I think I need a 1911. I've only shot a colt so far, but I'm thinking about getting a Ruger. They look nice and they're made in an outlaw state. A 4506 is definitely something I want as well, but I just feel a sudden need for the old classic. Anybody shot a Ruger 1911 or have any opinions on it. I'm in no hurry because it will take me forever to save up that kind of scratch.

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Hold on. SWAT's at my door.

I got a Ruger two weeks ago and have only fired it once. It was TIGHT. Let me say that was the only time I have ever fired a new autoloader as I have always bought used in the past. Worksmanship and fitting seems first class. The recoil spring is really stout. I have some more jrn bullets on order and am looking forward to more shooting and loosening it up a bit. I have no regrets as to the purchase.

I've had my SR1911 since last September, and I really like it. It really is a fine pistol, and from a great company who stands behind their products. (For the record, I also have a SW1911 too. )

The only problem with the SR1911 is finding one...they are scarce right now! Maybe the time you save the money to buy one, they will be more readily available. I hope you get one, I think you will like it.

No experience with the SR1911, but the one I saw and handled looked decent enough, and I have not heard anyone complaining about them. When I read your post, it got me thinking that the funny thing about the SR1911 encounter was that I neglected to take note the selling price. Makes me wonder if the gun was even for sale. Might have been reserved for display.

But of course you need a 1911! Everyone does. Hope you can scrape something together soon.

Might look at the springfields they are an awesome gun for the money.

I've got a buddy with a springfield 1911. I'll try it as soon as both of us can get to the range at the same time. That SR just really caught my eye. It's a few bucks less expensive, too, as the man said, if you can find one.

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Hold on. SWAT's at my door.

If you want to go higher end, I'd suggest the S&W E series or a Dan Wesson. The only Ruger I've seen in a gunshop was at Cabelas this past weekend and it seemed a little loose to me. Maybe just the example I saw, but it could have used a barrel link adjustment and tightening the slide a bit. The trigger wasn't bad, maybe 6 pounds pull and fairly crisp, with some overtravel.

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Even older, even crankier....

If you can find one at a decent price, the Ruger is arguably the best entry level 1911 on the market right now.

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Run Fast, Bite Hard!

I really like Kimbers, everyone I've owned was super accurate. You have plenty of time to save for a Ruger. There's a list about 10 deep at my local shop waiting for one.

Another vote for Springfield. Excellent pistol, great value for your money and probably the best customer service in the business.

Of course you need one, everybody does. I have a few. Why not the original Colt. They make a top notch pistol. This is my XSE Govt Model. This one is an absolute tack driver, 1-2 inches at 25 yards if I do my part. My next one may be a Commander size of some flavor. I also really want a S&W, Kimber and Springfield just don't do it for me.

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Copyright MCMLXII ©

I very recently did a trigger job on a Ruger 1911 for a friend, and can attest to them being tight. This same gun just 3 days later was fired with an accidental double charge. Blew the base out of the round, set off the next two rounds in the magazine, split the grips, blew the magazine out to the gun, ejected either a slug from the burst rounds or a case that hit the shooter in the right cheek just below the eye. The shooter is fine, has a small piece of material in his cheek which was removed yesterday. Unbelievably, the Ruger 1911 "seems" perfectly fine. No swelling, no cracks, the barrel and slide are as smooth and free as prior to the incident. I would almost bet you could load it up and it would function fine. The shooter did contact Ruger and they advised him (wisely) to not shoot the gun and send it in to them for inspection.They did send him a prepaid mailing label. I will be very curious what they find and if he gets that gun back or a different one. I have reservations that the warranty would cover any damage as it was a hand load, but we will see.

I am very impressed with the sturdiness of the Ruger 1911, handling a double charged load with no outward evidence of any damage.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Thanks for all the great info gentlemen. BShepherd, I would love an original colt, it's the first handgun I ever shot. Maybe someday when I get the money flowin' a bit better. Then I could get a lot of guns on my list. My brain is really focused on the Ruger right now. GB has some nib, but I've got some work to do yet.

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Hold on. SWAT's at my door.

Here's the plain Model SW1911. No forward serrations, short guide rod, wood grips. One of my favorites.......

I stumbled onto one last summer at a LGS - just after they first came out - scooped it up for around $650 - can't beat it for that price IMO.

