Hey gang,

I’m itching for a new 1911. I currently own 1, a Ruger SR1911 commander in .45 that were modified quite a bit (pictured). I purposely wanted the Ruger to look a little “rough”, now I want a prettier one. I thought I’d tap the crowd for recommendations for a new one. This will serve as a “fun gun” nothing more.

NEEDS:
-Barrel length 5”

-Caliber preferably.45 but I’d entertain 9mm

-REAL sights (i.e. not “mil-spec” sights

WANTS (not deal-breakers):
Pretty! I know that’s subjective, but I think we all recognize a good looking 1911. I like stainless and polished blued

-Checkered front strap

-The fewer MIM parts, the better, although I can always swap those out and fit, I guess

-Series 70 preferred

DO NOT NEED (but wouldn’t turn my nose at it):

-Accessory rail

-Optics Ready

-Ambi safety

And finally, budget. I suppose I’ll cap it at $1,500. That said, if I can check most the boxes for less, that’s never a bad thing.

The market is flush with nice 1911s. I’ve been looking at Springfields, Sigs, Smiths, Kimber, Dan Wessons, etc… and would really appreciate any 1st hand feedback. Thanks!

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Before I retired in September '22, I ran the gun department at a shop that was factory direct with Dan Wesson, and I can't say enough great things about the guns. Every time I put one in a customer's hands, I asked them to do 2 things, first rack the slide a few times, and then try the trigger. I sold a LOT of DWs. They are slick as you can ask for, and the triggers are sublime.

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Except for the optics ready option, the Specialist model pretty much ticks off your whole checklist. Mine is a 9mm, but they do offer it in .45 as well. As for price...well, it's a bit more than your stated cap, but get your hands on one and see. Maybe you'll stretch that budget a bit.

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Ain't This Fun Though?

My choice is either Dan Wesson or, if my wallet is a bit thicker, Alchmet Custom

My most accurate 1911 is a full size Sig. I just shoot it well. Have a new Colt Gold Cup Trophy {only been to range once} Have 2 Rock Islands that have been flawless mechanically. Bob
Colt & Sig are 45 ACP, Commander RIA .40 and full size RIA 9mm.

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I came across a good deal on a Les Baer Executive Carry in SS.

Shoots great and very tight in fit and finish.


Deltaman

For out of the box production gun...Dan Wesson. Descent triggers, tight slide/frame fit, overall fit & finish is very good.

Springers are a better value but lack that extra level of refinement.
Kimbers- some assembly required (at least the one I bought new).
Ithaca was nice, but just shot the Dan Wesson better.
Bought a used Les Baer WC gun that is a tack driver, with correct ammo.
Don't know if you can find one of the last two for $1500 anymore.

I would recommend an original Colt Commander. I have a series 70 45 and a 1960's "Pre-70" in 38 Super. Those guns are with a fit and finish that is beyond ANYTHING on the market today. I bought them used in the 90's about 5 weeks apart at a popular LGS. my thought is they were "Dad's" or "Grandpa's" and when they kicked the bucket they were sold off. The thing they are gun only so "No Collector value!" Pure bunk, but they were about 1/2 price of current (at the time) Commanders!

They are out there, but you have to spend time looking for them!

Ivan

Dan Wesson and for a bit more Alchemy Custom Weaponry.

For pretty at $1500-ish, I vote Dan Wesson handsdown.

Save up and have $2500-3000... and the world is your oyster for secondhand, minimally fired Baer, Wilson, Brown, etc. in as-new condition. There's a great forum with classified for all those and benchmade 1911's. Careful, it's "addicting."

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Carry.."hope" isn't a strategy

I've always had good results with Colt 1911s, but some of the copies may work as well. The Colts will generally hold value better than many others should you ever want to trade or sell, and they'll often be easier to trade or sell.

You want a Colt Series 70 government model.

Hard to imagine not having a Colt in a 1911 collection!

I’d stay away from stainless partially because I don’t like it, but mainly because you’d miss the much nicer Colt blue of the Series 70.

I routinely install BoMar adjustable sights on all my Colt Series’70’s 1911’s (as part of my routine modifications) less for the adjustability than the great sight picture they provide.

If I were you, I would add to the "Wants List", NO silly forward cocking serrations on the slide.

I will be glad when that stupid trend is reversed.

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Dave Brown
SWCA #3279

Dan Wesson for sure, for one. Or buy two factory-enhanced RIA's and go have fun.

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Heavily armed old man.

