1911 .45 acp anyone?

I've got some interest in the 1911 pistols, never owned one and there are a TON of different brands now to choose from. Anyone out there have or had one, got a fav brand name, etc...i'd like to hear about it....thanks

Looking to get a 1911 for Christmas..it's going to depend on your budget. they run from 400.00 to 6,000.00 so name your price.

Springfield, Rock island, Smith and Wesson and STI are all good quality for reasonable price.

I have a Springfield and I love it. Accurate, minimal recoil, sexy. :D


http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i1..._2006/1911.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tony8BBZGPI

sig sauer makes a great looking 1911, and you can never go wrong with the classic look of a colt.

Best bang for your buck would probably be found in a Springfield, if you have a broad budget than the possibilities are endless (les baer, WC, Ed Brown, just to name a few). What do you plan on using the gun for, concealed carry, home defense, competition??? Personally I only like the full sized 1911's, the officer and commander models dont do it for me.

I have a Springfield and I love it. Accurate, minimal recoil, sexy. :D

X2 I love my Springfield Armory 1911 A1 Very nice shooting weapon :P

I've got a Colt series 70. I put a Chip McCormick carbon fiber trigger on it, switched out the factory sights for adjustable 3 dot sights, ramped and throated it very slightly, and picked up a couple of new mags with bumpers. Shoots great. I love the thing.

Wilson Combat or Kimber

I'm balling on a budget but my next toy will be the Remington 1911r1. I've talked to several local gunsmiths that have nothing but good things to say about it. I have a few friends with it and the same. I plan to shoot one after the holidays before I purchase. I've had a few dealers offering them around $600. To list is to limit and your budget is really going to decide what you can afford to play with.

Regards,

B

Remington makes a decent solid 45ACP.

I picked my Colt up used years back. The trigger was like slop and the sights were the dismal factory issue. I knew that I was going to be switching this stuff out anyways and I'm not too proud to buy a used weapon, so I got it for a decent price in a pawn shop.

Gotta go gold... gold cup that is.

personally, unless i can find a good vet bringback from ww1-2, i would go with a springfeild range officer, or the standard GI model (springfeild). but also think of how your going to be using it, are you buying for fun, competition, or carry?

Thanks for the responses guys, appreciate the input and that vid was good! At this point I'd be just looking for a range gun, not sure if i'll use it for my carry gun or not? I do like SA, one of the operator or loaded models may fit the bill? I need to get back to the range and see what they have for rentals, try a few more out, see what i like best....

I say Springfield. The ones I used in the Army doubled as hammers, door stops, chock blocks and whatever else and still worked. Although, after leaving the service, and have defected to the glock side.

kimber all the way. I own one and looking to get a second.

If you go to compete with it, don't use dirty and lite reloads. People try that at our matches and it stovepipes all the time. They may just need to clean them more often too, I don't know how they take care of their gun.

That's going to be pretty big for a carry gun, and you are going to want to add to the collection anyway. Try out the Smith and Wesson M&P Compact for your carry.

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Originally Posted by spasticbeast

defected to the glock side.

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Hahahaha! Heck yeah to that! I have several and my wife's carry gun is a Glock 26; she loves it!

As far as 1911's, I have several. There are pros and cons to most any model but Springfields are good although utilitarian. Not to be a snob, but their machining/fit isn't always the best. They're also manufactured in Brazil, I believe or at least parts of them are. I might be wrong on that, so don't hold me to it.

Kimbers are excellent guns but PRICEY! for a factory gun. I have a Kimber 8400 Tactical rifle that I adore and I would sell my snakes and quite possibly a kidney before I'd part with it if ever I had to.

If you're wanting a range gun and just something to plink with, Springfields are good as are Thompson Auto Ordnance. Thompson's were crap for a time but they've since been bought out by Kahr Arms and have improved noticeably in their manufacturing and quality control. Both of these are "cheaper", so to speak, but function fine and are more of a no-frills weapon if you're just wanting something to shoot. If you have the money and want something that will turn heads AND function like a dream, I'd go with a Wilson Combat. I have one. One and one only, lol! Mine (CQB Tactical Law Enforcement in .45 ACP) has had approximately 10,000 plus rounds through it and never misses a beat. I clean and oil it regularly but other than that I've not had to do a thing to it. They aren't cheap and you will pay through your nose and the other end as well to own one but they are worth it if you want a second-to-none 1911. It's all in what you want to do with it and what you want to spend. Used doesn't necessarily mean a less-than-quality weapon; you can find some outstanding deals on stuff if you look long enough. Good luck and have fun when you decide!:gj:

I've got a Springfield. Them or rock island is going to pretty much the best bangs for the buck

more of a g30 kinda person

I'm likin the looks of the Springfield Armory lightweight operator....prices seem to be a couple hundred less for the 4'' barrel model vs the 5''...could go either way on that one though....

