OP
md_shooter_rick
US Veteran
I should have mentioned that since i live in marylandistan i don't ever expect to be able to legally CC. So that isn't a consideration and why i put full size.
Need a 1911
- Thread starter md_shooter_rick
- Start date
misswired
Absent Comrade
I checked a couple or so..........What?
I have owned Colt, Kimber, Rock Island, American Classic, and Springfield. The old Kimber was probably the most accurate with the sweetest trigger but every other gun was darn accurate with a decent trigger. I love the looks, history, and romance of a military 1911 government issue and the Springfield Mil Spec is currently my only 1911 and it looks similar but has nice sights. I don't have any problem with the standard grip safety but some people with fleshy hands get bit so you might want to try one out first to make sure you don't get hammer bite.
Chino74
Member
I love my Colts & also my SA Milspec Defender. Can't go wrong either way. Colt's have better finish, less MIM parts & are standard sized as to parts. Springfield Armory uses a lightweight titatium FP & their FP size and breech FP hole dia. is NOT the same as a standard 1911 in .45 cal. if that matters to you.
I ended up changing the titanium FP to steel and the recoil spring to standard 18 pound. It shoots perfectly.
I ended up changing the titanium FP to steel and the recoil spring to standard 18 pound. It shoots perfectly.
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Grayfox
US Veteran
I'm a 1911 addict and own a bunch of 'em. 
You can't go wrong with a Colt. They are the original, one of the best and hold their value better than any other brand.
I bought one of the Remington 1911R1s when they first came out and was pleasantly surprised at just how good it was. Excellent craftsmanship, accurate and had the best out-of-box trigger I've ever felt. Finish isn't real fancy, but does look good.
Lots of folks recommending Kimber. Frankly, I don't like 'em. They're more about the name than quality. Way overpriced for what they are. I've seen more Kimbers choke than any other brand. JMHO.
Ruger gets a lot of good reviews. Somehow I just never could warm up to them. They always seemed like an afterthought to me. Everybody else makes a 1911, so why not us too? Feel pretty much the same way about Sig Sauer and the Smith & Wesson 1911s.
I'm a huge fan of Springfield Armory 1911s. Excellent guns at a decent price. And if needed, they have the best customer service in the industry.
You mentioned that this will only be a range gun and even used the words "target shooting". My recommendation is the Springfield Armory Range Officer. Excellent gun, very accurate, nice trigger and great adjustable sights. For the OPs purposes, I think this is exactly what he wants.
You can't go wrong with a Colt. They are the original, one of the best and hold their value better than any other brand.
I bought one of the Remington 1911R1s when they first came out and was pleasantly surprised at just how good it was. Excellent craftsmanship, accurate and had the best out-of-box trigger I've ever felt. Finish isn't real fancy, but does look good.
Lots of folks recommending Kimber. Frankly, I don't like 'em. They're more about the name than quality. Way overpriced for what they are. I've seen more Kimbers choke than any other brand. JMHO.
Ruger gets a lot of good reviews. Somehow I just never could warm up to them. They always seemed like an afterthought to me. Everybody else makes a 1911, so why not us too? Feel pretty much the same way about Sig Sauer and the Smith & Wesson 1911s.
I'm a huge fan of Springfield Armory 1911s. Excellent guns at a decent price. And if needed, they have the best customer service in the industry.
You mentioned that this will only be a range gun and even used the words "target shooting". My recommendation is the Springfield Armory Range Officer. Excellent gun, very accurate, nice trigger and great adjustable sights. For the OPs purposes, I think this is exactly what he wants.
Bosquebass
Member
Honestly, you can't go wrong on any new 1911 that you have on your list, OP.
I just bought a Colt Government Competition Series in 45 and so far I'm pleased. It's a 70 series and the blued finish is not as polished as Colt made them back when but it's pretty darn nice.
The slide to frame fit is good but not as tight as some may want it but the gun shoots anything I've put in it so far with no problems. And it's way more accurate than I am. Colt's Manufacturing LLC
Colt ain't the only game in town for sure but they still build a nice gun.
I just bought a Colt Government Competition Series in 45 and so far I'm pleased. It's a 70 series and the blued finish is not as polished as Colt made them back when but it's pretty darn nice.
The slide to frame fit is good but not as tight as some may want it but the gun shoots anything I've put in it so far with no problems. And it's way more accurate than I am. Colt's Manufacturing LLC
Colt ain't the only game in town for sure but they still build a nice gun.
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Ick
Nobody really NEEDS a 1911. I'm totally good with .45 ACP but a TDA (traditional double action) or a DAO (double action only) pistol is a far better choice for most shooters.
I understand the desire. I have possessed a couple myself and they were top notch 1911s. Once I finally decided that they were basically useless for anything but target practice and Wild Bunch-type Cowboy Action Shooting games I happily dumped them for better and far more useful pistols.
