Which 1911 to buy??

[asevans]

Ha. Sounds like I should sell all my Colt 45's. Gosh will anybody even buy them. Will my son not want them when I pass them on to him. My be I need to wear gloves and a face shield when I shoot mine. Is it even safe to shoot?
I'll pay more for a colt with less junk on it.
You guys are sick.

 

[asevans]

Any main brand of 1911 will be fine. You have to choose what kind of guy or gal you are. If I die in my sleep my kids are going to pull out a bunch of Colts out of my safe.

 

[drillsgt]

Lots of options around that price point. New Springers, used Dan Wessons. As mentioned, CZ if you're after GI.

Highsmiths had a very nice SS DW Valor last time I was in.

 

[drillsgt]

Youre paying for the name. The very worst fit 1911 I have ever handled was a Colt Gold Cup. Worse than any Milsurp, even.

You handled one Colt you didn't like so they all suck? The very worst beavertail fit i've ever seen was on a Springfield but I don't think they all suck.

 

[asevans]

Go ahead and say it.
They are union made in the USA

 

[Woobie]

You handled one Colt you didn't like so they all suck? The very worst beavertail fit i've ever seen was on a Springfield but I don't think they all suck.

I don't know why you would infer that from my statement. The worst I ever handled was a Colt, but not the only Colt I've handled. Colts are OK, they just ask too much for their stuff like it's made out of unicorn or something. Just like they used to do with their AR's before the market exploded with all the other offers. But if you've had good luck, that's great. I have nothing against someone owning one. But if someone asks if you're paying for a name when you buy one, my honest opinion is "yes." And don't just buy that name thinking it is quality, because it may not be. Check it out before you fork over hard earned money.

 

[Theslab1]

Budget is first question, as others have stated. Any of the Kimbers are a great value, IMO. Kimber II for a "basic" full size 1911 is a pretty great handgun without going custom. Very happy with my Kimber Custom II for $800. Also have Wilson CQB that is $3000. Wilson definitely a finer gun, as it should be. My Kimber still shoots very, very well for less than 1/3 the price.. If you have the budget, get a Wilson and be done.

 

[churchmouse]

Ha. Sounds like I should sell all my Colt 45's. Gosh will anybody even buy them. Will my son not want them when I pass them on to him. My be I need to wear gloves and a face shield when I shoot mine. Is it even safe to shoot?
I'll pay more for a colt with less junk on it.
You guys are sick.

And you are taking this all wrong.
The new ones. Any model built recently.
I understand they are on the rebound but I have yet to see it.

Now...........Carry on.

Oh, I am anything "But" sick thank you.
I have been deep in more 1911's than many will ever see so my opinions are based on this and personal ownership. I am sorry to have sold the 3 I bought in the early/mid 90's. They were decent pieces. The recent ones were not even close to being worth the asking price.

 

[churchmouse]

You handled one Colt you didn't like so they all suck? The very worst beavertail fit i've ever seen was on a Springfield but I don't think they all suck.

Exactly.

 

[wtburnette]

People get very defensive in their choice of anything and everything they buy. Understandable in some respects because you did the research and spent the money and want to be known as having made the "right" choice. The thing is, what's right for one person isn't the same for the next. That's why in most of these "What X type of gun should I buy" threads, people try to ask what the needs, the budget, etc are before making suggestions. There are tons of great 1911's out there. Some vendors are better for certain needs and some vendors are overall more consistent with quality than other vendors. I have not owned or even looked seriously at either Colt or Kimber, for very similar reasons. Both used to be very good brands that delivered excellent guns for the money. In more recent years, both are known for being more hit or miss with their quality and for not providing as good a gun for the money they cost. That isn't to say that some people don't buy a Colt or Kimber, have no issues and think they're the best thing since sliced bread. It happens. To those, of course they're going to sing the praises of those guns because their personal experience leads them to believe they are great. Personally, I'll stick with the guns I've seen more people have no issue with. Springers, S&W, DW, Sig and even Ruger for their SR1911 series, which has impressed me for an entry level offering. If I ever get the opportunity for an older Colt or Kimber, for a good price, I'll definitely consider it, but for me, I'll avoid the newer ones from both manufacturers. That doesn't make me right, or wrong, that's just my opinion and what I choose to do.

