1911 recommendations?

[NcongruNt]

So it's been a little over a month now, and I'm starting to warm up to the Kimber and Springfield guns. I think the Taurus has dropped off of my list, though the STI Spartan is still a possibility. These are all around the same price, with the Kimber being the most expensive of the bunch. Here's the 3 that I'm seriously considering:

Kimber Custom II (The plain base model, all black)

Springfield Mil-Spec (Parkerized)

STI Spartan

Here's my take on them so far:

I like the looks of the Kimber, and a lot of people around here seem to like them. I like the commander hammer, but I wish it wasn't shiny. I'd prefer it to be black as not to attract attention. The sights seem to be simple notch and post sights, with the other option being night sights for an additional $150. This also seems to be the most expensive of the three, coming in at just under $700 at my local shop for the notched-sight version and $840 for the night-sight version.

The Springfield Mil-Spec seems to be a popular choice, from the comments so far. I was considering the GI model, but wanted something better than small military notch-and-post sights. The white dot sights are good for me, as I already have these on my Hi-Power and really like them. The hammer is a spur hammer, which I'm not fond of. I'd much prefer a commander-style hammer. Unlike the other two, this one also has no front slide serrations. This one goes for just under $600 locally.

The STI Spartan seems to be similar to the Kimber, but with a fiber optic front sight instead of a post. The rear sights are also adjustable, unlike the fixed sights of the other two. It has a commander hammer, and is parkerized black instead of shiny like the Kimber. Another plus with STI is that they're a local company. They're just north of Austin in Georgetown. Unfortunately, it looks like the Spartan isn't produced locally, but is instead made in the Philippines, similar to the Rock Island and Charles Daly guns.

Anyone want to give their opinion, given these three as a choice?

(edited to remove redundant sentence)

[Mike1951]

I think the Taurus has dropped off of my list

I don't know what caused you to drop consideration of the Taurus.

It is by far the best value for your money and the 1911 most likely to function 100% out of those you mentioned. I have bought three and all were fantastic.

I have two Springields, a Mil-Spec Champion and a stainless loaded. Neither functioned after a good break-in period. The loaded was bought back in the '90's and the customer service was nonexistent. The Champion was bought in 2002 and customer service worked on it twice, bending over backwards, and I couldn't have asked for better.

My Kimber Eclipse Pro II, likewise exhibited problems and Kimber's customer service isn't up to Springfield's.

I know nothing about the STI, so won't comment.

If you don't consider Taurus, I would go with Springfield simply based on the quality of their customer support.

[MoJo]

I have an STI Spartan it is quite accurate and so far, it has been dependable. I've put between 500-600 rounds through it so far and with the exception of two bad rounds (very old reloads) and a misfeed caused by a bad magazine it has been 100%. I put some 6" paper plates up for a target with just one staple in the center of each. After zeroing, I was going to shoot a group. Well, three shots three plates fell. I shot the staple out of them! Needless to say I am happy with my gun.

[NcongruNt]

I think the Taurus has dropped off of my list

I don't know what caused you to drop consideration of the Taurus.

It is by far the best value for your money and the 1911 most likely to function 100% out of those you mentioned. I have bought three and all were fantastic.

I have two Springields, a Mil-Spec Champion and a stainless loaded. Neither functioned after a good break-in period. The loaded was bought back in the '90's and the customer service was nonexistent. The Champion was bought in 2002 and customer service worked on it twice, bending over backwards, and I couldn't have asked for better.

My Kimber Eclipse Pro II, likewise exhibited problems and Kimber's customer service isn't up to Springfield's.

I know nothing about the STI, so won't comment.

If you don't consider Taurus, I would go with Springfield simply based on the quality of their customer support.

I'm not a big fan of the notch and blade/post sights, and since Taurus made theirs all non-standard, I wouldn't want to go through the hassle of trying to change them for something else. Also, something about the look of the gun just doesn't sit right with me. It comes with extended magazines, which I would prefer not to have. I'd much rather go with the 7-rounders that fit the handle and don't stick out. Yes, I'm sure these are available and I could purchase them, but that would send the price of the gun up considerably, and it would end up being about as much as the STI or Springfield.

I'm leaning towards the Springfield at this point, if for nothing else but the sights and customer service. I still am not a fan of the spur hammer, but I don't think it's nearly the concern, given the beavertail design, as it would be with something like a Hi-Power. The STI is probably in second place, though I've never used fiber optic sights on a pistol before, and am not sure how I would like them.

It's going to be at least October before I get anything, as I'm devoting most of my cash to purchasing a real shiny rock mounted on some gold so I can ask my girlfriend if she'll hang out with me for the rest of her life.

[pastor1]

Were I wanting a basic 1911, I'd go with the Kimber Stainless II. It was the first Kimber I bought out of the six I currently own. That said, it must be obvious I have a high regard for their pistols. I've tried just about all the 1911's and for the price I don't believe you can match Kimber's out of the box quality. Their customer service has also been great.

