Help me choose a 1911

[jsnowy]

I'm starting to feel the itch for a 1911. Originally I was looking at a Springfield Mil-Spec, but then I saw Leo's advice in another thread (find out how much you want to spend, save an extra $300 and buy the one that you really want). So that brings me to the Springfield Loaded/Kimber Custom II (stainless) range. From what I can tell, these are similar in design and price.

Do you fellas have any suggestions/preferences?

 

[cornfused]

I'm more of a Springfield guy,no personal experience with them but I've heard way too much bad about Kimber. check out 1911 forums and you can read up on each brand you want to look into to.

 

[kawtech87]

I owned a Springfield TRP for about 3 months before i sold it. Hated the checkering on the frame, it was way to agressive. I also owned a Sig 1911 that i liked really well until i noticed everyone else packing 1911s at my LGS and local shooting spot. So i traded it for a Sig p220 just bc i like to be different. I have been waiting and saving and planning and if ive done my math right ill have enough for my dream 1911 (a Nighthawk Falcon) here in about 10 years! LOL. Out of the two you named I would go with the kimber. Springfield makes alot of thier guns in south america, Kimber is all USA.

 

[ryan3030]

+1 for Springfield, any model. The loaded is a pretty sweet package for the price.

 

[MillenniumC5]

I had the same itch a few years ago. I wanted an Ed Brown but could not bring myself to spend that much. I ended up with a Dan Wesson Classic Bobtail.

 

[rockhopper46038]

I own Wilsons. If you have the patience, you can come across them used, at a reasonable price.

 

[strut70]

I shoot a springfield A1 loaded.....really pleased with it.....

 

[msd]

What feels best in your hand. Both are good pistols.

 

[halfmileharry]

Kimber Custom 2. Thousands of rounds out the pipe and NEVER a single problem.
I depend on the full size. Personal preference but I'm not a compact or alloy kind of guy.
With good holster and belt you won't even notice them.

 

[SSGSAD]

Don't forget about the S&W 1911, around $1000.00 .....

 

[shooter651]

I've really enjoyed my springfield Micro Compact.. easy to carry and a good shooter..

 

[451_Detonics]

There are two 1911 platforms I would buy today, a 70 series or earlier Colt or a STI 2011 for a wide body. The earlier Colts, as long as they have not been molested by a kitchen table gunsmith, are some of the best fit factory guns to be found. You would have to spend a lot of money to match a post war National Match or Gold Cup. this is a good example of what is available and cheaper than the boutique guns to boot...

1959 Colt Gold Cup National Match 45cal. 45 : Semi-auto at GunBroker.com

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=260648625

My preference however would be building rather than buying, especially a new gun today. I can build better than factory simply because I do not have a time schedule or quota to meet. If it takes me 12 hours or longer to perfectly fit slide to frame then it takes 12 hours...or longer. No one can afford to pay a factory worker to spend that many hours doing a single gun. To build a 1911 takes me anywhere from 60 to 70 hours of fitting, I don't use any power tools, instead Prussian Blue and stones. I hand lap the slide to the frame, and handfit all the other components as well. Anyone with a small bit of mechanical aptitude can do the work if they have patience. I prefer carbon steel over stainless and the Robar MP3 finish when done.

 

[yotebutcher90]

I personally like the Kimber Target II pistols, great shooters, especially the 10mm.....

 

[jsnowy]

. Anyone with a small bit of mechanical aptitude can do the work if they have patience.

Unfortunately, I don't possess even a little bit of mechanical aptitude!


For some of the other suggestions, I am only interested in full sized .45 models.

 

[netlander10]

I have one of the new Sig 1911 RTSS and am really pleased with it. So far it has shot around 1900 rounds and never failed to function. With Hornaday 230 gr. XTP's it will shoot under 1 inch all day. Thats as good as my Les Baer Super Tac will do.

 

[redwingshooter]

I own a Kimber TLE Custon 2 and I really like it. It is a full size like you want and has a lot of bells and whistles that come with it like night sights, extended beaver tail, extended safety and stippling on both straps. All that for under $1k. I've had zero problems with it. Honestly I think you can't go wrong with a Kimber, Springfield, or S&W.

 

[LPMan59]

I'm starting to feel the itch for a 1911. Originally I was looking at a Springfield Mil-Spec, but then I saw Leo's advice in another thread (find out how much you want to spend, save an extra $300 and buy the one that you really want). So that brings me to the Springfield Loaded/Kimber Custom II (stainless) range. From what I can tell, these are similar in design and price.

Do you fellas have any suggestions/preferences?

i would buy a Springfield over a Kimber every time. Buy the Loaded and put some VZ grips on it = the ****

 

[gunman41mag]

The most accurate 1911 I have are the DETONICS SCOREMASTER, CASPIAN, OLYMPIC ARMS, COLT GOLDCUP NATIONAL MATCH

 

[Jeremiah]

Pm me, If you want I am thinking of selling my sprigfeild 1911A1 loaded.

 

[AllenM]

You might consider a Ruger 1911. They are all American Made. Just happens to be one in the classifieds now