Another 45 1911 thread

[Narragansett]

I suppose, from the questions I have been asking one could tell I am in thee market. My first thought is the plain Jane every day traditional 1911 series 70. Colt of course.

However, in recent years it seems like everybody has one. Colt, Springfield, Sig, Rock Island, ( forget Remington). Anybody got a reason beyond the Colt that makes something else a better choice?

I owned a series 70 in the 70's, and have an officers acp( 1985) now, but I want a full size 1911, and collecting Smith's only has not helped me stay current to any degree with the flood of new models.

I would like to stay away from MIM and be more traditional, if that makes and sense

Thank you Guys!!

[ContinentalOp]

I believe everyone, including Colt, is incorporating MIM components, at least in their entry-level products. Higher-end Colt and SA guns likely won't.

And just as a FYI, all Sig's I'm aware of are Series 80 guns, and only in the modern 1911 style. Personally, I have no problem with Series 80 guns. I've got one on my hip right now. I do have a preference for Series 70 guns, though.

If you're interested in a more modern 1911 (i.e., beavertail grip safety, extended thumb safety, etc.), then Dan Wesson is probably one of the best values out there. Several different styles of full-size 1911s available, well-made and well-fit, good triggers, Series 70 firing pin, and no MIM components. Before pandemic availability became an issue, they'd probably be in the $1200-1500 neighborhood. Don't know what they're at now.

If you're looking for a basic GI-style 1911, of the makers you listed Colt, SA, and RIA make them in that style. Colt would be at the upper end, RIA at the lower end, and SA in the middle. Personally, the Colt Classic would be my first choice, but I'm a little biased towards Colt. Series 70 firing pin, but with some modern touches (solid bushing, bigger sights, and lowered ejection port) that, I think, are an improvement while keeping the traditional aesthetic. But I've also been looking at the SA Mil-Spec Defend Our Legacy (I think that's what it's called) model, which also has some nice features while still approximating the GI-style. Don't know much about the RIA models, but from all accounts I've read they seem to be well-made guns and a very good value.

A couple of other, more modern options...

I really like the Colt Wiley Clapp models. I believe the MSRP for the Govt Model version is $1299.

I also really like what I've seen with SA's Ronin Operator 1911s. I want to say the MSRP was somewhere in the $800-900 range. Lots of good features. It uses a blued slide with a stainless steel frame. I've always been a sucker for two-toned 1911s.

FWIW, I'm not too concerned about MIM parts. They've been in use for several years with several makers and I can't recall reading about any of them failing. But the nice thing about 1911s is that it's not too difficult to replace MIM parts with bar stock if that's what you want to do.

Fortunately, there are a lot of 1911s out there so you should be able to find something that balances your needs/wants and your budget. Of course, with the gun market situation the way it is now, it may be difficult to find what you're looking for.

Just my opinion. Hope that helps.

[Mainsail]

I'm very happy with my Springfield Defender series 1911. Big bang for the buck- and has been 100% right out of the box. No MIM that I'm aware of but not really sure.

I replaced the guts with these from 1911Parts and the trigger is amazing now.

[stansdds]

If you want a shooter 1911, there are plenty of clone makers out there turning out good 1911 clones. I'd say that the Kahr made Auto Ordnance and the Armscor 1911's are probably the least expensive 1911 clones that are likely to be reliable out of the box. If you want to spend a little more, Springfield Armory and Ruger are darned hard to beat. If you want to spend a lot, Kimber, Dan Wesson, or STI. If you want to spend money on something that will retain value, genuine Colt.

[ContinentalOp]

Originally Posted by Mainsail

I replaced the guts with these from 1911Parts and the trigger is amazing now.

Did they drop in, or was fitting required?