I have built 50+ M1911's over the years. I have owned well more than that. My favorite is an original Colt Series 70 Gold Cup National Match. My next favorite is one built from strictly Colt & military parts. This pistol has a Colt 1958 ,38 Super frame and a 60's something slide. A NM barrel and NM barrel bushing. The over all gun is as tight as my GCNM. If you are good with tools this is a fairly easy project.

My M1911's (you will have to excuse the Ruger 10MM). Now my present project is building up a .40, 9MM, .38 Special & a .38 Super for one slide, Then a .45ACP setup and then fit my Colt .22 Conversion Unit to all fit on the Government Model frame.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

I’ve got several recent production Colt’s that I’ve been happy with. The Classic is a nice basic Government Model, the Competition comes with Novak sights and an undercut trigger guard. The Gold Cup National Match is impressive. All are 70 Series pistols. The prices range from around $900 for the Classic to $1,600 or so for the Gold Cup.

If a used gun is an option any of the now discontinued Wiley Clapp series Colts are great guns, as are the Colt Gunsite Pistol’s. The Series 70 repro’s are also great if you can find one, especially those with 71B or 72B serial numbers.

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Wheel guns are real guns.

Just get the Colt Classic in either blue or stainless steel. The price is right and they are making the best 1911s they have ever made.

Not quite a Dan Wesson, but I like my Springfield Loaded Target. Chambered in 9mm, it’s much easier on my hands than a .45. Feel good to shoot, more accurate than me.

You might check out Tisas 1911 Match 45 Ransum Rest did a video shooting a brand new tisas match at 35 yards from one of there rest . Watch tell the 3rd 8 shot group was fired and not the group size of 1.7" X 1.4" . Not bad for a unseasoned barrel and handgun for a street price of $853 or less . Tisas has no mim parts to replace only some tuning as far as the stock trigger group goes and ammo trial and error for best results .
I have no interest in a all stel 5" 1911 specially at my age as I carry a LW commander in 45 but it a younger man today I would give this tisas a serious look. You can afford a few upgrades if needed .

No recommendations here. It's all personal choice. I prefer Colts, but have had Kimber, Springfield and others.

Reading all the replies so far I almost forgot which forum this is...is there no love here for the SW1911E?

Back in 2006 I bought a brand new S&W 1911 (JRH2882, Prod. Code 108303) with SS frame with accessory rail, SS slide (matte finish), Novak sights, and nice checkered stocks. I actually picked that S&W over a Kimber. The Kimbers are excellent pistols, but a few folks that I competed against owned Kimbers and they would routinely experience cycling failures during competitions. The Kimbers were fitted so tightly that a little bit of fouling would lock them up. The guys were constantly having to clean them to make them run. I competed with that S&W 1911 right out of the box with excellent results. I did purchase a few McCormick SS 10-rd magazines and had zero issues. I still have that .45 ACP and it is still and outstanding 1911. I can't say that the S&W is a nice as a Staccato, Ed Brown, Wilson Combat, or other quality/custom 1911, but it's always done everything that I've asked it to.

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Wilson Combat, order exactly what you want and never look back.

Springfield Armory TRP is a really nice out of the box gun.

Stainless- no rail was what I had.

Check out Clark Custom Guns in Louisiana. The grandsons of the old time pistolsmith Jim Clark are now running the business. Maybe they can build something for you.

Get a Colt, or if you want a high end 1911 then a Nighthawk Custom.

I recommend both DW and S&W e series. Have both and while the DW is better, the S&W is no slouch either. Never had any issue with either, both have been accurate, reliable in my IDPA & USPSA games

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Guns + Dogs= Bliss

I think my next handgun will be a 1911 from Bul Armory. Personally, I'm interested in their 6-inch hunter model, but the 5-inch trophy is very nice, too.

About six months ago I picked up a Colt God Cup Trophy. Lotta gun for the money, with CZ quality thrown in.

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Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

Leo is the only guy who has it right so far, JBR.

My Gunsmith says the new Colt Gold Cups are shooting as good as a Les Baer for half the price. It checks all your boxes.

I own Colt, Kimber and Springfield and still have have owned one truly custom 1911 built from the ground up on a Caspian frame and still have one built from the ground up on a Springfield mil spec frame. I’ve had this one for going on 40 years and had it built before there were many options other than get a gun and totally rebuild it inside and out. I’ve put tens of thousands of major USPSA loads through it and have replaced springs and that’s about it and it’s still shooting great and still tight.

