1911 Questions

[TC95GT]

Im looking at getting my first 1911. Ive done quite a bit of reading on some other sites, but Id still like to get some opinions here.

I would like to use it as an all around firearm.
Range
Occassional Carry
IDPA - if I can ever make it to another match
Steel Shoot - see IDPA
Home Defense.

My requirements are:
Made in USA
Budget of $800 +/-
Commander Model
.45acp

In no particular order I've narrowed it down to
Dan Wesson Classic Bobtail
Colt 1911 Stainless Commander
S&W Gunsite .45acp
Taurus

I know they don't all fit my requirements and I realize I might have to compromise. I put the Taurus in my list because it looks like such a good deal. So, any opinions on the models Ive chosen or is there another one out there that comes close to what Im looking for that you think I should consider?

Thanks

[Old Dude]

"Entry Level" Kimber might also fit the bill.

[hammAR]

I would take a serious look at the Springfield Loaded Champion.....or Kimber...............

Dan Wesson is owned by CZ and is basically a kit parts gun assembled and supported by three people in south central New York, many of the components like frame, slide, extractor, etc. are S & W with some Brown springs, beavertail, and misc. parts added. ....IMHO you would be better off just getting the S&W Gunsite .45, but that one should put you over your $800 limit..............................

Of course remember that discussing 1911's is like discussing women...............
blond, red head, brunette, long hair short hair, etc....etc.....etc......

$.02...........

[onebohemian]

I haven't taken the 1911 plunge yet either but think about it a lot. I'm heavily leaning toward the Taurus because of the price and the fact that everything I read about it is positive. I'm not a big fan of Taurus as they have plenty of problems but their 1911s seem to be some of the cream of their crop. I figure that the price will also make me feel a little easier when I'm fiddling with the gun myself, which I'm going to want to do. Something about taking apart a $500 hadngun puts me more at ease than doing the same thing to a $1500 one. I figure the Taurus will be a good baby step. I'm also hoping the price on the blued (intro) models might drop a bit once the stainless steel ones are more prevalent in the market.

[TC95GT]

I considered a Kimber. They are a bit more expensive, but like Old Dude said maybe I could look at an entry level. I have my budget at $800, but I would go a tad higher if it was the right gun. The Kimber's really are some darn nice looking firearms.

On some of the 1911 forums they have a hot or cold reputation though. Seems like a lot of folks really like them, but just as many say their quality control has gone down hill lately. Anyone have any direct experience with a newer Kimber?

I would take a serious look at the Springfield Loaded Champion.....or Kimber...............

I think I will take your advice and give the Kimber a second look and check out the Springfield as well.

I'm heavily leaning toward the Taurus because of the price and the fact that everything I read about it is positive. I'm not a big fan of Taurus as they have plenty of problems but their 1911s seem to be some of the cream of their crop. I figure that the price will also make me feel a little easier when I'm fiddling with the gun myself, which I'm going to want to do. Something about taking apart a $500 hadngun puts me more at ease than doing the same thing to a $1500 one. I figure the Taurus will be a good baby step. I'm also hoping the price on the blued (intro) models might drop a bit once the stainless steel ones are more prevalent in the market.

Another excellent point. The Taurus isn't made in the U.S. but like I said I know I may have to compromise. The only negative I've heard about the Taurus is that the finish isn't as nice as some of the others I've mentioned. This is going to be harder than I thought.

[hammAR]

The Kimber Pro Carry II suggested retail is only $834.00
http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/compactprocarry/procarry.php

And yes, if you want full size by all means look at the Taurus...........

[jac714]

I considered a Kimber. They are a bit more expensive, but like Old Dude said maybe I could look at an entry level. I have my budget at $800, but I would go a tad higher if it was the right gun. The Kimber's really are some darn nice looking firearms.

On some of the 1911 forums they have a hot or cold reputation though. Seems like a lot of folks really like them, but just as many say their quality control has gone down hill lately. Anyone have any direct experience with a newer Kimber?

