Need a 1911

[mikerjf]

I'd suggest an alloy-framed Commander length as a first one, since it's a full size frame for shoot ability but also a tad shorter and lighter for practical carry. Could go 9mm, but 45 is more classic.

Ruger has the Series 70 type trigger, but there are a lot of good choices. RIA stands out at the low end and Dan Wesson at the upper end.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

For value, you cannot beat Rock Island/ATI, but it is all about getting what you like. I like the Springfield and Remington 1911's as well.

 

[md_shooter_rick]

I have, at last count 17 1911's, so I am a fan. Have carried Springfield Micro Compact daily for the last 16 years. A custom full sized Colt in 40 S&W for 15 years before that. I have Colts, Kimbers, Springfields and a Sig Sauer. Some are complete custom builds and others are basically stock and they have to be as close to 100% reliable as I can get them or they go away. I would like to try one of Smith & Wesson's and Ruger's examples. My suggestion, get with as many people as you can, that have 1911s and try as many as you can. While all are similar they do have their differences and can have a myriad of features. You won't know what features you want until you experience those features.
The 1911 is almost like an AR15 in all the various options that are available.

I appreciate the info. I wish i had people to go shoot with. Used to shooting on my own. The club i'm a member of has friendly people (shot a guys VZ58 last time out and let another shoot the sks i had with me) but my time is pretty rare. Makes it hard.

 

[md_shooter_rick]

For value, you cannot beat Rock Island/ATI, but it is all about getting what you like. I like the Springfield and Remington 1911's as well.

The Springfield Mil-Spec is sure moving up the list. I'd have to say my top 3 right now look like Remington,Springfield and the SW1911. I'll definitely have to handle a few to see how they feel.

 

[smoothshooter]

All the ones you list are good. My personal favorite is the Smith and Wesson 1911 E Series commander with the scandium/aluminum frame.

I've had one for several years.
Very good gun.

 

[lhump1961]

Not sure if i mind or not to be honest. Not sure what the major issue is.

No issue AT ALL with an external extractor. The gun was originally built with an internal extractor so some prefer it for that reason. That's fine with me but that doesn't make it better. MHO is that you don't make your choice based on the extractor. FWIW I have S&W's and they have been 100%. I'm sure you'll have fun with whatever you choose.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I'd consider a Dan Wesson. Second would be a S&W if you don't mind an external extractor.

Not sure if i mind or not to be honest. Not sure what the major issue is.

Just my opinion, but it's been my observation that the people who don't like external extractors on 1911s tend be more of the "purist" persuasion, as an external extractor can be seen as straying too far from the original design. Some others may point out that some of the early external extractor 1911s had reliability issues related to the extractors.

Personally, I think the external extractor is an improvement over the internal extractor, so long as it's set up correctly and functions properly. But internal extractors have been around a long time and have been well-proven. So I could go either way, and internal vs. external extractor would probably be down on the list of attributes I'd be looking for.

 

[Silver GT]

Colt M1991A1 Series 80
Stainless 45acp. New on 4-15-1999
at $528.70
Silver GT.

 

[Eric300]

The Springfield Mil-Spec is sure moving up the list. I'd have to say my top 3 right now look like Remington,Springfield and the SW1911. I'll definitely have to handle a few to see how they feel.

Nothing wrong with the Springfield 1911. I had the 'Loaded' version and never had any problems with it, but I ended up selling it to a buddy. After owning several different models of Colts over the years, Kimbers, and Sig, (and the mentioned SA), I ended up back with Colt. Not a darn thing wrong with any of the others that I've owned, I figured if I'm going to own only one 1911, it's going to be a Colt....just because.. Any of the Remington 'R1 Enhanced' models would be a nice choice, too.

 

[scoobysnacker]

It's hard to beat the value of an ATI or RIA, for certain. Heck, I'd recommend one of those in GI style, no matter what else you get down the road. We're talking under $400 out the door for a new gun with a lifetime warranty, and the ones I own run flawlessly.

I recently added a pair of LNIB Para Experts, came across them for $399 apiece, went ahead and bought them both. I wasn't actively looking at the time, and probably wouldn't have picked out a Para if everything was the same price; but the reviews I've read tell me I didn't do bad at all.

 

[deadin]

My 1911 is an original made in 1918.
I'm confident that it, unlike the clones, will continue to increase in value as time passes.........

 

[lrrifleman]

Rick,

I have 3.9 1911s (I'll explain in a moment) covering 4 different manufacturers.

Colt Mk IV Series 70 in 45 ACP - my first 1911, purchased used in 1976 for $125. Nice, reliable shooter, suspicious of the four finger collet bushing.

Springfield Armory Trophy Match in 45ACP. This is the carbon steel model. Purchased new in the late 1990s when the QC at Colt was questionable on the Gold Cup.

Ruger 1911CMD in 45 ACP. Recently acquired for about $650. Impressive fit and finish, questionable front sight durability.

ATI FX9 Commander in 9mm. Purchased for $400, waiting to pick up due to one pistol per month rationing. Manufactured in the Philippines by SAMI (not the company that makes the RIA pistols). Went into this pistol with the fore knowledge that replacing parts with after-market may require hand fitting. [This pistol was purchased with the intent of being the chassis for a switch barrel pistol in 38 Super.]

