Help me choose a 1911

[baddarryl]

Hi guys. It's been a few years since I really payed attention. I am thinking full frame, nothing fancy (meaning tactical), but definitely quality, 45ACP. New or used , but not necessarily collectible. I am thinking Sig, Colt, DW, SA etc. Most likely use would be IDPA. Apologies if this is redundant. Thank you.

 

[kenny53]

I have a Ruger and 2 RIA, 1 in 45acp and the other in 9mm. I like them all.

 

[Rockhanger]

Colt

 

[JasonD67]

Love my Springfield Garrison. Lots of extras at a good price.

 

[baddarryl]

Colt

Yeah I am leaning towards a Gold Cup or National Match.

 

[RickB]

Springfield Garrison.

 

[AustinTX]

Dan Wessons are the finest production 1911s one can buy. Not really even a close question, in my opinion. And I say that as someone for whom they hold no appeal whatsoever. A Springfield TRP would be the next level down.

On the other hand, if you want the "mystique," the best value retention, and so forth, Colt is the only choice. Nothing wrong with a Colt most of the time.

 

[WheelGunMan]

Kimber

 

[amprecon]

I'm a DW fan, I've had Colts and Springfield Armory 1911's. I only have DW's and all are .45 commanders. Don't waste your money and time on the others, save yourself some grief and pay the little extra cost.

 

[AustinTX]

Kimber

Not a chance.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

Hi guys. It's been a few years since I really payed attention. I am thinking full frame, nothing fancy (meaning tactical), but definitely quality, 45ACP. New or used , but not necessarily collectible. I am thinking Sig, Colt, DW, SA etc. Most likely use would be IDPA. Apologies if this is redundant. Thank you.

What's the budget range? You can buy functional 1911s -- new -- for anywhere between about $400 and $20,000. It's difficult to offer any advice or suggestions without knowing what price range you have in mind.

 

[darkgael]

colt

I have two 1911s. One is a Springfield Loaded. The other is a series 80 Colt Gold Cup. The GC was further accurized by the late George Madore who swaged and tightened the rails, fitted new barrel bushing, and rerouted the link to the firing pin block so as to remove that weight from the trigger. And some delicate work on the trigger.
The Gold Cup passed 100,000 rounds some time ago. It is my Bullseye gun. It has been reliable and accurate.

 

[Nathan]

Dan Wessons are the finest production 1911s one can buy. Not really even a close question, in my opinion. And I say that as someone for whom they hold no appeal whatsoever. A Springfield TRP would be the next level down.

On the other hand, if you want the "mystique," the best value retention, and so forth, Colt is the only choice. Nothing wrong with a Colt most of the time.

This is a very good post. I have nothing to add.

 

[BarryLee]

I've got Colt and Springfield both are nice guns, but if I had to choose it would be the Colt. I have the Competition model which comes with some nice basic upgrades.

 

[DubC-Hicks]

I own 2 Tisas, 3 Springfields (Loaded, MC Operator, and a TRP), and a Kimber TLE II. I have a fair bit of experience with Colts and Dan Wessons, no experience with true custom guns.

But in my opinion, if you can afford a DW, I'd go that route. In whatever flavor suits you best. If you don't feel like dropping that much coin, I think the Springfields are the best value under the $1500 price range.

 

[mikejonestkd]

Dan Wesson makes an outstanding 1911 at its price point.
Colt would be my second choice, followed closely by Springfield.

IMO you would do well with any of the above three brands.

 

[baddarryl]

What's the budget range? You can buy functional 1911s -- new -- for anywhere between about $400 and $20,000. It's difficult to offer any advice or suggestions without knowing what price range you have in mind.

$1200-2000 roughly

 

[eflyguy]

I am perfectly happy with my Ruger. 100% reliable and no different to shoot than our match pistols (G17 and XD). I paid 1/3 of current MSRP.

That said, I would never use a 1911 in competition. It's just a "for fun" pistol to own for us.

 

[the45er]

My opinion, for whatever it's worth.

I kinda like 1911's but owning them doesn't make me any expert whatsoever. Keep that in mind when you read this. I shoot all of these 1911's and have no "beef" with any of them really. IMHO, I think the best value in my collection is the Magnum Research 1911C with respect to cost vs features. If I was going to compete with them and wanted a "full frame", I would have to agree with AUSTINTX, it's hard to beat my Dan Wesson Specialist. My SIG Scorpion would be next although it is a Commander size.

 

[stinkeypete]

Take a look at Rock River. This corner of Illinois/Iowa is chock full of gun manufacturing. This is a smaller operation that primarily sells high end parts and LEO type ARs. I expect that is how they make money. The 1911s come with accuracy guarantees, and that means something. They are a stones throw from several of the famous 1911 manufacturers.