Handled a 1911 the other day...what a beauty she was. I am hooked. The next question is, which 1911? - there are too many too choose from. I heard good things about the Taurus 1911PT. Please recommend a mid-range 1911 that is beautiful and will keep me warm and safe at night. Thank you and God Bless the United States and those that keep us safe.
Got the 1911 bug
- Thread starter Timradcliffe345
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You might want to look at Springfield 1911s. Their frames and slides used to be forged and had a reputation for durability. The new ones are probably forged as well. Kimber 1911s are good too, at least mine is. A lot of people on this foum don't seem to like them though. A used Colt Series 70 would also be a good one, maybe one of the best. If you run across an old Auto Ordance, stay away from it, they have a reputation for being junk, and the one I had upheld this reputation.
I don't know about Rock Island, Tarus or S&W 1911s becaused I've never owned one.
I don't know about Rock Island, Tarus or S&W 1911s becaused I've never owned one.
Don't know exactly what you mean by "midrange". I realize you are referring to price, but in 1911's that is a big area. Springfields are good and so are the Sigs. I have heard good things about the STI's and the RIA's as well. I personally prefer the Briley's. They aren't necessarily what most folks refer to as midrange, but they are a very well made pistol and shoot great.
Help us out a little on the price range you are looking for and I assure you will get plenty of advise.
Help us out a little on the price range you are looking for and I assure you will get plenty of advise.
I'd go with a series 70 Colt in your situation (if you want a classic looking gun without all the added stuff that comes on most 1911s these days). About $800, but it's a real, original Colt, it's beautiful, and will keep you safe, warm, fuzzy and cozy. 
I've owned several handguns (either for my collection or CC) over the years. I've thought about picking up a 1911, but never got the urge enough to pay for one. I like .45 autos - I've owned four. I guess my lukewarm attitude towards 1911's is because I owned a Colt Commander .38 Super back in the 70's. I couldn't shoot it very accurately at all. I also had a Trooper MKIII .357 that was very accurate. So Colts were OK to me.
Lou
Lou
My Kimber has been a really fantastic pistol and I'd recommend one to any 1911 fan. A few years ago I probably would have voted that I wouldn't carry anything else, but while I still think that the 1911 is probably one of the finest pistols around, I'll be switching to an M&P as a carry piece soonly.
franconialocal
Member
Since you are wanting a home defense weapon and/or carry weapon, you want reliability. For a reliable and relatively simple 1911, I say stay away from any 1911 with a full-length guiderod, firing pin safeties, bull barrels, or external extractors. I have some models which incorporate one or more of the previous items and won't be getting another including any of them.
I had a Taurus PT1911 I traded because it was just a poorly finished arm, both in build quality and actual finish. Their customer service wasn't too helpful either.
I have a SW1911 which the firing pin safety got buggered up and I noticed light strikes, luckily, at the range. I fixed the problem and don't doubt that weapon's reliability. I would still recommend the S&W because their customer service and repair are very accommodating and swift.
Another thing is 1911s can be picky about what ammo they like and also about which magazines they like.
Sure, there are a lot of 1911s that work all the time. However, be prepared to invest a little in "experimenting" with loads and mags. Keep in mind they were originally designed to feed round-nose bullets. Also, test out the gun after a field strip and re-lube. There is a tendency to replace a bunch of parts just for the sake of it or the "tacticool" factor and not all of those items are exactly drop-in. You want to make sure the pistol is reliable before making any changes as a baseline. If you do change something, make sure you do one item at a time just in case a problem pops up you can isolate if the change caused the problem or not.
I love 1911s for their elegance and simplicity. Detail stripping is a snap. The 1911 is very concealable. It's like a Honda, parts are everywhere and easy to find. Ammo is widely available and in numerous loadings.
I had a Taurus PT1911 I traded because it was just a poorly finished arm, both in build quality and actual finish. Their customer service wasn't too helpful either.
I have a SW1911 which the firing pin safety got buggered up and I noticed light strikes, luckily, at the range. I fixed the problem and don't doubt that weapon's reliability. I would still recommend the S&W because their customer service and repair are very accommodating and swift.
