What 1911 should I buy?

[Stradawhovious]

Try a bunch. Really, I think it's less of "What 1911 should I buy" and more of "What features do I want my 1911 to have"

Honestly, regardless of what opinions you are going to get.... and you will get them...... there are quite a few 1911 manufacturers that make a fine quality product.

Personally, I wouldn't PuPu a 1911 made from Kimber, Colt, RIA, Springfield, Remington, Norinco, etc. etc. etc. Although you will hear horror stories from any number of people, and singing praises from just as many others for each one of those brands.

The real thing to look at is your budget, and your choice of features, and the selection will more than likely make itself. My choice for a first 1911 for example.... I like stainless, prefer night sights, can't stand external extractors, wanted a 4" barrel, , preferred a bull barrel, don't want ambi anything, wasn't concerned with whether or not I had a drop pin safety, didn't want a rail, and had a budget of about $900. I bought a kimber Eclipse Pro II, and couldn't be happier.

Do your homework, figure out what you do and don't want, then revisit your question. I'm happy to let you try the kimber, as Im sure most of the 1911 folks here would be happy to let you try theirs as well.

[rugersol]

Kimber sucks!

Fer $900, get a Colt!

[Stradawhovious]

.............
Honestly, regardless of what opinions you are going to get.... and you will get them......

......... Although you will hear horror stories from any number of people, .....

Kimber sucks!

Fer $900, get a Colt!

Case in point.

[Pezhead]

I too would like a 1911 someday. I've liked Kimbers and some others too. I guess I'll have to buy what I like and not try to make everyone happy with my choice.

[Hammered Squirrel]

Looks like I need to do more research into what gun I would like and a range day for sure.

[yuppiejr]

I had good luck with an RIA Tactical 1911 in .45 auto - one of the newer versions with the rail FS over here:

viewtopic.php?f=49&t=30096

[Ranger01]

I'd advise an Armscor, a Springer, or a Ruger. From the ones I've seen they are done well.

Armscors are a bit rough, but are very decently priced for what you get. Personally for a first 1911 I really recommend one of these, they hold value well (despite what some may think). They are light on the pocket book, allowing you to spend more money on ammo and training (and modding to fit your needs). A Citadel 1911 (higher end Armscor) was the first 1911 I owned, and I learned a lot about what I do and do not like on a 1911.

Springfields are pretty basic until you get into TRP and up. I'm not a fan of the RO. I do not like an adjustable sight on a carry gun, and if you want to swap out the sights (even for another adjustable) you are going to have a hell of a time finding an LPO cut sight (I found only 2 companies that make them). My advice here would be either a Mil-Spec or a TRP (depending on which way you want to go).

Ruger SR1911 It's basic, but it's the nicest 1911 I've held (much less owned and fired) that was sub $1500. I like the fact that it is stainless (I still prefer blued, but I prefer SS over cheap park/ duracoat), fit up is very tight -insert comment about old High School girlfriend here-, and is 100% American made.

Other options would be:
SIG 1911/ GSR- Great guns, if you don't mind the external extractor, and the "SIG slide" (they do have some with a "normal" slide but they seem to be harder to find and more expensive).

American Classic- Great basic 1911, they feel good for what they cost, and from what I've heard owners are quite happy with them.

Para-Ordinance- I've heard they are great, and from fondling a few they seem well made.

Taurus- I'd be wary of them, I've looked at a couple and was unimpressed, and some reports I've seen show problems. They do seem to have gotten better in the last couple years.

Remington R1- Honestly I'd avoid them, I was looking into getting one before I got my Ruger and noticed a few problems. The finishing (as in metalwork) of the slides and frame tend to be pretty rough, even for the price.

If you go with Remington or Taurus I'd thoroughly check it over to make sure the fit-up is good, and it is mechanically well put together.

[gyrfalcon]

I'd advise an Armscor, a Springer, or a Ruger. From the ones I've seen they are done well...

+1, The verdict is still out on the Stradawhovious 1911

[Dakotared]

How about a Red Jacket 1911?

[goett047]

How about a Red Jacket 1911?

Not sure if serious...

[grousemaster]

I don't always carry 1911's, but when I do I prefer they be stamped "Springfield Armory USA", but actually made in S. America

[rugersol]

I made this, some time ago ... might be a skosh out of date? ... tried to match up as comparably as I could, featurewise ... Auto Ordnance bein' a notable exception ...



... in no particular order.

[bstrawse]

+2 on Springer. I own 2 (TRP and a Milspec) - they've been flawless out of the box. The loaded or the operator are also great models.
b

[Mdclinks]

I am still trying to get my hands on a Para. I have a family member in NC that works there and has done a few for friends and family there. I might have to take a trip to NC.

[Dakotared]

And how is my comment the dumbest one on here?