 

[RustyHornet]

Silly WT! You're not allowed an opinion on the Internet. You're either right or wrong.

 

[wtburnette]

Too many people on forums certainly feel that way...

 

[sweendogie]

I love my Sig that I just bought. First 1911 and I couldn't be happier. Ruger or Springfield loaded was my next choice as you can get them anywhere from 6-800 used if you look.

 

[10mmfan]

If your budget is around a thousand I would say Springfield or a kinber warrior, 1500 to 2000 I would look at a Dan Wesson. 2000 or a little more Les Baer. 3000 or more i would go Nighthawk or Wilson. You can also get some good savings if you shop around
on a used pistol but you will want to be thorough when you check out a used pistol. I picked up a really clean springfield stainless loaded 1911 for around 750.00 at gander mountain a couple months back so decent deals can be had. In my opinion unless your a colt collector or your looking for a project that needs work I would stay away from Colt pistols as i have yet to see one that didnt require some work to be reliable.

 

[wtburnette]

I love my Sig that I just bought. First 1911 and I couldn't be happier. Ruger or Springfield loaded was my next choice as you can get them anywhere from 6-800 used if you look.

Sig Nightmare, right? Beautiful gun. My buddy IndyGlockMan had one for a while and it was a very sweet shooter. Enjoy!

 

[Indynic]

In my opinion unless your a colt collector or your looking for a project that needs work I would stay away from Colt pistols as i have yet to see one that didnt require some work to be reliable.

Okay guys, really? I have been watching this thread unfold since the beginning. I have never seen a stock Colt that didn't run. I'm sure that the Colts you have seen have had problems, but did you ever ask where those problems came from?

"Well, all I did was take a dremel to the feed ramp and tried to put the slide in a vice to tighten it up to the frame a bit. This Colt sucks! DERP DERP"

Every stock Colt that I have ever shot has just plain ran. The only gripe about Colts can be their loose fit. Hence the "rattle trap" mantra. They have actually began to fit them tighter recently. I bought three Colt 1911's that were manufactured in 2015. Very nicely fit guns that DONT rattle and just plain run. ZERO malfunction tack drivers.

100% made in America, less MIM parts than anyone else and within about $50 of Springfield, Sig, etc. Yeah, I think they are worth that. To each his own, I guess. Best of luck to you.

 

[churchmouse]

Okay guys, really? I have been watching this thread unfold since the beginning. I have never seen a stock Colt that didn't run. I'm sure that the Colts you have seen have had problems, but did you ever ask where those problems came from?

"Well, all I did was take a dremel to the feed ramp and tried to put the slide in a vice to tighten it up to the frame a bit. This Colt sucks! DERP DERP"

Every stock Colt that I have ever shot has just plain ran. The only gripe about Colts can be their loose fit. Hence the "rattle trap" mantra. They have actually began to fit them tighter recently. I bought three Colt 1911's that were manufactured in 2015. Very nicely fit guns that DONT rattle and just plain run. ZERO malfunction tack drivers.

100% made in America, less MIM parts than anyone else and within about $50 of Springfield, Sig, etc. Yeah, I think they are worth that. To each his own, I guess. Best of luck to you.

Rattles, groups, triggers, general fit/finish. For the price I would expect better.
I have seen a few crappy Springers and other makes. Every body turns out a turd now and then.
Look hard at the ignition controls and safety fit. They could do better. Maybe with being bailed out they will until they rape the company again and Q.C. falls in the waste can.
Yup, they all run. I personally think a person can do much better for the same money with other brands that are built to a higher standard.
Again, the OP asked and these are merely opinions.

As mentioned already, I hear they are on the comeback trail. I am not going to put any more cash in their bank until I see this and even then maybe not. Just a personal thing and nothing more.

 

[Grelber]

Silly WT! You're not allowed an opinion on the Internet. You're either right or wrong.

If you do not prefer LB though, you have issues with anal seepage. Medical fact.

 

[wtburnette]

If you do not prefer LB though, you have issues with anal seepage. Medical fact.

 

[churchmouse]

If you do not prefer LB though, you have issues with anal seepage. Medical fact.

Is this the "Greasy Discharge" I hear on some disclaimers for medications.....