[03hemi]

Lot's of great choices out there these days, but I wouldn't discount one just based on 80 series or having MIM parts either, it just depends on what your budget is and it's intended use, I assume for carry?
For carry, personally I like all bar stock parts for obvious reasons.
My Sig 1911's are bulls eye shooters, but full of MIM. Newer Colt's will have some MIM, easily swapped out though and you're in for a decent price. The Colt Wiley Clapp is a great gun to start with also, tight as a drum and well fitted. I have a Clapp Commander I got for around 1k used, but new condition. The S&W E Series are probably the most custom features for cost out there today in my opinion, I love my E Series Commander. Move up to a Dan Wesson (owned by CZ now), Les Baer or Ed Brown and they'll be 100% bar stock, hand fit precision in the $2-3k range new. If you wanna go to the next level which would be a Wilson Combat or Alchemy Customs you're now in the $3,500-5,000 range. Of course there are others, but these seem to be the most popular in the 1911 world it seems.
Or, you could take an Old Colt (like your Officer's) and completely rebuild it with Wilson Combat parts for under $1000 and have the dependability of a Wilson for 1/3 of the cost. In the beginning Wilson was famous for taking your 1911 and making it bullet proof before he made his own. If you're not concerned with pedigree, buy all the Wilson parts yourself and do all the fitting yourself and save a ton of money if you know how to work on 1911's.
That's what I did and that's my daily carry gun.
Here are just a few of mine to brouse.

[03hemi]

Originally Posted by ContinentalOp

Did they drop in, or was fitting required?

They very rarely do, there's usually some fitting involved depending on the part, a few parts will drop right in though.

[Geronimo Jim]

I shoot a Ruger SR1911 in cowboy action wild bunch matches.
So do a lot of my friends. Could not be happier. Best bang for
the buck.

[max]

I have a Series 70 Gold Cup, A Commander, Ruger, and my newest is a RIA. I have always been on the practical side and I can't tell a lot of difference when shooting. The GC is the most accurate, but that is probably a function of better sights. The RIA is just as reliable as the rest and as accurate.

Start at the lower end, and if you really like shooting a 1911, you can sell or trade the gun and not loose anything on the deal, or very little. Spend the money you save on ammo and practice a lot. Whatever you get, don't get something with the tiny government sights. Get some decent sights you can see, fixed is fine.

My first 1911 was the GC, which I bought used in the 70's. At that time, your choices were government model, GC or Commander and they all were by Colt. Now there are many choices.

I remember a test long ago in American Handgunner of a $3,000 gun. The author liked everything about the gun. However, he ended the article by saying his idea of a $3,000 gun was a new Datsun pick up with a Colt in the glove box.

[Old_Cop]

Buy a new Colt, they are better fitted than those of the 70s and 80s. There's only one original. That said, I like my DW Valor.

[Shooting Padre]

I just purchased two Rock Island 1911s in 9mm. They are really awesome. This was after I saw may ulta positive review on RI online. I really love the ones I got, tight and very accurate right out of the box. Not the most beautiful looking guns but then I'm not the greatest looking shooter either. But they just work, work, work and that's what I wanted. So you guys just keep your expensive 1911s, and I know you will because you have no inclination to send them to me anyway.
I know what you have are great guns, enjoy. I'm just glad after all these years I finally tumbled for one. I fee so darn GI right now!!

[Mainsail]

Originally Posted by ContinentalOp

Did they drop in, or was fitting required?

The parts are all pre-fit.

The only thing I had to do was install the parts and dress my stock thumb safety with a file.

The site isn't allowing me to post the picture.

[824tsv]

What parts on a newer Colt are MIM?

[Grayfox]

If you want a real Series 70, it'll have to be a Colt.
If you're willing to settle for a clone, take a look at Springfield's G.I. Models. Just bear in mind that Colt's have a beautiful blue finish and most of the clones are parkerized or something else.
The actual main difference between a Colt and the clones will be the finish.

[wetdog1911]

Originally Posted by Narragansett

I suppose, from the questions I have been asking one could tell I am in thee market. My first thought is the plain Jane every day traditional 1911 series 70. Colt of course.

However, in recent years it seems like everybody has one. Colt, Springfield, Sig, Rock Island, ( forget Remington). Anybody got a reason beyond the Colt that makes something else a better choice?

I owned a series 70 in the 70's, and have an officers acp( 1985) now, but I want a full size 1911, and collecting Smith's only has not helped me stay current to any degree with the flood of new models.

I would like to stay away from MIM and be more traditional, if that makes and sense

Thank you Guys!!

I was going to suggest the SAI 1911-A1, from before operations got moved to Brazil. Mine is from the mid 80s. It's been set up for reliability/carry and got carried for years. For being as good as a Colt series 70, but without the name or price tag, I'd give it a 97%.