Both Springfield Armory and Ruger have demonstrated great customer service. I have had minimal experience with Colt CS, only because I haven't had issues with either Colt I own. I have yet to have any dealings with ATI CS.

If I were looking to add another 1911 to the collection, it would be influenced by the finish that I preferred. If you don't mind stainless steel, I would jump on a Ruger. [Actually contemplating a 10mm 1911.] If I wanted either blued steel or parkerized, I would look at either a Springfield Armory or Colt. I have little experience with Kimbers. On fixed income, finances tend to influence my purchase decisions.

I would suggest that you first decide what mission you want your 1911 to fill. Then let the mission and your finances influence the caliber. Then let the mission, caliber, preferred finish then finances influence the make and model you purchase. Typically, I would have difficulty looking to purchase any handgun that costs more than about $800.

Best of luck in your search!

 

[Engineer1911]

I have a 4 digit serial number series 70 Colt gold cup, a second one that is 4 years older, and a Series 80 stainless steel Colt gold cup. Also included are 2 custom built, Remington R1, Sig target elite, Kimber, two S&W, 4 Para Ordnance, Rock Island, American Tactical (both RI & AT are Philippine manufactured), and two Springfield Armory. All were bought because the seller was offering a "good deal" on price. The Colts are over rated.

For Money spent versus value received, the Rock Island Target (gold cup) is the best one of the bunch. It has billboard slide, adjustable rear sight, excellent trigger, smooth frame/slide fit, and matte black finish.

The oldest Colt is 1971, the Remington R1 was bought just after release to dealers, AT and RI were current production 2018 /2019.

EDIT: My American Tactical 'Thunderbolt' came with adjustable rear sight, ambidextrous safety, full length recoil rod, beaver tail grip safety, checkered front strap, 3-dot sight, and light rail on dust cover for about $550, new. I would say that has the bells and whistles at a bargain price.

 

[BC38]

Since your poll is worded as BEST VALUE, I have to say RIA.
They are not a high end gun by any means. But for $300-$400 they are a great functional 1911. No bells and whistles, but for VALUE for the dollar I can't see how they could be beat.

 

[Westie1]

Best value has to be one of the RIA's. If you start out with the basic GI version, you can tweak it any way you want or leave it stock. And the tweaking is simple to do.

 

[AManWearingAHat]

A rock island can polish up nice, but a colt will already be nice. I would personally start with a stock colt and upgrade from there. You'll already be ahead.

 

[tlawler]

I presently own a S&W 1911SC, a Kimber, and an RIA. I'm the past I've had Colts, Springfields, and a Para P-10(piece of junk). Of all, my favorite is the 1911SC.

 

[RobertHOH]

I'm surprised at the love the Remington 1911 is getting. Given the track record of Freedom Group, and all their other poorly received handgun offerings, they must have some good people on their 1911 product team. About time!!

Robert

 

[md_shooter_rick]

Rick,

I have 3.9 1911s (I'll explain in a moment) covering 4 different manufacturers.

Colt Mk IV Series 70 in 45 ACP - my first 1911, purchased used in 1976 for $125. Nice, reliable shooter, suspicious of the four finger collet bushing.

Springfield Armory Trophy Match in 45ACP. This is the carbon steel model. Purchased new in the late 1990s when the QC at Colt was questionable on the Gold Cup.

Ruger 1911CMD in 45 ACP. Recently acquired for about $650. Impressive fit and finish, questionable front sight durability.

ATI FX9 Commander in 9mm. Purchased for $400, waiting to pick up due to one pistol per month rationing. Manufactured in the Philippines by SAMI (not the company that makes the RIA pistols). Went into this pistol with the fore knowledge that replacing parts with after-market may require hand fitting. [This pistol was purchased with the intent of being the chassis for a switch barrel pistol in 38 Super.]

Both Springfield Armory and Ruger have demonstrated great customer service. I have had minimal experience with Colt CS, only because I haven't had issues with either Colt I own. I have yet to have any dealings with ATI CS.

If I were looking to add another 1911 to the collection, it would be influenced by the finish that I preferred. If you don't mind stainless steel, I would jump on a Ruger. [Actually contemplating a 10mm 1911.] If I wanted either blued steel or parkerized, I would look at either a Springfield Armory or Colt. I have little experience with Kimbers. On fixed income, finances tend to influence my purchase decisions.

I would suggest that you first decide what mission you want your 1911 to fill. Then let the mission and your finances influence the caliber. Then let the mission, caliber, preferred finish then finances influence the make and model you purchase. Typically, I would have difficulty looking to purchase any handgun that costs more than about $800.

Best of luck in your search!

At least marylandistan allows you to become a "Designated Collector" and bypass the 1 a month rule.

I don't enjoy the modifying/customizing part myself. I am looking for a target shooter primarily while building a "collection" of good quality guns. It just seems wrong that i don't have a 1911. I typically don't buy expensive either since it is my fun money but selling my bike sure seems a good time to get the right 1911 even if a bit more expensive. I don't have a problem with Stainless Steel but it also isn't a preference. I will definitely look more at the Ruger offerings. Colt was in the list mostly from the historical perspective but the responses here have made it a real possibility.

 

[Collo Rosso]

If I can make a suggestion to the OP, don't buy a mil-spec. I find the original beavertail painful when it bits, and the sights are milled one piece with the slide. There small and hard to see. Plus you have to have dovetail cuts machined into the slide to upgrade to aftermarket sights.