Hi folks, (If this is the incorrect forum, please relocate.)

I'd like to buy a 1911. Never had one, so, on D-Day I (A mental tribute to my Dad that served in Africa, Normandy and on into the push) will take the plunge.

I have experiences with S&W DAO & Springfield XD, and have been very satisfied with both. Currently, I carry and regularly spend range time with the XD.

So, what are current suggestions as to viable contenders for my dollars? I will use it for carry/range/home protection as I become proficient. Cost - it is all relative if it doesn't function - each time, every time. I tend to focus more on value of the weapon.

Thank you,

Hello From Colorado,

If this is a tribute to your dad for his participation in WWII, it would seem fitting to go with an original Colt 1911 A1 Full Size GI model. After all, that is what they used as their side arm, right?

If nostalgia isn't a priority, I would go for "bang for the buck". If you just want to stick your toe in the water, there are many good GI models to be found for less then 500.00 ... Nothing fancy, but good guns.

I personally own a Rock Island Tac II Full Size VZ model and love the gun. Set me back less then 600.00. It is higher then their standard GI because it has many extra features such as ambi-safety, extended beavertail, adjustable rear sight FO front sight. It is made in the Philippines. If you want to stick with the Colt name but want something with better performance than a straight GI, you can go with a Gold Cup.

Great guns in the 1911 format can be had from Smith and Wesson, Springfield and Sig.. Springfields start at about the 700 range new... For a little more you can get their "Range Officer" with a comp. barrel and target sights.

The sky is the limit with customs and semi-customs through places like Les Baer, Wilson Combat, Ed Brown, Luke Volkmann, etc.

If you are looking for something to carry, there are smaller versions or commander versions that might work for you.

Give us some idea of what you are looking for in a gun.

"which 1911" is a very open ended question. There are literally 100's of different variations (make/model) available, and at prices from under $400 to over $5000. All can have teething problems, so it's best to stick with a manufacturer that stands behind their product. Even well seasoned (used, but reliable) guns can be one shot away from failure.

You need to narrow the field down by style, size, barrel length, grip size, finish, sites, caliber,....etc, etc....

As a commemorative piece, a box stock Colt 5" GI in parkerized finish would seem the obvious choice. Rock Island has a fanatical fan base, because the build a solid gun, stand behind them, and the price is good. I am a fan of STI. Their GI model is more money, but superbly built (in Texas), with a great customer service reputation.

Be warned....1911's are the lays potato chip of handguns, you can never have just one. There are way too many great choices out there.

You might want to look around the 1911 forum, good brand specific information available.

I agree 100%. If not the Colt, at least buy one made in America.

Remington Arms made 1911's in WWI, so the R1 makes sense, the blued basic version is close to a GI gun, with some upgrades.

The Ruger SR1911 is a good stainless model, if you like the look of the black controls, against the matte stainless.

The S&W light weight commander if you want to Conceal it.

There are so many options right now, buy the one that is closest to what you want. So you don't waste money modifying it.

Good luck. Ed.

If you have the money, Dan Wessons are a good value, even if they're not cheap.

And if you want something to shoot that has great sights and fitting, there is the S&W 1911 Pro

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Science plus Art

Dan Wesson 1911s are the very best production guns short of a semi-custom or custom gun for fit, finish, reliability, and accuracy. The Colts have a very loyal following and have the best resale value due to the name and history. The RIA guns are made in the Philippines and have the best bang for the buck. Kimbers are either loved or hated. Springfield Armory makes some great 1911s. The low end ones are made in Brazil and the high end ones are assembled in the US with some parts from Brazil. I personally have five Colts, two Kimbers, and a Dan Wesson Valor. All of mine are the five inch government models and I carry one OWB every day.

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U.S. Navy - U.S. Army, ret

Nothing wrong with a Colt. Of course, if you're going to carry it, you have to choose the right holster/belt combination, because a full size Colt is no lightweight.