Another thing is 1911s can be picky about what ammo they like and also about which magazines they like.
Sure, there are a lot of 1911s that work all the time. However, be prepared to invest a little in "experimenting" with loads and mags. Keep in mind they were originally designed to feed round-nose bullets. Also, test out the gun after a field strip and re-lube. There is a tendency to replace a bunch of parts just for the sake of it or the "tacticool" factor and not all of those items are exactly drop-in. You want to make sure the pistol is reliable before making any changes as a baseline. If you do change something, make sure you do one item at a time just in case a problem pops up you can isolate if the change caused the problem or not.
I love 1911s for their elegance and simplicity. Detail stripping is a snap. The 1911 is very concealable. It's like a Honda, parts are everywhere and easy to find. Ammo is widely available and in numerous loadings.
I have handled and shot everything from a custom Kimber, Colt, Springfield Armoury, to a 70 year old Colt Sistema. The ONLY one that I was not impressed by was the Colt. I would put the Springfield at the top of the list. They had as good a fit and finish as a custom Kimber for twice the price. You should be able to find a really nice new one for under $700 and a good used one for under $500. Possibly well under $500 as some of the new ones are just over the $500 mark.
weisse52
Member
A Colt is always the right answer!
I have both old and new. While I preferred the 70 series or older I have owned 80 series and they work just as well.
I have owned SA's, I currenly own a Norinco that is a suprise for me. Better than the SA's I do beleive.
I have shot and handled several different brands. I have a Wilson sitting in my safe as well.
After 30+ years of handling and shooting 1911's I still beleive that the Colt is one of the nicest. I have seen many different examples of all types and brands of pistols with one-off problems. The thing I truly do not understand is with as many trips I have made to shooting ranges, woodlots, and just walking out in the desert to shoot why is it I do not see all these "junk" Colts ?
Of all the 1911's I have purchased the last five years the only ones I have had issues with have both been SA. One was a pawn shop find that had been shot god knows how many rounds. A Wolff spring kit and it functioned like a champ for years, and then I sold to a person I worked with and he has shot it many, many rounds. The new GI I bought had clocking and FTF problems. Quick trip to SA and it came back good as new.
Different people have different views, for me, I like Colt's. So, pick what you like, but you will be happy with a Colt!
I have both old and new. While I preferred the 70 series or older I have owned 80 series and they work just as well.
I have owned SA's, I currenly own a Norinco that is a suprise for me. Better than the SA's I do beleive.
I have shot and handled several different brands. I have a Wilson sitting in my safe as well.
After 30+ years of handling and shooting 1911's I still beleive that the Colt is one of the nicest. I have seen many different examples of all types and brands of pistols with one-off problems. The thing I truly do not understand is with as many trips I have made to shooting ranges, woodlots, and just walking out in the desert to shoot why is it I do not see all these "junk" Colts ?
Of all the 1911's I have purchased the last five years the only ones I have had issues with have both been SA. One was a pawn shop find that had been shot god knows how many rounds. A Wolff spring kit and it functioned like a champ for years, and then I sold to a person I worked with and he has shot it many, many rounds. The new GI I bought had clocking and FTF problems. Quick trip to SA and it came back good as new.
Different people have different views, for me, I like Colt's. So, pick what you like, but you will be happy with a Colt!
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A full size pre series II Kimber. They can still be found on the internet gun selling sites like GunsAmerica.com, etc...OR one of the new Kimber pistols without the firing pin safety system, like the ones they made for the military. IF I had to go to another brand, I guess I'd look at the STI line or maybe Springfield Armory I sure am glad I've got my pre series II models and don't have to look around! 
Luck to ya...
I sure am glad I've got my pre series II models and don't have to look around! Luck to ya...I have a Taurus PT1911. Out of the box, the extractor and the feed ramp were no good. After I sent it back to Taurus they adjusted the feed ramp and replaced the extractor for free. Also, my local gun dealer paid for all the shipping and what not. Now, my Taurus PT1911 is the most accurate and reliable gun!!!
