I have never owned a 1911 before. That being said I would like to try one. There are some things about them that I don't care for like the fact that you carry them cocked and they have no decocker. I have fallen in love with the plastic striker fire guns lately; however I still want a 1911. I don't want to get get a junker and say I hate them if I don't like it so I'm looking at The Remington R1 and Ruger SR1911 in the $650 range. Also in the $750 range the Colt 1991 govt model and the Kimber custom II two tone. Between the Kimber and colt the Kimber has more bells and whistles, but the Colt is a Colt. What doe you experienced guys recommend in this price range?
1911 advice.
- Thread starter bscott29
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TRX
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Any of those will do.
A friend of mine just bought a Ruger commander sized 1911 this weekend. I was there for tech support and at the first firing. There's a lot of value there for a 1911 that's price starts with a 6. If you're not sure you will like it but still want a quality gun with some nice features that's a really good price/starting point.
The Colt will have better resale, but at any given price range tends to have less features and/or bells and whistles then it's competitors.
I wouldn't buy an R1 when the Ruger can be had for the same price. Actually I wouldn't buy an R1 at all. If I want that quality 1911 I'll buy a Filipino one. If I want to spend that much, I'll buy a better gun.
The Colt will have better resale, but at any given price range tends to have less features and/or bells and whistles then it's competitors.
I wouldn't buy an R1 when the Ruger can be had for the same price. Actually I wouldn't buy an R1 at all. If I want that quality 1911 I'll buy a Filipino one. If I want to spend that much, I'll buy a better gun.
JTQ
Member
If it makes you feel any better, most striker fired guns don't have a decocker either (some do). In addition, the 1911 has a grip and thumb safety, something that most striker (of course some do) fired guns don't have either.
mljdeckard
Member
I owned a Colt. It wasn't magical.
I have been carrying a Kimber Custom II for about 13 years, but if I had to replace it tomorrow, I would look hard at the Ruger, or something from Armscor. (I am thinking really hard about getting an Armscor double-stack 1911 9mm for carry.)
I have been carrying a Kimber Custom II for about 13 years, but if I had to replace it tomorrow, I would look hard at the Ruger, or something from Armscor. (I am thinking really hard about getting an Armscor double-stack 1911 9mm for carry.)
nettlle
Contributing Member
I have a Kimber and a Colt. I like the Colt better.
dbmjr1
Member
If you're going to try to save a few dollars, I suggest purchasing a RIA rather than the Remington. Both are made on cast investment frames made overseas, but the RIA costs substantially less.
The choice between the Colt and the Kimber is harder.
If you're not left handed, do not get an ambi safety. One more thing to break, and break they do at times.
I have a personal preference against 'memory bumps' on grip safeties. I also don't like forward slide serrations, as they wear on holsters.
I don't like one piece guide rods that require tools to take the pistol down. The pistol will be more accurate than I am without that inconvenience.
GI sights work fine at the range. In real life they are difficult to use, and take time. Time in a gunfight is life or death. Get good sights.
Oversized safeties are nice. I like them. You should look at that option, IMO.
All in all, I congratulate you on your desire to own a 1911. I hope you find one that you like.
I've got two RIA's, one in .45acp, and another in 9mm. I've also got a Kimber Custom. All of my 1911's are full size. All of them will outshoot my abilities. They are all reliable. I wouldn't hesitate to carry any of them.
The choice between the Colt and the Kimber is harder.
If you're not left handed, do not get an ambi safety. One more thing to break, and break they do at times.
I have a personal preference against 'memory bumps' on grip safeties. I also don't like forward slide serrations, as they wear on holsters.
I don't like one piece guide rods that require tools to take the pistol down. The pistol will be more accurate than I am without that inconvenience.
GI sights work fine at the range. In real life they are difficult to use, and take time. Time in a gunfight is life or death. Get good sights.
Oversized safeties are nice. I like them. You should look at that option, IMO.