I second the Ruger. To me, a very beautiful yet reasonably-priced 1911 option. They also make a Commander version with a slightly shorter barrel that might be better as a carry option. Definitely worth considering.

Like the others said, there are all manner of 1911's. My collection includes a Springfield, a Sig Sauer Tac Ops, and an Ed Brown, so I run the gamut from not too expensive to probably won't fire it. There are as many opinions as there are models, so pick one you like and can afford, and then start looking for the next one . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Just about any 1911 pistol in good condition will make a fine shooter. The only brand that I've had bad luck with was AMT and I was dumb enough to buy a second one. I couldn't make either one feed a magazine of ball ammo without at least one malfunction.

I would recommend the Springfield Armory GI mil spec model I have two one in blue and the other in stainless.Great bargain and a recreation of history for WWII.

Can`t believe no one has mentioned Kimber yet. They were the first to take 1911s and make a lot of (formerly )optional things standard.

I suggest holding a bunch to find out what features you like; arched MSH vs flat, short trigger vs long, etc.

I did and here's what I got:



It's a Colt Series 70 Reissue. I changed the stocks to Colt hard rubber grips; much better feel and I actually like the retro look. For carry, which this gun is, I prefer the smaller safety, smaller grip safety, and lack of front serrations. You might notice the signs of carry in this picture; I didn't pretty it up before taking it. 300 rounds down range, no malfunctions of any kind. I use check-mate hybrid magazines and they work great. If I had it to do over again, I would get this same exact gun--a Colt blued series 70.

Kimber makes a great gun,especially the older ones.

I guess I'll "third" the recommendation for the Ruger. Commander is what I got. Love it.
Shooting a diet lately of 200 grain LSWC, eats them like candy.
I fully intend to acquire a RIA someday, read and heard a lot of good about them, but I also appreciate the Ruger
says Prescott, Arizona right on the side. Some detractors say some contracted parts have some connection to overseas contractors. I dunno about that.

My recommendation for a first 1911 would be a SW1911E series base gun. They generally go for under $900, mine has been reliable with any ammo I've tried, it's accurate, and the trigger - the trigger is just breath-taking. Breaks around 4.5 lbs, and the cleanest, crispest I've ever tried out-of-the-box.

I've got a few WWII era guns, but if your dad was in the war, that means you're no spring chicken yourself. Those original-style "hump and bump" sights are very difficult to use when your vision starts to deteriorate. If you want a gun for shooting, I'd make sure I had good, high-visibility sights.

There are FAR too many good quality 1911's on the market these days to be able to give you the "right" answer. Me, I looked at the DWs for a long time and had convinced myself to get one, then came across a Sig Traditional two tone reverse. It reminded me very much of the custom guns of the 90s I shot in competition, so that what I got.....

So....go to a range that rents a variety of 1911s and shoot until you find one that is right for you!

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Even older, even crankier....

Man, this thread makes me want to get a 1911 for my grandpa who served as well!! I've seen and held the Ruger in my LGS and really like the stainless with the wood handles (although there is a guy selling a Ruger in the FS section with Ivory grips on it and it looks fantastic as well). I'm not sure you can beat the price of the Ruger. I've also shot a SIG 1911 and enjoyed it as well.

Can't go wrong with a Range Officer.

How much do you want to spend? Without knowing that all anyone can do is list their favorites. There are better buys in every price range, let us know yours and we can make educated suggestions.

Without knowing anything else, I'll agree with some of the others and say that you can't go wrong with a Colt.

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

I am so impressed by the well thought opinions and observations. (Yes, I am no spring chicken.

I am zeroing in on a Springfield G.I. model with, ahem, enhanced sights.

Again, thank you all so much for the feedback.

I have an RIA CS (Officers Model) and absolutely love it. It's as tight and well made as many Colt 1911 I've had in the past, not as fancy but just as well made.

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Dick

After owning two non functioning colt 1911 I almost gave up on owning a functioning 1911. It took a well ridden Chinese norinco 1911 to show me what the 1911 hype was all about.