I’ve never shot a bad 1911 but I suspect there have been some. There are so many great 1911’s now I don’t think you can go wrong with whatever you pick. Threats huge differences in a production gun and a real custom gun, one built as one of a kind by a master gunsmith but you’re going to need to sell a kidney to get one and wait for a while to receive it.

I’m happy with my Kimbers and Springfields and have one Colt now. My Colt is a SXE LW Commander in 38 Super and it’s a very nice gun but the chamber isn’t supported and it’s not as nicely finished or as refined as the Kimbers or Springfields. Both Kimber and Springfield make a beautiful and refined gun. Both have great triggers, function reliably and are quite accurate. I have had Kimbers from the Micro 9 up to the 5” Eclipse Target 38 super and Commander and officer sized in between in 45 and 9mm. I still own quite a few. I’ll say my 5” Evlipse Target 38 super is one of the nicest production 1911’s I’ve ever shot. It’s a steel frame throughout with excellent front strap checkering and has a fully supported chamber.

When I bought my Eclipse I was looking for a gun I could shoot 38 Super major loads in. I had 1000 very hot rounds left from USPSA shooting I wanted to shoot up. I contacted Kimber support and asked if the Evlipse would take it and without hesitation they said yes and that they had several competitive shooters using them in 38 super.

I bought one, put a heavier recoil spring unit and a shock buffer and over a couple of weeks shot 1,000 rounds of 38 super consisting of 125 grain jacketed bullets with 540 Winchester powder under them chronographed st over 1400fps. This is 357mag I’m territory and I had absolutely no issues.

I restrung my gun for lighter loads, removed the shock buffer and have shot many thousand additional rounds through it. It’s a great gun!

I’m that pleased with my Springfields. My 9mm is an all stainless with Bomar type Target sights. I can’t say enough about how good the trigger is and how well finished it is. It is accurate and is one of the softest shooting 1911’s I’ve ever owned. Everything is right on that gun.

Saying all that I’m a colt revolver fan and they make fine 1911’s and CZ May have upgraded them some but their 1911’s aren’t as nice and you don’t get as much for your money as you go with some others.

Best thing, look at some and see what flips your switch then buy it. They’re easy to customize, kinda like a Jeep.

The 1911 that I shoot the most is my ATI (same as Rock Island) 9mm Commander. Several people - including my gunsmith - who shot it buy one of their own since it such a good "bang for the buck". It will not impress anyone at the barbecue, but performs on the range for a modest price.

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Magnum Research has a very nice 1911 out.

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My Daddy was a pistol..

Can't say enough good things about Dan Wesson and I've personally had no issues with any of them. Amongst these there are .45's, 9mm's, 10mm, .40, and a .38 super. The 3 on the end are limited edition CCH Valors in 9, 38s, and 45 with bone grips.

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I have to wonder about why everyone wants a status symbol M1911. In most you are paying for the name of the gun. Have not found a M1911 that shoots any better than my GCNM. Have shot Les Baers, Wilson's, and a couple of other high end guns and did not find them anymore accurate than my Colt. I think folks think that if they pay enough money the gun will magically shoot better. The old "lets throw enough money at it until it works" concept. Really they just need to learn to shoot better. The once or twice a year shooters need more practice to get better, not throw money at it.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

If you're ok with Turkish made 1911's, then you can get two of the new MAC JSOC models, which have all of your requirements, and still stay within your budget.

MAC 1911 JSOC 45

Another vote here for the Colt Classic. Build quality is terrific, trigger is excellent for a basic government model , and it’s the pistol I shoot most accurately.

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How about a S&W 1911 SKU 108284. Only thing it doesn't have is the rail but pretty much everything else. LNIB condition I'd part with it for a good bit less than $1,500.

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Forum consigliere

I own Colt, Springfield Armory, Kimber, Remington and STI 1911's. I have owned one of the Philippine made 1911's. My first gun is a used Colt Government Series 80. Like many older 1911's it was made for 230gr ball ammo and is most reliable with it. I can also shoot .400 Cor-Bon in it, but rarely do so because I have a few 10mm's to fill that niche.

I carry and shoot my recent manufacture Colt Light Weight Commander the most. The feed ramp is visibly different than my older Colt Lt Wt Commander. I wish I could post a picture. It is hollowed out in the center of the ramp, or if you want to say scooped out. I imagine this is to make it more reliable with Hollow point ammo, and it is.
Colt 1911's come naturally and comfortably to my hand. I never have to readjust my grip. I can only say the same for my STI. I think the contour under the trigger guard is the reason.
If I ever buy another 1911 it will be a newly manufactured steel Colt Commander.
Best of luck to you.

