Choosing my first 1911

[ArcadiaGP]

I'm looking for a 1911 now, and I'm trying to be sure that I make the right decision. While I would love to get a genuine Colt, I don't think or know if it's possible to do so affordably. I may have to "settle" for a Springfield, but there's nothing wrong with that (if there is, tell me...)

I like the following models:

PW9108LP
PB9108LP

Which would be considered the most "genuine" old WW2 style? The "mil-spec" and "GI" stuff mixes me up...

Also, I see the prices for these in the 500-600 range, which is just about right. But is it possible to get them for that price? Is there a shop around Indy that has these brand new? Do you know of a more genuine version of a 1911, possibly Colt, that is in my range (max $800)?

Thanks for any input!

 

[Old Salt]

I have owned 1911 Springfields, Colts, Kimbers, and Dan Wessons. They all produce good quality products. If you want the closest to what we used to use in the military, go with the Springer GI. Keep in mind there are reasons why modifications are popular. The newer versions have better sights, the beaver tail helps protect your hand from pinching, and an easier to use safety are just a few things to consider.

I like the way a 1911 handles when firing and the slim design is easier to conceal. I currently own a Colt Defender (accurate, very easy to conceal and reliable) and a Dan Wesson CBOB (the CBOBs are a little larger and heavier, bit they are pure.....magic.)

Keep in mind 1911s are addictive, you can't own just one, and your will probably change what your want on one as time goes on.

I hoped this helped somewhat. Good Luck.

 

[rhart]

I bought a Springfield about 5 years ago and love it. There is no shame in owning a Springfield and dont let anyone tell you otherwise. The thing is you can modify these things to fit your needs. Want a extended mag release, get one. Slide release... get one. You can pick and choose and spend a little at a time.

 

[Arthur Dent]

Local gun shop has a Ruger SR1911. Go to take a look at it up close. Very nice looking and feeling. Everything is smooth as silk. Only $700. So that's what I'm saving up for now!

 

[WebSnyper]

Springfield Amory's website seems to explain the differences between the models pretty well.

Mil-Spec:


Forged frame, slide and barrel. Combat 3 dot sights. High hand grip. Beveled magazine well. Polished feed ramp and throated barrel. Arched mainspring housing. Stainless steel barrel. Lowered and flared ejection port. Angled slide serrations. Cocobolo hardwood grips. Loaded chamber indicator and titanium firing pin.

GI:

All G.I. Models are built with a forged frame, slide and barrel and include low profile military sights, standard magazine well and spur hammer, standard ejection port, arched mainspring housing with lanyard loop, vertical slide serrations, hardwood U.S. grips and titanium firing pin.



I would think that the polished/throated barrel, and a lowered/flared ejection port would be something I'd want on a 1911, but then I'd probably want one with a few more modifications than these, maybe something like the Ruger (some useful mods, but not too much in my opinion).

 

[J_Wales]

I've been happy with the Rock Island Armory products in that price range.

My latest is a parkarized mil spec.... with a red departures it is very close to a WWII gi 1911.

 

[LPMan59]

if you want a Colt, get a Colt. For over 10 years I wanted a non A1 Colt 1911, so when I spied a good price on a 1918 reproduction, I jumped on it. And it is my favorite of the handful or so I have owned.

Although not a GI style 1911, the Colt Series 70s reproductions are supposed to be pretty sweet. I would keep my eyes peeled for a used one if you're on a tight budget.

 

[ArcadiaGP]

if you want a Colt, get a Colt. For over 10 years I wanted a non A1 Colt 1911, so when I spied a good price on a 1918 reproduction, I jumped on it. And it is my favorite of the handful or so I have owned.

Although not a GI style 1911, the Colt Series 70s reproductions are supposed to be pretty sweet. I would keep my eyes peeled for a used one if you're on a tight budget.

I'm so impatient... I feel like I need to run out tomorrow and get an SA 1911... Do you think I'd be happier in the long run if I held out for a Colt?

 

[Bummer]

I have a Colt Combat Elite. Love it. I've changed some stuff on it and will doubtless tinker even more. I have a Wilson Combat receiver and slide on order with the rest of the parts wishlisted until after the assembly gets here. I like to make stuff. After that I want to build a Concealed Carry Officer's model. I think a Caspian titanium receiver with a Damascus slide would be purty.

I don't know about you but I probably won't be happy until I have 'em all. Ok, maybe just one of each.

 

[LPMan59]

I'm so impatient... I feel like I need to run out tomorrow and get an SA 1911... Do you think I'd be happier in the long run if I held out for a Colt?

my experience has been with guns and guitars that buying something now only prolongs the inevitable and increases the amount of money i spend. If a Colt is what you want, then save up for one or look for a nice used one. They show up in the classified section here fairly often.

don't get me wrong, a Springer is a nice gun (I have a Loaded myself), but I think you want the colt.

 

[THE SENTINEL]

Those two model 1911 would be fine .I would start out with something like
that get to jnow the 1911 and make sure you like shooting it.If you like
them then save your money for a highend gun

 

[pinshooter45]

Can't believe it's been 8 years, but I purchased my Colt 1911-A1 for $625.35 in april of 03. Think you can still find a basic Colt for a reasonable price. I love mine, use it for bustin pins and clanging steel. Go get one and have fun you'll never regret it!

 

[DustyDawg48]

Great advice on holding out to buy what you want. I've lived by the 'strike while the iron is hot' kind of mentality but sometimes you can strike before the iron is even lukewarm! Know what you want when you want it and then go for that.

 

[ArcadiaGP]

So, looks like I didn't have to hold out as long as I thought. I called up Bradis and they had something that piqued my interest.

I told my boss I had to leave work early (I work on the Circle) to get a 1911, he said go for it (he's a gun guy). I got to Bradis, took a look at her, and decided she was perfect.... A Colt 1911 (1991)

I'm wrapping up the checkout process, and... uh oh, my driver's license address is my old address. The guy (who was great and funny the entire time) tells me I can't take the gun until I bring a piece of govt. issued ID with my current address. It's 5:45, they close at 6.

I rush to Meijer down the street, get a fishing license (took forever to find someone to help), and rush back to Bradis. I call them on the way saying "I'm almost there! Please wait for me!" They tell me to book it, and they'll wait.

I get there, they open the door, and check me out. They were all hilarious and amazing to work with. Drove three different places on the way home to find ammo...

I left with this beauty:

Words can't explain how beautiful she is.

 

[shooter521]

You can't swing a dead cat in Bradis without hitting an INGOer; simon6101 and sjstill provided the entertainment while you filled out the 4473, and I finished everything up when you came back.

We appreciate your business; enjoy that gun!

 

[Phil502]

Nice peice, a 1911 is my next purchase.

 

[LPPOsecurity]

I havnt got my first 1911 yet but I'll have it tomorrow, ive been lookin for the right one for months and I finally found it, almost like it picked me...

 

[Fordtough25]

That's a beauty!! I've got an old Colt now but I want to get a newer 1911 as well to shoot. I love em. Congrats on the awesome pistol!

 

[zenbruno]

GPIA7R,

That's a beauty! There are few purchases as exciting as coming home with a new gun that is instantly a continuation of a legendary design and aesthetic. And before you know it, you'll be reloading for .45 ACP (if you don't already). That's how it worked with me!

Please recount your shooting impressions once you've had the opportunity.

 

[Armed-N-Ready]

Congrats, she's PURDY.

I remember my first 1911. I also remember the 13 I have picked up since then.