Help me to make my dream come truth. 1911 in .45

[Eli]

Hi guys, i really need help with the choice of 1911 in .45 caliber. (budget is from $1,500-3,500).
more than 20 years I wanted to buy 1911 and now I can do it. But how to choose?

I need 1911 for practice at shooting range (once a week) & 4 personal protection (everyday carry). Looking for high quality but reliable 1911. Because i plain to use it hard. In couple videos i heard than the high grade 1911 can afraid dirt and dust. Is it true? Coarse i do not wanna buy cheap piece of crap.
Looking for design close to original 1911 but with good sights for everyday carry.

I was in the Bill`s Gun Shop in Robbinsdale, but none of the 1911 that they have is not fitted me perfectly. So, did anyone know, where a can found is the largest selection of 1911 in Minnesota?
Also, I think I need to find a REALLY good gunsmith specializing for 1911 (someone who understand mechanic of 1911 & can customize it well) to then set up my new 1911 gun.

Sorry 4 my English, hope you guys can help me to choose right 1911.

[Holland&Holland]

So what did not fit well with the ones you tried at Bill's?

[Randygmn]

Up to $3500? Buy the best. Either Wilson Combat or Nighthawk. If it’s still legal to own then, your granchildren’s grandkids will love it.

[Holland&Holland]

Up to $3500? Buy the best. Either Wilson Combat or Nighthawk. If it’s still legal to own then, your granchildren’s grandkids will love it.

Not Ed Brown or Les Baer?

[MJY65]

The 1911 is about the most standardized pistol out there in terms of aftermarket parts. Not a lot to changing the fit. Trigger length, grips and arched vs flat MSH. Any decent gunsmith can do those, or you can do them yourself.

[Holland&Holland]

The 1911 is about the most standardized pistol out there in terms of aftermarket parts. Not a lot to changing the fit. Trigger length, grips and arched vs flat MSH. Any decent gunsmith can do those, or you can do them yourself.

That is really what I am wondering. If none of the ones Bill's has fit him then likely no 1911 will unless he goes to a 9mm with a thinned frame or something.

[aprilian]

1) what didn't fit? size of grip, angle of grip, length to trigger, etc.?
2) government (full size) or willing to consider smaller sizes which are easier to carry?
3) why the limitation to .45 when they are also available in 9 mm?

I bought a used Baer and in hindsight would have bought something new, cheaper and then sent it to a pistolsmith who is well known in the accuracy department. If you plan to use it for EDC, don't spend extra money for finish quality as it will get worn over time.

As to the dirt, they will run dirty, many people say to run them wet, but I prefer going lighter on the oil.

Good luck in your quest.

And I'd drop the money on an Accuracy X if I had the budget. https://accuracyx.com/accuracy-x-inc-1911-wins-national-championships/

[Holland&Holland]

So if you want something to carry you probably are not looking at a 5 inch Government size I would imagine? And if you want to shoot it regularly as well probably the commander (4.25 inch barrel length) is what you are thinking? Aluminum frame I would assume to reduce weight?

[MJY65]

^^^^^^

I'd agree. An aluminum framed Commander or CCO for carry.

Seriously, I wouldn't spend that much on a first 1911. It may not turn out to be the right pistol for you at all. Get a basic Colt or Springfield Armory and play around with parts until you find the combination you like. THEN, buy/order your dream gun.

[Holland&Holland]

^^^^^^

I'd agree. An aluminum framed Commander or CCO for carry.

Seriously, I wouldn't spend that much on a first 1911. It may not turn out to be the right pistol for you at all. Get a basic Colt or Springfield Armory and play around with parts until you find the combination you like. THEN, buy/order your dream gun.

This is very good advice. I might even say spend $500 or so and get a springfield GI model. All steal, will run and shoot well. Then if you like it you can spend the big bucks on something you like.

[xd ED]

I may well get pummeled for this, but -
...unless I was one of those guys with a several hundred thousand rounds down the tube of a 1911, I wouldn't trust myself to use one in a personal defense situation.

I don't know what it takes to make a dependable 1911 carry gun, but if I dropped, or dinged any $3000 pistol, I'd feel bad...
...scraping, or nicking a Glock, XD, or other lesser pistol...not so much...

[gun_fan111v2]

Arnzen Arms in Eden Prairie has a very nice selection of high end 1911s.

Best advice is to find some 1911 enthusiasts and try as many different variants as you can before spending $3500. Of you want to start slow, Dan Wesson at $1100-1600 is usually a good place.

[Ghost]

Up to $3500? Buy the best. Either Wilson Combat or Nighthawk. If it’s still legal to own then, your granchildren’s grandkids will love it.

Not Ed Brown or Les Baer?

Any of the above for a BBQ gun then get a cheaper carry 1911 to beat the hell out of.

[gun_fan111v2]

I may well get pummeled for this, but -
...unless I was one of those guys with a several hundred thousand rounds down the tube of a 1911, I wouldn't trust myself to use one in a personal defense situation.

I don't know what it takes to make a dependable 1911 carry gun, but if I dropped, or dinged any $3000 pistol, I'd feel bad...
...scraping, or nicking a Glock, XD, or other lesser pistol...not so much...

Several hundred thousands? Or several hundred to a thousand? Later would be a solid advice for any pistol. First would take years

In my experience with 1911s, 99% of them do not require any additional work to run reliably. Take out of the box, remove preserving grease, lube with good oil - all done.

[hard h2o]

Range once a week and EDC is not what I would call hard use.