For giggles I went on GB just to see if any were around and what they were going for. I only scanned 14 pages and found exactly ONE. Saw more 'Colt slides on Essex frames than I did of the early SAI 1911s. Guess others feel the same of these pistols. The one I did see was over $600 with a day or 2 left to run, with 26 bids, so no telling where it will end up.

Also have a RIA, which is decent and works well, but still doesn't come close to the SAI even when box stock IMO. Those early pistols were just really nice and well put together.

Rob

[BigBill]

Even a used colt 1911a1 will cost a pretty penny been there done that.
I always wanted a real ww2 1911 something that’s been there and done that. But the prices and waiting drove me away when I heard some are a miss matched parts.

The new Auto Ordnance US Army (USGI clone) 1911a1 5” barrel and the Springfield Armory 1911a1 GI-MILSPEC (made in Brazil) both we’re looking good and caught my eye for value and cost. Both shoot flawless right out of the box. The cost didn’t break the back too. I’d do it again too I’m very happy with my choices the three of us hammered the SA made in Brazil over 600rds non stop wanting a failure which it never did. For the low cost it’s a steel.

There’s lots of choices for a 1911a1 out there. Some are forged while some are casted 4140 steel which isn’t too shabby. I own both with no problems.

[.357magger]

As others have noted, there are many good choices available. You might even say that we're still in the Golden Era of 1911s with regards to choices, options, and prices.

With all that being said, Colt seems to ALWAYS retain their value and increase, even if you just left the store with one.

Just my observation. I've owned multiple brands over the years, the only production models I still own, or will buy in the future, are Colts.

YMMV.

Below are, L to R: 2004 Colt WW2 "1943" reproduction, Colt Combat Commander in stainless, Government Model MkIV factory bright stainless, all are as God inspired JMB to invent, .45 acp.

[vonn]

In my experience Colts always sell at higher prices .

[BigBill]

I traded off a colt 1911a1 nickel gov series 70. To start a business. To replace it a few years ago it was $1,000 in excellent condition 99.99%.
I’ll never trade or sell again.

[ContinentalOp]

Originally Posted by 824tsv

What parts on a newer Colt are MIM?

I'm not 100% sure, but I believe the mag catch, disconnector, and sear are MIM.

[Jason Demond]

While Springfield used to import full guns from Brazil that were manufactured by Imbel, that is no longer the case. It hasn't been since 2013/14.

All current model Springfield 1911s are made here in the US, even the cheap basic Milspec. That is not to say however, you won't still run into Imbel made guns out there on the market with SA's name on them. They will just be pre 2013/14 made guns.

[ladder13]

A newer Colt stainless S70, obviously, on the bottom. A WWII repro made some years ago, the second run, first was Carbona Blue.

[Kanewpadle]

Dan Wesson is simply the best made production gun you can buy. No MIM parts. Hand fit by one master gunsmith. No assembly line production. Traditional series 70.

Don’t take my word for it. Ask around.

[31FordA]

I’ve purchased several Colts in the past year, so I have a bias for them. If you’re looking for a brand new traditional 1911 I’d say the Classic is the best bet. Even better, if you can find one, is the Series 70 Repro that the Classic replaced. Some are still out there. The Series 70 Repro was as close as you could get to an original 1911. The Classic is a hybrid of the Series 70 and the Colt M1991A-1. There are some limited run variants of the Classic for distributors, such as a high polish blue version.

If you want something with upgrades I’d go with the Colt Gunsite Pistol. Mine has proven to be well worth the money. It is dehorned, has Novak sights, serrated front strap, etc. The Wiley Clapp Government Model is also very nice.

There are, even in the current insane market, still some good deals to be found in used Colts. In the past year I picked up a original Series 70 Combat Government and a 1961 Colt Government. Both cost less than a new Classic, which is why I still haven’t picked up a new Classic.

Besides Colts I have had good experiences with the Rock Island 1911’s in .38 Super and .45ACP, the Remington R1, and the Auto Ord 1911.

[bdGreen]

I bought this one brand new in the box in the 70's.

Apparently it's a keeper.

enjoy,

bdGreen