Here's a pic of mine to keep you motivated

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Lou

i concur...take a look at the colt 45's....i recently purchased a full size colt rail gun (100 years of service) and love it....very very accurate and reliable

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

god loves 1911 owners

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psalm 23:4 cause I'm armed

How about a Kimber

Get one of these:

The Ruger has a lot going for it. I like that they stayed with the Colt style extractor. If you were to stop at this one, it would not be the best you could do. It is a good gun for the money, and is somewhat true to the real thing. But there are Ed Browns/Wilson Combats/ Les Baers out there used & low round counts. Buy the Ruger, and keep your sights set on the others.

I haven't fired a Ruger 1911 yet, the only one I've had any experience with was one that my LGS got in last year after they first came out. I field stripped it, inspected the parts and workmanship, and tested the action and trigger. It seemed OK, reasonably well built, with decent machining and tolerances. The trigger was acceptable, although with a bit of creep and, as is typical of nearly all factory guns these days, especially Rugers of all descriptions, far too heavy. That, of course, can be remedied. Overall, a decent 1911, but, IMHO, not quite to the quality level of Colt or Springfield.

If you are truly looking for the "best bang for the buck," take a look at Springfield's Range Officer. I picked one up not too long ago, and it is head and shoulders above any other 1911 in the less than $1,500 price range, in my opinion. Slide to frame fit, bushing fit and barrel to slide fit is so tight it needs no modification for serious target competition, yet the slide is smooth in operation, with no roughness. The trigger is very smooth and crisp, although a bit heavy (mine broke at just under 5 lbs when new, now is about 4.5 lbs after about 150 rounds, that is where it will stay until I do a little work to bring it down to 3.5 lbs or so, where I like them). Some things SA doesn't advertise include: 1) the feed ramp is polished, 2) the chamber is flared and polished, 3) the breech face is smoothed around the firing pin area, and, 4) the firing pin channel in the slide is deburred. The foregoing four items comprise a "reliability package" offered by most smiths and custom shops at a cost of $150-$350. My gun has operated flawlessly, and is extremely accurate, the last several groups have been right around an inch to inch and a half at 25 yards offhand, I expect they will tighten up a bit when I get around to shooting it from a rest. I followed a typical rifle barrel break-in procedure, i.e., fire one round, clean, fire one round, clean, etc. for the first 15 rounds, then fire five rounds, clean, fire five, clean, etc., until 65 rounds, then fire a magazine full (7 rounds), clean, another magazine, clean, etc. to a total round count nearing 150, I have had good results in attaining accuracy from my rifles and handguns using that technique. The other features are pretty much self-evident, and I consider the adjustable sights to be a major benefit - I like to be able to adjust the sights to suit the loads I use, the individual gun, and my hold. BTW, I have used adjustable sighted guns (rifles and handguns) in actual combat, and have never had them "knocked out of alignment" or any of the other supposed combat-related drawbacks attributed to them by arm-chair experts, so I don't consider them a drawback for such use. I haven't had any problem carrying it concealed, either, although that was just in simple "test runs" around the house, as I want another few hundred rounds through it before carrying it as a defensive weapon. BTW, it has operated flawlessly to date, reliably digesting factory FMJ ball ammo, RNL loads, 200 grain LWSC and factory hollow points. I usually carry my Colt Lightweight Government Model as my primary carry weapon, but this Range Officer is fast becoming one of my favorite guns. The other day, I was bouncing cans with each round offhand from 50 to 75 yards - it is a great shooter, and lots of fun! I like it more every time I take it shooting!

Whatever you buy, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

beautiful. there's just somethin sexy and timeless about plain 1911 a1's

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psalm 23:4 cause I'm armed

Each person has their favorite 1911 and for various reasons. Some buys for price, some for quality, some for looks but they all end up loving their 1911 and wanting more.

I have a few and love each for a different reason. My personal favorite is a S&W. I would sell every gun I own before parting with it. My daughter swears I will be buried with it. With the exception of the last three weeks, it gets several hundred rounds a week.

And it is the gun that will be going to Gunsite on my next trip.

No matter which 1911 you buy, it will be your favorite gun. You will have to learn how to shoot a 1911 but once you master that, you will want to carry it everywhere.

Springfield loaded has a lifetime warranty and lots of added features for a few dollars more.

1911's have a strong cult following subculture. I have never found a more fanatical group. Mention carrying in something other than condition one will get you labeled as a heretic pinko pansy boy on the 1911 forum. JMB is god to some of those folks. I have had many over the years, and other than a single para ord, I have never had a bad one. If you are not comfortable doing basic work/inspection, they are not good for heavy shooting. They can be somewhat finicky due to extractor tension/magazine/recoil springs. They can become very addictive.

