I want a 1911 but I want your opinions

[Kevatc]

I am thinking of selling or trading my Springfield XD 45 tactical so I can get a 1911. I have been able to handle a Kimber, Para Ordnance, Remington, Sig Sauer and Ruger versions. I really liked the Kimber's but they are spendy.

My preference would be a 4" barrel to make concealment a bit easier.

What would you suggest and why? BTW, I've noticed that more than a few are of Philippine origin. I don't know why but this doesn't appeal to me very much.

Thanks in advance!

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[ATCclears]

Budget range?

Peter

 

[accessbob]

All I can say is that I love my Ruger SR1911 Commander (4.25" barrel) as well as my previous SR1911 5" which my wife took for her own, which led to me getting the Commander. On Friday night, Northwest Armory had an SR1911 (not sure if it was a Gov't model or Commander) for $669.

 

[Oklahomie]

Heard the sr1911 was pretty good. I like the Kimber custom 2 but I've heard spotty reliability with them. I'd be interested in other responses as I am looking to replace my Glock that I sold. And right now it looks like .45 is pretty easy to come by, that might change when I get around to buying one though.

 

[Mezzovex]

I have a 4" Kimber eclipse. I love it! I would buy another.

 

[firemedic15]

Best bang for the buck is possibly the Springfield loaded model. I really enjoy mine. Also the reason you see so many models from the philippines is because of our presence there (US) during WWII. If you haven't looked into these models do yourself a favor and check them out. They use a lot of US tooling as I understand it. RIA and Metro arms seem to be some of the best.

 

[Kandearms]

I have a colt and fusion . The fit and finish of fusion is awesome

Virginia educator " A pencil is a weapon when it is pointed at another person and gun noises are made"

 

[firemedic15]

Also nothing wrong with Colt. My favorite 1911 is my grandfathers Colt from 1937 chambered in .38 Super.

 

[Velzey]

I am most impressed with the new Ruger Commander. Fit and finish is superb!

I will be picking one up very soon myself!!

Nothing wrong with pistols made in the South Pacific, I have had several and they have all performed well. Even in my Ransom rest. BUT the Ruger is impressive..

 

[coop44]

personally I would never own a $1k plus 1911, the mid priced guns seem pretty nice, springfield, ruger, remington. There are a batch of Colts coming in from argentina, check the Sarco Inc. website for various grades.

 

[Barachiah]

Kimber makes a good 4" gun, I've got a Pro Carry that I thoroughly enjoy. It's a 70 series that I picked up a few years back. All the new ones are based on 80 series designs, but there is nothing wrong with them. I would stay away from their aluminum frames, just don't care for them. They feel cheap.

Springfield makes great guns, most of the ones us mere mortals can afford are made in Brazil. I have a Loaded in Matte/Stainless. I love it, super reliable. It's my carry gun when I'm on day shift.

I'd say look for a used one, but everyone else scoops em up pretty quick.

Basically, you can't go wrong with most makers based on sheer design alone. A 1911 is a 1911. Be careful of the lower end new ones, if it feels crappy it probably is. No Llama's whatsoever though.

Feel free to PM me with further inquiries. I don't like to call myself an expert in anything, but I know some stuff I reckon.

 

[ATCclears]

I also have a Springfield Loaded model (PX9109LP) and love it.
Springfield Armory

Peter

 

[Mr.B]

My kimber pro tle II is my favorite EDC. Worth every penny. I had an issue with the ejector coming loose, but kimber fixed it under warranty. I would definitely buy another.

 

[solv3nt]

All I can say is that I love my Ruger SR1911 Commander (4.25" barrel) as well as my previous SR1911 5" which my wife took for her own, which led to me getting the Commander. On Friday night, Northwest Armory had an SR1911 (not sure if it was a Gov't model or Commander) for $669.

I bought their last commander a few weeks ago, they may have gotten more tho.

 

[accessbob]

I bought their last commander a few weeks ago, they may have gotten more tho.

How are you liking it?

 

[JAFO]

Kimber makes a good 4" gun, I've got a Pro Carry that I thoroughly enjoy. It's a 70 series that I picked up a few years back. All the new ones are based on 80 series designs, but there is nothing wrong with them. I would stay away from their aluminum frames, just don't care for them. They feel cheap.

You thoroughly enjoy your Pro Carry but recommend he stays away from their aluminum frames? Pro Carry and Stainless Pro Carry are alloy framed unless you mean Stainless Pro Carry HD.

I thoroughly enjoy my Pro Carry and would buy another. I may even buy a Pro Carry II eventually if I see one for the right price. For now I'm happy with it. I also have an STI Escort alloy framed 1911 that I like but it is officers size.

I recommend getting whatever you find at a price you don't mind paying. I like the weight difference with the alloy framed versions. My Pro Carry is more comfortable for all day carry than my Colt Officer's ACP and that is a full size grip vs. officer's size.

I have an early RIA compact and it had a soft firing pin. It mushroomed slightly and would cause light primer strikes. I replaced the firing pin with a CMC stainless firing pin and have had no problems after that.

 

[solv3nt]

How are you liking it?

First shot with factory ammunition at 15' was dead center bulls-eye! It's more accurate than me!

 

[solv3nt]

4.25" vs 5" doesn't make that big of a difference to me in size. The grip is the same, and that's the part that will print. The muzzle is going to be sticking down your pants, so that's not the part to worry about. That said, my 5" Colt hides well on me, 5'8 - 160lbs.

 

[unklekippy]

I used to own an AMT Longslide Hardballer with a compensator to give it an 8" barrel. That gun was fun. I also have a 5" AMT Hardballer Combat. I love my Ruger 1911. I find my Kimber TLE II to be a fine 1911 and Kimber's least(I think) expensive model. You can't go wrong with a Colt. Especially if you can get your hands on a National Match or a Gold Cup NM.

The shocker(for me anyways) is my absolute favorite 1911. It's a RIA 5" with a NM barrel and extended beavertail. I have found groups shrink big time with a NM barrel and will be using them on all future 1911's.

They are the greatest fighting semi-auto out there. Some day I would very much like to get myself a top of the line model. A minimum of $2,000. But, it's kind of like buying a Colt SAA. Why spend $2,000 on something that you know will have problems when you can just buy a pile of Ruger Blackhawk's for the same price and they work better, aren't as fragile and don't have huge differences in chamber sizes?

Sincerely,
Kip, In The Mountains, Dreaming Of A Wilson Combat(but willing to settle for a Les Baer!)

 

[mrblond]

for a 1911 it depends on what you wish to spend. a 500$ Rai will shoot about as good as a 900$ springer but it will lack the fit and finish. the 900$ springer will shoot close to the 1,000$ colt which will shoot close to the 1600$ Dan Wesson, which will shoot close to the 2,000$ dollar Ed Brown which is close to the 3,000 Wilsons. What your paying for is fit and finish as well as the name. The fit and finish on my Dan Wesson is heads above it on my Springfield and very close to a Ed brown. Is the cost worth it? to me it is.