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Sidearms & Scatterguns Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

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Ultraman550

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Dec 8, 2011
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Ok, so I did my due diligence and rented a 1911 to try out first. Absolutely fell in love with it. I'm looking for a middle of the road 1911 that isn't in the $500 category but I also can't justify spending $2500....yet. Of the below listed, I would love to hear your good/bad experiences with any of the models listed. Obviously I am looking for a model with a rail so if there are any that I am missing please let me know. All are 5", not looking for polymer lower, not looking for SS. I know there are better out there but these are in my price range $1500 being the max. Please teach me on anything I should look out for. Thanks for your help.

Edit: I kind of expected the SA TRP to be in the lead. I really do appreciate everybody's help.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

I voted for the TRP but would also vote to skip the rail.

I sold my Kimber 1911 with a rail and wouldn't buy another one because hanging a light on the bottom of a 1911 just throws that perfect 1911 balance off IME.

I now have two plain old full-size 1911s (SA TRP and Ruger SR1911) and am very happy with them as is.....
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

I agree with the above.
But I'd default to the SA because I like them, I've run a Springfield since '92 and it is very predictable, very accurate with the stock barrel (not much on it is stock). I do think the Operator looks great. I agree on not going with stainless.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

I have both a Wilson Combat CQB and aTRP, the Wilson is one of the finest 1911's made today...and frankly, I have trouble finding a $1k difference between the two.

TRP all the way.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

Some would argue the Colt for its collect-ability. some people go crazy for the pony. Now that it seems some military branches may adopt the Colt 1911, some would say get that. Colt makes a nice gun, just the plastic Main spring housing annoys me!!

Springfield makes great pistols for the money. I personally owned an operator and a TRP(non railed) and both were exceptional firearms!

STI makes solid guns too. I owned a competition model, and STI customer service(if you need it) is top notch.

All good choices, so enjoy whichever you choose!


-G45
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

TRP

I was on a waiting list for one, then for a bill more I wound up with a Les Baer Custom Carry.

Are you planning on carrying this? If so, if you get one with a rail on holster availability might not be so great. I'm not to familiar with the Sig's, but I was told some of their models are just a little different that they won't quite fit a regular 1911 holster.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

I have a Sig 1911 that has been great. Fit/finish is impeccable.

Their resale seems to be shit, so you can pick up one dandy of a pistol for $700-$1000 used.

That is , of course, if you're cool with the sig-ized design cues of their models. I am!
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: biggenius29</div><div class="ubbcode-body">TRP



If so, if you get one with a rail on holster availability might not be so great. I'm not to familiar with the Sig's, but I was told some of their models are just a little different that they won't quite fit a regular 1911 holster. </div></div>

Genius29 is right!! The rail option, for kydex is easy. For leather it's just more limited. 1911 with a Light mounted is even more limited.

SIG has some that 1911 that have conventional slide, and some are more blocky like a Sig P220/226/229. Those may or may not fit some holsters. I have a Sig 1911,I'm happy with it, but I found holsters were limited.

Again, best of luck!

-G45
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jeo556</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd add Dan Wesson to the list. Very Very nice guns for the money.

</div></div>
I saw them, yeah they're beautiful. Only thing is the one I like which happens to be the railed version is $1900.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Glock45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Some would argue the Colt for its collect-ability. some people go crazy for the pony. Now that it seems some military branches may adopt the Colt 1911, some would say get that. Colt makes a nice gun, just the plastic Main spring housing annoys me!!

Springfield makes great pistols for the money. I personally owned an operator and a TRP(non railed) and both were exceptional firearms!

STI makes solid guns too. I owned a competition model, and STI customer service(if you need it) is top notch.

All good choices, so enjoy whichever you choose!


-G45 </div></div>
I saw that about the plastic main spring housing. Isn't it something you can switch out?
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: biggenius29</div><div class="ubbcode-body">TRP

I was on a waiting list for one, then for a bill more I wound up with a Les Baer Custom Carry.

