1911 Model - What is a good one to start out with?

[stevie_d_64]

I was still going through the latter part of my 8 year Glock infection...When I caught the 1911 bug from the guys at the last TSRA extravaganza back 2 years ago...Thanks KeithB!!!

I made a snap decision to start out with a Springfield A1...Just a simple no bells or whistles 1911...

I had for a year or so prior to that been looking seriously a the Taurus PT1911 to fill the gap in my collection...The prices were great, I think we were seeing them going for about $450 a pop back then...I chenged my mind and went to the Bullet Trap in Plano after the vendor there at the TSRA show who had a few Taurus's hacked me off slightly...

The Springer I bought eventually went to the wife as she (and most women I have seen that have shot a .45 will attest to) really liked shooting the .45

I had a little tweaking done to that first Springfield, and the Millet sight I put on it really popped when you brought it up to shoot...

As the story goes, I ended up purchasing another Springfield A1 that I carry today...I've tried a few different magazines through both of them and they really like the Shooting Star mags...And the Wilson Combat Elites I use with them, they both really seat well in the gun...I have not had a failure to feed or fire in these guns yet...

Of course if you have the moolah to throw down on a Les Baer Thunder Ranch .45, or buy a Kimber, then I would go for that in a heartbeat...Somebody hands me the keys to one, I won't complain...

In my opinion .45 these days are like the muscle car you always wanted...It is a serious shooters platform...

But that's just my opinion...

[Oldgringo]

bridge wrote"

I got my PT1911 about a year ago...great gun. I've also got a colt combat commander and I can say the Taurus stacks up well against it. Shoots dirty blazer brass with little complaint. Regarding the mags, I've used my colt mags in the Taurus and vice versa with no problems. I even bought some cheapo 7rd 1911 mags off the net a while back and they work fine as well.

I think you're confirming my earlier suggestion; i.e., my PT 1911 isn't very particular and will handle just about anything thrown at it? I can't say the same for my Kimber Custom II Target. The Kimber wants everything it's way and just right or it gets mad and won't go bang.

[bridge]

bridge wrote"

I got my PT1911 about a year ago...great gun. I've also got a colt combat commander and I can say the Taurus stacks up well against it. Shoots dirty blazer brass with little complaint. Regarding the mags, I've used my colt mags in the Taurus and vice versa with no problems. I even bought some cheapo 7rd 1911 mags off the net a while back and they work fine as well.

I think you're confirming my earlier suggestion; i.e., my PT 1911 isn't very particular and will handle just about anything thrown at it? I can't say the same for my Kimber Custom II Target. The Kimber wants everything it's way and just right or it gets mad and won't go bang.

Yes, yes I was. My Colt is real pretty, but she's real fickle too. The last time out the slide froze up on me...stupid blazer brass. I had to field strip it and clean to get it to fire again.

[Derekhie]

I love my Springer Loaded and shes ate everything I've given her.

[Skeptilius]

A couple of guys here report buying their Taurus PT-1911's in the range of $500. Wish I could have found one for that price. I tend to be an impulse buyer when it comes to guns. I saw it at Carter Country in Houston and had to have it. I didn't quibble about the $720. price tag. I guess that is why I'm not a rich man these days.

[Oldgringo]

A couple of guys here report buying their Taurus PT-1911's in the range of $500. Wish I could have found one for that price. I tend to be an impulse buyer when it comes to guns. I saw it at Carter Country in Houston and had to have it. I didn't quibble about the $720. price tag. I guess that is why I'm not a rich man these days.

If it's any consolation, you didn't pay more than MSRP. The important thing is that you found one and you were able to purchase it. Enjoy.

[Quick6]

I have been shooting mainly 9mm but want to buy a 1911 model in 45 cal. to start out with. Last week I tried the Springfield Armory GI model which is inexpensive, but gets the job done. The top of the grip seems to bite my hand some but I can get through a 50 round box OK. I don't plan to use it much for CC, but for occasional target and plinking. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I own a S&W 1911 Sc (Commander), a Kimber Stainless Gold Match II (Government), a Kimber Tactical Ultra II (Compact) and a Kimber Ultra Aegis II (Compact 9mm). My next gun purchase will be a 1911 chambered in 10mm.

Stay away from 1911s. Your wallet will thank you. If you find that you must have one (and trust me on this, one won't be enough) enjoy the search and trust your own instincts. You can ask five different 1911 aficianados which one is the best and get five different answers, and neither one would be lying.

[stevie_d_64]

A couple of guys here report buying their Taurus PT-1911's in the range of $500. Wish I could have found one for that price. I tend to be an impulse buyer when it comes to guns. I saw it at Carter Country in Houston and had to have it. I didn't quibble about the $720. price tag. I guess that is why I'm not a rich man these days.

If it's any consolation, you didn't pay more than MSRP. The important thing is that you found one and you were able to purchase it. Enjoy.

Amazing how the prices do come up when the damand is higher than normal...But then again times are not normal...

Sorry if the hind sight's 20/20...

What is good is that people are really starting to pay attention now...The big picture has lots of room still for everyone interested in joining in the war...We have lots of battles to fight...

[KinnyLee]

You've just opened up a can of worms here. I'm a Springfield Armory fan myself, but my first 1911 is a Kimber. Both good brand. I've heard nothing but good things on Springfield's customer service.
If you want the authenticity of the original, then most people would go with a Colt 70's series.
Speaking of authenticity, most 1911s will come with some sort of lawyer safety device. For instance, Colt has their 80's series firing pin safety. Kimber, and Smith & Wesson has their Schwartz safety. So look for manufacturer who produces 70's series type 1911s. Colt, Springfield, Wilson, Nighthawk, RIA, CZ/Dan Wesson, and many others all have 1911s with no firing pin safeties.
Quite a few of them also comes with external extractors. Kimber had problems with theirs and went back to the internal unit. Smith, and Sig has external units that works well. Then there is Springfield who has placed a MSH lock on their current production 1911s unless you go custom.
It's mostly what you want in terms of features. You can spend as little as $400 for one or you can spend upwards of $10,000 for one.

[brian704]

rock island armory officer model. it is my first 45. i did not want to spend alot on a 45 till i am comfortable with it and now i want more. and more.
good luck.

all ya 500 rounds threw it and i have not had one problem with it.

good luck with your future 45

[bryang]

Doesn't really matter...Gov't model, Commander, Kimber UCII...once you get one, you'll want the own them all

I have not seen ANY 1911 that I did not want! I love mine and carry it every day.
What ever you buy, you will definitely be hooked and desire another and another and another....

-geo

[frazzled]

If you have time and capability, I’d suggest you try a few out. Often ranges will rent firearms. I know in Austin and Houston they have ranges that will do that.

Remember:
1. The lighter the gun the stronger the recoil.
2. Some firearms you can get 2nd market grips (Hogue, and Kimber makes differing grips for example), that may feel better than original grips. Additionally, some people like finger grips and find they are especially helpful (and vice versa).
3. Rent some also to confirm you actually like a .45 level kick. Many people don’t and there’s nothing wrong with that. Further, like all things, that may change over time.