1911

[sprice]

While we're closing in on the centennial year of this great war horse; I've heard alot of "bashing" on brands. So what is (in your mind at least) the best 1911 manufacture today? What one do you think will take the lead next year?

Let's set it at three price ranges- $3,000, $1,200, $800, $500. Then just flat out best, and best for the money.

 

[bobelk99]

I think it would help to set price ranges.

I personally prefer Wilson, but at 3k plus it won't get many votes.

I believe Kimber is the best bang for the buck. That comment will prompt umpteen Springfield fans to respond, not to mention STI, Sig....

If you have time to set up a poll, you can get some real comparisons.

 

[sprice]

Good thoughts bobelk99

 

[9mmepiphany]

in my experience, the best bang for the buck in the mid-price range is the Dan Wesson.

when you get into the high-end production/semi-custom guns, i think you get the most for your money with the Springfield Professional followed by the Les Baer

when you get into custom guns (like Chen, Christiansen, Yam), it's just a matter of taste

 

[Quoheleth]

Partial list - feel free to add/correct...

NEW:
Best entry level (<$500): Rock Island, Taurus
Best upper-entry level (<$700): Springfield Gi or Mil-Spec
Best mid/uppermid-grade(<$900): Springer Loaded, Colt (watch for QC issues), STI, S&W; Dan Wesson

Higher than $1000 is out of my realm of knowledge and experience...be interesting to see what folks add to my list.

Q

 

[.45Heater]

I'll second the mention of a Dan Wesson for a pure production gun. Kimber of course will out sell their next competitor by 4X. Neither are in the same league as a semi custom Les Baer, Brown or Wilson.

 

[GIJOEL]

To me the best 1911 is the one at the range, getting someone addicted to the sport. Springfield, Kimber, Taurus, Para, Colt... etc. I have always perfered the kimber classic line (no longer made B/C lawyers suck) but my favorite 1911 was my dads colt series 70 nickel plated with ivory grips, it was in "mil spec" configuration and the sights sucked, but I wish I could have convinced him to give it to me.

 

[9mmepiphany]

i consider a mid-range gun's prices to start around $1k and go just above $1700

semi-customs range from $2o00 to $3000

if you're spending more than that, you really should be looking at getting on a waiting list to have one built.

 

[bobelk99]

Best 1000-1500:USED Kimber Super Match

 

[Ala Dan]

The closer we get too the actual anniversary date, watch Colt rebound
in a manner that will excite even the faint of heart. I don't say that they
are the best out there; but there is reason to be concerned, with the
reintroduction of a few models. Personally, I lean towards the Baer's;
as few if any are as tight as Dicks Hat Band~! And, you can pick up
any telephone and call Les Baer Custom; and speak with old Les any
time. You can't do that with many other manufactuer'ers, except Mr.
Larry Seecamp.

 

[Ruggles]

I would go with the:
Springfield GI/Mil Spec <$600
Kimber TLEII <$1000
Les Baer Concept Series <$2000
Ed Brown SF/Kobra <$2500

After that I think we run into a traffic jam with Wilson, Brown, Nighthawk etc....

 

[Magnumite]

Any quality good one. My preferences...Les Baer, Wilson Combat, Springfield Armory or the ones I build.

 

[mothermopar]

Colt. Period. 3 MIM parts that are easily replaced. 100% USA built. QC issues? Maybe in the 1990's. They are the original and the best non-custom (Wilson, etc.) 1911.

While I respect Springfield, I hold less respect for all others. Kimber is decent but their rep isn't so hot overall in the 1911 realm.

If it isn't a Colt, it's a clone. Plus Colt is a collectible and an investment. Not too many 1911s can say that.

 

[Harvey]

Colt. Period. 3 MIM parts that are easily replaced. 100% USA built. QC issues? Maybe in the 1990's. They are the original and the best non-custom (Wilson, etc.) 1911.

While I respect Springfield, I hold less respect for all others. Kimber is decent but their rep isn't so hot overall in the 1911 realm.