The Ruger 1911’s look good. I’ve had a couple of Colts and a Kimber.

The LGS has a SW1911 Pro Series 9mm.

I don't need a 9mm, but I'm having a hard time passing this one up.

From one who has many 1911s, mostly high-end (Wilson Combat SGs), I would suggest thinking twice about buying at the low-end of the 1911 spectrum. You generally get what you pay for in the 1911 world, and at the low-end, you're almost certainly getting assembly line craftsmanship and low-cost MIM small parts (also keep in mind that not all MIM manufacturers apply the same QC).

To me, S&W is where one finds the base camp of quality 1911s; and this quality goes up considerably with the Performance Centers 1911s. Going lower is taking a chance with your hard-earned dollars.

everyone says how hard the Ruger is to find. The small LGS in my area has had several. They do sell quickly though. If money is no object then a Kimber, if on a budget then Ruger. Both USA made 100%!

Picked up a Springfield SS Mil-Spec .45 ACP yesterday at a LGS, a gift for a fine young man who is being commissioned as an officer in the US. Army in May.
His mother suggested engraved cuff links, but I thought he might be in a serious disadvantage in a fire fight with those.
After looking a lot of them the Springfield looked like the best bet. The dealer cut some slack on the cost when I told him what it was for. Looking for someone to engrave it with his name and the commissioning date now.

I love my Rock Island, cant help it. Knowing I paid 400 dollars for a 1911 that outshoots my 800-1000 dollar guns puts a smile on my face. Its not the prettiest thing in the world but it functions flawlessly (after filing down the slide stop a tad) and is as accurate as I can make it. I'm sure the gun snobs will frown on this suggestion but go to the 1911 forum and do some research before you decide........... a lot of the more expensive pretty guns have A LOT of problems. FWIW if you want to go high end get a Springer Loaded, you wont be disappointed

Don't knock the Rock Island. My compact model shoots almost as well as my gold Cup or Springfield. I did add a beaver-tail grip safety and better sights and just touched up the trigger a little.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

It seems like every firearms producer in the world makes a version of 1911's in .45 & 9MM and in my limited experience with them I have learned a few things that might be useful to you.

1. It seems like there are 3 price point breaks, the first would be from zero to about $750/$800. These guns are pretty bare bones and many owners end up switching out OEM parts for aftermarket replacements. Bottom line is they end up spending more for the modified/upgraded gun than if they had bought the upgrades in the gun originally. It's not just the cost of the parts, you need a gunsmith to install many item, night sights is a good example.
2. The next price point runs from approx. $1000 up to $2,000 for which you can buy a very nice gun. Reliability & customer service are things to expect from a gun in this range. (I'm not saying that lower priced guns aren't reliable guys so back off) You would expect to see things like serrations on front and back straps, ambi safeties and high quality components in these guns along with high quality finishes. These guns offer standard items that would be options in a lower priced gun. Typicall, these guns are very good looking guns if that's something that interests you. Personally if I don't like the look of a gun I'm not going to buy it.
3. Next would be the "Custom designed and built guns", and you can spend as much as you want to on these guns. I certainly don't have a need for a gun in this category but some people must because a lot are sold every year.

With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight and given the chance to start over with 1911's again here's what I would do:
I would buy a cheapo RIA or SA full size 1911 and I would treat it as a learning tool, decide what options you would like to have on your ideal gun and also how to fully disassemble & reassamble it. In the long term you will get a true appreciation for what a big difference that things like serrated front & back straps mean to how the gun feels in your hand and if you're feeling better about it'll give you more confidence and thet'll lead to better accuracy and confidence win your gun. Also decide what you're going to use this gun for, it is very important to understand this because you could make the mistake, for example, of buying a full sized 1911 expecting to conceal carry it on a daily basis which would be OK if you're physically large enough to pull it off. But if you're like me at 5' 10" 7 160 lbs you would be disappointed because it would be way too much weight for you to CC all day. Depending on how much time you want to spend on this project you could be ready in 3-4 months to write up the specs for you new 1911.
Don't take any of this for gospel, it's just my observations and experiences with 1911's. One last thing--consider resale value of the gun you do buy. I know you probably won't think much about it now but when the day comes that you want to change things up you want to get the most out of your gun you can. For example, in Texas a Colt is a God like possession. You can't go wrong with a Wilson or Ed Brown and so on.

