1911 Questions

[Glocktard]

I am wanting to get my first 1911, I have always been a plastic gun guy so I don't know much about them. I shot one last week and fell in love.
First question: Do they make a 1911 that is reliable like a Glock or MP? (I have heard so many different opinions on this) Second question: Should I look for a new one or go with used? Finally, what brand of gun does everyone like and what holsters do you use? I don't have thousands to spend but I don't mind saving my pennies for a reliable gun for carry. Sorry I am a 1911 newb. Thanks all!

 

[maansmit]

What is your budget?

 

[churchmouse]

Yup....budget 1st before recommendations.

I have had little to no issues with my 1911's both stock and modified. As with any machine things can and do go wrong even with a Glock/M&P

 

[Glocktard]

I would like to stay around $1,200. Could I find a reliable one for around that? Also, if i buy used what should I look for to make sure it wasn't abused?

 

[maansmit]

I would like to stay around $1,200. Could I find a reliable one for around that? Also, if i buy used what should I look for to make sure it wasn't abused?

You will have many excellent options at that price point.

 

[dave29]

Buy a Ruger, Remington Enhanced, or Springfield Range Officer, along with a case of ammo, and about 10 Wilson Combat Mags. That will take care of your budget.

 

[88E30M50]

To be totally honest, my 1911s have been more reliable than my Glocks. I've had more issues with new Glocks than I've had with new 1911s, and that is even including an RIA I had for a while. There's no reason a 1911 should prove unreliable if you buy a decent one, and decent 1911s start around the $750 mark.

Also, in addition to the budget, what are your preferences? Full size, compact, steel, aluminum frame, GI style or enhanced. Lots of different options with 1911s.

 

[lovemachine]

If the day ever comes that I'm ready to buy a 1911, it won't be a colt or a kimber. Might be a Sprinfgield, possibly a Dan Wesson. And I will be around the $1500-$1800 area.

If I'm going to spend the money for a 1911, it's going to be a nice one. Because I like bling.

 

[Glocktard]

I would like to go full sized 5 inch steel framed. I like the Springfield LB operators looks but I have not heard much about them. It's going to be a work gun going through classes and being carried on the farm rain or shine so I don't need any fancy finishes or any thing like that.

 

[churchmouse]

I would like to go full sized 5 inch steel framed. I like the Springfield LB operators looks but I have not heard much about them. It's going to be a work gun going through classes and being carried on the farm rain or shine so I don't need any fancy finishes or any thing like that.

I just found/bought a new in the box Springer MC operator from the original owner. Un-fired.
I know, one owner is a used gun at best but this one is pristine as new.
It has a very nice trigger on it and fit/finish is excellent for the price point.
Good like new pieces are out there for decent money and well with in your budget.
Consider a TRP. They are around used for about 1K if you look and many are low to no round count.
The RO is a good place to start as they are excellent shooters. Not as handsome as a Loaded or a TRP but really good guns.
They are also great platforms to modify.

 

[Captain Bligh]

I have two 1911s, both of which I bought new. My Kimber Compact (Series I) has been a reliable tack-driver with thousands of rounds sent down range. My Springfield Mil-Spec had unacceptable reliability problems, about a 13% failure rate. I sent it back to Springfield to be tweaked and received a wonderfully enhanced gun back from them. There are three points in this: (a) Consider a manufacturer with a lifetime warranty, (b) known for good customer service, and (c) most problems with a 1911 can be fixed with proper care from people who know what they are doing.

As for holsters, Milt Spark VM-II. Long lead time on ordering but they're worth waiting for.

 

[BugI02]

I just found/bought a new in the box Springer MC operator from the original owner. Un-fired.
I know, one owner is a used gun at best but this one is pristine as new.
It has a very nice trigger on it and fit/finish is excellent for the price point.
Good like new pieces are out there for decent money and well with in your budget.
Consider a TRP. They are around used for about 1K if you look and many are low to no round count.
The RO is a good place to start as they are excellent shooters. Not as handsome as a Loaded or a TRP but really good guns.
They are also great platforms to modify.

I will never understand the person who can buy something like that and not shoot it - at least just a little

 

[churchmouse]

I will never understand the person who can buy something like that and not shoot it - at least just a little

More folks do this than you know.
I have bought so many really nice pieces that have not been fired.....Win for me.

 

[churchmouse]

I just looked at the OP's user name.......I hope he realizes the Glock boyz will freak out over this...........

 

[SSGSAD]

If the day ever comes that I'm ready to buy a 1911, it won't be a colt or a kimber. Might be a Sprinfgield, possibly a Dan Wesson. And I will be around the $1500-$1800 area.

If I'm going to spend the money for a 1911, it's going to be a nice one. Because I like bling.

S&W, for me, please .....

 

[VERT]

S&W, for me, please .....

If you mean SW1911s then I agree. I am a big fan of the Smith 1911s. Especially the 9mm Pro Series guns. All of mine have been very reliable,especially the 5" guns.

 

[indyjohn]

SA Gov't Model, modest modifications. Less than $750 into it. Complete confidence in it.

The OG, on the other hand, has more expensive tastes...

 

[Glocktard]

I just looked at the OP's user name.......I hope he realizes the Glock boyz will freak out over this...........

Good point Churchmouse! Didn't think of that. The Glock guys may make me change my name.

 

[Glocktard]

SA Gov't Model, modest modifications. Less than $750 into it. Complete confidence in it.

The OG, on the other hand, has more expensive tastes...

I've always liked S&W guns and have had good costumer service with them. Are the SA's made in the USA?

 

[churchmouse]

Good point Churchmouse! Didn't think of that. The Glock guys may make me change my name.

Stand your ground. If you have more Glocks than 1911's you are good to go.