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Sidearms & Scatterguns Range Toy 1911. $1500 price tag. Suggestions?

L

lennyo3034

Gunny Sergeant
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Apr 18, 2010
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I have decided I need a 1911. My purpose is mainly just a range toy. I have other guns for carry, HD, and competition. Therefore my highest priority is accuracy and trigger. Don’t need a whole lot of other features. I’m even willing to sacrifice reliability a little so something a little too tight is preferable to too loose.

Any suggestions on what I should look into?

So far I’m leaning towards the Colt gold cup National Match. I think Dan Wesson is in the price range but not sure how their accuracy compares with the Colt.
 
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I had your same itch about 3-4 years ago. Wanted a very accurate 1911 with an awesome trigger to shoot suppressed at the range. Didnt care about anything else. I ended up getting a Springfield 1911-A1 for a smoking deal. I was doing the IT for a local gun range. They had this Springfield that had 750rd through it that then got sent back to Springfield to be gone over before they put in the used sale case. Springfield replaced all internals, cleaned and lubed it. It then came back with a certification from Springfield and I got it for $300 off an invoice they owed me.

Never even shot it. I sent it to a highly recommended 1911 shop here in PA that a few buddies swore by. Carell's 45 Shop. Guy closed down and retired shortly after. I had him fit a threaded Nighthawk Customs Match barrel in the gun. He had me buy an oversized EGW bushing that he fit to the gun. Wilson Beavertail grip safety, concealment hammer, Ultralight match trigger, disconnector, sear, firing pin return spring and some night sights.

Sent all the parts to Carrell's with the gun. He installed them all and did his trigger job. Charged me $200. Nicest trigger Ive ever owned or felt on a handgun. The reset is amazingly short. My buddy has a few $3000-$4000 1911's and he said this trigger is equal to or better than his most expensive custom 45. I also put some CZ grips on it.

Thing is an absolute tack driver. Its tight as you get and zero function issues at all. I couldnt be happier and I have less than $1000 into the whole thing. I may send it out to have the frame and slide DLC coated one day but other than that, its perfect. Love shooting it with my Rugged Obsidian 45 in K config on it.

It isnt a looker, but the trigger is out of this world and it is a tack driver.






 
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If you would like to lose about a year of your life and learn a bunch about 1911s go check out the 1911addicts.com forum. There's a lot of great advice as well as a classified section that will make you drool. You'll be able to get a good idea of what $1500 gets you.

Be careful, it really is an addiction!

I think I might head over there and look now that you mention it...
 
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bluegrasspicker said:
If you would like to lose about a year of your life and learn a bunch about 1911s go check out the 1911addicts.com forum. There's a lot of great advice as well as a classified section that will make you drool. You'll be able to get a good idea of what $1500 gets you.

Be careful, it really is an addiction!

I think I might head over there and look now that you mention it...
Click to expand...
That just cost me the last 30 mins.
 
Depending on what your looking for my first choice is Springfield Armory, from Mil Spec to Loaded RSO models.

From several recommendations on the forums here I wouldn't mind looking at Dan Wesson's.
 
Went to a friend who is an FFL. He had 2 Nighthawks, CZ TSO, and Sig P210 Target. Obviously the Nighthawks are way out of my price range but honestly I wasn't impressed by them compared to the non-1911s. Triggers were all close and I think one of the Nighthawks was tied with the P210 in that regard. Slide to frame fit was best on the TSO with the Nighthawks only slightly better than the P210. The P210 had the smoothest action. Was very surprised holding them as the Nighthawks (4k+) were more than double the price of the Sig (1650) and CZ(1850). I didn't get to shoot them so maybe that's where the price difference lies?

