I'm gonna buy a 1911

CAJUNLAWYER · #1 02-09-2010, 02:19 PM

I want a basic no frills stainless steel 1911 If I could fine a 1991 colt I would jump on it but it appears that few are to be found at a reasonable price so I am looking at the stainless springfield base government model. I want it to be a "dead bang reliable hit center mass at 15 yards shoot dirty if it has to" gun. Don't want or need a tricked out race gun with tight tolerances -I want it as it was originally meant to be. Would the Springfields fill the bill or should I hold out for the colt? Or are there other choices??

maxicooper · #2 02-09-2010, 02:23 PM

Get Kimber. You'll love it.

TwoPoundPull · #3 02-09-2010, 02:36 PM

Have a Colt and a Kimber. Buy Kimber

safearm · #4 02-09-2010, 02:48 PM

Stick with the Springfield. They are relatively inexpensive (like any $500 gun is inexpensive!) compared to Colts, Kimbers, S&W, but give great service. If you decide that you want to upgrade the features, they are a consistent platform to work on. It's easy to add mag wells, extended safeties, mainspring housings, beavertail grips safeties, grips, etc., as all of the holes line up where they are supposed to. I've used the Springfield basic 1911A1 to build 2 custom carry guns and never had a problem. The current manufacture Springfields come with a lock device that is installed in the mainspring housing. That's the first thing to go. You also have to get a new mainspring cap and retaining pin when you get a new mainspring housing; the Springfield ones won't work.

2000Z-71 · #5 02-09-2010, 03:08 PM

The Springfield GI series does have a good reputation. There are other basic 1911's out there like the High Standard, Charles Daly (at least they used to be) that are made in the Phillipines. Some guys have had great luck with them and swear by them, personally for a basic 1911 I'd stick with Springfield or Colt.

I know that you want basic, but my suggestion would be to spend a little more and get a slightly enhanced version. Springfield has the Loaded series which does offer upgrades that affect reliability as well as better ergonomics and sights. Smith also makes a good "enhanced" 1911. Kimber is a love it or hate it proposition, I've got a Series I Stainless that I love. These aren't tricked out raceguns with tight tolerances. they'll probably run in the $750-$900 dollar range as opposed to $550 for a basic Springfield.

jrd1976 · #6 02-09-2010, 03:08 PM

I've reloaded for 30 years. My only double charged reload was fired in a blue steel Colt 1991. It locked the slide back, blew out the bottom of the magazine, and threw a piece of brass onto my right cheek.

My gunsmith cleaned it, miked it and said to keep shooting it. He said if it had been a plastic gun, we would still be looking for the pieces. I've put 3 or 4 thousand rounds through it since then.

To many people, the horse is worth another hundred bucks if you decide to sell it.

Ron H. · #7 02-09-2010, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAJUNLAWYER

I want a basic no frills stainless steel 1911 If I could fine a 1991 colt I would jump on it but it appears that few are to be found at a reasonable price so I am looking at the stainless springfield base government model. I want it to be a "dead bang reliable hit center mass at 15 yards shoot dirty if it has to" gun. Don't want or need a tricked out race gun with tight tolerances -I want it as it was originally meant to be. Would the Springfields fill the bill or should I hold out for the colt? Or are there other choices??

Sir, FWIW, I've been very pleased with my Colt 1911s. Kimber and Springfield, not so much.

BTW, "tight" does not necessarily mean "unreliable." For example, Les Baer 1911s are gnat's ***** tight, but also stone axe reliable. I ran the first 1,000 rounds through my Baer TRS without cleaning, just adding lube when the spirit moved me, and had no problems of any kind. That gun never, ever jammed while I owned it, nor has a buddy's Concept II. Baers are costly, but well worth the money IMHO.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

Spotteddog · #8 02-09-2010, 05:03 PM

I've had it go both ways Caje?
I had a new pony once that needed 3 trips back to the Mother ship to get to the bottom of a magazine full.
I had a Kimber blow off a slide stop after 300 rounds. Then go 5K+ trouble free.
I've assembled Frankensteins from 4 different GI sub contractors that are still running 30 years later.
There's no guarantee that one from any manufacturer can't be a hemorrhoid?

bmhiii · #9 02-09-2010, 05:07 PM

If you decide to go Springfield no-frills, I'd suggest one step up from the GI model to a Milspec model. Check out the differences on the Springfield web site.

Joni_Lynn · #10 02-09-2010, 05:16 PM

The least expensive I would go to is a Rock Island, any model that suits you. Next I'd look for a Springfield Mil Spec. After that I'd get the Colt series 70 in stainless. I bought the Colt myself and it's pretty nice.
Good luck.

