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your favorite new 1911?

PalantirionPalantirion Member Posts: 144 ✭✭✭
edited September 2002 in General Discussion
I'm looking to pick up a 1911-style pistol soon, because I love the architecture and balance of the design. What I don't know, is which make/model to go with. There are sooooooooooo many nowadays and prices range from $600 to over 3k! Since this gun will only be used for recreational shooting, I don't want to sick too much money into it.

Which make/model would you recommend that shoots well out of the box and costs under $1000?

www.ebsart.com
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Comments

  • thesupermonkeythesupermonkey Member Posts: 3,905 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Anything you pay close to 1000 for should shoot well out of the box.

    Don't worry about the bullet with your name on it, worry about the fragmentation grenade addressed 'To Occupant'.
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  • PalantirionPalantirion Member Posts: 144 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    How about if I pay close to $700 for it?

    www.ebsart.com
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  • sundownersundowner Member Posts: 1,198 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I just bought a new Springfield Armory full size 1911-A1 Loaded in stainless and I love it. It is a great shooter. I picked it up at a gun show for $550.
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  • n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427 ✭
    edited November -1
    If your going for a remake of the 1911, the springfield armory is probable one of the best. However I prefer my original 1943 1911A1 over any of the copies..

    "A wise man is a man that realizes just how little he knows"
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  • thesupermonkeythesupermonkey Member Posts: 3,905 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I know where there's an Auto Ordnance 1911 going for 300 as we speak...
    wink wink,
    http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=5167066

    Don't worry about the bullet with your name on it, worry about the fragmentation grenade addressed 'To Occupant'.
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  • PearywPearyw Member Posts: 3,699
    edited November -1
    I like the Kimber Classic Target and it is in the $700 range. For general use I like to have adjustable sights on a 1911. I have been pleased with the one that I have.
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  • BlokeyBlokey Member Posts: 284 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    What about the offerings from the grand old company?!!

    There are plenty of 1991A1s available for reasonable cost if you want a basic 1911 gun. There seem to be plenty of XSE Gov't Models as well if you want something a little fancier; and then there are of course the Gold Cups!

    Don't overlook Colt.
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  • airborneairborne Member Posts: 1,728 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    For a good basic 1911 take a little time and find a Colt MKIV
    Series 70. Should be able to find a nice one in the $550/650
    range.

    B - BreatheR - RelaxA - AimS - SightS - Squeeze
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  • PalantirionPalantirion Member Posts: 144 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    How does Springfield's 1911 compare to Colt's in terms of accuracy and quality?
    (presuming we're talking $600-$700 dollar range for each)

    www.ebsart.com
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  • offerorofferor Member Posts: 8,625 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Frankly, the 1991 has always been a little too basic for my taste, unless I were looking for a gun more "authentic" to the World War, but then I'd probably look for a real relic. If I were looking at a 1911 now, I'd be heavily inclined to the higher capacity Para Ordnance guns. I'd also look to pick up some pre-ban mags for it. Just don't get the mini version with the very short grip, as the sharp point on the lower backstrap is a bit much for my taste in the palm of your hand. Besides, why not get something that can hold more double-stacked rounds?

    - Life NRA Member
    "If cowardly & dishonorable men shoot unarmed men with army guns, the evil must be prevented by the penitentiary...and not by general deprivation of constitutional privilege." - Arkansas Supreme Court, 1878
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  • lokdok1lokdok1 Member Posts: 383 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Welcome aboard Earl!
    I too wanted a 1911 earlier this year and found that a Charles Daly would fit my budget (I had to put off getting an eye exam and new glasses, but I WANTED ONE!) It shoots very nice, and that's all I need for now, however I'm sure you could go with the Colt, Springfield, or Kimber and find a fine piece of machinery in your price range.

    Bartman
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  • SUBMARINERSUBMARINER Member Posts: 1,362 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You can get a s/s loaded springfield for about 650.A kimber will run
    650 for a basic model with the aeshetic goodies.kimber probably has the better name recognition but i have only talked to one person that just didnt like the sprinfield

    SUBMARINE SAILOR,TRUCK DRIVER,RUSTY WALLACE FAN AND AS EVERYONE SO OFTEN POINTS OUT PISS POOR TYPIST e-mail:WNUNLEY@USIT.NET
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  • PalantirionPalantirion Member Posts: 144 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks for your help guys, I'm gonna go around to my various local gun shops tm and see what feels right, then cross-reference that with what I've learned here. I'll post what I figure out...

    www.ebsart.com
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  • leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Just to list a few I personally like, and feel perfectly welcome to buy me one two ....LOL

