good 1911's out there. I've owned a bunch of them Kimber, Colt, Dan Wesson, STI and some Springfields. They are all good. I currently own two full size Colts that are very accurate.

 

[jordanvraptor]

I prefer Colt myself but if you liked the Kimber then go with that. I think most of the major name brands are about equal in reliability but some have better fit and finish. I, personally, would avoid the low budget guns. I prefer the older Colts mostly for their old school looks.

 

[orygun]

For a grand, I would look for a used Colt or Dan Wesson. You should be able to find a decent one for that price if you are patient.

2nd choice, and for less money, look for one of the SR1911.

I own all of the above and am pleased with them every one of them. I have no experience with any other brands, so I can't comment on them.

 

[edogg]

I'd suggest one that has some of the customizations already on it like a commander hammer, skeleton trigger, and beavertail grip safety. Those are nice tweaks that you'll wind up wanting to spend money on later.

 

[orygun]

Also, contact Wichaka on this site. He has considerable insight on the 1911 platform.

 

[EMP9596]

I have a SA LW Loaded I took up to Wichaka for a trigger job.
1. He changed out the 28lb mainspring to a 25lb as it mated well with the hammer hook work he did on it.
2. A Colt Sear and Sear spring were also installed.
3.Trigger was set to 4.5 pounds and breaks very, very nice.

I then installed an EGW oversize stainless firing pin stop with a very slight bevel and changed out the Recoil Spring to a Wolff. I also removed the ILS and went with the Smith and Alexander flat mainspring housing,mainspring cap and housing retainer pin. Also changed to a Wilson o/s mag release and checkered front strap.



Monkey Grips - Larry will make them any way you want.
http://davidsonknives.com/

 

[NoviceSquared]

You can get a great 1911 from any of the main brands. The only "off-brand" I'd recommend would be Rock Island Armory/Armscor.

 

[Irish4Guns]

Wow, lots to consider, thank you all so much for your input. It looks like I have some research to do on these suggestions. I kind of thought you all would have some good ideas! Thanks so much

 

[EMP9596]

Wow, lots to consider, thank you all so much for your input. It looks like I have some research to do on these suggestions. I kind of thought you all would have some good ideas! Thanks so much

Yep!
1911's can be little erector sets plus "fluff and buff" em anyway you desire.

 

[Aero Denezol]

2d gun is a Rock Island match grade 1911. This has been a great shooter since I bought it.

Everyone makes a 1911 nowadays. Like you, my first experience was with a friend's Kimber. When I hit the can of shaving cream from 20 yards out I was hooked.

I also didn't want to spend $1200 on a handgun. I looked at Springfield and RIA, and eventually settled on a 1911A1 from RIA. That was several years ago. A few thousand rounds later I have absolutely no complaints.. You can get a much prettier 1911 no question, but at the end of the day they're only as good as the man behind the trigger.

 

[Steve06]

Colt. Everything else is a copy.

 

[iamme]

RUN from Kimber... for the most part. Too many issues, too crappy of CS, etc. Not saying I'd never own one, just be VERY picky if you choose to.


I am a HUGE Springfield fan and would recommend a used TRP or find a Range Officer. I like the loadeds as well but the RO has some features I prefer. If you're a rail fan they also have their operator line.
Now if you can find a Dan Wesson CBOB/VBOB/Guardian etc in your price grab it. I had a CCO and was one of the nicest 1911's I've owned. Sold to work on a build I'm finishing up.
Rock Island's tend to be great shooters, I have one and enjoy it. But if you have the budget I would look at others.

 

[JGRuby]

I have both Kimbers and RIA 1911's - I am a fan of both. I think the RIA makes a very good reliable discount 1911 that I have had no problems with. They however are not as accurate as a kimber but they dont need to be, I use the RIA compacts for carry. Actually the kimbers being as tight as they are make them more finicky about the ammunition you feed them. I will buy another of either when I have the spare change. One thing I think is over looked when a 1911 is bought is to buy good magazines, not the 8.99 specials.

I fully disagree with the kimber haters. I have yet to see a kimber that wont shoot or one that is broken in person.

James Ruby

 

[iamme]

Ruby look for 10-8's many posts on topic, as well as a simple search.

 

[NoviceSquared]

An interesting thread/poll:

Out Of the Box - 1911Forum

 

[Dunerunner]

Colt, SA....I'm done!