Has me reconsidering a 1911 for this purpose.
 
lennyo3034 said:
Went to a friend who is an FFL. He had 2 Nighthawks, CZ TSO, and Sig P210 Target. Obviously the Nighthawks are way out of my price range but honestly I wasn't impressed by them compared to the non-1911s. Triggers were all close and I think one of the Nighthawks was tied with the P210 in that regard. Slide to frame fit was best on the TSO with the Nighthawks only slightly better than the P210. The P210 had the smoothest action. Was very surprised holding them as the Nighthawks (4k+) were more than double the price of the Sig (1650) and CZ(1850). I didn't get to shoot them so maybe that's where the price difference lies?

Has me reconsidering a 1911 for this purpose.
Click to expand...

I never owned a 1911 and wasn't paying $2000-$4000 for one. I just wanted one to shoot suppressed at the range but had the assumption it wouldn't be as accurate or trigger as nice as the high dollar 1911. I was wrong and im so glad I went the route I did.

Your thread cost me money. I called Club Custom Guns today to have it IonBond/DLC two tone frame and slide!
 
I’ve owned a couple of Nighthawk Custom 1911 pistols. They were very nice. But, in the end, I could not find the extra $k’s of value in them over Dan Wesson’s I also owned. So the Nighthawks got sold.
 
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I like my Kimber but I gotta say, I've never read anybody bad mouth a Dan Wesson.
 
I just bought a DW Wraith. Picked it up yesterday and I can say I'm very impressed. This is also the new 2020
edition where they did away with the distressed look and it's all black. Will be shooting next week. If you don't need
a supressor ready pistol look elsewhere.
 
mewillis said:
I just bought a DW Wraith. Picked it up yesterday and I can say I'm very impressed. This is also the new 2020
edition where they did away with the distressed look and it's all black. Will be shooting next week. If you don't need
a supressor ready pistol look elsewhere.
Click to expand...
I will be ordering a .45 suppressor soon for my HK45. So I'm not against a suppressor ready version. Just out of curiosity, where did you order from and what did it set you back?

Thanks.
 
I think the DW Vigil suppressor ready pistols can be had for ~$1200. I almost went that route, but instead just bought a threaded barrel direct from DW and fit it into my Specialist model to run with a can.
 
We know DW and RRA make great pistols in this price range.

Buy a Bul Armory 1911 and let us know if they’re all hype or not.
 
lennyo3034 said:
Went to a friend who is an FFL. He had 2 Nighthawks, CZ TSO, and Sig P210 Target. Obviously the Nighthawks are way out of my price range but honestly I wasn't impressed by them compared to the non-1911s. Triggers were all close and I think one of the Nighthawks was tied with the P210 in that regard. Slide to frame fit was best on the TSO with the Nighthawks only slightly better than the P210. The P210 had the smoothest action. Was very surprised holding them as the Nighthawks (4k+) were more than double the price of the Sig (1650) and CZ(1850). I didn't get to shoot them so maybe that's where the price difference lies?

Has me reconsidering a 1911 for this purpose.
Click to expand...

I have a NH and it is undoubtedly the highest quality 1911 I've ever handled and the most accurate pistol I've ever shoot. I've never handled a P210 Target, but I agree that the CZ's are very nice as well.

Wilson makes very nice 1911's too, but in that high end price range I'd have to take a NH over Wilson.

My buddy has a Dan Wesson; I can honestly say that based on his and other examples I've handled, they're the best value for a 1911 under $2000 by a long shot.
 
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After handling a $7,000 STI at a match, I could barely discern the difference between it and my buddy's slightly worked CZ TSO. The TSO is an absolute laser with a 1/2-lb trigger. The STI was a nice gun, but I had a "that's it?" feeling with it. I didn't shoot it, and I'm not a Grand Master shooter, so eat a salt lick with my opinion. I'm semi-sure the STI was a better gun, aside from cleaning the magazines every time they touch the ground.

I'm also eyeing 2011's. If STI was still making the 2019 style Staccatto-P I would buy one, but the new ones just look like trash compared with the rugged beauty of last years'. I don't know of any other 2011 I'm interested in, and 1911's bore me in a double-stack world.
 