Taurus
I bought a Taurus PT1911SS a couple of weeks ago. Only have run 48 rounds (reloads from a local reload factory) through it. It seems to be very accurate (it's a lot more accurate than I am) and although 48 rounds isn't enough to base a major purchase on, it performed flawlessly. Seems to be a well made gun for the price. The only "mod" that I plan on is to dress it up with a pair of wood grips. Spent $90 on a holster yesterday so I plan to keep it. At this point in time, I'd certainly buy another one.
One piece of advice. You will have to be the final judge. You will probably receive a lot of different recommendations and 99.9% of it will be the truth as we 1911 lovers see it. There is a lot of "brand loyalty" out there. If you can, find a dealer that has an indoor range available and do some shooting with different brands. Most ranges have a variety of pistols available for rent. This may help you develop a "feel" for what you're looking for. I'm a pretty frugal type of guy but I always try to remember that if I make a mistake on a purchase, it isn't the end of the world. I can always trade it or sell it if I don't like it
Good luck in your search and let us know what the outcome is!
I bought a Taurus PT1911SS a couple of weeks ago. Only have run 48 rounds (reloads from a local reload factory) through it. It seems to be very accurate (it's a lot more accurate than I am) and although 48 rounds isn't enough to base a major purchase on, it performed flawlessly. Seems to be a well made gun for the price. The only "mod" that I plan on is to dress it up with a pair of wood grips. Spent $90 on a holster yesterday so I plan to keep it. At this point in time, I'd certainly buy another one.
One piece of advice. You will have to be the final judge. You will probably receive a lot of different recommendations and 99.9% of it will be the truth as we 1911 lovers see it. There is a lot of "brand loyalty" out there. If you can, find a dealer that has an indoor range available and do some shooting with different brands. Most ranges have a variety of pistols available for rent. This may help you develop a "feel" for what you're looking for. I'm a pretty frugal type of guy but I always try to remember that if I make a mistake on a purchase, it isn't the end of the world. I can always trade it or sell it if I don't like it
Good luck in your search and let us know what the outcome is!
For less than $800 you should be able to find and exceptionally clean used Colt, Kimber, or Springfield. If you troll the boards patiently, there are great deals to be had. Magnumite has a used Wilson KZ for sale on here (or THR.us, I forget) for less than $800. It has some small finish issues, but a great gun and shooter for the money.
My local shop has a stainless Series '80 for $625 and a S&W "gunsite" commander for $679. Both look pretty nice.
Warning label: 1911s can become an addiction. Kind of like EBRD, but much worse.
My local shop has a stainless Series '80 for $625 and a S&W "gunsite" commander for $679. Both look pretty nice.
Warning label: 1911s can become an addiction. Kind of like EBRD, but much worse.
Ok.....
Badger, I'll take the bait. Tell this OleCodger what is ERBD? I've led a mighty sheltered life!
Badger, I'll take the bait. Tell this OleCodger what is ERBD? I've led a mighty sheltered life!
OleCodger,
EBRD stands for Evil Black Rifle Disease.
I agree 1911's are addictive.
I am big fan of the Springfield Loaded models. A lot of nice features at a decent price.
EBRD stands for Evil Black Rifle Disease.
I agree 1911's are addictive.
I am big fan of the Springfield Loaded models. A lot of nice features at a decent price.
You need a "Love it, it's my favorite, but I do carry other things"
I have a wide variety of revolvers, but around 90% of my auto's are 1911's, so yea, I love it, but I carry other things. I carry 1911's, a NAA .22 Mag, a Seecamp .32, a 3" S&W .32, occasionally my XD SC .40, & occasionally my 2 1/2" S&W 686 .357.
I believe that it is the standard that all steel-framed semi automatic handguns are compared to and judged by. Rightfully so.
i love the 1911, and i love my sa 1911. there are many makers out there that have mid level mid priced 1911's that are good to go, i am a loyalist to sa so i recommend them 1st and foremost. check out thier loaded models.
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