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Need suggestions for a full size 1911.

5K views 35 replies 18 participants last post by  surevaliance 
#1 ·
Hello all this will be my first 1911. Currently open carry a Glock 22 but its a little fat/wide at least for me. Very familiar with the 1911 platform what I am not familiar with is the quality difference between manufacturers. I have 1200 for the purchase and searching for a full size model in 45. Mainly seeking high quality fit and finish. I don't care about fancy engraving or anything like that just well made reliable firearm. Currently looking at sig and kimber. Any suggestions or info comparing manufacturers will be appreciated.
Thanks
Elmer Fudd
 
#3 · (Edited)
The Springfield "Mil Spec" closely equals the Colt Government Model 1911 except it has several "functional" features that enhance it and its performance, like titanium firing pin (safety against discharge if dropped), "high-hand grip" (heightened and reduced radius between grip front strap and trigger guard), lowered ejection port, original arched mainspring housing, taller fixed military profile sights, Match barrel and bushing, original spur hammer and two 7-round magazines. The Mil Spec is, in my opinion, the most bang for the buck (around $800 retail)1911 that is almost "stock configured" as a full size 1911 .45 ACP. I had a chance in 2007 to buy one in .38 Super chambering and like a fool, hesitated and lost that chance.

I have a Colt Government Model Mark IV/80 Series .45 (purchased new in 1983) and if it were lost or stolen, the Springfield Mil Spec would be its replacement.
 
#6 ·
I had this Tac ops Sig, it was fun to shoot but rarely used it, just wasn't my thing I guess. All metal very aggressive grip If you run out of ammo you can kill the bad guy by throwing it in his face lol. Came with 4 mags, I'd recommend it to anyone but it's a bit expensive


 
#7 · (Edited)
Were I planning on purchasing a new 1911 pistol today and had around $2k to spend, I believe I'd, first, look at Nighthawk Custom offerings.
Next, I'd look at Wilson Combat.
Then I'd look at Springfield Armory Custom Shop pistols
Believe it or not, CZ USA offers a fine 1911 line (Dan Wesson) and may be the best under $2k option..
Les Baer pistols are definitely an option.
I'd consider Ed Brown but his pistols need extensive breaking in.
SIG-Sauer makes a very good 1911 but I dislike its looks.
Kimber is in the running but they continue to have 'finish problems' (rust).
I believe Colt charges too much for their name.

If you're interested, I can speak more to these brands.
 
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#9 ·
Nice signature and thanks for the response. I honestly thought Dan Wesson's were more expensive. I checked a used one out before at a local shop and it was by far the nicest gun I've ever held. I racked the slide and it felt like it was on bearings. Really everything about the gun was smooooth. Do you have any experience with the A2's? My local shop has them for 1300 new.
 
#8 ·
I'm not a Kimber fan. I believe the best value for your money in a 1911 right now is a Dan Wesson. A Nighthawk would be great but I haven't seen one for less than $3K in a while.

Lots of deals here...I searched Dan Wesson 1911....

https://grabagun.com/search/?q=dan+wesson+1911
 
#10 · (Edited)
Another vote for the Springfield Mil Spec I've had one for years It is in my avatar pic. Ive since done some modifications to mine, It no longer wears the rubber wraparound Pachmeyer grips but has double diamond walnut grips. I swapped out the arched MSH for a flat one, swapped out the military style grip safety for a upswapt beavertail style and replaced the mil style hammer with a skeletonized hammer. The pistol functioned just fine before I made the changes. The mods were more a matter of personal prefference.
 
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#15 ·
Leedi got an EMP, years ago, when they first came out. They were originally offered only in 9x19mm. She loves hers. Its the only 9x19mm pistol she likes.

The story goes; Springfield originally designed the pistol around the .45 GAP round. Supposedly, they took a 1911 and shrunk every part by approximately one-third. Then they realized the .45 GAP was a turkey that was never going to fly so they offered it in 9x19mm and, later, in .40 S&W.

I think it would be neat to have one chambered in .45 GAP. Just to have.
 
#16 ·
You can also go used with that kind of budget.

Dan Wesson, S&W Performance Center, Les Baer, Springfield TRP are within reach. Our FFLS charge $10 or $20 around here, so Gunbroker becomes popular for shopping.

A new 1911 requires break in. Sometimes around 400 rounds. That’s why I always went pre owned. They were broken in, and I didn’t want to pay retail.

Others require additional fitting or tuning, though, that was not the case with higher end ones that I have own, such as the Mars Armament THUG Colt 1911, Wilson CQB, Ed Brown Kobra Carry, Ed Brown Special Forces, Guncrafter No Name, etc.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
 
#21 ·
Im thankful Pa is still gun friendly. Hope Gov Wolf don't get his way though. But anyway Im planing on getting out my RIA'S for some range time today. I think my wrist is ready for it. I'll run the 45's and see how it feels. Then decide if i'll run the 10mm. Elemer i had wrist surgery the 3rd of May to fill you in.
 
#22 ·
i have played with and had some range times wit various models of 1911's.....

i can easily say the Les Baer was the best by a long margin...followed by a wilson combat that was borrowed for a day....they are today a pipe dream to own for me as i will never spend that much money....i simply do not have it.

the most i would or could afford and the best quality was a borrowed kimber custom II........it was very well made and accurate in my thinking for the price.......the kimber is within realistic reach for me.....if i just had to have it. I have owned some Colts....1991a1's, rock island, and springfield mil spec, and a frankengun 1911.....the kimber put them all to shame in my opinion.....

money has always been a factor for me.

but my interest in 1911's has faded.
 
#23 ·
have been looking around online for a good deal and found remingtons r1 enhanced on midway usa pretty cheap. anyone have experience with them? I looked around online and saw a few people saying they had issues and others saying it was a great gun for the money.
 
#30 ·
son n' law has an R1 stainless.......he has put a fair amount of rounds thru it with no problems. i am under the impression that the R1 is a re-branded para ordinance since they were bought out and put under the remington umbrella.....that might account for the tooling and expertise remington put into the 1911 format from the absorbed company.
 
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#31 ·
I love the 10mm it's my fave. But im a power junkie lol. I do not always load to max though casings don't last long doing so. But yeah i wouldn't want to shoot it out of a polymer framed gun. I have grip upgrades too on my 45 and 10mm 1911's too. View attachment 102466
Everyone’s a bit of a power junkie. Never seen someone shoot a 12g or 44mag without smiling. Next time i’m at the range I’ll see if they have a 10mm 1911 for rent for sure.
 
#32 ·
A 1911 in 10mm with a six inch barrel is a joy to shoot. Of course, you could always call up Coonan and get a 1911 in .357 mag and usually feel quite unique at the range,
 
#36 · (Edited)
No matter what the make is, choose the one that accepts 33 rd magazine!
 
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