Marshall 357 · #11 02-09-2010, 05:20 PM

I have a Mil-Spec Springfield. The only thing I would like to do is change the rear sight one of these day. I had a Kimber Gold match II and a Commander Size Kimber EclipsII target, they were very nice looking 1911s,but I must have got 2 lemons,would not trust them in a life or death situation,I think for $580 the Mil-Spec will save your bacon,but then again you could by a kimber for $1200 and hope for the best. They Might be better now than when I bought mine.

Frizzman · #12 02-09-2010, 05:22 PM

I have had 1911's made by Colt, Kimber, Springfield, Paraordinance, S&W and they have all been fine pistols. The only lemon I have had was an early "Charles Daley" made in the Phillipines. It was a real peice of junk but I bought it because it was cheap and that's what I got...cheap. I know people have had problems with different 1911's and I know there are some that have problems but I guess I have been lucky. Currently, I have a Colt Series 80 Government Model in blued steel, a Kimber 5" Raptor and a Sig Revolution C3 Compact and all three have proven reliable and plenty accurate. For a carry pistol, I like a good trigger, a positive safety and good sights(preferrably, night sights) and not much else. I don't mind checkered frames and carry bevel treatments if they are well executed. I remember well when a 1911 was a Colt, period. Now, the choices are overwhelming.

IkenI · #13 02-09-2010, 05:39 PM

PM sent w/info on new one.

Rule 303 · #14 02-09-2010, 05:50 PM

I think that J. Lynn has the right idea, if you want the closest to Mil Spec 1911 and a good buy on top of it, get a Rock Island. I'd look for the "tactical" models since they have a beaver tail grip safety, novak type sights and a skeletonized hammer (eleminates 1911 hammer bite). The guns are reliable, accurate and the cost is about half that of a Colt/Kimber.

I bought a new Kimber a couple of years ago and had to send it back. It wouldn't run. Kimber forgot to polish the chamber and throat. OC just missed that. I have two kimbers I bought on the first day they started selling 1911 Kimbers, never miss a beat, but not so with the new ones.

Rule 303

38-44HD45 · #15 02-09-2010, 05:54 PM

Caje, SA has had some serious metallurgical issues with their stainless guns. It is by no means a universal problem, but we've had several come through our local shops that had galling problems that could only be cured by hardchrome plating the frame and slide, including a couple of their highest end match guns. Funny, since Detonics figured out how to avoid galling in stainless guns back in the early-mid 80s. I've also seen a few with serious dimensional problems in barrels, frames and slides, and that goes for both blue and stainless guns. I own bunches of 1911s of various brands, including Kimber, Colt, Nighthawk, Wilson and Les Baer. I have one SA, a .38 Super I got ridiculously cheap, for a 9x23 conversion. Its barrel was horribly out of spec, and I threw it away and replaced it with a Nowlin. You can get a lemon in any brand, but SA seems to make more lemons than others, at least in their stainless lines.

Joni_Lynn · #16 02-09-2010, 06:02 PM

If you want a really nice 1911, get a Les Baer. The people that buy them have far fewer problems out of the box and they're very accurate. They're also extremely tight but I doubt that would be an issue. I trust my TRS without reservation.

minuteman · #17 02-09-2010, 06:05 PM

Nobody has mentioned the CZ bobtail series, friend of mine swears it's the slickest 1911 out here. I personally don't have any experience with them, maybe someone else has. All mine have been Colts and I never had any problems with them.

walter o · #18 02-09-2010, 06:14 PM

your main thing is a S.S. 1911. I think that narrows it down some also look for a 1911 that has dovetailed front&rear sights ,the eyes grow old and can't see the small sights on the gov. models ,the cost of machining the dovetails are quite high. some of the low end 1911 mfg have GREAT customer service some not so great , any firearm may need service work . I think i would look at S&W ,Colt.I would recommend RIA but they don't make a S.S mod.Some people have trouble with the small grip safety having the web of their hand being pinched, go with a beaver tale safety and a commander style hammer.Lots to think about and try before you buy 1 ,put several in your hand and see how they feel.

TXbug · #19 02-09-2010, 06:18 PM

I want a new 1911 also. I decided on the S&W 1911, 108282.

johngalt · #20 02-09-2010, 06:27 PM

If you want it as Browning originally intended it, that eliminates a lot of makers, as most have "improvements" of some kind or another.

Swartz firing pin safety (operates off grip safety): Kimber, S&W, not sure about others.

Series 80 firing pin safety (operates off trigger): All Colts Series 80 and later, except for the WWI and Series 70 repros.

External extractor: S&W, older Kimbers (plus others?)

I'm not familiar with Rock Island or Springfield Armory.

Unfortunately, if you really want a true 1911A1 design, I don't know of any besides the Colt series 70 repro, unless you go custom with Les Baer, Wilson, Nighthawk, etc.

Chuck Jones · #21 02-09-2010, 06:32 PM

do like Joni says and then send it to Bar-sto for a barrel and match bushing. that and a trigger job and you'll be at 90% of full potential for the gun.