The current Colt Gold Cup National Match series 70, blued in 45,
is a good choice for a 5" with a decent trigger.
Not sure if they still come with the two sets of springs.

Everyone should be able to say, "I think I'll take a Colt out of
the stable and shoot it", while at Belmont.

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Have Fun/Stay Safe

FWIW, unless you have held and shot a 60s or early 70s Colt LW Commander try one.

Another Dan Wesson vote here.

All parts are machined. No MIM. Series 70.

While other guys fluff up their guns and raise the price, Dan Wesson continues to produce high quality guns that you can pass down to your grandchildren.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

Same applies to an original Series 70 Gold Cup National Match (made in the 1970's) or a National Match made before those.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

I heat the Tisas offerings are the best deal in town by far.
They are cheap enough that you can take some of the money saved over buying another brand and spring for whatever sights you want and still be money ahead.

A friend is a dyed in the wool Colt man. He has bought several Tisas after he bought the first one. Loves them!

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

I'll second that.

While not quite on par with Dan Wesson, S&W E Series 1911s are way underrated and I'd definitely recommend one to a friend.

Picked up my 2nd Alchemy today
They are consecutive serial numbers!

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for the money you cant beat the springers the dw are nice but a little more pricey

From what I am hearing the most reasonably priced M1911 platforms are the Tisas.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Let me toss in my two cents. I have 4 1911s: a '73 MkIV Series 70 5", a '98 Springfield Armory Trophy Match, a '16ish Ruger SR1911CMD, and an '18ish ATI FX9 Commander. Since you are looking for a 45, I'll limit my recommendations based off my 45s.

I picked up my (now discontinued) Trophy Match for Bullseye matches because Colt was having problems (at the time) with QC on the Gold Cups. One-handed, I'm very satisfied with it's performance on both the 25 and 50 yard lines. It is currently fed a diet of cast 200gr H&G 68s. Cost was close to $900.

My Colt was my first handgun, and will be the last one to go. I have always fed it 200gr SWCs, and it shoots great groups one-handed. Cost was a hard earned $125 (paper route earnings).

Now then there is the Ruger. If I hadn't discovered the Sig P365, this would be my EDC. Great balance, and is surprisingly accurate. I have only made two modifications: replaced the wood panel grips with a blue pair of G10s (phenomenal contrast with the stainless steel) and I installed a short trigger). At 20 yards, I can consistently shoot a 5 shot group using either Remington or American Eagle ball that can be covered with a Kennedy half dollar! The factory Novaks make placing my shots a crime. Cost was about $650.

With the exception of my Colt, they were purchased new.

Now, if I were in the market for another 1911, I would give the full-sized Ruger SR1911 a close look. I would look at the Ruger because: 1) the QC was impeccable, 2) the SR1911CMD and my year old RPR are phenomenally accurate, and 3) because I am an Adaptive shooter, I am extremely impressed by the fact that Ruger's CFO has supported the ADSS for the past 2 years and can be found on the serving line serving the shooters at every meal during the Summit! Fortunately, I've not HAD to rely on Ruger's customer service for anything more than advice.

I like pretty guns, but they have to be accurate. I don't want to spend a bundle, I need to be frugal. If I were to move on another 1911, I would probably give either a Colt Commander or a Ruger SR1911CMD a hard look.

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Judge control not gun control!

By far out of all the above brands Tisa is the best made and forged parts. They are top of the heap. Best made.

Thank you all for the many suggestions. The Dan Wessons looked great but were a bit pricier than anticipated.

I settled on the Springfield 1911 Garrison, blued in .45, Govt size. It checked most of the boxes (.45ACP, full size, real sights, pretty). I got enamored with the classic blued look w/ wood grips, but w/ some modern amenities. By all accounts I read it’s a fine pistol. I’d love to have had a checkered front strap but quickly found that that feature typically occupied a much higher price bracket, and decided I didn’t wanna spend several hundred more for that. I did the “poor man’s checkering” and put on the WC front strap for $20 instead. I’ve got about $830 in it, tax included. Doesn’t hurt that it pairs nicely with my SA-35.

Anyway, this thing is NICE! Very well fit, tight lockup, match barrel, and great trigger. And I can’t stop looking at it. Weather pending, I’ll shoot it Saturday and report back.

Thanks again for all the input!

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