I CC two different guns, in winter I use a Kimber 1911 model Ultra CDP with crimson Trace laser grip. It's got a 3" barrel and it works great for me.
Good Luck

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Life Mbr:DAV-USMC-DAV-NRA-MOPH

The SR1911 is nice, but hate the black controls with the SS frame/slide.

I'd spend an extra $50 and get a Springfield Range Officer.

If you are against a cast frame, then you'll have to skip the Ruger.

I have both...one thing about the RO is that it has adjustable sights, and they are black...no dots or white outline. Why they did that I don't know, it makes them hard to see. So, I sent mine in to the Springfield Custom Shop and had them install fixed night sights front and rear (the rear sight is an LPA cut, so there aren't many options.) I don't shoot targets in competition, so why did I buy the RO? Other than the sights, it is set up like I like my 1911s: GI guide rod and plug, beaver tail grip safety, single side thumb safety, commander hammer, and ventilated trigger. Springfield is a good company, and makes good products.

One negative about the RO, in my opinion: the finish is parkerized, which is my first experience with this kind of finish, and I'm not sure I like it. All my other guns have been stainless or blued...and stainless is very easy to polish when you get scratches or wear marks. The park finish seems very dry, so I am reading about what others have done to get it to take up some oil...and of course, if it gets scratches I can't polish them out. It is a good looking pistol, though, in this finish...looks line an old WWII model (except of course for the modern touches.)

I wanted an SR1911, and have been on the waiting lists at at 4-5 LGSs since before the gun went on the Maryland approved list last October, and none of them, none, has taken delivery of more than one or two, if that. Word went out that Kittery Trading Post in Maine was getting regular deliveries, so I got on their waiting list, $666 plus $25 shipping. In the meanwhile, I let myself get talked into buying an E-Series base gun locally. Wouldn't you know that while I was waiting for my latest MD "one gun a month" month to expire, Kittery called and said my number was up. I passed on the SR1911. Can't say I'm sorry. I just got back from my first range trip with the E-Series, and I'm very, very pleased.

I paid $839 for my Smith; if you can go a little more than the Ruger, I'd highly recommend it, at least so far.

the RO is a base gun, that has the build quality of the Trophy Match (and TRP), but with less bells/whistles so that one can customize it to how they want (for competition). John Harrison has a replacement sight (fixed) for the LPA cut, and 10-8 should have a sight later down the road.

Ruger's a nice gun, but not a true 1911.
Here's a REAL 1911:

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

I suppose...but it does make you wonder why they didn't use a Novak cut, or something more standard, and easily available.

Let me guess...you are still driving a Model T Ford, right?

Most competition 1911's use adjustable sights. This allows POA/POI adjustments, especially for the reloaded.

Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2

That I get...what I don't get is why they used the LPA cut, especially if they thought/planned on most people changing out the sights.

DW VBOB

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Life Mbr:DAV-USMC-DAV-NRA-MOPH

I recently purchased a Springfield Range officer and have been extremely pleased with it.
The rear sight appears to be a copy of the old Bo-Mar sight which was THE sight for competition use for many years. Adjustments are fine, precise and solid. No, it doesn't have dots or glow in the dark. Its a target sight and does an outstanding job in that repect.
As for the parkerized finish, its tough as nails. Don't worry about it.
I own several Colts and do love them. However, my Springfields are my working 1911s. I shoot them more than any others.

I have only five 1911`s and I like them all.
The Kimber ultra is amazing how they have managed the recoil on a 3 inch barrel. The Gold Cup- wonderful , Combat Commander ,probably my fav.
Next an ugly cobbled together Gov model with a compensator-looks bad shoots good.Last a Colt Service Ace- everyones fav. They are all colts except for the Kimber.

Well they always say "If it's not a Colt, it's a copy" I'll say "If it's not an Ed Brown, it's a copy."

I looked at the SR1911 and have found some pretty positve reviews. It's a solid 1911 clone. Good luck finding one.

About a year ago I purchased a Rock Island Armory "Match". It's RIA's hand fited 1911. Great gun for the money. See STI's Spartan model.

I liked it so much that I just picked up a RIA tactical model for a knock around 1911.

BTW, I looked at a Les Bear a few weeks ago and fell in love, BUT that kind of love has a high price.

another FWIW....... STI uses Armscor parts (RIA)

yet another FWIW...
it's only on the Spartan, but the hammer/sear/disconnector are still STI.

Good on ya' my friend.

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Life Mbr:DAV-USMC-DAV-NRA-MOPH

Like this:

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Life Mbr:DAV-USMC-DAV-NRA-MOPH