1911 for the First timer buyer

[HotRoderX]

So looking at getting my first 1911 at the end of this month or start of next month.

Looking for one with the thumb safety, Novak sights and beaver tail. The sights are one thing I will budge on as long as they can be replaced down the road. The thumb safety and beaver tail are pretty much must haves. I like to stay in the 700 dollar price range. less is better but I don't wanna go to cheap

The 1911's I am currently looking at are

STI Spartan - I really like this gun only turn off are the sights. Going tomorrow to look at one at a local shop.

RIA Tactical - Really like this gun a lot has all the features I want. I just worry about warranty. I am also told the front sight can be a little hard to replace. I also worry about the finish on the gun. I am kinda retentive when it comes to keeping my guns shinny and clean.

Ruger SR-1911 - I like Ruger as a brand and it has all the features I want and If I could find one I pick it up in a heart beat.

As of right now this guns gonna be primarily HD/Range gun I am entertaining the idea of CC with it. I am a big dude 6ft and pretty hefty. So I don't think CC a 1911 will be a issue.


Any suggestions are manufacturers I should take a look at please I take any information help I can get. I will add I looked at ATI and most there offerings around here are going for 750-850 price range not sure why there so expensive.

 

[Fishslayer]

RIA Tactical - Really like this gun a lot has all the features I want. I just worry about warranty. I am also told the front sight can be a little hard to replace. I also worry about the finish on the gun. I am kinda retentive when it comes to keeping my guns shinny and clean.

e.

The RIA Tactical is a parkerized finish so "shiny" & clean ain't gonna happen. I like the finish, myself.

I can say I've been very happy with mine. It's way more accurate than a $540 OTD 1911 should be. The trigger is awesome.

One note. For a HD gun I would do a LOT of shooting with your SD magazines & ammo of choice after running 500 or so rds of FMJ. Mine ran 100% with FMJ & LRN right out of the box but choked badly on SWC & Winchester PDX1 JHP. It ran WWB JHP just fine, tho. YMMV. Some owners report good performance with JHP right out of the box. Others not so much. Same with magazines. The one that came with mine was junk, others report no problems. One could say the same about 1911's that cost 2 to 4 times as much as the RIA. My pistol's reliability with SWC has gotten better as the round count goes up.

IMO the Tactical model is a lotta bang for the buck. As far as reliability there are some 'smiths in Vegas that owners swear by as far as getting the RIA to run 100% with anything that goes bang.

FWIW my KP90 still stands zombie duty. It's not as accurate as the RIA but I have more confidence in it's reliability.

 

[Skeptic 9c]

You might want to add the Para GI Expert Stainless to your short list.

PARA-ORDNANCE PISTOL GI EXPERT SS45ACP

Not easy to find.

Geoff
Who notes they sell quick.

 

[oldman45]

I still say and will go to my death bed saying it: There is nothing better on the market than a S&W 1911 made in the last few years with a FIVE inch barrel in .45ACP.

Many people will praise what they own and I own a S&W 1911, in fact two of them. Yet I own 1911 guns by seven other makers and have shot many others. The S&W 1911 is difficult to find because it is popular and dependable.

Mine is better than my custom LB or my Clark. It is far more accurate than I am.

Additionally it is all American made.

 

[smitty_bs]

I agree with oldman45 - why not look at a Smith? Here's my basic version with no front serrations, standard guide rod, Novak lo-mount sights, blued steel and wood grips. Great looking gun, utterly reliable and accurate.

 

[rond]

I have 4 different 1911's that all work great so I really don't need another but will get the Ruger. Check out hickok45 on utube for a review.

 

[ladder13]

RIA's Tactical's are $419.99 + $15 shipping at Sarco. Can't beat that with a stick.

However, for SD, I prefer my Smith's, they're utterly reliable right out of the box no tweaking needed.

 

[Broker50]

Speaking to the ones I've had experience with, you won't go wrong with Kimber, Ruger, or S&W. Haven't seen the new Ruger, but I never saw a bad Ruger, looks like a lot of 1911 for the money. I've had S&W's & several Kimber's. The two most accurate, best handling 1911's I've had were a 5" S&W & a 5" Kimber Custom ll. I prefer the Kimber because of the Kimber sights, best sight picture going on a 1911. Not all that crazy about Novak sights, but you may like 'em. The Kimber & Ruger can be bought for less than $700.00, the S&W may be hard to find for that price though. Good luck with you purchase.

 

[OKFC05]

To me, it is more economical in the long run to buy an $800 to $1000 or so S&W 1911 and get what you really want.

Seems to be a pattern at the range that first someone shows me their new 1911 and brags about getting it for $550; then they spend 200 to 400 "improving" it with "drop-in" parts. Then they complain that their "drop ins" don't all work, and they spend $100 to $200 for somebody to straighten it all out. After spending $1000, they have a mule with no warranty.

I bought the 1911 S&W Pro 5" .45, and it has everything I want, including the Novak lo-mount adjustable FO sights. It is extremely accurate. I just shoot and clean it, and miss all the "joy" of fiddling with it. I do keep spare ISMI 1911 recoil and magazine springs on hand, since they are simple to change when needed, after a LOT of shooting.
And if the stock S&W 1911 someday craps out on me, S&W will fix it for free, including shipping.

I guess I'm just a shooter, not a wanna-be gunsmith.

 

[OFT II]

Over the years I've had a couple of dozen 1911 and 1911A1s including a four digit Colt and a real Springfield. The only brand that I've had any real problems with is AMT. I had two and never could get either one to feed a magazine of ball ammo without a malfunction.