Are you planning on carrying this? If so, if you get one with a rail on holster availability might not be so great. I'm not to familiar with the Sig's, but I was told some of their models are just a little different that they won't quite fit a regular 1911 holster. </div></div>
This would just be for home protection and range use.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

TRP. If you're using it at home and the range, don't sweat the rail. CCing, though, you might find yourself with a hard sell to the man if you had to explain why you had to shoot someone with a light/laser-equipped piece <span style="font-style: italic">on the street.</span>
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

Of what you have listed I would pick the TRP but I have to say after looking at TRP's myself I chose the DW Valor and it surpassed my expectations by far. It is right up there with my Les Baer TRS 1.5" and in some instances even better.

Here is the DW railed version which is very similar to the Valor and although its relatively new to the market the reviews so far have been nothing short of outstanding. I bought my Valor from Gunforall and I think they have some specialists in stock, if not Damascus may have some. Clinton over at gunforall is excellent to talk to and knows his stuff.

I honestly would have gotten the Specialist over the Valor but I'm not a fan of railed 1911's. It comes with a magwell, rail, and ball cuts which the Valor doesnt. Its a hell of a buy and will probably cost 100's more in the next few years.

http://www.gunforall.com/shopcart/mcartfree/product.asp?intprodid=14053 <span style="font-weight: bold">$1417</span>

dwspecialist.jpg
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

Damn that is sweet. Thank you for the link. I didn't know what the hell DW was. I guess should just pick one since its inevitable I'll probably buy another and keep going.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

My vote is for the Sig 1911. I have a Tac Ops Carry and a Compact. Both have been flawless so far and you get a lot of options for the money. You still have a few bucks left over for other items. Sig is making and selling a great 1911.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

I bought a non-rail TRP a few months ago. I was pretty skeptical before hand, but am really pleased with fit, finish, and how it shoots. I'd readily recommend one to a friend!
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

Just so you know, the TRP with a rail is called the "TRP Operator."

I would not spend $1500 on a 1911, but if I did, I'd probably get the regular TRP without the rail. The TRP Operator has a bull barrel.

I actually think the old, full-length dust cover TRP Operator was pretty cool looking and unique, but apparently it didn't sell well.

Just to clarify, I would not buy a $1500 1911 because I don't think there's much value to be had there. I would just buy a $600 STI Spartan and send it off for checkering, refinishing, ambies, sight replacement, maybe to have the sear cut, etc.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

My vote is for the TRP without a rail, though that is just a personal preference. I have not shot all of the ones on the list but my buddy has both SAs and while they aren't as nice as my 2 Nighthawks they both shot very well.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

I have a TRP wothout the rail and Surfire has an adapter that attaches to the 1911 style pistol and works just the same.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

Of your list I would take the STI. I would honestly skip every gun on you list and get a Dan Wesson or Wilson Combat. Dan Wesson 1911's I feel give you by far the best handgun for the money, but that's just my .02 for you.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

^^^^Yeah I've taken another look at Dan Wesson and am considering that. Wilsons are just way out of my price league but the Dan Wessons look amazingly built.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just so you know, the TRP with a rail is called the "TRP Operator."

I would not spend $1500 on a 1911, but if I did, I'd probably get the regular TRP without the rail. The TRP Operator has a bull barrel.

I actually think the old, full-length dust cover TRP Operator was pretty cool looking and unique, but apparently it didn't sell well.

Just to clarify, I would not buy a $1500 1911 because I don't think there's much value to be had there. I would just buy a $600 STI Spartan and send it off for checkering, refinishing, ambies, sight replacement, maybe to have the sear cut, etc. </div></div>
DZ, are you saying to either go with an STI and have it reworked or spend the extra and get a Baer, Wilson, NH etc..?
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

Dan wesson Valor
SA TRP
Colt rail gun
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

My vote would be for a Milspec and $900 to a good smith for a trigger job and reliability package and better sights. You'd have a better pistol overall than any of the above. Short of a Les Baer or Wilson, most any factory piece will need work to get it to run the way they should.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

I would not get the TRP Operator because of the bull barrel and that stupid rear sight.

The Colt Rail Guns are really nice. Mine runs really well with excellent accuracy.