    Colt Govt. Model
    Colt Defender O
    Colt 1991A1
    Colt Combat Target
    Colt Combat Elite
    Colt Custom Tactical
    Wilson Tactical Elite
    Kimber Gold Combat
    Kimber Gold Combat SSTL
    Kimber CDP Full Size
    Kimber CDP Compact
    Kimber Custom Eclipse II
    Kimber Custom Royal
    Kimber Super Match
    Para-Ordnance 14-45 Limited
    Para-Ordnance 13-45 Limited
    Para-Ordnance 12-45 Limited
    Springfield TRP Operator
    Springfield Loaded Operator
    Springfield Operator
    Springfield TRP
    Springfield Loaded
    Springfield Armory Gunsite Custom
    Springfield Armory Champion Comp
    Enterprise P500 Boxer
    Enterprise P500 Elite
    Enterprise P500 Tactical
    Auto-Ordnance 1911 (current production by Kahr Arms only)
    Les Baer Thunder Ranch


    Les Baer SRP

    If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.

    The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !
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  • RembrandtRembrandt Member Posts: 4,486 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I recently picked up a used Colt "Classic Gold Cup" for $950....worth every penny and more. Has every feature, bell and whistle you can imagine as well as being a tack driver. If I were buying new in that price range, probably a Kimber would be a good candidate. If money were no object, Les Baer or Wilson Combat....none better!
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  • kimberkidkimberkid Member Posts: 8,858 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ummmmm ... KIMBER!

    =================================================================
    Just because your paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you!kimberkid@gunbroker.zzn.com
    If you really desire something, you'll find a way ?
    ? otherwise, you'll find an excuse.
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  • 4GodandCountry4GodandCountry Member Posts: 3,968
    edited November -1
    Kimber

    When Clinton left office they gave him a 21 gun salute. Its a damn shame they all missed....
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  • punchiepunchie Member Posts: 2,792 ✭
    edited November -1
    If it doesn't say COLT it is just a copy.

    AN ARMED SOCIETY IS A POLITE SOCIETY
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  • kimberkidkimberkid Member Posts: 8,858 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    punchie - You say that like its a bad thing ... If they are so bad, why does Kimber keep growing and bringing out new models? Mean while Colt sits around ignoring the consumer; pushing out the same old products improving on NOTHING ... Besides, its not like the design is a "Colt Original" ... Its a Browning design. Although I used to respect Colt (a long long time ago), the current company named Colt is not the consumers' friend. I'm sure Samuel Colt is and has been rolling over in his grave.

    Kimber hasn't turned their back on consumers like Colt; bent over for the government and gun grabbers to get government contracts by discontinuing their products thereby almost putting themselves out of business; Then Colt lost out on the contracts anyway! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL

    =================================================================
    Just because your paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you!kimberkid@gunbroker.zzn.com
    If you really desire something, you'll find a way ?
    ? otherwise, you'll find an excuse.
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  • punchiepunchie Member Posts: 2,792 ✭
    edited November -1
    KimberKid
    We have a significant differance of opinion. I am not knocking the Kimber pistol at all. I think they assemble a very nice gun using top quality components. The current crop of Colts (XS, XSE, O etc) are every bit as good in quality though. Of the 10 1911 style pistols I own now, guess which ones have appreciated in value?

    Colt has always been very responsive to me and not turned its back. They don't have the need to come out with a 'model of the month' like Kimber. When Kimber first came out, it was a top quality 1911 at a resonable price. It is still a top quality gun but no longer at a reasonable price when compared to the Springfield or Dan Wesson or some other makes IMHO.

    AN ARMED SOCIETY IS A POLITE SOCIETY
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  • dads-freeholddads-freehold Member Posts: 1,361 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    greetings, i don't know if they classify as a 1911 clone, but i have two 645's ss 45, and an eea witness bs 45 that i wouldn't trade for all the colts. but if you want an attention getter when your at the range, invest in a grizzly 45 mag. one of my bud's has one and no matter what anybodies shooting, when the bear speaks every body listens. i've told him he should sell tickets. every body wants to fire the big bore. respt submitted dads-freehold
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  • kimberkidkimberkid Member Posts: 8,858 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ahhh Punchie ... I was really stirring the pot trying to see what comes out of the Colt Closet!