UpSideDown said:
After handling a $7,000 STI at a match, I could barely discern the difference between it and my buddy's slightly worked CZ TSO. The TSO is an absolute laser with a 1/2-lb trigger. The STI was a nice gun, but I had a "that's it?" feeling with it. I didn't shoot it, and I'm not a Grand Master shooter, so eat a salt lick with my opinion. I'm semi-sure the STI was a better gun, aside from cleaning the magazines every time they touch the ground.

I'm also eyeing 2011's. If STI was still making the 2019 style Staccatto-P I would buy one, but the new ones just look like trash compared with the rugged beauty of last years'. I don't know of any other 2011 I'm interested in, and 1911's bore me in a double-stack world.
Click to expand...
I actually just had the opposite experience with the TSO. A friend brought his out and I shot it next to my X5 Legion. I actually shot the X5 better. He also brought a high dollar 1911 that was the most accurate of the 3 for me.
 
lennyo3034 said:
I actually just had the opposite experience with the TSO. A friend brought his out and I shot it next to my X5 Legion. I actually shot the X5 better. He also brought a high dollar 1911 that was the most accurate of the 3 for me.
Click to expand...
That can happen. Especially if recoil spring isn't matched to the ammo or you aren't holding it like you hate it.
 
I gotta say (and I might catch some static for this), I've been looking at Fusion. Their reviews range from awesome to awful, but I really do like being able to cherry pic features, and the feature set I want is about $1400.00. Way cheaper than I could get it anywhere else.
The only thing that does scare me a bit are a few bad reviews (I get that customers vary too, believe me).
My use is a lot like the OP's, except it'll get carried on occasion for CC and hunting.
 
Potsy said:
I gotta say (and I might catch some static for this), I've been looking at Fusion. Their reviews range from awesome to awful, but I really do like being able to cherry pic features, and the feature set I want is about $1400.00. Way cheaper than I could get it anywhere else.
The only thing that does scare me a bit are a few bad reviews (I get that customers vary too, believe me).
My use is a lot like the OP's, except it'll get carried on occasion for CC and hunting.
Click to expand...
Good luck, and be careful man....
The only good things I’ve ever read about Fusion (and with lots of pretty pictures) was the 1911Forum sub forum for Fusion, where Fusion was a sponsor and all negatives were knowlingly censored.
Places like GlockTalk 1911 sub forum, and 1911Addicts forum are nothing but horror stories about Fusion, from build/parts screwups, to quality/reliability, to extreme delays and timeline integrity....

But - its been years since I’ve been really engulfed into the 1911 game. Could be things have changed... but still seems like a roll of the dice.
 
UpSideDown said:
That can happen. Especially if recoil spring isn't matched to the ammo or you aren't holding it like you hate it.
Click to expand...
I actually thought it was lighter recoiling than the X5. Most likely the ridiculously light trigger that caused me to jerk. I'm sure that could be corrected by training and practice.

In the end, I bought a gently used STI Lawman from a forum. Looking forward to it.
 
lennyo3034 said:
I tried to add to cart but it says "qualified professionals only". Any idea what that means?
Click to expand...
Yes mine had a sticker on it re; qualified. I guess slipped through the cracks as I am a retired QP as a Paramedic.
I guess they don't maintain the database tightly but worked out for me in this case. I never saw the QP portion
of the description until you said something.......
 
I whole heartedly suggest the customized Colt Officers ACP that someone (me) may or may not have for sale...........outside of that I'm shit out of suggestions, I'm not much of a 1911 person....
 
Another option is a Springfield Limited model and then put a Kart X-act fit barrel in it.
 
Dan Wesson > Colt, and I'm a Colt lover with quite a few of their custom shop pistols.

The biggest problem right now is that with the scare and COVID BS, it's hard getting anything for a decent price.

20200424_122332.jpg
 
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Jumping on pig pile for Dan Wesson. Shoots great and the Valor DLC finish is great. One thing I really like about them is the lack of branding on the sides.
 