/c

max · #22 02-09-2010, 07:05 PM

The two I have are a Series 70 Gold Cup and a satin nickel commander from the same era. No one has mentioned this yet, but I would take a long look at the Taurus. I have shot a couple and they have worked fine. I think the SA's are probably fine, but for what you seem to be looking for, I would at least look at the Taurus.

brucev · #23 02-09-2010, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAJUNLAWYER

I want a basic no frills stainless steel 1911 If I could fine a 1991 colt I would jump on it but it appears that few are to be found at a reasonable price so I am looking at the stainless springfield base government model. I want it to be a "dead bang reliable hit center mass at 15 yards shoot dirty if it has to" gun. Don't want or need a tricked out race gun with tight tolerances -I want it as it was originally meant to be. Would the Springfields fill the bill or should I hold out for the colt? Or are there other choices??

Late last year I bought a virtually as new Springfield Mil-Spec 1911 .45 ACP pistol. It was not stainless steel. It was parkerized. With 50 rds. of 230 gr. FMJ ammo, it was $400 OTD. It has now fired a little over 500 rds. In every respect it has been flawless. POA is POI at 15 yds. w/ Winchester 230 gr. ammo using either FMJ or JHP ammo. Even using grungy mixed headstamped ammo that required serious cleaning before firing, it has done nothing except feed, fire, eject everything that has been put into the magazine. It has a good, crisp trigger and simply is one of the best pistols I've ever owned. If you are simply wanting a good reliable 1911, I would suggest that you simply buy a Springfield 1911 in stainless steel, get you some 230 FMJ and head for the range. Sincerely. brucev.

Wee Hooker · #24 02-09-2010, 09:01 PM

Speaking as a DOD engineer with 24 years design and manufacturing experience I have to say "Mil-Spec is Mil-Spec". If ANY company can't build a 100 yr old design to a set of Mil-Spec drawings, they should be selling cantalopes vs handguns.
Speaking as a shooter, I can say that the only 1911 I ever had trouble with is a early 90's vintage SA 1911-A1. I currently have a pair of stainless S&W 1911's and a customized Colt National Match, gold Cup. The gold cup has become a safe queen for no other reason than I've been thrilled with the reliability and quality of my S&W's.

p.s. IMHO (and experience) one of the biggest "ifs" with basic GI/ Mil-Spec 1911's is on how they will handle ANY ammo other than the 230gr ball they were designed for. There is a reason why many owners customize their basic 1911's, reliability with different ammo is often one of them.

TennTony · #25 02-09-2010, 09:04 PM

Staying in the realm of guns I own the lowest cost, and possibly best value, is the Taurus PT 1911. I remain impressed with the quality, features and value. A used Star PD is a good choice. I like my Paraordinance D/A guns, but definitely recommend a single action for your first 1911. Have 4 Series '70 Colts I really like. Good luck finding a good one reasonably priced.

The only feature I dislike on the Taurus 1911 is the groves on the front of the slide. They chew up my leather holsters. Had to buy a polymer holster to protect my good leather.

Final thought, the Taurus or a Springfield Arms Gov't Model.

But, opinions are like anal sphincters. Everyone has their own and tends to use it exclusively.

george minze · #26 02-09-2010, 09:07 PM

A lot of real good gunsmiths think the Springfield milspec is the best buy for the money....

sar4937 · #27 02-09-2010, 10:17 PM

Confused yet Caj?

MATTHIAS · #28 02-09-2010, 10:35 PM

I have several 1911's but my favorite is a Dan Wesson Pointman,reliable and more accurate than a Colt Gold Cup...and my second is a Kimber Target II in 9mm....nothing to improve,so you don't need a gun$mith.

epj · #29 02-09-2010, 10:58 PM

I would not buy any MILSPEC 1911. First of all, the sights are useless. Second, the grip safety and hammer have a nasty habit of biting me. I want my guns to hurt someone else if necessary, not me. The stainless Taurus 1911 runs around $600 most places and has useable sights and a beavertail grip safety. The ones I've shot were accurate and functioned 100%. If you check the Taurus and 1911 forums, you'll find very few negative remarks about this gun. I don't own one, I have a Kimber. My next 1911 will likely be a Taurus in 9mm or .38 Super.

Ron H. · #30 02-09-2010, 11:20 PM

Sir, here's a link you may find interesting. It's a fairly extensive poll on out-of-the-box reliability of various makes of 1911.

From 1911forum.com - "Out of the Box"

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

oldRoger · #31 02-09-2010, 11:58 PM

I have more than one 1911, IMO the S&W is worth the money you pay. I have had some minor problems with my Kimber Target, but it’s 10mm, if you read the 1911 forums you will find hardly any makers that are problem free.

That being said, probably S&W has the very best customer service until you get into the very high end which is $$$$.