Hey 1911 fans!!!!

[The Norseman]

Best Buy

I would defiantly look at the Ruger 1911's.

Got mine right after they came out. I would have
no other 1911. Well made, Accurate, Great Value.
Other variations available in the SR line up.

I have circa 2011 Ruger SR1911 45ACP full size, got it
right after they came out. I have only cleaned it three
times, this last time was because I was bored "sheltering
in place" during this Chinese Virus. It just keeps working
with no problems. And I don't even like Auto's.

Slide to Frame fit was very nice and tight back then.
This Pistol is more accurate then I can shoot it.
I Have a Friend that is a 1911 Master Shooter
prove it to me. He was even impressed too.

I like the Ruger 1911's. I would not hesitate buying
Ruger. No reason for me to buy any other. If someone
asks me about 1911's I steer them towards Ruger only.

The Best to you in whatever you buy and your Endeavors.

P.S. the Plunger Assembly for the Side safety/side release
is milled right on the frame, not staked on, and will
never come undone.

 

[78bagger]

I'm with the Colt guys. Of the ones I use most, the Wiley Clapp CCO is my favorite. Nice finish, match barrel, perfect weight for carry or shooting. I have a stainless commander that I used for carry in crappy weather. I also fell under the spell of the Springfield Ronin a few months ago. Looks great and shoots fine but the fit was a bit off. It was a real job to do the first couple of field strips because the barrel bushing had a burr on the inside and the slide lock fought going back in and tried to put the idiot scratch on the first time

 

[Oldsalt66]

Take a look at the S&W E Series 1911TA; they're very nice stainless steel pistols.

If you're leaning towards a stainless steel Dan Wesson, first do some research regarding problems with galling.

 

[Curt32955]

I also agree with the Colt suggestions. If you're only going to own one, it should be a Colt. May I suggest the Colt Combat Elite series....it comes in three different sizes and in either .45acp or 9mm so you can pick pretty much the one that fits your needs. Plus, it's a really sharp looking 1911 in my opinion.

 

[wetdog1911]

Ruger works for me and well within or under your price range.

Mine is the lightweight Commander though .... in 9mm.

Highly recommend it.

Probably a nightstand or range gun unless I find a commander size. In that case, I may carry.

IIRC, the first LW Commanders were chambered in 9mm. The .45acp came later.

Love at first sight? My very first was a WWII Ithaca that had certainly seen combat. Could double as a castanet and most of the finish was gone.

It was love at first sight and I miss it still. It was stolen 40 years ago, or so.

Rob

 

[hotshot357]

Another vote for the Colt Gold Cup NM. I shot mine this morning, what a wonderful way to start the day off!!!! Best damn 1911 made!!!

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

When it comes to 1911's, you cannot beat Rock Island/ATI for the price. They are solid performers and have everything, but the brand appeal and resale value. I have an ATI 9mm Commander, and it is my most shot 1911.

 

[Black69]

Another vote for the Ruger. Bought one when they first came out and I really like it. Excellent trigger, sights, and feel..I shoot it better than any other gun I own..

 

[Ματθιας]

Colt. Colt. Colt. Everything else is just a copy.

 

[crazyphil]

Back in 1992 I found an old (made in 1984) Colt's Gold Cup National Match
shown below. It had been much used and kinda abused, but I got it for
5 Benjamins, so I thought I had done OK. Went to the range. First shot,
the front sight fell off. Couldn't shoot a magazine full with out a FTF of one
sort or another.

Took it to a local pistolsmith and replaced the front sight with the Ashley
Outdoors AO Big Dot front sight. Replaced the old worn rubber stocks
with the double diamonds from Herretts.

Sent it off to world class pistolsmith Carl Sokol. I had read an article in
a gun magazine that said "when it absolutely, positively must work,
knowledgeable pistoleros all over the world send their pistols to Carl
Sokol."

Carl gave it his reliability package. Ever since it has been 100% reliable.
He installed the Commander hammer that I preferred. He did a trigger
job to a smooth 4.5#. Replaced ever part that needed replacing with
Ed Brown parts.

He completed my order with his "Mountain Tuff" finish. From the gun
magazine article: "Mountain Tuff is a miracle finish that is virtually wear
proof and impervious to almost anything that you will come into contact
with. It's natural lubricity increases the gun's reliability."

Not only is it 100% reliable, but it is also far more accurate than I am.
All tolled I have put about a grand into it. Almost as much as a new
one would have been at the time I got it. But, on the other hand, it
is better than a new one, because it is exactly the way I wanted it.

And a few years ago, for frosting on the cake, a good friend of mine,
Red Nichols, made this holster that he called a Brill-Persons and his
Sidewinder belt, and gifted them both to me. Second from left.