    I didn't mean to infer that Colt ignores the individual consumer that has a problem, as I understand it they have very good Customer Service. I started loosing faith in Colt in 89 when they started putting sear blocks in their AR's, then removing the bayo lug's in what appeared to me to become efforts for Political Correctness. Then stopped making the AR for the consumer all together, as well as other models ... even though they had good sales, like the Python and Anaconda ... what were they thinking? To be honest, I don't pay much attention to what Colt does anymore and the only time I buy one it to remind myself why I don't have any ... then sell it and always make money on it (I don't even buy them unless they are cheap)

    As to Kimber's "Model of the Month" ... That's a pretty fair assessment, its gotten way out of hand ... but hey, at least it keeps people buying ... even if the prices are no longer reasonable ... I bought my last Kimber (a Pro Carry CDP) just over 18 months ago, when they came out with the Kimber II series (with the firing pin safety)... to me that is/was an effort to be in the Kalifornia market ... and as far as I'm concerned, Gun and Ammo companies need to boycott CA until they do something about their laws ... the crap they start there is a testing ground for the rest of the country ... I say to heck with them, if that's how they want to be, let them do without until they wise up and realize all these laws only affect the law-abiding ... and I'm sorry for our CA members.

    I really wish Colt would come under management that has at least one ball, and give it back the prominence it deserves.


    =================================================================
    Just because your paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you!kimberkid@gunbroker.zzn.com
    If you really desire something, you'll find a way ?
    ? otherwise, you'll find an excuse.
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  • PalantirionPalantirion Member Posts: 144 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ok guys, I went around to all my local stores today, and...

    I LOVE the feel, balance and features of the Wilson KZ5. For those that don't know, it's a composite-frame 1911, holds 10 rounds AND has a thin grip, comes with Tritium sights and match trigger. Here in CA it's $1079 - which is a lot for a pistol (compared to the $700-range 1911s) but it just felt RIGHT to me Can anyone tell me why I shouldn't buy it??? (seriously, I want to hear everyone's negative opinions, if any)

    Thanks

    www.ebsart.com
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  • lokdok1lokdok1 Member Posts: 383 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Well, at least they weren't throwing sticks at me 'n' my Daly.
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  • The firearms consultantThe firearms consultant Member Posts: 716 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have 8 45acp pistols. I shoot the Para ordnance in competition, so I shoot that one the most. I also have a LLAMA OMNI. Has anyone had or heard of that one? I can't shoot it now because the sights came apart. That is why I always recommend you buy the best gun you can afford.
    John

    I might not always tell you the truth, but I will never lie to you!
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  • sundownersundowner Member Posts: 1,198 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    lokdok1, The Charles Daley is indeed a very good firearm for its price. My gunsmith was cleaning a used one up for a buddy and thought it comperable to a Springfield. I understand they also have great support and really stand behind their guns.
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  • franhymerfranhymer Member Posts: 10 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would agree with another responder . I am totaly satisfied with my charles daly and you could buy two of them for about the price you are looking to spend also it is hard to beat their life time guarentee . they took great care of me at C.D.
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  • SUBMARINERSUBMARINER Member Posts: 1,362 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    colt may not be bad but you can get a kimber or a springfield dressed up real nice for what youll pay for a colt with just the basics.just a basic colt 90 series will run you what a springfield s/s dressed real sexy will run and as far as i can see,their aint no difference in quality

    SUBMARINE SAILOR,TRUCK DRIVER,RUSTY WALLACE FAN AND AS EVERYONE SO OFTEN POINTS OUT PISS POOR TYPIST e-mail:WNUNLEY@USIT.NET
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  • PalantirionPalantirion Member Posts: 144 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ok, but does anyone have ANYHTING to say about the Wilson??? (pro or con)

    www.ebsart.com
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  • sfettysfetty Member Posts: 349 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a Wilson Protector and a Baer Premier II. Both guns are exceptional shooters. The Baer had to have the slide stop replaced before 100 rds went thru it. Les Baer replaced it with no problem. The only problem I had was it should have been right from the start. It just wouldn't lock the slide back after the last round was fired no matter what magazine I used. The replacement slide stop cured the problem.

    My Wilson Protector has never had a malfunction. I only have 500 rounds thru it though. My Baer has 5000 rounds thru it. It functions perfectly also after the slide stop was replaced. Kimbers are good 1911's, but they are not in the same class as the Baers and Wilsons. Ed Brown builds an excellent 1911 also. These custom 1911's are great guns, but you pay a premium price for them. Sometimes there is a considerable waiting period for them also. It took 7 months for my Wilson to be sent to me.For the money, Kimbers, Springfields and Colts can't be beat. But there is nothing like a good custom 45 to get the blood pumpin.
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  • fergusonmorse392fergusonmorse392 Member Posts: 432 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    get a colt 1991A1 great basic start for about 550.00, you can add on to it from there. !!!!!!
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  • offerorofferor Member Posts: 8,625 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Anything with the Wilson name on it is still considered an excellent "customized" gun. They have been a prime converter of good 1911s to great 1911s for a very long time.

    - Life NRA Member
    "If cowardly & dishonorable men shoot unarmed men with army guns, the evil must be prevented by the penitentiary...and not by general deprivation of constitutional privilege." - Arkansas Supreme Court, 1878
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