I have 2 recent Pro size (Basically a 4" Commander) Kimbers, both from the custom Shop a CDP and a Raptor. They have been essentially flawless (with a few ammo related issues) for about 12000 rounds.

Make sure you get the INTERNAL extractor on a Kimber, they had some real issues with the EXTERNAL extractor and the guns rarely function well, however it is my understanding that Kimber is replacing the slides on the external extractor guns.

The Kimber Pro Carry and Pro Carry HD are close to your price range. Springfield also has an "entry level" gun. If yoou want to try a 4" Kimber let me know and we can meet at Bill's south some time.

[hammAR]

The Kimber Pro Carry II suggested retail is only $834.00
http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/compactprocarry/procarry.php
and the Springfield Loaded suggested retail is only $872.98

And yes, if you want full size by all means look at the Taurus...........retail is around $550......

and $300 is a lot of 230gr's downrange.............

Good luck on whatever you choose..........

[princewally]

Or, got sistema modelo 27. For $300(C&R) you get a full colt 1911. Add $200 in custom parts and you have a reliable and accurate gun.

Xavier has an example. I'm planning on taking this route when I get my C&R.

[cobb]

I would take a serious look at the Springfield Loaded Champion.....

My first thought when I saw the post and no one had yet responded.

Since it was not in his list of options and how I hate when others misdirect from my inquiry, I bit my lip.
But since it is now mentioned, yes a Champion is a well balanced 4" 1911, I have owned and would rate it highly.

[Tee]

Great site for 1911's and Smith&Wesson revolvers.

http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/

[JoeH]

I'd suggest taking a more serious look at Kimber. I have a Custom CDPII and a Custom Target (pre-series II). They are both great guns. Kimber's customer service (should you need it and you may not) is second to none. Kimbers are also made in the USA.

I don't know a lot about SA. I do know that the standard guns are not made in the USA. It's only their upper models that are made here.

One mfg that you didn't mention was Para. I think that an LTC would fit your bill nicely and would be in or close to your budget if bought right.

I'd suggest that you go with a steel framed gun. You mention only occasional carry with a lot of range and comp time. The heavier steel frame will help with felt recoil. It's also stronger (although some will argue that alloy is strong enough).

The 4" guns are OK for competition (steel shoots and IDPA). However, the 5" guns are better (sorry jac). Longer sight radius and more weight with said weight out at the end of the gun where you want it.

My $.02, YMMV

[1911fan]

My choice when I read it was to find a series 70 or earlier Colt's and use that as a base. I find OK cosmetically commanders from time to time at or about 600. use that for a while, learn the gun, then upgrade it a bit at time.

I do not like external extractors on any 1911, THERE is no need, (with S&W using them, I would MAYBE trust those, only because they have a few million other autos with externals which do not seem to fail). But the question that needs to be asked, is why take a single bullet proof part, which is solid steel, which requires one single boring operation in the slide for perfect operation, and substitute 3 or more parts, (hook, spring and pin at minimum) and add five machining operations to the slide?

I would add that most used Colt's are in good shape, as long as not bubba-ized, and tend to work very well, you will not find any MIM, or cast parts and the people who did the initial assembly understood what it was to make a good 1911.

[DeanC]

I'm with you guys on the Taurus name. I don't trust the company much at all. But I own two of them and I can't complain much about either. I'm also considering picking up a third. The finish on their first 1911's sucked. So did the finish on my first Springfield XD. The ones on the shelf look better than mine.

[TC95GT]

I really appreciate all the input. I am re-thinking my list. Based upon what you guys are telling me I have given the Kimber a serious second look and the Springfield a serious look as well. I'm still going to consider the Taurus because the price is so good.

I found a Kimber Custom II for $660.00 out the door. I'm not sure if it has the internal extractor like jac714 said to look for. Anyone know?

Thanks again guys.