Looking for advice on buying a new 1911

[MoparMuscle]

I have it narrowed down to two that I'm interested in. One is a blued Colt (don't remember the exact model) and the other is a parkerized Springfield Mil-Spec. I'm getting this mostly for personal defense but would also like to go to the range every so often to play. I'm also getting my CHL to be able to carry it.

I'm fairly new to this as I haven't fired a pistol in many years. One of main reasons I'm getting a new one is I don't really know enough about how to check a used one to be sure about it and would feel better having at least some warranty.

That being said, the Colt is 799.00 and the Springfield is 649.00.

Would the Colt really be a better gun or are you just paying for the Colt name.

Would there really be that much difference between them?

Thanks,
Richard

[carlson1]

First let me welcome you to the forum. I think it is a personal choice, but I like the Colts.

[dihappy]

Welcome! :)

Could you give more info? What size barrel is the Colt?

The milspec may be easier to shoot, esp if your just now taking up shooting after a long hiatus. Longer barrel .45's usually give less problems than shorter barrel ones, but that has been argued extensively :)

My little Kimber CDP has NEVER had a problem :)

[stevie_d_64]

I bought 2 Springfields earlier this year...The first one got tweeked at a shop to improve the milspec sights on it and polish up a few things, and it became the property of my better half...

So then I had to go get another one...(sigh) Their nicknames are Pile-Driver and Sledge-Hammer...A real "His and Her" set of .45's...Ain't life grand!!!

Whatever you do will be the right thing, don't dwell on it too long, and don't listen to me at all!!! This has got to work for you, and you alone...You'll do the right thing...

And let us know what you finally decide to do...

I was a combat tupperware carrying fanatic for many years till I saw the light, and figured I needed to get serious about what I carry...And you know what...I'll still carry a Glock if I have to, and I know it works, but the thought of having a 1911 on my hip has given me a sense of purpose, a real direction...

Good luck...

[Crossfire]

I don't like the parkerized finish because it doesn't wear well. And, like Carl, I am kinda fond of the Colts.

But, you will get about as many different opinions here as you get responses. There is nothing wrong with the Springfield, (other than its not a Glock.)

[Crossfire]

...the thought of having a 1911 on my hip has given me a sense of purpose, a real direction...

That feeling you get from carrying a 1911 on your hip...I think that's called sciatica.

[The Annoyed Man]

I don't like the parkerized finish because it doesn't wear well. And, like Carl, I am kinda fond of the Colts.

But, you will get about as many different opinions here as you get responses. There is nothing wrong with the Springfield, (other than its not a Glock.)

How's that little Springfield of yours holding up?

[HighVelocity]

Colt and Springfield both make good weapons. You said you're buying a NEW gun. Well, for me, the choice is easy. Springfield.

I like Colt and have an OLD one that I am quite fond of, but, Colt customer service leaves a lot to be desired. The new Colts also have a firing pin safety (aka extra parts). Springfield acheived the same level of safety simply by making the firing pin out of titanium (no extra parts).
Springfield customer service is excellent and you will not be disappointed.


I highly recommend Springfield Armory.

[Keith B]

I highly recommend Springfield Armory.

+1 They are tops in my book also.

[thankGod]

I have a Colt and a SA, both government models. The Colt is stainless and the SA is parkerized. I like the parkerized, and I don't mind if it shows wear. They both shoot well, but I prefer the Springfield. From everything I have heard, Springfield Armory has great customer service and warranty. I have never had to use their services so I cannot make a personal comment about them. By the same token, I never had to contact Colt either.

My personal opinion = SA

Buy the Colt later.

BTW, welcome.

[RiverRat]

Welcome to the forum. Both are fine weapons.
I have some of each. The Springer would be my choice for the first one.....lifetime warranty. Get a Colt later.
For carry, I would recommend the Commander / Champion size....jus my personal preference. Good luck and again, welcome.

[barres]

Man, those Springer Mil-spec's sure have gone up! Just 2 or 3 years ago, you could get the parkerized model for about $450 - 500, it seems. I tend to agree with whoever said that, since you're talking new guns, go with the Springer. Their Customer Service has arguably the best reputation in the business, if you ever need it. That being said, if you shop around, for about another $100 or so, you can step up to the Springer Loaded parkerized model, which has a beavertail grip safety, abidexterous thumb safety, and Novak night sights, plus some other upgrades I'm probably forgetting.



Okay, I did a little looking online, and you can still get the Parkerized Mil-Spec for less than $500 from Sporting Arms, a DFW-area dealer. Do you happen to remember the model number of the pistol you were looking at? Springfield Armory has an awful lot of models that sound and look a lot alike, but the prices can vary quite a lot. For example, if you were actually looking at the Loaded Parkerized model (PX9109), then $649 is a good deal for a new one (Sporting Arms lists that one for $723, I think). I'm not trying to be critical of you, but I know I'd want to be told if I could save a couple of hundred bucks on a gun purchase.



By the way, the older Colts generally have wonderful collector's value, so, if you were looking at used pistols, my opinion would likely flip. Either way, I'm sure you will enjoy your new purchase!

[Oldgringo]

I'm kinda' surprised someone hasn't mentioned a Taurus PT 1911 for under $600 NIB.

[Crossfire]

I don't like the parkerized finish because it doesn't wear well. And, like Carl, I am kinda fond of the Colts.

But, you will get about as many different opinions here as you get responses. There is nothing wrong with the Springfield, (other than its not a Glock.)

How's that little Springfield of yours holding up?

I don't currently have a Springfield. It's a Colt Commander. Stevie_D snapped up the Springfield. (If you can't keep up, take notes)

And I am looking to dress it up with some pretty little pink mother of pearl grips. Ya know... just in case you were looking for ideas for Christmas gift giving.

[OverEasy]

Oldgringo is right.
Taurus PT 1911 at Acedemy is $579 and Taurus has a mailin rebate for $75. That makes for a really nice 1911 for $504.
Springfield has better customer service than Taurus. So it might be worth the extra money to get the Springfield.
If StevieD has two of them, you can't go wrong!
Regards, OE............., and welcome aboard!