[Reysc]

One think for sure you will eventually get the one you really want and goodness, have you done your homework!

you wrote;
The STI Spartan seems to be similar to the Kimber, but with a fiber optic front sight instead of a post. The rear sights are also adjustable, unlike the fixed sights of the other two. It has a commander hammer, and is parkerized black instead of shiny like the Kimber. Another plus with STI is that they're a local company. They're just north of Austin in Georgetown. Unfortunately, it looks like the Spartan isn't produced locally, but is instead made in the Philippines, similar to the Rock Island and Charles Daly guns.

Just to let you know what I have in 1911 platform. Kimberone, colt GC Trophy,colt combat officer's model, Para LTC, Hi standard milspec. The Hi Standard ( Made in the Phil) has had no problem, believe it or not no mag issues ( common on 1911s)I use Tripp mags and Wilson combat for the all others but since the Hi Standard is just a range gun I use the mags that came w/ the other 1911s plus the cheapos I find along the way. The only thing I don't want in this gun is are the sights.. Because of my ageing eyes G.I. sights are tough but I can still shoot em.
I may sound biased because I came from that country but I have been to Armscor ( Makers of RIA and other Phil. made guns w/ differsnt brands) and I am really impressed the pride they put in their work. These people have been making firearms the same time as when southerners were making moonshine.
Actually my next planned acquisition is an STI Spartan or a RIA Tactical. Just depends on w/c one shows first at a good price,

Good Luck on your purchase..Keep us abreast!
ReySC

[Rex B]

The only thing I don't want in this gun is are the sights.. Because of my aging eyes G.I. sights are tough but I can still shoot em.

Just an FYI for you and anyone else who can't see iron sights anymore:
A few months after I turned 55 I arranged for an eye exam, first one in almost 10 years. The optometrist found that I now needed a RX about a point less than the previous strength. She explained that it is common after age 45-50 for myopic patients to see their eyesight increase (get better).
So, after about 10 years of not being able to use iron sights, I can now use even the tiny sights on my old Stevens .22.

If you haven't had your eyes checked by a pro (not a chain store) recently, I recommend it. If you are in NE Tarrant, I can make a couple suggestions

[Reysc]

The only thing I don't want in this gun is are the sights.. Because of my ageing eyes G.I. sights are tough but I can still shoot em.

Just an FYI for you and anyone else who can't see iron sights anymore:
A few months after I turned 55 I arranged for an eye exam, first one in almost 10 years. The optometrist found that I now needed a RX about a point less than the previous stregth. She explained that it is common after age 45-50 for myopic patients to see their eyesight increse.
So, after about 10 years of not being able to use iron sights, I can now use even the tiny sights on my old Stevens .22.

If you haven't had your eyes checked by a pro (not a chain store) recently, I recommend it. If you are in NE Tarrant, I can make a couple suggestions

Thank You!! I need an eye exam fopr sure!
Rey

[BrassMonkey]

I have decided to sell my Custom II to help pay for the one Caylor is going to build me. PM me if interested.

[NcongruNt]

I have decided to sell my Custom II to help pay for the one Caylor is going to build me. PM me if interested.

Did you get my PM?

[BrassMonkey]

Ya,
Just ben a little too busy to take pics...

[GrandmasterB]

It all depends on what you want and what you want to do with the gun, but all your choices so far are pretty good ones. There are lots a very satisfied Kimber owners, but I personally shy away from them. There is a tendancy to have the chambers pretty tight which can cause some feeding problems and lots of folks don't like the internal firing pin block and the external extractor.

I personally prefer the "loaded" Springfileds to the milspecs, as I prefer better sights and I like beavertails.

The Spartan has gotten rave reviews from competition shooters -- and that is really the market for that gun, hence the fiber optic front sight. But front sights are cheap and easy to replace on a 1911, so if that in any way scares you off, don't let it. The Spartan is a very well made gun with more hand fitting and attention to detail than either Kimber or Springfield, plus it comes from a smaller company. STI's customer service is also great -- they will take care of you if you have any issues. And know that this gun is assembled here in TX and the innards are STI parts of very high quality. The frame, slide and barrel are the parts made by Armscor in the Phillipines, which helps keep the overall cost of this pistol down.

I don't have personal experience with the RIA Tacticals, but these sure seem to be value leaders right now. You can't beat the price at less than $400.

Good luck to you in whatever you decide.

[Reysc]

Well just an update here..

I found a good looking good shooting RIA and I bought it. I took it apart and it is tight smooth and well made. IMHO, this is a great gun at a great price!!

[AV8R]

I had a chance to play with a Spartan in Benny Hill's shop in Corpus a few weeks ago. It isn't pretty, with it's heavy parkerized finish. The fit, though, is very good, and the ignition parts are STI steel parts, not mim. It is assembled in Georgetown. The overall quality is considerably higher than any other 1911 I've seen anywhere near its price range. It's a pure Series 70 gun, and you can get a nice crisp trigger down in the 2-3# range with the supplied parts.

[Rex B]

I did not know you could buy an RIA in stainless.
What did you have to pay for it, and where?