The non-railed TRP is great....another Springfield option with a rail is the MC Operator.

I looked at the Doublestars pretty closely and really like them.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: buggsb</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would not get the TRP Operator because of the bull barrel and that stupid rear sight.</div></div>

What's the lack of love for the adjustable sight on the SA Op? Could somebody fill me in?
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

I'd like to hear why a bull barrel should be avoided? Is it weight?

I'd also like to ask you guys is the front strap checkering a must have or no? I see the SA Operator doesn't have it but the TRP Operator does. Will not having this feature allow more muzzle rise if your hands are sweaty or just in general? You guys are awesome, thank you all for the help.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ultraman550</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd like to hear why a bull barrel should be avoided? Is it weight?

I'd also like to ask you guys is the front strap checkering a must have or no? I see the SA Operator doesn't have it but the TRP Operator does. Will not having this feature allow more muzzle rise if your hands are sweaty or just in general? You guys are awesome, thank you all for the help. </div></div>

No opinion on the bull barrel, but I can tell you that I would NOT have a 1911 without the frontstrap checkering.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

DW, STI, or Springfield.

Personally I would stay away from Colt. The workmanship is usually rougher. DW has the best workmanship in that price range IMO. You could also probably find a used Baer in that range as well.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChemGuy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
....You could also probably find a used Baer in that range as well. </div></div>

I carry a 1911 for work and have for many years, and my life does depend on it. I have carried a few different pistols and am enthusiastic about the Les Baer pistols. They are in a very different class than those you mention in your survey but you can find a used Les Baer in your price range. I would not have one without the checkered front strap . Les Baer is a clear choice when you see the differences.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

After having a 1911 with a checkered front strap I won't get another one that is not checkered.

The thing stays put in your hands.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

I like Bull barrels but there are a few downfalls. One, cleaning. Bull barrels make disasembly a PITA. Two, competitions. A lot of competitions won't let you run them. Three, weight. They make the gun a lot heavier.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ultraman550</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just so you know, the TRP with a rail is called the "TRP Operator."

I would not spend $1500 on a 1911, but if I did, I'd probably get the regular TRP without the rail. The TRP Operator has a bull barrel.

I actually think the old, full-length dust cover TRP Operator was pretty cool looking and unique, but apparently it didn't sell well.

Just to clarify, I would not buy a $1500 1911 because I don't think there's much value to be had there. I would just buy a $600 STI Spartan and send it off for checkering, refinishing, ambies, sight replacement, maybe to have the sear cut, etc. </div></div>
DZ, are you saying to either go with an STI and have it reworked or spend the extra and get a Baer, Wilson, NH etc..? </div></div>

First of all, let's say what I am NOT saying. I would not ever buy a Les Baer 1911. They don't run. I have never seen one that ran. Never. I've never seen a single one get through a match without multiple malfunctions. No thanks.

Because I do most of my own gunsmithing, it makes far more sense to buy something like a Spartan and add the minor details than it does to spend more. I do think it's important to get the kind of sight cuts that you want, because once those are milled into the slide, it's pretty much game over on that.

I don't think a $1500 1911 is a good value anymore. Custom 1911s start at $2k or so. I think I'd just spec out a full custom 1911 before spending $1500 on a factory-built one. If I had to spend that kind of coin, I'd get the TRP without the rail, because it has most of what I'd want (fixed sights, checkering, magwell, etc.).

But since I could just add the ambies, front sight, checkering (i'd send it off for this) and refinish (I can do this at home), etc. to a Spartan, and still have a very high quality frame, slide, and barrel, I'd be far more inclined to go that route. Even if I got it checkered, sent it off to get hard chromed, changed out the front sight, installed my choice of magwell, and bought a bunch of magazines for it, I still could probably come in at around $1500, and who wouldn't rather have a gun with their choice of safeties, sights, checkering, grips, magwell, and magazines for $1500 rather than a TRP?