Third from left is IMHO another barbeque worthy rig. The holster
is a Heiser model 728. The knife is an Ultimate 1911 knife.
The belt is by Texas Gunslingers, and the Navajo buckle by Nezzi.

Sorry to be so long winded, but I wanted you to have the option of
another way to have your a custom pistol, just the way you want it.

 

[crazyphil]

When the inventory becomes available, I will likely be on the hunt for a 1911.... I would like to stay within the $800-$1,600 price range (new). I believe I would want a Commander size but I am open to a full-size. Preference is stainless steel but I would consider blue. My goal is to find a gun that I must have, once I see it. I am flexible to the manufacturer. So there you have it. 1911 fans please share some options/opinions. I am seeking love at first sight!

The old timers used to say: "Yeh it's a purdy good pistol, but
it ain't a Colt".

 

[SuperMan]

IIRC, the first LW Commanders were chambered in 9mm. The .45acp came later.

Love at first sight? My very first was a WWII Ithaca that had certainly seen combat. Could double as a castanet and most of the finish was gone.

It was love at first sight and I miss it still. It was stolen 40 years ago, or so.

Rob

First year, 1949, Commanders Serial Numbers 001-0065 were .45 ACP from what I have read. The .38 Super and 9mm started at serial number 66LW in 1950. I have only seen one or two 1949 Commanders sell at auction and they were .45s...

Cellar Hound...have you decided on a caliber yet? I ask because if you want .45 I would not go a Commander, as in aluminum frame, for a range gun.. Make a great carry piece but not something you want to put a lot of rounds down range in a session with. If 9mm or .38 Super, they are my favorite 1911. Wonderful balance, great to carry and mild recoil. Also one can just change barrels, recoil springs and magazines to shoot both rounds from the same pistol.

For mainly a range gun, the the standard Government Model size 5" gun with a good set of sights is the way to go. My most recent purchase 1911 wise was a Colt Competition Model in .38 Super...everything one needs and nothing one doesn't.

Good luck in your quest...

Bob

 

[SuperMan]

Back in 1902 I found an old (made in 1984) Colt's Gold Cup National Match
shown below. It had been much used and kinda abused, but I got it for
5 Benjamins, so I thought I had done OK. Went to the range. First shot,
the front sight fell off. Couldn't shoot a magazine full with out a FTF of one
sort or another.

Took it to a local pistolsmith and replaced the front sight with the Ashley
Outdoors AO Big Dot front sight. Replaced the old worn rubber stocks
with the double diamonds from Herretts.

Sent it off to world class pistolsmith Carl Sokol. I had read an article in
a gun magazine that said "when it absolutely, positively must work,
knowledgeable pistoleros all over the world send their pistols to Carl
Sokol."

Carl gave it his reliability package. Ever since it has been 100% reliable.
He installed the Commander hammer that I preferred. He did a trigger
job to a smooth 4.5#. Replaced ever part that needed replacing with
Ed Brown parts.

He completed my order with his "Mountain Tuff" finish. From the gun
magazine article: "Mountain Tuff is a miracle finish that is virtually wear
proof and impervious to almost anything that you will come into contact
with. It's natural lubricity increases the gun's reliability."

Not only is it 100% reliable, but it is also far more accurate than I am.
All tolled I have put about a grand into it. Almost as much as a new
one would have been at the time I got it. But, on the other hand, it
is better than a new one, because it is exactly the way I wanted it.

And a few years ago, for frosting on the cake, a good friend of mine,
Red Nichols, made this holster that he called a Brill-Persons and his
Sidewinder belt, and gifted them both to me. Second from left.

Third from left is IMHO another barbeque worthy rig. The holster
is a Heiser model 728. The knife is an Ultimate 1911 knife.
The belt is by Texas Gunslingers, and the Navajo buckle by Nezzi.

Sorry to be so long winded, but I wanted you to have the option of
another way to have your a custom pistol, just the way you want it.

...wow Phil...nice piece...

I have been to Karl's shop in Vermont. He also put an Ashley Big Dot front sight on a Combat Commader along with milling in one of his Novak U notch rear sights that he made befor Novak ever did...

And what a great rig to carry it. I almost bought a Nichols holster for a Commander off ebay a few months ago...beautifully made holsters...

Bob

 

[Cellar Hound]

Agree

Not owning a Colt 1911 in 45 ACP is akin to not owning a Smith revolver in 357/44.

I agree....

I have addressed my .357/.44 issue by acquiring many....

I now seek to correct a longstanding void in my collection by asking the experts to show me the light.....