All in all, I congratulate you on your desire to own a 1911. I hope you find one that you like.
I've got two RIA's, one in .45acp, and another in 9mm. I've also got a Kimber Custom. All of my 1911's are full size. All of them will outshoot my abilities. They are all reliable. I wouldn't hesitate to carry any of them.
splattergun
Member
you don't have to carry it cocked, but if you do, the slide safety is engaged. Remember, it has a grip safety, too
I'm please with my SR1911 so far. Bought a year ago.
I'm please with my SR1911 so far. Bought a year ago.
orionengnr
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For the first-time 1911 owner, the Ruger SR1911 (in any of its variations) is pretty hard to beat.
Once you've owned one for a while, you will be better able to decide on your second.
And there will be a second.
Once you've owned one for a while, you will be better able to decide on your second.
And there will be a second.
larryh1108
Member
It depends what you want to do with a 1911. Would you carry a 39+oz gun if you were comfortable with it's safeties? Do you want a range only gun? Do you want to drool at it when you pull it out, polish it up and put it back into the safe? Is price more important than features? Is there some "must have" features that matter to you while others are "would be nice but not at that price"?
Is the full size the one you want or will the commander size be ok? Stainless, blued, parkerized or some other finish?
What about sights? Target, mil-spec, 3 dot, glo, etc? How important is a trigger to you? Do you have a preference for a pull weight? What trigger do you like now? How many pounds is it? Is it DAO, SAO, DA/SA, safe-action or? Do you like that platform? Do you care as long as it doesn't suck and goes bang?
The 1911 pistol has a lot of options that can make a difference in the price. Some companies have better out-of-the-box triggers than others and others have a more durable finish. This site can help steer you once you know what you do like and/or don't like. The 1911 platform is so popular because it has so many options. The basic gun itself is pretty consistent but it's the features that make them different (and more costly) and these features also make it customized to your own wants and needs.
Once you get the one you want, you'll never look back. You may only buy one but experience has proven that where there is one, many more seem to follow. It's a disease, after all.
Is the full size the one you want or will the commander size be ok? Stainless, blued, parkerized or some other finish?
What about sights? Target, mil-spec, 3 dot, glo, etc? How important is a trigger to you? Do you have a preference for a pull weight? What trigger do you like now? How many pounds is it? Is it DAO, SAO, DA/SA, safe-action or? Do you like that platform? Do you care as long as it doesn't suck and goes bang?
The 1911 pistol has a lot of options that can make a difference in the price. Some companies have better out-of-the-box triggers than others and others have a more durable finish. This site can help steer you once you know what you do like and/or don't like. The 1911 platform is so popular because it has so many options. The basic gun itself is pretty consistent but it's the features that make them different (and more costly) and these features also make it customized to your own wants and needs.
Once you get the one you want, you'll never look back. You may only buy one but experience has proven that where there is one, many more seem to follow. It's a disease, after all.
gotboostvr
Member
Carrying hammer down on a SAO gun is kinda pointless in my opinion.
Having to deal with the safeties is the price to pay for such a nice trigger.
I like my Kimber, but was very impressed with the various Rock Island 1911's ice played with. The one I shot the most was VERY accurate for a compact and has been serving as a good buddies EDC for a while with no issues
Having to deal with the safeties is the price to pay for such a nice trigger.
I like my Kimber, but was very impressed with the various Rock Island 1911's ice played with. The one I shot the most was VERY accurate for a compact and has been serving as a good buddies EDC for a while with no issues
Sergei Mosin
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If you want a plain jane GI type gun, get a Colt or a Springfield. If you want one with a few extra features, get a Ruger or a Springfield. Kimbers have never interested me.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
If you are familiar enough with a 1911 to be carrying it??
You don't have to 'deal with the safety's'.
Drawing and flicking off the safety mid-draw is as instinctive as scratching an itch if you bother to learn how to use one.
rc
You don't have to 'deal with the safety's'.
