Ready to make my first 1911 purchase

[BIG DADDY]

Well, I guess it's time for my first 1911 purchase, but I seem to have a dilemma. Do I buy a production model , ex: Kimber, Springfield, etc., which would be a good choice. Or spend about the same money and get a custom STI from Brazos Custom with a preformance package and hard chrome, like the STI Trojan. Or do I go full out and spend a little more and get an Ed Brown Custom or something like it. I'm talking about spending buy the way $1000 to $2000, 45 cal., single stack, to be used for competition and carry.I have shot a few 1911's but never owned one. I would like a few opinions to help me make a good first purchase. Thanks in advance for you answers.

[karl]

Speaking purely on aesthetics, I'm not really a fan of STI guns. I've never fired one but I don't like their interpretation of the classic 1911 style. Ed Brown and Kimber make some sexy looking firearms though

[cougartex]

[CompVest]

I on the hand like the STIs. I think they are beautiful and very well finished with smooth nice to hold and handle (fondle) lines. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder without a doubt. I have shot Colts, STIs, Kimbers, custom hand fitted 1911, and Les Behrs. They all shoot very well. Some are better new out of the box than others - they need less break in and have less malfunctions. Some are more accurate and are tighter. It still comes down to what you like and which one feel the best in your hand.

Everyone on this Forum that likes and shoots 1911 will tell you theirs is the best bang for the buck just remember that is only what works well for them. The choice needs to be based on what you like. The one that you end up buying will be the best 1911 there is!

[KinnyLee]

Basically what CompVest stated. Each 1911 maker does something different. For example, there are different receivers on 1911s.
This thread would explain quite a bit. http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=246696" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I have a Springfield and a Nighthawk. The Springfield has what they called a classic with A1 relieve cuts while my Nighthawk has the basic cut receiver. Since I'm used to the Springfield and I shoot it more, I favor the classic with A1 relieve cuts receiver than I am on the basic receiver on my Nighthawk. I would go handle as many 1911 brands as you can to see what fits you best.
Basic from the Nighthawk

Classic A1 cut from Springfield.

[Pete92FS]

Basically what CompVest stated. Each 1911 maker does something different. For example, there are different receivers on 1911s.
This thread would explain quite a bit. http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=246696" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I have a Springfield and a Nighthawk. The Springfield has what they called a classic with A1 relieve cuts while my Nighthawk has the basic cut receiver. Since I'm used to the Springfield and I shoot it more, I favor the classic with A1 relieve cuts receiver than I am on the basic receiver on my Nighthawk. I would go handle as many 1911 brands as you can to see what fits you best.
Basic from the Nighthawk

Classic A1 cut from Springfield.

Nice looking set of pistolas. I like the grips on the Springer. My Para GI Expert came with standard black plastic grips and I put a set of Cocobola Rosewood grips (half smooth / half diamond pattern) on it. It's amazing how a nice set of grips can dress up a pistol.

I agree with CompVest - It comes down to what you like in looks and performance. Everyone has their own taste in 1911's and it all boils down to what works best for you.

[ChuckW]

Obviously, as others have said, it boils down to what YOU like. My preference in a production 1911 is Kimber, I own one and have a second on order. But, if money is not a major obstacle I would seriously look at Ed Browns or other custom 1911s.

[7075-T7]

I love my kimber, and after the break-in, have never looked back. You won't be dissapointed IMHO

[karder]

The problem with 1911's is there are so many good choices. If you have up to $2,000 to spend, you have a lot of options. You mentioned you want a pistol for competition and carry. If it were carry only, I would suggest you look at Colt or Springfield as they seem to be priced a little better than some of the competition and can take a beating, which is important for daily carry. If you want a tack driver, maybe Kimber or Sig. You really can't go wrong with any of the major manufactures. Personally, I would not want to carry a really high end gun as my daily carry. I would be too worried about getting it marked up. All my carry guns are intended to be used as a club if I run out of ammo.

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

KinnyLee,
I LOVE the Pro you got there . I have been wanting one for so long its ridiculous.

I agree with Compvest we will all tell you ours is best but just like any other gun. Find the one that fits you and go practice with it.

But if you want my honest opinion get the PRO by Springfield.

[7075-T7]

All my carry guns are intended to be used as a club if I run out of ammo.

If I have to use the pistol, AND run out of ammunition, I would not hesitate to use my Kimber CDP as a club. The least of my concernes would be the finish of the gun.

With ammo: CDP = Custom Defense Pistol
Without Ammo: CDP = Club Defense Paperweight

[hk boy]

Big Daddy,
you may want to look into which manufacturer uses cast slides & frames and who uses forged
and most use MIM parts in their guns

cliff
texasgunowner.com

[rm9792]

In that price range they will all be reliable and accurate. Like others have said you need to just go to a show and fondle till you find what you like. I am not brand specific but do seem drawn to Kimber and Springers. For IDPA style competition a $380 Rock island will perform more than adequate and with some smithing will probably do ok in IPSC.
If you want a recommendation then you cant go wrong with Springfield, they have been doing it a long time. Kimber does have MIM parts and they are a gamble with relation to breakage. Problem you have is target and carry are almost mutually exclusive. Target sights are larger and have a tendency to snag since they arent meant to be concealed. Look at the Springer site and compare their target models to the conceal carry models. I would think drift/windage adjustable rear sights wouldnt stay zeroed being banged around as a carry weapon.

[gigag04]

I have owned Colts and Kimbers. I've shot springers and a Les Baer.

I loved my Kimber ultra carry as a carry piece. I would trust my life to anything that factory puts out. Their quality is near perfect in my experience. Their customer service is great as well. For your first 1911 I would recommend an outta the box Kimber with whatever finish and functionality you desire. The LB is a great pistol too but more expensive. My Colt is a different animal as it is a series 70 Gold Cup Mark IV. It is a target pistol that has had hundreds of dollars poured into accurizing and perfecting the trigger and sights. The trigger is super short, and the trigger rest is even shorter. It is way too light for defense work, and the adjustable sights are not preferable in a carry piece (for me). All this to say, my Colt is my fav but it is not suitable for what you are looking for. I vote Kimber, with springer as a close second.

[7075-T7]

Kimber does have MIM parts and they are a gamble with relation to breakage. .

They might use MIM parts (though I don't see what the issue is with quality MIM parts ) But their aluminum frames are milled from billet aluminum, not forged or cast, making them the strongest and closeset to design specifications possible. IMHO