If it isn't a Colt, it's a clone. Plus Colt is a collectible and an investment. Not too many 1911s can say that.

Gotta' agree here, mothermopar. If you ask me, the 1918 issue Black Army Colt is the gold standard for all other 1911's. Period.

 

[CoRoMo]

I remember 1911Tuner once saying:

I'd rather buy a Norinco at a Loaded Springfield price, than to buy a Loaded Springfield at a Norinco price.​

I think that defines "best for the money".

 

[smoothdraw]

For me best is custom made by any of these guys http://www.louderthanwords.us/

$3,000, - Wilson
$1,200, - Dan Wesson
$800, - Colt
$500 - RIA

 

[Full Metal Jacket]

springfield armory.

wilson combat.

 

[joe90]

I've heard nothing but good things about Fusion 1911's. they are customs/semi-customs. The owner is the old owner of dan wesson and again have yet to hear a bad thing. he'll work with you to get what you want in the gun. It's what i'm looking at getting.

 

[KingMedicine]

My fusion custom cost about 1500 and it one seriously great pistol...

 

[sprice]

any more?

 

[XavierBreath]

For me, "the best" is the one that is accurate, reliable and durable. That could be a pistol from any of the usual players. Most are reasonably accurate, fairly reliable with most ammo, and many will last quite a long time. I tend to lean towards Colt.

For people who want certain features, the little odds and ends may make a difference. It is more cost effective to buy the gun with them in place. Those features, the perceived quality and the actual price are the usual factors in a person's decision to buy a given gun. Then they search for rationales to justify that particular purchase.

Discussing "best" here is like discussing which potato chip is best. It's a fun game, but it reveals no ultimate truth.

 

[Strahley]

3k - dunno
1.2k - dunno
800 - SA loaded
500 - RIA/Citadel tactical

 

[BlayGlock]

$3ksih - Nighthawk Predator ($2700 actually)
$2kish- Springfield Custom Carry
$1ksih- Either a Kimber TLE or STI Trojan
$600ish- Springfield Mil SPec alouth the RIA tactical that I had was nice as well.

Just flat out best bang for the buck is a tough one. I have never shot a Dan Wesson but many people swear by them. I think that for around $875 the Kimber TLE is one stout pistol for bang for buck awards. It has night sights, front strap checkering, and more accurate that many shooters are. That would probably get my vote. Many do not like the MIM for no other reason than stuff they read on forums, but it is not a problem for the most part.

 

[Zerodefect]

$500-600
Used Colt 1919, Springfield GI, or a Used Kimber that deosn't work (easy to fix). Kimber, Springfield, and Colt are making tons of complete Lemons right now. If you learn what to look for you can by a good "troubled gun" off someone that's miffed and anxious to get rid of said lemon. Then just fix it.

Kimber for example seems to make excellent frames and slides. Great CNC tolerences. But take forever to break in. Many people dump their Kimbers befroe they even try proper mags, ammo, or recoil sping changes. And Kimber and Springfield warranty repairs hardly ever work. If you can figure out how to fix them you can find them cheap at ranges, IDPA matches, and classes everywhere.

Every once in a while I come across a chump that refuses to replace his lame Kimber mags, recoil spring, and try Federal ammo. " It should feed any ammo." -"Yeah, hows that working out for ya."

$700-1000
Kimber TLE Stainless, Colt

$1000+
Dan Wesson Valor
Fusion Kits
At this range you really should be modifiying a gun to your personal spec and feel.

$2000+
Waste of money, You can get a good rifle for that.

 

[Kingofthehill]

Call me nuts, but i think Kimbers are overpriced and trendy junk. they throw "Cool" names on them, throw different colors or slide cuts on em to create a new model and sell them for 20-30% over what the competition is priced at. But hey, it seems to be working so what do i know. I just don't care to own another.

$3,000- Nighthawk T3


$1,200- Fusion, Dan Wesson, STI, Les Baer (VERY competitive price point)










$800-Springfield Loaded



$500-STI Spartan