I’m close to purchasing my first 1911 and think I’ve narrowed the field. It’s definitely going to be a 45 ACP caliber. Stainless steel is also preferred. All comments are welcomed and here are my finalists: Springfield-Armory Loaded, S&W E series, Savage and Ruger.
1911’s I’m considering
- Thread starter RichardF
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Most all are good........Buy the one you like and can afford.
Ford, Toyota, GMC, Nissan, all are good. It is all personal preference. I had a Springfield 1911A1. Traded it for a Glock. One of my personal regrets. Ended up dumping the Glock for the M&P. I ended up getting a S&W 1911. Still have it and still love it. Most 1911 are all fairly good unless you are going to dump $4-6K, whole nother level but, unnecessary.
Tanners Owner
US Veteran
You can’t go wrong with the e-series. I have one and it’s a great 1911. That said I have and hold DWs in high regard. For not much more than the e series, you get a superb gun.
Always wanted an affordable all steel Officer/45.
The Ruger just needed a smoothing out on the edges of the trigger. Runs fine and gets carried in South Florida.
A bit of Art Deco for South Beach.
We have a Colt GM and GC from around '79.
Have met several shooters with the higher end Smiths, in 45, and they were all happy with their choice.
The Ruger just needed a smoothing out on the edges of the trigger. Runs fine and gets carried in South Florida.
A bit of Art Deco for South Beach.
We have a Colt GM and GC from around '79.
Have met several shooters with the higher end Smiths, in 45, and they were all happy with their choice.
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HOUSTON RICK
Member
Your money, your choice, but the RIA 1911's are nice guns and do everything their competitors do, for a fraction of the price. Several experienced shooters (including my gun smith) have bought them after shooting mine.
hyena
Member
I've only got one 1911, and didn't consider anything but a Colt in 45 ACP.
ReloadforFun
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I've been happy with my Springfield Loaded Target stainless. It is one of the tightest fit 1911's I have.
Richard, you should also try and get a look at Remington's 1911. ALL stainless, except for the blued-sights. They have a solid reputation, also.
Dan Wesson
Before you buy anything else check out the Dan Wesson pistols...they are superb!
Before you buy anything else check out the Dan Wesson pistols...they are superb!
For a first time buyer, I agree with this. You won’t know enough about .45s until you’ve shot one for a while to really know what you like or don’t like, in terms of features. Buy whatever appeals to you from a good manufacturer, so if you need support, it will be available. After you’ve fired 2500 rounds or so (1 year at 50 rounds/week), and made a serious effort to learn as you go, you will know quite a bit more about .45s and 1911s.
Hair Trigger
US Veteran
I agree, don't eliminate RIA from the choices. I have 1911's made by SA, Ruger and RIA; all are nice pistols and operate flawlessly.
Those $300 Tisas look pretty good and hard to beat the price.
To me it’s a personal preference....I collect the rare/low production S&W PC 3rd gens....but I carry either a Springfield EMP or RIA 1911 10mm. The Springfield & RIA are great shooters for a reasonable price.
Good luck in your purchase!
Cheers!!!
David
Good luck in your purchase!
Cheers!!!
David
I have shot a small variety of 1911, but the very best of them all is my S&W PC1911, purchased in 2015. It is a beauty and an awesome shooter.
(Sorry, I was a bit off of the original subject)
(Sorry, I was a bit off of the original subject)
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Rpg
Member
Before you start looking at specific guns, I suggest you sit down with a piece of paper and make a list of the features you want on your pistol.
Your first decision is whether you want a government model size (5” barrel) or a commander size pistol. If you’re going for a Commander size pistol, do you want an alloy frame or steel frame (commander or Combat Commander).
Then you need to decide what features you want. I insist on an extended thumb safety, excellent adjustable sights (the adjustable feature comes with high visibility sights). I hate dots or colored sights on sights so I want only black. I insist on a duck tailed safety.
The features you select will help you find the gun that works best for you.
I’m attaching a list of modifications Jeff Cooper created that list modifications to a Colt Government Model people often consider. They apply to Commander size pistols as well. You can see the few additional features he thought necessary.
Your first decision is whether you want a government model size (5” barrel) or a commander size pistol. If you’re going for a Commander size pistol, do you want an alloy frame or steel frame (commander or Combat Commander).
Then you need to decide what features you want. I insist on an extended thumb safety, excellent adjustable sights (the adjustable feature comes with high visibility sights). I hate dots or colored sights on sights so I want only black. I insist on a duck tailed safety.
The features you select will help you find the gun that works best for you.
I’m attaching a list of modifications Jeff Cooper created that list modifications to a Colt Government Model people often consider. They apply to Commander size pistols as well. You can see the few additional features he thought necessary.
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MetalMan
Member
I haven’t seen Kimber mentioned here….have they fallen out of favor?
I had a full size Custom Carry (now traded) and still have (and carry) an Officer size Ultra Carry (Series I), both 1999 vintage and bare-bones stock. Having the Ultra Carry is the main reason that I haven’t pulled the trigger (yet) on a P365; 7+1 and 8+1 of .45ACP would seem to get me out of any “situation”, if needed….
I had a full size Custom Carry (now traded) and still have (and carry) an Officer size Ultra Carry (Series I), both 1999 vintage and bare-bones stock. Having the Ultra Carry is the main reason that I haven’t pulled the trigger (yet) on a P365; 7+1 and 8+1 of .45ACP would seem to get me out of any “situation”, if needed….
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