You can't have this one because it's mine but I would highly recommend it. LW Commander. Shoots like a dream.

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With over thirty years of professional association with the 1911 I can say this: Dan Wesson. Nothing else in the production niche comes close.

Think about what you’d pick if you walked into a gun store and a dozen 1911’s were on the counter with tape over the name so you didn’t know the brand. What would you base your selection on, features, finish, fit, function, sights, eye appeal? Try to move past the brand name and see which actually makes the cut.

People badmouth pretty much every brand even if they’ve never owned one or shot one. Being a Kimber owner I pay attention to what people say. Kimbers are tight out of the box and are in something that resembles oil but is not. I’ve seen quite a few people take their gun straight out of the box and start shooting. The vet malfunction after malfunction because they never cleaned and lubed it. The first thing I do when I get any firearm is thoroughly clean and lube then check it out carefully. As a result I NEVER have had one fail, any brand. Clean thoroughly and lube every range trip and you’ll keep it working 100%. Another source of trouble for 1911’s is bad magazines. The only problem I’ve encountered was a bad Kimber magazine that was with my Kimber Eclipse Target 38 super. One call to Kimber and I had a new one a couple of days later. About 2000 rounds through it and it’s functioned perfectly.

Try to get past brand bias and see what works best for you.

One post mentioned the new Kimber LW series. I just bought this a couple of weeks ago, the new LW 9mm Nightstar with Vortex optics installed. It was $779 at Smoky Mountain Guns & Ammo. It’s very accurate and easy to shoot. It’s built just as well as the other Kimber models. It just doesn’t have all the whistles and bells.

The target is at 50ft and is 24 rounds.

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When in doubt, go with a Colt.

You can find good Colt 1991A1s for around $700.00/800.00. Some are excellent or even near mint. Gunsmiths love to build custom 1911s with those. It's a Colt, but not as pricey as a Gold Cup. For example:

Colt 1991A1 .45 Auto Series 80 1911 1991 A1 45 for sale

Just change out the plastic trigger and mainspring housing, and you're in business. Or leave them in.


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So very Politically Incorrect

I am so much a 1911 fan, that I'll tell you outright. The Commander is not a 1911.

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Expect the unexpected

Great feedback everyone! I am researching as the info comes in. The pics you have shared show some serious hardware. Thanks again for all the information.

I’ve been liking my E Series 1911TA a lot.

S&W makes a nice 1911.

Lot's of choices in that price range and any of them should be fine guns. I have a Colt Defender and a 1911a1 from 1943 and both are within your price range and great shooters.

I've owned lots over the years starting with a GI surplus RR for $50.00 but I was too dumb to keep it. Currently, I own 4:

a Wilson Professional Commander in 45 acquired on a trade.

a Ruger SR1911 in 10mm with a 40 S&W barrel

a Phillipines made full size in 38 Super with a 9mm barrel

last but not least, a Ruger LW Commander in 9mm

In your price range go with the Ruger. See the ratings in the last issue of Gun Tests.

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SWCA 3417 HF 642 NRA-TC

I’ve got a half dozen Colts and a Ithaca M1911A-1. My first Colt was as a 1991A-1, which I still have. It’s my only 80 Series. The others are all “70 Series”. Only one is a Commander, a satin nickel model. In years past I’ve owned 1911’s by a half dozen other makers. No complaints with any of them, just decided to focus on Colts.

If I was going to buy another new pistol it would be a Colt Gunsite Lightweight Commander. I picked up the full size Colt Gunsite Pistol the day before everything shut down and have been very happy with it. In five months I’ve put almost 800 rounds thru it without a jam, and qualified with it for work. I expect the Lightweight Commander would be equally good.

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Wheel guns are real guns.

The only 1911 I own and need is a Ruger sr1911. Got some grips from eagle to spruce it up and just love it. Been shooting almost 5 years now without a single problem! So Ruger gets my vote!

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I would get a Colt , either a standard govt model or a lightweight Commander

Ruger SR1911. Scratches my 1911 itch just fine.
Really nice gun without breaking the bank.

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Here's the gun if ya just want one....

Four-Caliber STII... - 1911Forum

If you're only going to own one, make it a Colt and make it a .45acp. BTW: used guns work just fine. Don't rule them out.

My 2nd choice would be Springfield Armory. They make many outstanding models to suit any need, are excellent pistols and if ever needed, have the best customer service in the industry.

For carry, there is no better than a lightweight Commander sized pistol. I've been carrying this lightly modified 1959 Colt Commander for near 30 years now. No problems at all. I have complete confidence in it.


For a range gun, go with a full size. Nothing wrong with a classic G.I. style pistol. But you might want to consider adjustable sights. The Colt Gold Cup and Springfield Range Officer are top notch target style guns.

The truth is that just about everybody makes a 1911 style pistol. Many of them are quite good and will serve you well. Personally, I prefer guns from companies whose primary business is the 1911. For many others, the 1911 is just a side model that they make just because everybody else does. I don't really see any problem with owning a Ruger, Taurus, Sig Sauer or any other 1911. Heaven knows its been around so long that its been pretty much perfected and its down right hard to make a bad one. Its just that they don't come with the same pride in ownership as a Colt or Springfield. But maybe that's just me.

I make no claims what-so-ever as to being a 1911 expert. But I will say that I do have some experience with the guns.


BTW: this is an old picture. I've added more since then.

For a range gun,I’d buy a government sized, steel framed Colt.
If I had $ burning a hole in my pocket,I’d look at the latest from Colt.

Colt's Manufacturing LLC



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I have one 1911
And it was love at first sight
Packed December 7, 1943 to ship from the Ithaca factory in Ithaca, NY to the arsenal in Augusta, Ga.

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Vote Responsibly

Here's a Ruger that might grab you. I was looking at it just now and my wife said it looks pretty and asked me if I wanted it. Almost said yes but I blew my wad on three other guns this month along with another four Benjamins to Midway last night for their birthday discount.

Ruger 1911 Commander w/green frame

Colt, Colt, and Colt.

It's the Pony, or it's baloney.

(lighten up Francis, LOTS of fine 1911s out there)

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This is a Dan Wesson CCO, commander length barrel (4 1/4”), with a frame that will hold a 6 round magazine. It is easy to carry but it has not developed it into an EDC. Still like my Model 22-4 better!

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

Oh yeah....DW Valor Commander

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