If you have never shot one before I would strongly suggest you go out and shoot one before you buy it, although beautiful they are not for everyone. If you plan on carrying I strongly suggest you look into the many other offerings that might fit better. Some of the more famous examples would be Glock's, XD's, M&P's, etc. I tell you this because I remember when I first got into handguns I too wanted a 1911, that is until I shot other guns. Now my favorite handgun is by far the CZ 75, IMO there is no better ergonomics in the pistol world. I shoot 1911's a lot because my shooting buddy has a ton of them, sure they are fun to shoot and good looking but imo they dont fit the hand right and are a pain to carry all day. HTH and good luck with your decision.

I highly recommend Clark Custom Guns in Louisiana.

http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/index.htm

His guns will make you a better shooter. I purchased .45's from his Dad for competition and my scores improved significantly.

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Originally Posted by BallsUnlimited

more of a g30 kinda person

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Like your thinking there. That's what i carry but back to 1911s, Springfield for the price and Kimber or Wilson Combat if you want to spend some bucks. I made some inexpensive mods to the Springfield I have and it's a solid accurate shooter...

Basspro has a deal now its only 700 for a new one. Im getting a judge this week with a 6" barrel but this will be on the X-mas list for sure...

Have you tried to stop by a range and see if they offer the rentals? Some ranges I go to will allow you to rent a caliper of gun and buy their ammo for it but you can change the gun with no added fee. Then you can shot a few and pick the brand you like.

As a gun enthusiast and a gunsmith, I would recommend the 1911 to anyone that has an interest in them. As others have stated before, prices vary greatly, as does the features and quality of each price range. I also suggest shooting one prior to purchasing, to ensure that you will actually enjoy shooting the firearm.

All of the brands that have been mentioned have their pros and cons, normally it is an direct relationship between price and features/quality. The higher the price, the more features and/or higher quality the firearm will be, generally speaking of course. Even though you spend lots it is still possible to have a lemon out of the box. I have worked on a couple of brand new $2000.00+ guns that just didn't work correctly. Every manufacture is capable of producing lemon!

One thing to remember with 1911's is that no matter which one you purchase, unless it is a full custom build to your specifications, you will eventually want to change something on the pistol. This may be as simple as a new set of sights, to a trigger job, or even as much as replacing most of the parts and making it into a competition pistol. The sky, your imagination, and your pocket book are the only limits when it comes to customizing your 1911.

Personally I have owned Colts, Brolin Arms, and Kimber brands. I have enjoyed all three. The Brolin Arms was just a range gun, I did minimal modifications to it, trigger job, adjustable sights, and a full length guide rod. The Kimber is my carry gun, trigger job, night sights, slim grips, bobtail conversion, and a meltdown treatment to the frame and slide. The Colt was a full competition gun, when I was done the only parts that were Colt were the frame and slide. All shot better than I can.

In addition to my own, I have shot/tuned/fixed Springfield Armory's, Thompson's (before Khar), Wilson's, Ed Brown's, Colt's, Kimber's, Essex's, Llama's,STI's, SVI's' Para Ordnance's, and probably a few others that I cannot think of off the top of my head. I would suggest spending at the upper limits of your budget initially to get the best quality gun that you can. I have found this to be the most satisfying for my customers in the long run.

Good luck with your decision!

John

Love my Springfield... :D

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...IMG_107245.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...IMG_107845.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...IMG_106845.jpg

I have a springfeild XDm .40 that i love.It has the same butt saftey on the grip as a 1911 as well as a glock style trigger saftey.It is a well balanced gun and shoots great for me.
I love a 1911 but to me it`s not a very good carry gun and they are a little expensive just for a range gun.
go to budsgunshop.com there are great deals on any gun and you can see pics and what other people think about the guns they bought.

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Originally Posted by hut8822

I have a springfeild XDm .40 that i love.It has the same butt saftey on the grip as a 1911 as well as a glock style trigger saftey.It is a well balanced gun and shoots great for me.
I love a 1911 but to me it`s not a very good carry gun and they are a little expensive just for a range gun.
go to budsgunshop.com there are great deals on any gun and you can see pics and what other people think about the guns they bought.

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The XDm's are great guns. I have an XDm-9...fun to shoot. A little more snap than the 1911... :D

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3.../IMG_11099.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3.../IMG_10489.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3.../IMG_11109.jpg

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Originally Posted by sho220

The XDm's are great guns. I have an XDm-9...fun to shoot. A little more snap than the 1911... :D

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3.../IMG_11099.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3.../IMG_10489.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3.../IMG_11109.jpg

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Most deff got a little more kick than a 1911, but at the same time they`re about 20oz lighter to.they are good guns but i thinkin about a little sig .380! I want something i can put in my pocket.I`m tired of carrying big a** guns around. Will never get rid of the XD though.

