Should I do it?

[GKC]

There are certain things I tell myself that are wise and prudent things to do when buying guns...one of which is to research a gun before I buy it. I know that you can read all sorts of opinions on the internet, and conflicting reviews on just about any gun...but still, it is better than buying guns on impulse, right? Of course it is. Do I always do that? Heck no.

I had a $600 store credit at a local gun shop, and I had been thinking about getting another 1911...not a real expensive one, but one I could tinker with and carry in the car, and not worry about getting it banged up (not that I would deliberately mistreat any gun.) I had my eye on a Springfield GI with the parkerized finish, and they had two: one full size and one Champion model (4" barrel.) I had looked at them a couple of times, read a lot of reviews and comments about them, etc. So, I make up my mind and go in there today to get the full size...it was $550, which maybe I could have done better somewhere else, or buy a used one (which is another thing I tell myself never to do, and I've only done it a few times ) but it was at the shop where I had a credit, so...

As the salesman and I were discussing the pistol I wanted, I mentioned to him in passing that I would probably ask them to put a beavertail on it, and a skeletonized hammer (they have a gun smith on site.) So he says look at this one...it's a Desert Eagle 1911. Now, I've heard of the brand, but do I know anything about them really? No. It's a really nice looking pistol, not too wild about the HUGE brand logo on the left side of the slide, but it has nice checkered wooden grips, 8 +1 capacity, a skeletonized trigger and hammer, full length stainless guide rod, and a stainless beavertail grip safety. It has a lowered and flared ejection port, and a beveled mag well. The fit and finish seem good to me, the edges are all very smooth, and it doesn't rattle at all. There are two mags, blue with stainless steel supported followers, and padded base pads. They had it listed for $715...which I would probably end up spending that much to get the extras installed on the Springfield.

A voice in the back of my head (no, my wife wasn't with me) told me to wait...to go home, and read some reviews, do some research. When I get home, I go on to check reviews, and there are very few...this model is very new. I can't find any reviews from anyone who has shot one, but there a number of opinions from those who say they wouldn't buy one, mostly because of the way things happened with Charles Daly...which is news to me, but then I am not an expert on 1911s, factually or historically (or any other way for that matter.)

Trying to make a decision, I tell myself that I'm not really a fan of foreign made guns...but then I answer myself, saying that, in addition to my S&Ws and my Colt, I own several Glocks and a Taurus 1911, and I was getting ready to buy a Springfield. So, I'm already no purist. I don't know anything about their customer service, but the gun shop guarantees any gun purchased new there for life...if they can't fix it, or get the manufacturer to fix it, they will replace it. So, how bad can it be?

What do you think?

One final bit of info...they told me I could have it for $700 OTD, since I was a "good" customer and had bought several guns from them (is that sales talk for "sucker"?) So, cash out of pocket would be $100.

Now, I am wondering. I think I want it.

 

[bamabiker]

Well I can't help much, I didn't know DE made a 1911. But I will say with me being the cautious type I would probably wait until I've read some reviews.

 

[GKC]

Well I can't help much, I didn't know DE made a 1911. But I will say with me being the cautious type I would probably wait until I've read some reviews.

It is new for them...but I read in some reports that they have been making the various components for other companies for years. And of course, the design is nothing new. I haven't found anything that says whether any of the components are MIM, and I don't know how to tell.

 

[TennTony]

What the heck, you already have a Taurus PT-1911 (not knocking the PT-1911. I have one also and like it.) If it seems as good as or better I would say get it. It's not like DE started making guns last week. And, you would have the "honor" of posting the first serious review of the gun!

 

[GKC]

Another thing...

On the MR website, it says that the DE 1911 G has a capacity of 7 + 1. Yet, when I was looking at the pistol, it had two Mec-Gar 8 round mags in the box.

I've sent MR an e-mail asking them if the Mec-Gar mags are stock equipment, and if they are supposed to be 8 round.

Or maybe the gun shop decided to upgrade the mags?

This is supposed to be a new gun. It certainly looks new and unfired.

 

[bamabiker]

I went over to the DE web site and took a look. That is a nice looking 1911.

