What Handgun to Add to this Collection?

[badkarma56]

Dude, you need a .45 for your collection. I can't say that I'd personally buy a $400-$650 1911 though, it seems that the lower priced 1911's suffer from reliability issues. That said, I've heard good things about those new Taurus 1911's, and Bud's Gun Shop had them for around $470 at one time.

I have to disagree there. The lower end ones might suffer from accuracy issues at 25+yds but they are reliable, maybe more so than the tight fitted tack drivers at the upper end. I have RIA that was $400 new never jammed. Same with the $500 Springfield. Only 1 I have jamming is an old SA Defender but it is worn out from previous abuse. Good mags are a must though.

You raise a good point, Rx9790. My personal observation over the years has been that some 1911 failures are in fact due to an overly-tight fit between the frame and slide. In the pursuit of "custom goodness," some pistol makers have gone overboard with the assembly of these weapons. After all, some minor amount of slack between the frame and slide can actually make a weapon more reliable in the long run, and also help to disperse felt recoil.

Of course, proper maintenance, poor ammo and operator error must always be considered before blaming the weapon. However, the chamber/feed ramp design on certain 1911's can make them very finicky when it comes to ammo selection. To some extent, this is the case with all guns...each weapon we own has it's favorite loads.

In any event, you do normally get what you pay for...particularly with guns. An old armorer buddy (whom I trust) has given me very simple advice about 1911-style pistols, he recommends Les Baer pistols exclusively. So, until I've got an extra $1500-$2000 layin' around I probably won't be owning a 1911. That said, a good armorer can make just about any make/model of weapon reliable and accurate with the right amount of cash or time. For example, the Marine Corps Armorers at Quantico do great "custom" work on Colt 1911's for Force Recon units, but these Colt 1911's have extensive work done to them prior to being issued as MEU(SOC) pistols.

[badkarma56]

I can't say that I'd personally buy a $400-$650 1911 though, it seems that the lower priced 1911's suffer from reliability issues.

I have to disagree there. The lower end ones might suffer from accuracy issues at 25+yds but they are reliable, maybe more so than the tight fitted tack drivers at the upper end.

I agree. A GI-spec Rock Island or Springfield might rattle a little, but they'll go "bang" every time and function perfectly with FMJ (and most HP). Lots of reports out there about $800-1,200 Kimbers that have to make multiple trips back to the factory before they're reliable.

Kevin

KBCraig, you've hit on something there wtih your point about Kimbers. They seem to make quality weapons, that eventually become reliable guns after receiving a little smithin' love from a competent armorer.