Need a 1911

[md_shooter_rick]

I'll admit i'm a S&W M&P fan but when i sell my Motorcycle i'm going to get a 1911 in 45acp. I've been interested before but never prioritized it. Now i think i'm going to. Obviously i'm considering S&W 1911 since i'm posting here . From what i've been reading the SW1911 E-SERIES has great reviews. Now i need to know if it should be the one i get or one of the others i've been reading about, ie Remington R1 (enhanced?), Rock Island, Springfield Armory, or Colt. But wanted to get rec's from you all. I'd prefer to stay under $1000 but will go over if it is the best option.

 

[hoytx10]

All the ones you list are good. My personal favorite is the Smith and Wesson 1911 E Series commander with the scandium/aluminum frame.

 

[The Norseman]

1911

I just have one, and that's all I want. No interest for
owning more. For my just plinking at the Range......

Mines the Best Stock Made, Best Buy, Most Reliable,
Weather Resist, Most Accurate, Excellent Stock Trigger
Circa 2008 Ruger SR1911 (Model 6700) 45ACP Full Size.

I can't shoot it very accurately, so I had a Friend that
is Highest Level 1911 Target Shooter, try it once.

Wow! He shot the smallest group that I will never do.
He was quite impressed that it was Stock and said the
Trigger was Excellent for a Stock Trigger, his small group
at 50feet sure showed it.

Back in the day I bought mine for $629 (no tax) at the
AAFES Gun Shop. I think you can find them for around
$700 now.

 

[Inusuit]

I have four Colts and a Springfield Armory. Recently bought a Kimber Lightweight in .45 on sale for $599. So far it has digested 100 rounds of FMJ and 250 of my SWC lead handloads without a single malfunction. I am impressed with the fit and finish. Very snug slide to frame, positive safety off and on, no Series 80 firing pin safety. Looks good, shoots good. Check one out.

 

[md_shooter_rick]

The one sticking point i keep coming up against with the SW1911 is the sites not being "standard". I hate proprietary parts.

 

[shottist]

Todays Colts IMO are better built, better finished, american built with better parts than any of their competitors. Go with the Pony!

 

[Collo Rosso]

I've had quite a few. Right now I have 2 S.A. A range officer in 9mm and a lightweight champion in 45acp, a Sig 5" in 45acp and a original S&W 1911Sc in 45acp. I'd recommend any one of them. It's kind of hard to buy a bad 1911 these days. I shoot with guys that have RIA's with thousands of rounds through them.
Don't discount a 1911 in 9mm. The range officer in 9mm is probably my favorite.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

I own 29 pistols of 1911 type beginning with a pre-WW1 Commercial Model Colt and progressing through the two world wars and into the 1990's. Colt, Springfield Armory, North American Arms, Remington-UMC, Ithaca, Union Switch & Signal, Remington-Rand, a couple of large safe deposit boxes full of great stuff.

I also carry a 1911-style pistol daily and have done so as a retired cop, active cop, and soldier in combat during Vietnam.

For overall value, selection, features, function, quality, and customer service I recommend Kimber very highly. My current Kimber Custom CDP has been with me for long enough that much of the frame finish has worn away and the night sights have been replaced once; it still gets the job done every time I ask it to do so.

Yes, I know this is the S&W Forum. I am fluent in heresy.

 

[Farmer17]

I'm a big Rock Island fan considering the price but I also love my Springfield Defender 1911 Mil Spec and it was under 500 bucks. If you want to spend more money I would suggest either the Springfield Range officer or the Ruger. You can then buy a Les Baer that is guaranteed to shoot 1.5 inch 10 shot groups at 50 yards but you'll be over $2,200.

 

[ContinentalOp]

My only experience with 1911s is with full-size Colts, and if I were going to get a 1911, more than likely I'd probably get a Colt Government Model, maybe a Commander. I believe you can get their standard models for around $1k or less, depending on model.

With that said, for the best value, I'd probably go with something from Springfield Armory. Their full-size Loaded and Range Officer models give you a pretty good bang-for-the-buck. I'd probably be more inclined to go with their Mil-Spec, but the Ronin Operator is quite appealing (I have a thing for two-tone 1911s). My preference would be towards non-railed models. I believe each of these would go for under $1k.

I'm not saying your other options are bad, this is just what I would go with if I were in your shoes.

 

[Tubbsy]

I've got a Remington r1, the carry edition, has a wonderful trigger, night sights, stippled front and rear of the grip, and very high level of fit and finish. I would wholly reccomend it to anyone else.... available in government or commander size. As for price, I paid $700 for mine.

 

[cmj8591]

Colt. Everything else is just a copy!

 

[JJEH]

I'd consider a Dan Wesson. Second would be a S&W if you don't mind an external extractor.

 

[K Frame Keith]

I have an older Kimber CDP Pro that I am very fond of. I'm looking for a full size 1911, budget priced and American made. Good luck with your search.

 

[K Frame Keith]

Colt. Everything else is just a copy!

Nahhhhhh! Government 1911's were made by a variety of contractors. Lol.

 

[md_shooter_rick]

I'm a big Rock Island fan considering the price but I also love my Springfield Defender 1911 Mil Spec and it was under 500 bucks. If you want to spend more money I would suggest either the Springfield Range officer or the Ruger. You can then buy a Les Baer that is guaranteed to shoot 1.5 inch 10 shot groups at 50 yards but you'll be over $2,200.

Want to spend more money, NAH. i don't think i'll get more than one so i'm willing to. BUT over all i want a shooter.

 

[md_shooter_rick]

I'd consider a Dan Wesson. Second would be a S&W if you don't mind an external extractor.

Not sure if i mind or not to be honest. Not sure what the major issue is.

 

[md_shooter_rick]

I've got a Remington r1, the carry edition, has a wonderful trigger, night sights, stippled front and rear of the grip, and very high level of fit and finish. I would wholly reccomend it to anyone else.... available in government or commander size. As for price, I paid $700 for mine.

This was a leader for me when i looked before. But a lot of others really seemed to like the RIA and the price allowed for other purchases

 

[Tubbsy]

Honestly my only regret about it, is that I didn't buy a commander also.

 

[mckenney99]

I have, at last count 17 1911's, so I am a fan. Have carried Springfield Micro Compact daily for the last 16 years. A custom full sized Colt in 40 S&W for 15 years before that. I have Colts, Kimbers, Springfields and a Sig Sauer. Some are complete custom builds and others are basically stock and they have to be as close to 100% reliable as I can get them or they go away. I would like to try one of Smith & Wesson's and Ruger's examples. My suggestion, get with as many people as you can, that have 1911s and try as many as you can. While all are similar they do have their differences and can have a myriad of features. You won't know what features you want until you experience those features.
The 1911 is almost like an AR15 in all the various options that are available.