1911s are fine guns. I always add YMMV in these threads because lots of folks think that 1911s are the bees knees for self defense and that might be true IF and only IF you train and practice and practice and train. And then do it again. Sure, you need to do that with any gun but 1911s are different, as are Browning HPs (which I love, by the way). Besides being huge clunkers, even in compact form, they simply are outdated for the 21st century. Again, I admit their quality, I admit that John Moses Browning designed a wonderful handgun. But the single action pistol's time, at least for the for the average self defense shooter, is in the past.
We had a similar discussion about single action revolvers just the other day. I adore Colt SAAs and their replicas; they are probably the best looking pistols in the world or at least in the top five. But their time has passed. They'll still do the self defense job admirably well if you train and practice, etc. Believe me, you would NOT want to have a confrontation with a skilled cowboy action shooter and his or her single action revolver. But except for target practice and games nobody needs one of those any more.
Do Any of You Actually Carry a Single Action for Self Defense
Want, however, is a whole other subject!
Desiring one for its beauty and because you like it is never anything I argue against. I just stick to the practical side of the discussion. And get flamed by the folks who like them, of course!
Nobody really NEEDS a 1911. I'm totally good with .45 ACP but a TDA (traditional double action) or a DAO (double action only) pistol is a far better choice for most shooters.
I understand the desire. I have possessed a couple myself and they were top notch 1911s. Once I finally decided that they were basically useless for anything but target practice and Wild Bunch-type Cowboy Action Shooting games I happily dumped them for better and far more useful pistols.
1911s are fine guns. I always add YMMV in these threads because lots of folks think that 1911s are the bees knees for self defense and that might be true IF and only IF you train and practice and practice and train. And then do it again. Sure, you need to do that with any gun but 1911s are different, as are Browning HPs (which I love, by the way). Besides being huge clunkers, even in compact form, they simply are outdated for the 21st century. Again, I admit their quality, I admit that John Moses Browning designed a wonderful handgun. But the single action pistol's time, at least for the for the average self defense shooter, is in the past.
We had a similar discussion about single action revolvers just the other day. I adore Colt SAAs and their replicas; they are probably the best looking pistols in the world or at least in the top five. But their time has passed. They'll still do the self defense job admirably well if you train and practice, etc. Believe me, you would NOT want to have a confrontation with a skilled cowboy action shooter and his or her single action revolver. But except for target practice and games nobody needs one of those any more.
Do Any of You Actually Carry a Single Action for Self Defense
Want, however, is a whole other subject!
Desiring one for its beauty and because you like it is never anything I argue against. I just stick to the practical side of the discussion. And get flamed by the folks who like them, of course!
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Yeah I carried a Kimber as my duty weapon my last years on the job. I never felt under-gunned with it. Never been a pray and spray kind of guy. I could out shoot most officers with their staggered mag striker guns with a revolver or 1911. But then I'm not anti-plastic or strikers either.
I'm not loyal to any gun right now and I do carry a compact 1911 at times. I never carry a full size anymore, of anything.
I'm not loyal to any gun right now and I do carry a compact 1911 at times. I never carry a full size anymore, of anything.
ContinentalOp
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Full-size is a good choice for a range gun. But you still might want to check out the Commander variants if you get a chance. I've never shot one, but whenever I've held one it felt a little better balanced than the full-size. Could just be me.
I like 1911s, but they wouldn't be my first choice for a carry gun. Probably wouldn't be my last choice, though.
bowzette
Member
I have a Dan Wesson Pointman9 and a Ruger LW Commander in 9mm. The Ruger is half the cost of the DW. The DW is made like a 1900 steel safe-great fit and finish and a lot of hand fitting. But I will sell the Dan Wesson and keep the Ruger! In my old age I have determined I like to shoot smaller lighter handguns that I would/could actually carry. I prefer the 29oz Ruger over the 40oz DW and the Ruger is built good enough and has never had a failure to fire.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
S&W 1911 sku 108284-with a short GI trigger
Gene L
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Hard to find a "bad" 1911 these days. I've got a Colt CC and a RIA 1911 and would be hard pressed to say why the Colt is hundreds of dollars better.
The Colt will hold value better, so there is that, but I voted for the RI as the bargain buy.
The Colt will hold value better, so there is that, but I voted for the RI as the bargain buy.
ContinentalOp
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I have had several different 1911 pistols. IMO Dan Wesson is hard to beat. They are widely considered to be the best production 1911 made. A little more expensive but when you consider what you're paying for the decision is easy.
No MIM parts. All parts machined from stock. Custom fit by one gunsmith. No assembly lines like others.
Internal extractor is important to me because I know to replace and tune one.
Here's mine.
Dan Wesson Razorback.
No MIM parts. All parts machined from stock. Custom fit by one gunsmith. No assembly lines like others.
Internal extractor is important to me because I know to replace and tune one.
Here's mine.
