Alright guys, I'm looking into my first 1911. Limited budget but I want something solid, and something I can upgrade down the road. What models should I be looking at. And what should I be looking for in a good used weapon, and I guess more impostant what should I avoid? Thanks
Suppressors picking your first 1911
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Re: picking your first 1911
I prefer springfield. I would avoid buying into the notion of upgrading down the road since it will always cost more in the long run once you get into sights, trigger and slide work etc. Springfields TRP line is awesome for the prices. Stay away from kimbers their quality control sucks customer service too.
I prefer springfield. I would avoid buying into the notion of upgrading down the road since it will always cost more in the long run once you get into sights, trigger and slide work etc. Springfields TRP line is awesome for the prices. Stay away from kimbers their quality control sucks customer service too.
Re: picking your first 1911
I vote Springfield as well. If you really want to upgrade things later, look into the Springer GI model 1911. Its plain jane, think of it as a blank canvas so to speak. But if you can swing it go for the buy once cry once philosophy, and pick up a TRP. Good luck with your decision.
I vote Springfield as well. If you really want to upgrade things later, look into the Springer GI model 1911. Its plain jane, think of it as a blank canvas so to speak. But if you can swing it go for the buy once cry once philosophy, and pick up a TRP. Good luck with your decision.
Re: picking your first 1911
Thanks Sobr, thats the one I was thinkin of when I responded. the GI's do have<span style="font-size: 8pt"> small </span> sights.
Thanks Sobr, thats the one I was thinkin of when I responded. the GI's do have<span style="font-size: 8pt"> small </span> sights.
Re: picking your first 1911
Dan Wesson makes a fine 1911 for a decent price as well. And +1 on steering clear of the newer Kimbers!
Dan Wesson makes a fine 1911 for a decent price as well. And +1 on steering clear of the newer Kimbers!
Re: picking your first 1911
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get a Springfield Loaded. It's the best value 1911 on the market in my opinion.
The Taurus is cheap and offers decent features but the fit leaves something seriously to be desired, IMO. </div></div>
How many 1911 manufactures do you think there are in Brazil?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get a Springfield Loaded. It's the best value 1911 on the market in my opinion.
The Taurus is cheap and offers decent features but the fit leaves something seriously to be desired, IMO. </div></div>
How many 1911 manufactures do you think there are in Brazil?
Re: picking your first 1911
Rock Island makes a good 1911. A GI cost $425 and a match gun with lots of goodies is only $680.
Rock Island makes a good 1911. A GI cost $425 and a match gun with lots of goodies is only $680.
Re: picking your first 1911
Para makes a very fine weapon. I own a carry lda in 45 and i love it, shoots great and it is very reliable it eats anything.
Para makes a very fine weapon. I own a carry lda in 45 and i love it, shoots great and it is very reliable it eats anything.
Re: picking your first 1911
Check out the Para line. I like the old wide body models in P-14 and P-16.
Check out the Para line. I like the old wide body models in P-14 and P-16.
Re: picking your first 1911
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get a Springfield Loaded. It's the best value 1911 on the market in my opinion.
The Taurus is cheap and offers decent features but the fit leaves something seriously to be desired, IMO. </div></div>
How many 1911 manufactures do you think there are in Brazil? </div></div>
No idea, but I've never seen a Springfield with a drop safety, so even if only one company owns the tooling, it's obvious that there are substantial differences in the final good. The Taurus frame is also way out of spec, and shooting one feels like you're holding onto a 2x4.
I have never looked at a single stack STI up close (they are not marketed very well) but I suspect that if I did, I'd prefer them to a brazilian springfield.
Both of my 1911s are 100% made in USA, but there's nothing like them on the market today under $1000.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get a Springfield Loaded. It's the best value 1911 on the market in my opinion.
The Taurus is cheap and offers decent features but the fit leaves something seriously to be desired, IMO. </div></div>
How many 1911 manufactures do you think there are in Brazil? </div></div>
No idea, but I've never seen a Springfield with a drop safety, so even if only one company owns the tooling, it's obvious that there are substantial differences in the final good. The Taurus frame is also way out of spec, and shooting one feels like you're holding onto a 2x4.
I have never looked at a single stack STI up close (they are not marketed very well) but I suspect that if I did, I'd prefer them to a brazilian springfield.
Both of my 1911s are 100% made in USA, but there's nothing like them on the market today under $1000.
Re: picking your first 1911
The Springfield MilSpec would be a great platform to start with. The Taurus I've fired was nice, felt pretty good. However, the best lower priced 1911 i've ever felt was a Metro Arms American Classic II. Slide to frame fit was tight, felt great in my hand, trigger felt good, and it shot great. I was very impressed with it.
