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1911 gift suggestions

JoeFazJoeFaz Member Posts: 190 ✭✭✭
edited April 2011 in Ask the Experts
Greetings:
A few friends and I are thinking of presenting to another friend (who is set to retire) a 1911 with either a small engraving or a grip medallion commemorating his 40+ years in law enforcement. All of us have been LEOs at one time or another, yet, surprisingly, none of us has ever owned a 1911! So we're wondering if you might have any suggestions as to which manufacturer? The requirements are that it should be in the $1200.00 range, but not to exceed $1500, including any engraving/medallions. This will NOT be a show gun, as he will carry and shoot it regularly. SS or blue, no preference. American made would be preferred as well, but not imperative.
Thanks!
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Comments

  • MaaloxMaalox Member Posts: 5,155 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I am not the big colt lover like many on this forum, bit I think you have to go Colt in this circumstance.
    Regards, MAALOX
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  • mark christianmark christian Member Posts: 24,443 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The Colt 100 year 1911 Commemorative might be worth a look. The lower end variation at $1150 would just sneak in under budget.
    http://www.coltsmfg.com/About/NewsEvents/tabid/71/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2/Colt-Releases-1911-100-Year-Commerative-Information.aspx
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  • ltslts Member Posts: 811 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Call Kimber, why not?
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  • JoeFazJoeFaz Member Posts: 190 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by lts
    Call Kimber, why not?


    I thought that myself. I have hel a few in gun shops and was very impressed with fit, finish and feel. However, I guess some people just don't like them for whatever reason becasue I have heard more than one person tell me they need so much to done to "amke them right" that's it's cost prohibitive. (?). Admittedly I don't know squat about .45s, but what could a gun that gorgeous and that pricey possibly need to "make it right"?
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  • perry shooterperry shooter Member Posts: 17,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Kimber started out as one of the first Colt CLONES and did a very good job in both looks and function. Then like many companies the bean counters took over and quality control went to pot also some design changes to cut cost and some parts being made in Asia of poor quality steel. I have heard they have turned this dark time in there history and are again building a good product. but I for one do not TRUST them. I would but a Colt before anything else. I would buy the 1911 WW I remake or the Series 70 remake.
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  • tsr1965tsr1965 Member Posts: 8,682 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I second Mark, and Perry. Colt is the way to go, and spend a couple hundred on a set of custom grips with the department shield inletted in them...perhaps with his badge nimber. If you don't go with a Colt, then Para USA, previously Para Ordnance...very reliable and accurate.

    Best
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  • cpermdcpermd Member Posts: 5,273 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Maalox
    I am not the big colt lover like many on this forum, bit I think you have to go Colt in this circumstance.


    This

    X100

    CP
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  • JoeFazJoeFaz Member Posts: 190 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Some beautiful Colt's out there. I just looked at some Paras, too. Priced very reasonable, and quite impressive. I'll have to find someone who makes custom grips with custom medallions, now.
    Thanks, all! I think I know where we're going to find his holster:
    http://www.mernickleholsters.com/index.htm
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  • rsnyder55rsnyder55 Member Posts: 2,526 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    When you get down to it, Colt was the original and anything else is a knockoff. I would give a Colt.
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  • 62fuelie62fuelie Member Posts: 1,069 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Unless his dept. issued another maker, the only answer is COLT. I like the idea of having a miniature badge inlet into the right side grip panel - many dept's have tie tacks made of their badge, this would be an ideal size.
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