Dan Wesson Razorback.
carpriver
US Veteran
I own several 1911's Rugers are a good value, I own a command length in 45 acp and 9 mm. I have had no problems with either gun, the 9mm had mag. issues got some Kimber mags, problem solved. I have 2 Colts, one is the full size competition in 45acp good trigger, good sights, good frame fit, It has the double recoil springs. I have the defender in 9mm. when the ejector is clean and after it has been tuned it works fine. Colt is sending a new ejector I see if it solves the problems. I have several Springfield 1911's A loaded stainless steel, and mil spec, and a compact 3 in barrel came with a great trigger, 2.5 pounds. adjustable sight. It's my carry gun. A range officer in 9 mm. a great shooter, adjustable sights.
I would recommend any of these 1911's; It depends on what you want to do with it.
I would recommend any of these 1911's; It depends on what you want to do with it.
Lots of choices 1911s.
This is a very good poll. First let me say everyone deserves at least one 1911. I currently own four. One RIA commander size, one Colt Gold Cup and 2 full sized Kimbers.
Trying to pick a favorite is hard to do. I trust and carry the RIA commander for CCW. I shoot the Kimbers most and like them. But when I open my gun safe to show off my collection to someone new I proudly grab the Colt first.
The Colt name is so well known and the history behind the company is undeniable. Is the Colt my favorite? Depends on the day.
Which would I recommend? Which ever one I happen to have in my hand when asked. JA
This is a very good poll. First let me say everyone deserves at least one 1911. I currently own four. One RIA commander size, one Colt Gold Cup and 2 full sized Kimbers.
Trying to pick a favorite is hard to do. I trust and carry the RIA commander for CCW. I shoot the Kimbers most and like them. But when I open my gun safe to show off my collection to someone new I proudly grab the Colt first.
The Colt name is so well known and the history behind the company is undeniable. Is the Colt my favorite? Depends on the day.
Which would I recommend? Which ever one I happen to have in my hand when asked. JA
OP
md_shooter_rick
US Veteran
I'm a 1911 addict and own a bunch of 'em.
You can't go wrong with a Colt. They are the original, one of the best and hold their value better than any other brand.
I bought one of the Remington 1911R1s when they first came out and was pleasantly surprised at just how good it was. Excellent craftsmanship, accurate and had the best out-of-box trigger I've ever felt. Finish isn't real fancy, but does look good.
Lots of folks recommending Kimber. Frankly, I don't like 'em. They're more about the name than quality. Way overpriced for what they are. I've seen more Kimbers choke than any other brand. JMHO.
Ruger gets a lot of good reviews. Somehow I just never could warm up to them. They always seemed like an afterthought to me. Everybody else makes a 1911, so why not us too? Feel pretty much the same way about Sig Sauer and the Smith & Wesson 1911s.
I'm a huge fan of Springfield Armory 1911s. Excellent guns at a decent price. And if needed, they have the best customer service in the industry.
You mentioned that this will only be a range gun and even used the words "target shooting". My recommendation is the Springfield Armory Range Officer. Excellent gun, very accurate, nice trigger and great adjustable sights. For the OPs purposes, I think this is exactly what he wants.
Yes this is a fun gun with historical view. My home defense guns will not be changing. I have focused on military guns in my collecting (love C&R). I would love to have an original, but in this case that won't be happening.
OP
md_shooter_rick
US Veteran
Nobody really NEEDS a 1911. I'm totally good with .45 ACP but a TDA (traditional double action) or a DAO (double action only) pistol is a far better choice for most shooters.
I understand the desire. I have possessed a couple myself and they were top notch 1911s. Once I finally decided that they were basically useless for anything but target practice and Wild Bunch-type Cowboy Action Shooting games I happily dumped them for better and far more useful pistols.
1911s are fine guns. I always add YMMV in these threads because lots of folks think that 1911s are the bees knees for self defense and that might be true IF and only IF you train and practice and practice and train. And then do it again. Sure, you need to do that with any gun but 1911s are different, as are Browning HPs (which I love, by the way). Besides being huge clunkers, even in compact form, they simply are outdated for the 21st century. Again, I admit their quality, I admit that John Moses Browning designed a wonderful handgun. But the single action pistol's time, at least for the for the average self defense shooter, is in the past.
We had a similar discussion about single action revolvers just the other day. I adore Colt SAAs and their replicas; they are probably the best looking pistols in the world or at least in the top five. But their time has passed. They'll still do the self defense job admirably well if you train and practice, etc. Believe me, you would NOT want to have a confrontation with a skilled cowboy action shooter and his or her single action revolver. But except for target practice and games nobody needs one of those any more.
Do Any of You Actually Carry a Single Action for Self Defense
Want, however, is a whole other subject!
Desiring one for its beauty and because you like it is never anything I argue against. I just stick to the practical side of the discussion. And get flamed by the folks who like them, of course!
Yes i feel i NEED a 1911. Shame when people think their opinion trumps others on their own interest. I have firearms that fit the roles i have them for. As i've stated in other posts this will fit the role of being a 1911 and for me to shoot for fun. So if you are only able to argue, your opinion is not needed.
OP
md_shooter_rick
US Veteran
Doesn't look like this is available anymore.
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