 

[310Pilot]

The Rock Island Tactical offers a lot of "bang for the buck," if you will pardon the pun. They are imported from the Phillipines by Armscor in Nevada. They have a great reputation for customer service and warranty work. I suggest you check out the RIA section on the 1911 forum, most seem very pleased with the performance and reliability of them. As to finish, my lgs recently got one in the new satin nickel finish, very attractive, similar in appearance to stainless. The most interesting facet of that finish is that it is so smooth it feels like it is teflon coated. I went through the innards (I'm the only guy that shop will allow to disassemble guns, as they know my background and sometimes seek my assistance on unusual or problem guns they get in), and all the internals seem to be of good quality. The only thing I would so to the gun, assuming it operates well after a few hundred break-in rounds, would be a trigger job. Don't get mr wrong, the trigger on that gun is actually pretty good, little or no creep, a crisp break, but alittle heavier than I prefer, but, I like very light triggers. All in all, I like the RIA Tactical, and am considering adding one to my 1911 stable, of which 75% are Colts, the others Springfields. You may also want to consider a Springfield Armory 1911, especially a Mil-Spec model or a used Loaded model. Excellent guns, good quality, and excellent customer service and warranty.

 

[H Richard]

While I am a S&W fan, and would prefer a S&W 1911, I do own a RIA and it is fine and reliable. But I also own a Colt Gold Cup and a Springfield Armory. For your purposes, mostly range use, I wouldn't hesitate to buy the RIA as the best buy for the money. But if you want the best, get a S&W.

 

[crofoot629]

I realize you are asking for advice here because you are new to 1911's.

But do you even know what a Swartz Safety or series 80 safety is?

The best bang for your buck is in the Springfield Armory $1000 dollar range guns.

I'm no expert but am a retired LEO from an agency that supplied Glocks or let us choose any quality handgun. I've also been to Thunder Ranch 6 times. The first time with a Colt Combat Elite. The front sight fell off on day one.

I currently only own two 1911's. Both are Wilson Combat 5" versions. They're about 3k a pop these days. Expensive but well worth it to me.

Do yourself a favor and spend a little more than what your current budget limit is.

I wouldn't buy a Swartz Safey or series 80 safety 1911. I don't know what S&W 1911's are regarding Swartz, series 80, or series 70's. But if for some reason your not a S. A. guy I'd look at S&W "E series"'1911's.

Good luck and have fun.

Emory

 

[crofoot629]

Colt has the least MIM parts of any production 1911?

I think Wilson Combat, Nighthawk, Les Baer, Springfield Armory and a host of others would argue with that.

At least you didn't say to buy a Kimber.

Emory

 

[cmort666]

One note. For a HD gun I would do a LOT of shooting with your SD magazines & ammo of choice after running 500 or so rds of FMJ. Mine ran 100% with FMJ & LRN right out of the box but choked badly on SWC & Winchester PDX1 JHP. It ran WWB JHP just fine, tho. YMMV. Some owners report good performance with JHP right out of the box. Others not so much.

My Series 70 Colt shot flawlessly with the old 200gr. "flying ashtrays", but jammed badly with ball. It eventually broke in and shot ball as well.

 

[novalty]

The new Ruger does look to be an impressive 1911, slide-to-frame fit in the pictures I have seen looks a little looser than I'd prefer, but haven't had one in my hand. If I were you I'd try to get to some shops to handle, and fire if possible. For S&W, if you get one it will probably be a little more, but you know their Customer Service is going to stand behind it. When I was looking at 1911's I had narrowed it down to S&W and Springfield Armory, as both have good reputations, guns in the price range I was looking at, and good customer service. Ended up getting a used S&W 1911, as it was in excellent shape and a very good price.

 

[relic]

When I was in the market for my first 1911, I saw a remark, "If it's not a Colt, it a knock off." While that's a smart *** perspective, it has some merit. Colt has been buildiing solid 1911s for a long time.

I shopped, studied, and went on to get a Colt Cdr XSE 4.25" for HD and carry. I was pleased with that choice.

I've since gone on to acquire more expensive 1911s but you won't go wrong with Colt as a starter.

Bob in Indy

 

[crofoot629]

WC LB NHC Etc. are not considered production guns....they are semi custom. SA(a production 1911) has more MIM than Colt.

Any more questions?

Uh, no. No more questions. I was just trying to be helpful but you are evidently the 1911 expert here on the S&W forum.

And I'm absolutely delighted to hear Colt is making decent 1911's now because they sure turned out some junk in the past.

Emory

 

[BillBingham2]

Kind of like Leica and Harley Davidson perhaps. They both had issues but now turn out great products. Though I have no knowledge if Colt is on the upswing as these two great old companies are.

When I'm ready to pick up a rifle that shoots 38 specials and 357 mags I am going with a somewhat off-brand (not us made but a sold company) from a specialist who tweaks them to be smooth and solid. Not sure if this works with a 1911 but it might.

Good luck.

B2
(not a 1911 anything....other than having lust in my heart.....)

 

[venomballistics]

Uh, no. No more questions. I was just trying to be helpful but you are evidently the 1911 expert here on the S&W forum.

And I'm absolutely delighted to hear Colt is making decent 1911's now because they sure turned out some junk in the past.

Emory

the springfield MIM parts list is quite short.
Sear and disconnector are MIM, slide stop and safety might be as well.
its no biggie really since their machined counterparts grow on trees in the after market industry.
I'd suggest .. no .. demand that you do all your home work before changing out the aforementioned internals so as to do it correctly, or at the very least, check the outsourced work with a qualified set of eyes.


the 1911 is our Ford Mustang of the firing line.
if you fear the torque wrench ... you will want a "GT" right out of the gate. Colt, Kimber, Nighthawk, Wilson and other high end guns represent the GT's of the breed.
if you think its as beautiful under the hood as it is on the hood, All you really are shopping for is the frame, Anything mil spec will do you.