My next brand new 1911a1 was the Auto-Ordnance ARMY WW 2 copy. It's the closest, exact clone of the ww 2 colt copy as I'll ever purchase. This 1911 right out of the box has been flawless for over 500rds. I was torn between the new AO and the new Springfield Armory 1911a1 USGI-mil-spec. I purchased both a few days apart. Both brand new 1911a1 function and cycle as good as my norinco.

I have a gun curse. If I say a gun functions you better believe it. I just wished I purchased more nib AO 1911a1's.

I been looking for a cheap 1911a1 to ccw carry. So far my finds aren't the truck gun I'm looking for. I may try a Turkish 1911a1 clone next.

For a ww 2 exact clone the new Auto Ordnance ww 2 copy 1911a1 is hard to beat.

I want a 1911a1 in nickel and the RIA look great.

I want another 1911a1 in stainless and the Thompson Custom 1911a1 looks awesome.

Good choice. A "tribute" gun should be a GI model.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

When you get it, please post pics; we all like pictures, and will be interesting in whatg you 've gotg.

Wow.. A ton of great suggestions.. One thing not mentioned are the Colt WW1 reproductions. I have one. I love it and they are great replicas with modern durability. Short of old collectables I really like the new Government reissue 70 series. It is a serious tack driver (earlier post likes blue I prefer stainless)... The new National Match is very cool but all these guns are not on the cheap dollar side. The Ruger people say are great for the money and more than not many like the Springfield Operator series as shooters and carry guns based on extreme durability and ruggedness (I don't carry so no comment available)... The MC Operator is very cool but some people think they are over the top. Me I really like them and say to heck with those that don't like them.. Good luck....

You are absolutely right. Same with vehicles, motor oil and everything else you can imagine.

I like giving my advice/opinion, but threads like "what firearm should I buy?" or "want a fast car - what to buy?" it's not going to do it for me.

Too many variables in this. Determine budget, use, your expectations, must have features, your level of expertise, etc. first, then go from there.

Most people just like what they have and if you are happy with a $400 1911 it's hard to convince you that you should pay $3,000 for a better one.

Put your hands on as many 1911 in your price range as you can. If you ask online about a specific model you get way more (specific) answers to your question(s). Which ultimately can help you make a better decision.

But in the end it's your decision. Listen to your money and gut.

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Jorge

Purty good advice right there.

Excellent pictures!! Well done.. Mine are not so nice.. Couple of others.. Forgot to mention I have a match for the reproduction
M1911 -1918

consecutive SN post war Gov Models 1951

Again I am not a carry guy but if I was it would be short of a SW 642 a Colt 1903..

OP - Never a good thing talking about the darkside (Colt) on the SW Forum...

I don't ask forums to make decisions for me, but I do like to get feedback on guns that members have owned, and their experiences, which helps me make a decision. I'd much rather get input from actual owners, than from gun publications (have you ever read a negative review in a gun mag?)

I took some of the offered advice and wandered over to the local Gander Mt. store and fondled its in stock inventory of 1911. The sales guy was great and let me spend a long time with all sorts of Kimbers, Para, Auto Ordinance, Sig, Remington (really liked that those two), and more, commmander sized and full; flat and ached, G.I. style and extended beaver tail, et. al.

No Smiths were there. I have narrowed to down to Remington, Springfield and perhaps Sig (don't tell the wife

All were great, as expected. Now I am off to find a local range that might allow me to rent one or two for some range time and spent brass.

Again, thanks to all that offered advice & suggestions.

All great suggestions and answers above, I think again it really does boil down to price range. The cheapest ones I'd do would be Ruger's, who actually do really well I hear. Then to me it would be either a Springfield or a Colt, above and beyond you're talking custom and there are tons of great vendors!

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Still just a kid at heart

The trouble with 1911 pistols is that you cannot own just one. Once you get the bug things like this will happen:





Curl