 

[Crazy K38]

the DE 1911 is a charles daily knock off. also the 'deal' he gave you is full MSRP, and IDK the dealer but most of mine charge below MSRP to start with. But honestly I think you would be better off doing some more research, the Springer GI has a good track record already and I don't know squat about the DE 1911, but I HATE the billboard of a stamp they put on it. BTW how are you liking your taurus? I have the railed model and I like it ok, but it definatly isn't my Kimber!

 

[GKC]

the DE 1911 is a charles daily knock off. also the 'deal' he gave you is full MSRP, and IDK the dealer but most of mine charge below MSRP to start with. But honestly I think you would be better off doing some more research, the Springer GI has a good track record already and I don't know squat about the DE 1911, but I HATE the billboard of a stamp they put on it. BTW how are you liking your taurus? I have the railed model and I like it ok, but it definatly isn't my Kimber!

According to the catalog, the MSRP is $799. The catalog also says the capacity is 8 + 1, so their catalog and their info on their website don't agree.

I don't know what to think about the whole Charles Daly thing...from what I have read, most are saying he got a raw deal, some say that there are two sides to every story, and so on. Then there are those who hate S&W because they feel like S&W caved in to Clinton, etc. I don't want to do business with anyone who is unethical, but by the same token, I don't know for a fact what took place.

I like my Taurus...it sure has a lot of features for a good price. Taurus too has it's detractors...poor service and reliability (although the 1911 seems to have a better record) so hopefully I have a good one. No problems so far, but I'm just going to use it for the range for a while.

 

[Evil Dog]

Personally I prefer to stick with brands/models that I am familiar with. Desert Eagle would not qualify for either. For a 1911 I still prefer the full size Colt.

 

[Duke426]

Personally I wouldn't do it.

Regardless of your shop owner's vow to make it right for life, I'd stick with a known entity with a proven track record. Springfield Armory surely has that.

JMHO

 

[Big Cholla]

I can't voice an opinion on DEs less than five or six years of age, but I can say before that they had a very poor reputation for reliability. I knew some fellow pistolsmiths that refused to modify or repair them. ..... Big Cholla

 

[Harrison]

I have had a couple of Springfield Armory 1911s. They were both solid well made pistols. I would not hesitate to buy a SA. Don't know anything about Desert Eagles.

 

[GKC]

Well, I bought it...it just seemed like it needed a home. I contacted Magnum Research, and they said it was 8 round capacity, shipped with two Mec-Gar 8 round magazines. Also, the frame is investment cast and the slide is machined from bar stock. The pistol seems very solid and tight, the action is smooth, the trigger is light, and there are no rattles. All the edges are smooth and the finish is good.

While I was there, I also bought a new Colt Combat Elite. That is one sweet pistol.

Now I want a S&W 1911, and I think I will be done. Right?

 

[Crazy K38]

well when you get back make sure we get a range report an pictures, until then take care of yourself!

 

[USAF385]

I owned one Desert Eagle.

I made the mistake of buying a .50 AE Mark XIX Desert Eagle back when I first got into handguns. I fired 150 rounds through it. It performed flawlessly, but was expensive to feed. It sat in my safe for over a year without being used... I finally sold it. Selling it was the first good decision I made when it came to the Desert Eagle.

Lesson learned.

 

[GKC]

I owned one Desert Eagle.

I made the mistake of buying a .50 AE Mark XIX Desert Eagle back when I first got into handguns. I fired 150 rounds through it. It performed flawlessly, but was expensive to feed. It sat in my safe for over a year without being used... I finally sold it. Selling it was the first good decision I made when it came to the Desert Eagle.

Lesson learned.

At least the DE 1911 uses ammo I already have...so there is that. Reliability remains to be tested. It will be a little while before I can, but I'll give an update when I can.

 

[leswad]

I have owned two DE's in 44 mag. Both were extremely accurate and reliable!

 

[Wheelgunner840]

GKC. I have no experience with Charles Daly or Desert Eagle firearms. Having said that, after reading your posts here, the DE 1911 you bought was something that you really liked and wanted. That makes it a good purchase. I truly hope that it performs well for you. Good luck with your new pistol.


WG840

 

[jimmyj]

SMITH AND WESSON 1911

 

[GKC]

SMITH AND WESSON 1911

That is on my list...I can't find one, however. I want the Compact DS, and it's out of stock everywhere, both in local gun shops and on several internet sites I have checked. I can find the 5" stainless model on Gun Genie, but I'd really like to have the 4.25" model.