The Springfield MilSpec would be a great platform to start with. The Taurus I've fired was nice, felt pretty good. However, the best lower priced 1911 i've ever felt was a Metro Arms American Classic II. Slide to frame fit was tight, felt great in my hand, trigger felt good, and it shot great. I was very impressed with it.
Re: picking your first 1911
My suggestion would be this.
A. If you are looking for a base gun to shoot now and later have work done to your particular taste check out 1911 forums and search for the top 1911 gunsmith. They will only work on some brands and avoid others.. That will be a deciding factor down the road.
B. If you are looking for a budget gun than decide what features you cant live without and search out the best bang for your buck. On my personal experience I have had two Kimbers (internal extractor models) and they were OK, but barels kept on getting surface rust.. Accuracy was good and so was resale at that time. I got rid of them both. I had a Springfiel Champion but that "Brazil" rollmark/stamp on the frame kept getting bigger every time I have looked at it... Now I am Colt and probably will stay there. I have a Colt Govt and a Gold Cup Commander... They fill my needs. Just something about a colt..For me anyway.. Someday I would like to own one of the High Dollar Customes but the job now does not permit it..
Good luck on your search
George of the Jungle
My suggestion would be this.
A. If you are looking for a base gun to shoot now and later have work done to your particular taste check out 1911 forums and search for the top 1911 gunsmith. They will only work on some brands and avoid others.. That will be a deciding factor down the road.
B. If you are looking for a budget gun than decide what features you cant live without and search out the best bang for your buck. On my personal experience I have had two Kimbers (internal extractor models) and they were OK, but barels kept on getting surface rust.. Accuracy was good and so was resale at that time. I got rid of them both. I had a Springfiel Champion but that "Brazil" rollmark/stamp on the frame kept getting bigger every time I have looked at it... Now I am Colt and probably will stay there. I have a Colt Govt and a Gold Cup Commander... They fill my needs. Just something about a colt..For me anyway.. Someday I would like to own one of the High Dollar Customes but the job now does not permit it..
Good luck on your search
George of the Jungle
Re: picking your first 1911
You can get a very nice 1911 for 500-600. The Springer mil-spec or STI are both great choices. Once you have the gun there is a lot you can do yourself with minimal effort though it helps to have someone versed in 1911s to check your work. Buy the gun and go shoot!
You can get a very nice 1911 for 500-600. The Springer mil-spec or STI are both great choices. Once you have the gun there is a lot you can do yourself with minimal effort though it helps to have someone versed in 1911s to check your work. Buy the gun and go shoot!
Re: picking your first 1911
I hate to say it, but....buy once cry once!
I was torn between 2 1911's, one was the Springfield Trophy Match, and the other was the Springfield TRP full rail. What did I do? I bought both!
Both pistols are awesome! best money I have ever spent on a pistol(s)
I hate to say it, but....buy once cry once!
I was torn between 2 1911's, one was the Springfield Trophy Match, and the other was the Springfield TRP full rail. What did I do? I bought both!
Both pistols are awesome! best money I have ever spent on a pistol(s)
Re: picking your first 1911
I'd vote for the Springfield too. I've got 2 of them, a Loaded model in Stainless steel and a Champion model thats parkerized. I had an ejector pin crack and I contacted Springfield Customer Service and they took care of it. While it was there I had a Nowlin Match barrel fitted, Checkering of the frontstrap, a little more of a carry bevel and they refinished it too. It came back perfect. The fit with the barrel is nice and tight not binding at all but tight and smooth.
My brother has a Stainless Taurus 1911 and it's OK but I think we'd both agree that the Springfeild is a better gun.
I'd vote for the Springfield too. I've got 2 of them, a Loaded model in Stainless steel and a Champion model thats parkerized. I had an ejector pin crack and I contacted Springfield Customer Service and they took care of it. While it was there I had a Nowlin Match barrel fitted, Checkering of the frontstrap, a little more of a carry bevel and they refinished it too. It came back perfect. The fit with the barrel is nice and tight not binding at all but tight and smooth.
My brother has a Stainless Taurus 1911 and it's OK but I think we'd both agree that the Springfeild is a better gun.
Re: picking your first 1911
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Georgeofthejungle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My suggestion would be this.
A. If you are looking for a base gun to shoot now and later have work done to your particular taste check out 1911 forums and search for the top 1911 gunsmith. They will only work on some brands and avoid others.. That will be a deciding factor down the road.</div></div>
There is good reason behind this advice. Do some asking around, if you intend to have any custom work done.