 

[Cellar Hound]

Great story

Back in 1902 I found an old (made in 1984) Colt's Gold Cup National Match
shown below. It had been much used and kinda abused, but I got it for
5 Benjamins, so I thought I had done OK. Went to the range. First shot,
the front sight fell off. Couldn't shoot a magazine full with out a FTF of one
sort or another.

Took it to a local pistolsmith and replaced the front sight with the Ashley
Outdoors AO Big Dot front sight. Replaced the old worn rubber stocks
with the double diamonds from Herretts.

Sent it off to world class pistolsmith Carl Sokol. I had read an article in
a gun magazine that said "when it absolutely, positively must work,
knowledgeable pistoleros all over the world send their pistols to Carl
Sokol."

Carl gave it his reliability package. Ever since it has been 100% reliable.
He installed the Commander hammer that I preferred. He did a trigger
job to a smooth 4.5#. Replaced ever part that needed replacing with
Ed Brown parts.

He completed my order with his "Mountain Tuff" finish. From the gun
magazine article: "Mountain Tuff is a miracle finish that is virtually wear
proof and impervious to almost anything that you will come into contact
with. It's natural lubricity increases the gun's reliability."

Not only is it 100% reliable, but it is also far more accurate than I am.
All tolled I have put about a grand into it. Almost as much as a new
one would have been at the time I got it. But, on the other hand, it
is better than a new one, because it is exactly the way I wanted it.

And a few years ago, for frosting on the cake, a good friend of mine,
Red Nichols, made this holster that he called a Brill-Persons and his
Sidewinder belt, and gifted them both to me. Second from left.

Third from left is IMHO another barbeque worthy rig. The holster
is a Heiser model 728. The knife is an Ultimate 1911 knife.
The belt is by Texas Gunslingers, and the Navajo buckle by Nezzi.

Sorry to be so long winded, but I wanted you to have the option of
another way to have your a custom pistol, just the way you want it.

Very nice!!

 

[Cellar Hound]

Thanks Bob

First year, 1949, Commanders Serial Numbers 001-0065 were .45 ACP from what I have read. The .38 Super and 9mm started at serial number 66LW in 1950. I have only seen one or two 1949 Commanders sell at auction and they were .45s...

Cellar Hound...have you decided on a caliber yet? I ask because if you want .45 I would not go a Commander, as in aluminum frame, for a range gun.. Make a great carry piece but not something you want to put a lot of rounds down range in a session with. If 9mm or .38 Super, they are my favorite 1911. Wonderful balance, great to carry and mild recoil. Also one can just change barrels, recoil springs and magazines to shoot both rounds from the same pistol.

For mainly a range gun, the the standard Government Model size 5" gun with a good set of sights is the way to go. My most recent purchase 1911 wise was a Colt Competition Model in .38 Super...everything one needs and nothing one doesn't.

Good luck in your quest...

Bob

I appreciate your comments Bob. I am beginning to feel, like many new purchases, I will end up wanting more than one to satisfy the range as well as carry. After getting everyone's feedback, I plan to go into "full research mode". However, that's why I start with asking the experts first. This is a great forum!

 

[trashy]

I'm more "blue steel & wood", I do not own a stainless 1911, but own a few Colts and a couple Dan Wesson's. In your price range, for a range / bed side 1911, I'd get a series 70 Gold Cup or DW Valor, I have and love both. For commander I'd recommend the DW Vigil in 9mm.

I really like my DW's, I believe they are the best value in the 1911 world.

 

[cmansguns]

Too bad you said "new"....

Unless you maybe meant "new....to you". My opinion (maybe...probably, not shared by others) would be to accept NO SUBSTITUTES, even if your price range may be exceeded (unless you are already in the CMP Lotto).

John Moses had it right.....from the beginning! The rest are all wannabees.

Left to right:

Colt 1911A1 (1945); Remington-Rand 1911A1 (1943); Ithaca 1911A1 (1943); Argentine 1911A1 (1945); Browning Hi-Power (smaller "pill"....beautiful action and double stack).

Argentines and BHP are still well within your price range, the others more unless you see a flipper from CMP (and there are many out there recently....most are mixmasters though).

Absolutely no comparison to a been there, done that, battle rattle, idiot mark.....original.

 

[pjpjr]

Take a look at the SIG 1911 Target.
Very nice pistol and has many updates that a custom 1911 would have.
I am definitely a die hard COLT fan and own a number of them....can't go wrong with any choice in the Colt line up either......

 

[Dougaz]

Here's my full sized 1911 chambered in .45. Currently shooting 230 gr. FMJ and it's a pleasure to shoot. In fact, of all the many wheelies I own, this auto might be one of the funnest to shoot. Very accurate but pretty heavy and honestly, I don't think I'd ever try to carry it.