Drawing and flicking off the safety mid-draw is as instinctive as scratching an itch if you bother to learn how to use one.
rc
bannockburn
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In the lower end price range I would go with the Ruger SR1911. Between the Kimber and the Colt, I would go with the Colt.
GBExpat
Member
I was carrying one C&Led (Colt Combat Commander .45) C&Led under my sports/suit coat for a period in the '70s on graveyard shift.
I can recall always carefully washing & drying my hands prior to carefully decocking that pup in the morning. Never a problem.
Coyote3855
Member
I have 1911s made by Colt (2), Springfield Armory, STI, and RIA. The RIA is a decent firearm for the money and you have the choice of a base MilSpec model or one with bells and whistles. If you are unsure of using a single action semi auto, the RIA is a way to get in the game at a reasonable cost. However, of mine I am most fond of the Colt 1970 repro which also has the best resale value which may be a factor for you if you decide you don't like the platform and want to get rid of it.
A student brought a Ruger 1911 to class recently. Great gun with a fantastic trigger pull out of the box. If I were in the market for another 1911, I would probably by a Ruger Lightweight Commander.
A student brought a Ruger 1911 to class recently. Great gun with a fantastic trigger pull out of the box. If I were in the market for another 1911, I would probably by a Ruger Lightweight Commander.
Deanimator
Member
My last two carry M1911s were a Norinco and a Citadel (RIA cousin) 3.5 CS.
I agree that for a beginner, the Philippine guns have a lot in their favor. They're:
- reasonably priced.
- well made.
- reliable.
- available in many configurations.
- backed up by a great warranty.
Winkman822
Member
Any of the 1911's that the OP mentions would be good solid options. The two that I would most highly recommend are not on the list, however, the Springfield Range Officer and Springfield Loaded 1911. Both come in under $800 and will be solid shooters.
FL-NC
Member
I would go with either the Ruger or Remington.
I have seven 1911's from various manufacturers, of them all my favorite is my '74 Colt Gold Cup.
But, if I was looking at an entry level 1911, I would buy a RIA. I have a RIA compact and it has been 100% reliable in the four years I have owned it, so much so, that it is in my carry rotation. They make a tactical model which has most of the bells and whistles that owners seem to want.
But, if I was looking at an entry level 1911, I would buy a RIA. I have a RIA compact and it has been 100% reliable in the four years I have owned it, so much so, that it is in my carry rotation. They make a tactical model which has most of the bells and whistles that owners seem to want.
I have three Colts and a Kimber.
I prefer Colt.
There is something about a Colt. It's sort of like 1911s in general, if you get it no explanation is necessary, if you don't none is possible.
OTOH, Ruger's customer support is exemplary. I haven't fired their 1911, but I've handled them and they seem tight and right. I also think the Springfields are worth of considering.
I don't think I have been without a 1911 since I was seventeen years old. I have had the alphabet list from Astra (not a real 19@1) to Taurus and quite a few were made up on Essex and other frames. Faves were a Colt Ace, a Gold Cup, a Kimber Eclipse, and an Essex build with Remngton Rand and other parts. Least fave were the Taurus, a Fed Ord build, and several Llamas. I had a Norinco that was great.
Right now I am quite well served with a Kimber Pro Carry and a RIA 1911A1 which has worked surprisingly well.
Forced to buy a new one, I'd look at the Ruger first, another Kimber, a Springfield or Colt. I'm a Remington shotgun man but I don't think they've built a decent handgun other than the XP100 since the 1800s.
Right now I am quite well served with a Kimber Pro Carry and a RIA 1911A1 which has worked surprisingly well.
Forced to buy a new one, I'd look at the Ruger first, another Kimber, a Springfield or Colt. I'm a Remington shotgun man but I don't think they've built a decent handgun other than the XP100 since the 1800s.
doubleh
Member
PapaG, would you mind going into detail why your Taurus is on your least fave list?
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