My personal advice, Colt. Get the Series 70 Gov't Model and don't look back.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Georgeofthejungle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My suggestion would be this.
A. If you are looking for a base gun to shoot now and later have work done to your particular taste check out 1911 forums and search for the top 1911 gunsmith. They will only work on some brands and avoid others.. That will be a deciding factor down the road.</div></div>
There is good reason behind this advice. Do some asking around, if you intend to have any custom work done.
My personal advice, Colt. Get the Series 70 Gov't Model and don't look back.
Re: picking your first 1911
Budget is most important.
If you are not in a rush you can find good deals on used custom 1911s. The most important thing is to always get something that was done by a name smith. Many people will try to sell you a 1911 that was made my " smith Bob" and try to sell it to you for what they have it.
For a good quality 1911 a Wilson KZ-45 is a custom with alot of the features already there. You can pick one up in the $800 to $950 range on gunbroker.com alot of the time. Guaranteed accuracy and reliability.
Budget is most important.
If you are not in a rush you can find good deals on used custom 1911s. The most important thing is to always get something that was done by a name smith. Many people will try to sell you a 1911 that was made my " smith Bob" and try to sell it to you for what they have it.
For a good quality 1911 a Wilson KZ-45 is a custom with alot of the features already there. You can pick one up in the $800 to $950 range on gunbroker.com alot of the time. Guaranteed accuracy and reliability.
Re: picking your first 1911
I'll go 2nds on the Rock Island.
I've owned a fair number of 1911's from various mfg's and I don't think there was one that lasted more than a month before I took a screwdriver, file, Dremel, hammer or hacksaw to. Get Jerry Kunhausen's (sp) 2 book set and read them. Your mind will begin formulating how you want your gun to look and function. By the time you are done you will know the weapon inside and out and UNDERSTAND how and why it works so good.
Cheers,
Doc
I'll go 2nds on the Rock Island.
I've owned a fair number of 1911's from various mfg's and I don't think there was one that lasted more than a month before I took a screwdriver, file, Dremel, hammer or hacksaw to. Get Jerry Kunhausen's (sp) 2 book set and read them. Your mind will begin formulating how you want your gun to look and function. By the time you are done you will know the weapon inside and out and UNDERSTAND how and why it works so good.
Cheers,
Doc
Re: picking your first 1911
Since it's something that you want to upgrade later, I wouldn't go with a Kimber. Because you're talking entry level investment go with a Springfield Mil-Spec. Keep in mind for not much more you can get a Springfield loaded. Either would be a great platform to build on. Also, the RI 1911's have good frames and slides to build on (scrap the rest of the parts).
Since it's something that you want to upgrade later, I wouldn't go with a Kimber. Because you're talking entry level investment go with a Springfield Mil-Spec. Keep in mind for not much more you can get a Springfield loaded. Either would be a great platform to build on. Also, the RI 1911's have good frames and slides to build on (scrap the rest of the parts).
Re: picking your first 1911
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NY700</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Alright guys, I'm looking into my first 1911. Limited budget but I want something solid, and something I can upgrade down the road. What models should I be looking at. And what should I be looking for in a good used weapon, and I guess more impostant what should I avoid? Thanks</div></div>
find something you can hit with,,,,,savvy the norinco as many many fine wilsons were made from norinco's
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NY700</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Alright guys, I'm looking into my first 1911. Limited budget but I want something solid, and something I can upgrade down the road. What models should I be looking at. And what should I be looking for in a good used weapon, and I guess more impostant what should I avoid? Thanks</div></div>
find something you can hit with,,,,,savvy the norinco as many many fine wilsons were made from norinco's
Re: picking your first 1911
You looking for something to carry concealed? If you are it has to run. Springfield has some nice 1911s. Take a look at some of the STIs too they're not bad for the money either.
Just my 2 cents
Kc
You looking for something to carry concealed? If you are it has to run. Springfield has some nice 1911s. Take a look at some of the STIs too they're not bad for the money either.
Just my 2 cents
Kc
Re: picking your first 1911
My Springfield 1911's have run more problem free than my Colt's, which I feel are significantly overpriced for what you get nowadays. One of my Colt's went back to the factory twice and still didn't run right. Lemons exist in any brand but off-center machining and a host of other issues have pushed me from being a Colt fan to Springfield. I've been very happy with the switch.
My Springfield 1911's have run more problem free than my Colt's, which I feel are significantly overpriced for what you get nowadays. One of my Colt's went back to the factory twice and still didn't run right. Lemons exist in any brand but off-center machining and a host of other issues have pushed me from being a Colt fan to Springfield. I've been very happy with the switch.