Potsy said:
I gotta say (and I might catch some static for this), I've been looking at Fusion. Their reviews range from awesome to awful, but I really do like being able to cherry pic features, and the feature set I want is about $1400.00. Way cheaper than I could get it anywhere else.
The only thing that does scare me a bit are a few bad reviews (I get that customers vary too, believe me).
My use is a lot like the OP's, except it'll get carried on occasion for CC and hunting.
Click to expand...

I had one. The fit and finish was amazing, but it wouldn't feed for shit. After several trips back and forth, it finally functioned, but just looking at it pissed me off so I sold it.

45491_828866343299_3529317_n.jpg
 
ill tell ya the smith and wesson 1911get overlooked way to easy. they are very good guns. for the money im not sure they can be beat.. check one out and you will agree. used they go cheap. i bought my last E series for 550 bucks! Its was a steal! Good luck and enjoy! Lee
 
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lapuaBR said:
ill tell ya the smith and wesson 1911get overlooked way to easy. they are very good guns. for the money im not sure they can be beat.. check one out and you will agree. used they go cheap. i bought my last E series for 550 bucks! Its was a steal! Good luck and enjoy! Lee
Click to expand...

Especially if you can find a early Performance Center model. Because they are not in favor with the Kool Kids they can be had for a reasonable price and are great shooters. the early PC guns had a tremendous amount of care and hand fitting.

ALSO, for sure spend time over on the 1911 Addicts classifieds. Lots of well cared for guns. Guys over there get a woodie for something new about every week and are always putting stuff up for sale.
 
Dan Wesson.

Wasted a bunch of money on "nicer" 1911s and at the end of the day, the DW I have is every bit as good.

Honorable mention is the Springfields specifically the FBI or TRP.
 
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If it's gonna be a range toy, I say build one. Caspian slide and receiver are perfect for a project gun. This way you can make it any way you want with the parts you want . Just a thought.....

www.brownells.com

CASPIAN 1911 CLASSIC RECEIVER SS | Brownells

Modern reproduction frame, following the same specifications as John Browning’s original design. Utilizing modern metallurgy, while maintaining the classic contours of the Classic 1911, these frames are the perfect platform for a new build. Origin...
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CASPIAN 1911 SLIDES | Brownells

Custom-quality slides from Caspian, ready to be fitted to the frame of your choice. They start as high-quality forgings for extra strength, then are heat-treated to Rc 38-41 before machining for exceptional dimensional stability. Sides are polishe...
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1911 Parts - Cylinder & Slide - Handguns parts and accessories

The Best in the Business!!
www.cylinder-slide.com
 
The Dan Wesson’s I have shot have all been great, probable the best 1911 for the money. Recently bought a Springfield Armory in 10mm (not the TRP) all the parts are fitted nice and tight. Shoots nice groups, better than I can hold.
 
$1500 for a 1911 range toy. My vote would be for Dan Wesson PM-9. Stupid fun shooting plate racks, and out of the box its a joy to shoot a Steel Challenge match. Sure you could drop a few extra bucks on a trigger job and a tech well, but I wouldn't go that route unless if you wanted to mess around at local USPSA match's in the SS stack Division.
 
Shooter McGavin said:
Well if you don't mind waiting and going 9mm the Dan Wesson DWX is the one to get
Click to expand...

DWX is a double stack, super interested to see them at the range. I do know release has been significantly delayed due to Covid shutting down the factory from being deemed non-essential.
 
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Springfield TRP - hands down. Won't find a better 1911 in that range. Those are semi-custom. I understand that one gunsmith works on the entire gun and all are hand-fitted. They are not just machined and slapped together. Tolerances are as minimal as can be!
 
I am in a similar situation as well. Between the Colt and Dan Wesson, I think the better value lies with Dan Wesson. With Colt, you are paying for the name. You may want to also consider a Kimber. While Nighthawk, Wilson, and Les Baer are excellent pistols, they are quite expensive.

I tend to be a traditionalist and I am leaning towards a Colt, but my rationale mind is telling me to get a Kimber.
 
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