1911 recommendations

[afriqueart]

I know it's not a S&W question per se but, I've recently been on a quest to learn about the 1911 I carried while in the Navy in the late 70's and early 80's.

It was a Colt and I recall it was a smooth shooter.

I don't know why I didn't keep it. Don't even remember if I was offered the chance of buying it upon my honorable discharge.

I'd like to find a replacement just for old times sake.

I value the opinion of the fine folks here so I'm looking for information and recommendations on what to buy.

The 1911 I had was a stainless finish and didn't have adjustable sights. As far as I recall, it was a plain vanilla 45 ACP.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

John

 

[xopher88x]

I just picked up a Rock Island Armory CS model (compact, Colt Officer's style). It's been a pleasant surprise. People poo-poo them because:

they're under $500 (but seriously, why pay more?)
they're made in the Philippines
they're pretty bare bones
the finish is nothing to write home about

But gosh darn, it goes bang every time and it's dead on accurate. The bottom line on these little guys is, don't knock it 'till you rock it.

 

[mlk18]

If you are looking for new the Colt 1991 or Springfield MilSpec 1911 may be good approximations. You can also find used military 1911's on the online auction sites. This is the Colt 1991.

 

[Krull]

I just got a Para 1911 GI Expert last month,I actually see why their so well liked as it's an easy gun to tear apart and maintain-but
damn if the Para doesn't have it some bugs,I think it may be the mags and I just ordered some MecGars so I hope that works.

Also the parts seem cheap and deform or outright break so I may wind up gutting the thing and just replacing it all.

That aside I love the thing,great woods gun next to the 629 and I like the old style look I've given it (replaced the race gun hammer and trigger)

Have a look:

Started with this:

Now we have this:

I'd say stay away from Para unless you feel you can tear it apart and fix it as it needs,or you may get one that just sings along.

 

[LuddhaBuddha]

Well which 1911 to buy can depend on a number of things, what is your gun buying budget, what will the gun be used for, does it need to be a colt, it will be easier to help you if we knew those things.

If you are looking for mid-range in price and want something to carry I would suggest a S&W 1911PD commander. If you want a lower priced gun for the range look at Springfield GI and mil-spec guns, or one I can highly recommend a Rock Island Tactical. If you can afford a high end gun, anything from Ed Brown, Les Baer, Night Hawk, or Wilson Combat would be a great choice.

 

[SFCHAINLEY]

I have had several of the rock island guns that shot as well as my colts, s&w,and kimbers.

 

[afriqueart]

I've looked at the Colt 1911 special edition from Talo. I've gotten a few quotes for about $1200. Colt also makes a model 70. It looks like I might get one of those but I wanted opinions from the pro's here.

 

[Old Navy]

I've tried several 1911's over the years, Colt's to Para and even the cheaper RIA's, and after all said done here's what I have decided to stay with till they put me in the nursing home or throw dirt in my face. The best of Colt 1911's, a Delta Elite 10mm from the Custom Shop in 1987.

Here it is again with the 610-3 6.5" and the 610 5", I call them the 3 musketeer's.

The 610 5" and Colt DE both have been safe queens with very few rounds fired, think I may shoot them some this summer and get the new off off them.

The 610 no dash 5" is a 1990 PC gun, the -3 is '05 or '06 model but I don't remember for sure which.

 

[swsteve123]

Well, I have read a number of articles in mags such as AH and Gun Tests about 1911's, specifically S&W 1911's. Don't know why I want a .45 ACP gun other than I want one. You folks who are the owners and users of these pieces are the critics I really want to hear from. I am thinking SW1911PD, but am thinking a heavier gun (standard) will soak up recoil better. No, I am not particularly recoil sensative although arthritis tends to let its voice be heard every once in a while. Yes, I am old. The gun will be used often, but not for everyday carry. Please give me some of yoour thinking, folks. I'd appreciate it.

 

[T.Webb]

I need a 1911. Need, because when I retire, I intend to supplement my income by teaching Hunters safety, and the NRA "Basic" courses. At least, that's what I've been telling myself lately. So, anyway, I need a 1911 style single action pistol. I look at several in the $500.00 range. Trigger isn't so hot. Not as smooth as my buddy's $1200.00 Kimber. But, I have no intention of spending $1200.00 on a gun.Then the store clerk shows me a Taurus. That Taurus was love at first sight. I hate to admit this, but she might even surpass my Sig P220 at the front seat in my safe. The Taurus is a semi custom 1911, with over 16 custom features. The Taurus trigger is awesome, to say the least.

Don't buy it because I say so, but take a few minutes and check it out.

 

[Old Navy]

It's the only Taurus automatic that's worth a broke nickle, but unfortunally if you do need service their average turn around time seem to run 2 to 3 months. Same thing happened in the Judge from Taurus, they have been very reliable so far but the rest of their DA revolvers are cheap crap that look good on outside then look at the guts and see why most gun smiths will not work on them.

For the life of me I can't understand why they can't make good guns all across their line.

 

[USMC Vet]

1911 choices

FWIW, let me make a suggestion. I've had a gaggle of 1911's over the years. most were excellent pieces, a few were nothing more than canoe anchors. I honestly believe that U.S. made 1911's are superior to foreign made. Buy U.S. Period. Having had some of the best, (Colt, Kimber, Les Baer, S/A) I am now down to just a few. The most recent, a Smith 108284. It has everything I need, and nothing I don't. It looks good, shoots like a champ, didn't break the bank, and does everything required in a 45 pistol, and made in the U.S. Go for it.
USMC Vet

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

Everybody today seems to make a 1911.
Look at how the service is plus parts availability.

I ran the SW1911 very hard when I bought mine in 2003? I ran it so hard I wore it out, then sent it back so they rebuilt it on their dime. Then I smartly sold it.
It was a very loose pistol that drew blood the first time I shot it. The trigger and safeties were not fit even for an assembly line gun. (S&W as a few parts which are unique to their brand of 1911) I added parts to keep it running (trigger, grip safety, thumb safety, sear, hammer, but removed all my parts when the slide wore out, breaking the barrel lug). The biggest problem with S&W 1911's is they restrict certain parts for sale. Safeties are restricted! Personally I won't buy another from S&W.

I run Brown 1911's and yes I had to change a few things too, but at least the parts are there to be had if needed. No BS if you need a thumb safety etc.

 

[johngalt]

I have both Colts and a Kimber, they all have been very good. My biggest gripe with the Kimber is the Schwartz firing pin safety. It has never malfunctioned, but I'm a bit of a purist and like them closer to the original design and without all the add-on tactical junk.

I've converted all mine to target guns (trigger and accuracy jobs, adjustable sights).

 

[blastfact]

I have a thread like this one going. I wish to thank all and there input.