I think reasonable arguments could be made either way, but you can actually buy a lot of custom work from a good gunsmith for $900. I'm not sure that I'd rather give the $1500 to the gunshop than a good gunsmith.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">First of all, let's say what I am NOT saying. I would not ever buy a Les Baer 1911. They don't run. I have never seen one that ran. Never. I've never seen a single one get through a match without multiple malfunctions. No thanks. </div></div>

You've mentioned this more than once about your friend's pistol there, which really makes me wonder what is going on with it, especially the ammo and the recoil spring choice.

My experience has been 180 degrees the opposite. Les Baer has been by far the most reliable pistol I've owned, not just most reliable 1911, but the most reliable of any type. I've sold off all of my Sigs and Wilsons and two G 19's sit in the safe unused.

Guess this falls into the mileage may vary, but this really seems strange. If it will help him, Lucas Red 'N Tacky #2 grease has worked well in all of the 1911's I've owned.

Why doesn't your friend send the pistol back to LB for a check-up? What ammo is he using?

To the OP, front strap checkering is definitely worth the cost, and skip the bull barrel. Overall cost will be less to buy a pistol initially with the options desired. Springfield makes some nice ones, and while DZ and I have different experiences, in the $1500 range, Les Baer has some nice choices such as the Custom Carry or Thunder Ranch, depending on the options desired.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ultraman550</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd like to hear why a bull barrel should be avoided? Is it weight?

I'd also like to ask you guys is the front strap checkering a must have or no? I see the SA Operator doesn't have it but the TRP Operator does. Will not having this feature allow more muzzle rise if your hands are sweaty or just in general? You guys are awesome, thank you all for the help. </div></div>

There's nothing wrong with a bull barrel. I have one in my Limited gun and I actually like the weight. Bull barrels are not legal in USPSA Single Stack for 5" guns, nor are they legal in any division of IDPA. I'm not actually sure why Springfield insists on putting a bull barrel in the TRP Operator, but it really doesn't matter. In fact, if I was a police officer, and had to carry a factory gun, I would seriously consider the TRP Operator for duty use if I wanted to carry a single stack 1911.

On the front strap checkering: It's important. I have grip tape on some of my guns and checkering on others, but ideally, all would be checkered. Grip tape does work well. I even have grip tape on the 1911 that I carry on the street--I really like a good solid grip.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jeffbird</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">First of all, let's say what I am NOT saying. I would not ever buy a Les Baer 1911. They don't run. I have never seen one that ran. Never. I've never seen a single one get through a match without multiple malfunctions. No thanks. </div></div>

You've mentioned this more than once about your friend's pistol there, which really makes me wonder what is going on with it, especially the ammo and the recoil spring choice.

My experience has been 180 degrees the opposite. Les Baer has been by far the most reliable pistol I've owned, not just most reliable 1911, but the most reliable of any type. I've sold off all of my Sigs and Wilsons and two G 19's sit in the safe unused.

Guess this falls into the mileage may vary, but this really seems strange. If it will help him, Lucas Red 'N Tacky #2 grease has worked well in all of the 1911's I've owned.

Why doesn't your friend send the pistol back to LB for a check-up? What ammo is he using?

To the OP, front strap checkering is definitely worth the cost, and skip the bull barrel. Overall cost will be less to buy a pistol initially with the options desired. Springfield makes some nice ones, and while DZ and I have different experiences, in the $1500 range, Les Baer has some nice choices such as the Custom Carry or Thunder Ranch, depending on the options desired.

Here is my daily carry, although a Milt Sparks VM2 is used more now than the Crossbreed.

IMG_0924.jpg
</div></div>

Not just one friend's pistol, sir. I staff matches on a regular basis. I like 1911s. I pay attention to what people are shooting. And like I said, I've never seen a single one go through a match without a malfunction.

The worst performer wouldn't run with factory 230 grain ball @ 850 FPS with a 16 lb recoil spring that had something like 2k rounds on it. It's not a recoil spring problem--it's the barrel fit. It's too tight. No gun fit bullsye-tight will run 100%. It just can't be done.