Ruger makes one now too, but I'm not too sure about how competitvely its priced (although I should, I used to work for them...). I'm also a fan of the Kimber, and for pure nostalgia you can't beat a springfield.

I'm saving my pennies for a wilson, or a nighthawk. the best in the industry period.

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Originally Posted by nchapa

I'm saving my pennies for a wilson, or a nighthawk. the best in the industry period.

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These guys beg to differ...Les Baer, Heirloom Precision, Ed Brown, Volkmann Precision, Cylinder & Slide...

Agree on the XD's, great guns! Most likely use my XD9 4'' service model for my carry gun, but still gotta have a 1911! :D

I've only shot a few rental 1911's thus far and they have all been of the 5'' barrel and 'non' lightweight types. So, how's the felt hand recoil in the lightweight and shorter barrel versions? I'd guess you would feel a lot more and also depending on the ammo u r using....

I currently have a Sig p220 .45, Taurus Pt145, Taurus Pt111, S&W SW9VE.

All cost new 300-800 and are AWESOME guns.

Well it was a very Merry Christmas to me this year.. along with all of the gobs of wonderful things I got was this. A Rock Island Armory 1911 FS Tatical in Matte Nickel with extra mags and a whole slue of those big ole .45" FMJ rounds it bellows. Can't wait to heat it up.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...DSC_0801-1.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...DSC_0800-1.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...DSC_0798-1.jpg

I have a Springfield and it is awesome!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...x667/photo.jpg

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Originally Posted by hut8822

Most deff got a little more kick than a 1911, but at the same time they`re about 20oz lighter to.they are good guns but i thinkin about a little sig .380! I want something i can put in my pocket.I`m tired of carrying big a** guns around. Will never get rid of the XD though.

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go for the SA XD sub compact (the older style). i think that the barrel is a little shorter than the smallest XDM and the grip is shorter. will even fit in the back pocket if thats what you want to do. the XD sub compact 40 is my everyday cary (plus has a little more man stopping power than a 380). if you have a tighter t shirt, it will leave some imprint using a in waistband holster, but if you have a open cary permit, what does it matter. these guns also fit nicely in a blackhawk holster.
spooky

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

A Rock Island Armory 1911 FS Tatical in Matte Nickel with extra mags and a whole slue of those big ole .45" FMJ rounds it bellows. Can't wait to heat it up.

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Nice! All I ever hear are great things about the RIA 1911's...that's a sweet looking gun. :gj:

ive got 2 Sig Sauer GSR 1911s. Amazing firearms!!!

Some nice 1911 pics here, you guys got some nice shooters! I decided to go with a SA lw champion operator, only problem is finding one :O.....so if anyone has seen one somewhere let me know! I've been checking alot of the online sites and talked with some local dealers to help locate one....

no one on here has any love for the taurus 1911 ...tsk tsk
ill be picking up either the taurus 1911AR/L or the rock island tactical this spring. might get a taurus 24/7 G2 though. just waiting for the shows to start rolling in the area so i can get a feel for each and decide from their.
ive shot kimber, springfield and para and all are GREAT guns if they are within your budget. i am wanting to stay below 600 my self.
adam jeffery
nys has restrictions on mag size so that also limits some selections for me.

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Originally Posted by adamjeffery

no one on here has any love for the taurus 1911 ...tsk tsk
ill be picking up either the taurus 1911AR/L or the rock island tactical this spring. might get a taurus 24/7 G2 though. just waiting for the shows to start rolling in the area so i can get a feel for each and decide from their.
ive shot kimber, springfield and para and all are GREAT guns if they are within your budget. i am wanting to stay below 600 my self.
adam jeffery
nys has restrictions on mag size so that also limits some selections for me.

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Adam for the price look at an Rock island they are with in your price range and from my hands on better quality than the Taurus. I got the RIA tactical as you can see and am hoping to get it out this weekend to run it. Taurus makes a good gun but the fit and finish on an my RIA matte Nickel with the skeleton hammer and trigger, full length guide rod, high rise beaver tail ambi-safety, checkered back strap, and dovetailed sight's...

I mean be honest which is the better buy

$675.00
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...911_ss_new.jpg

or

$475.00
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...11TAC-NP-D.jpg

Para Ordinance is quite good, as well as Les Baer if you have the money. Nighthawk customs are the top of the line in my opinion.

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

Adam for the price look at an Rock island they are with in your price range and from my hands on better quality than the Taurus.

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X2...research the Rock Island 1911's. They have a great rep for being very good for their price point...