The crazy thing is that there's about three file strokes between a barrel that is that tight and one that isn't. That's why they tell you to shoot it to break it in, rather than to loosen the fit just a smidge. I'm sure he knows way more about barrel fit than I do, but I'm not impressed. I know that there's always a balance between the edge of tight fit and performance, but if one of the big name USPSA smiths fit their guns like Les Baer does, they would have a lot of bad PR very quickly.

I really love the look of Les Baer's guns, especially the cocking serrations that he uses. But I wouldn't own a gun that runs like the ones of his I've seen no matter what they cost.

I'm glad that he has at least one happy customer, because I've not ever met one. I've seen many people fight with their guns at matches, and often it's one of his.

Although if you think what I have to say about Les Baer's guns is bad, just ask me about the Taurus PT1911!
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

<span style="font-weight: bold">First of all, let's say what I am NOT saying. I would not ever buy a Les Baer 1911. They don't run. I have never seen one that ran. Never. I've never seen a single one get through a match without multiple malfunctions. No thanks.</span>

WOW I must be the luckiest guy in the world cause my LesBaer TRS eats everything including every hand load I've fed it whether it be weak ass LSWC with hardly any powder or +P rounds. Its eats and eats.

I did the socalled breakin with 500 FMJ, not one hiccup or even a hint of one regardless of ammo, magazine, etc. I would say your post is opinion because I've never seen one have a failure! I see you have a lot more posts than me and maybe people will trust you more but for the OP's sake I hope not because I would trust my LB TRS with mine or my families life period. Just my opinion.

100_3996.jpg


Sorry OP back on track...

 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

In that price range, Dan Wesson. I own several higher end 1911's and it hangs with all of them. Great trigger, totally reliable, and very accurate.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lionsden</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
WOW I must be the luckiest guy in the world cause my LesBaer TRS eats everything including every hand load I've fed it whether it be weak ass LSWC with hardly any powder or +P rounds. Its eats and eats.
</div></div>

I don't think it's necessary to be the luckiest guy in the world to have a gun from a 'top' gunsmith that actually runs. I'm sure there are people out there who have guns that he built that actually run. I've just never seen one.

Some say unicorns are out there, too. Perhaps Baer guns that don't stop a quarter inch shy of battery are actually the norm and not the exception, but that's just not been my observation.
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

Ultraman,

I'll see if I can remember to address the questions you've had in this thread.

BULL BARREL- My reason for not liking them is that many require a tool to field strip. usually just a bent paper clip or similar, but a tool nonetheless. The manufacturing of any pistol you mentioned on your list is good enough to not need a full length guide rod OR a bull barrel. So I'm addressing two issues in this comment. Bull Barrel(for defensive gun not really a need.) Guide Rod - I'd go GI Length just so it would be a tool-less system for field stripping. I know there are full length systems that are also relatively/truly tool-less, but GI is easy, and for malfunction drills, allows another option to clear(assuming no weapon mounted light on pistol!)

SIGHTS - get what you'd like, but I'm a fan of ledge fixed sights. There was another thread, i believe titled "The Ledge" here in the pistol forum room. Adjustable is for a target pistol in my opinion. Adjustable are easier to snag, larger, and will more likely print through clothing.

MAIN SPRING HOUSING - I just noticed yesterday on a new Kimber that Kimber is also using plastic MSH(Main Spring Housing.) YES it easily replaceable. I can see two arguments on this one. COMPANY thinks most people will replace anyway so why spend money on a variable. SHOOTER - give me a decent metal one anyway since I'm paying good money for a pistol.

CHECKERING - specifically on front strap, I think it should essentially be required!! But. . do you get 20, 25, 30 LPI? Depends on company and model of pistol! I do think it's a great idea for keeping control of your pistol.

SAFETY - Ambi is nice, if you are a lefty, and/or you are righty and practice shooting both hands so have near equal proficiency.

Get one, shoot it, shoot 1911's other people have, and you'll soon end up buying a few more.

Keep us posted!

-G45
 
Re: Advice deciding on a 1911 in the $1500 range

Kimber has been using plastic MSHs for over a decade. Mine is 12 years old and I still have the (since removed) plastic MSH.

I highly recommend a full length guide rod and do not own any 1911 without one.
 
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