dcarch
Member
+1 on the Wilson Combats. I bought mine before I left the gun show. Then I traded the Kimber mag to my gunsmith in exchange for a G.I. plug.
I am looking for my first 1911
- Thread starter heavyshooter
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ol' scratch
Member
Just to add to the crap Kimber Mags, I took the mag that came with my pistol and ran it in my Kimber (Jam every third round), my Rock Island (Same, but also failure to hold the slide back), an AMT (Every round) a friends Taurus (JAM first round, failed to hold the slide back) and another friends Springer (also jammed). The mags are the BIGGEST problem with the pistol. THEY ARE JUNK!!!
On a side note, if the OP considers a RIA, I don't think he would be disappointed. It is a great pistol, but just not as 'refined'. Pat Sweeney of G & A did a torture test including the Kimber, and the RIA. Others were also included. He ran them over with a truck, buried them, and shot them underwater. They all functioned and held up under the punishment.
On a side note, if the OP considers a RIA, I don't think he would be disappointed. It is a great pistol, but just not as 'refined'. Pat Sweeney of G & A did a torture test including the Kimber, and the RIA. Others were also included. He ran them over with a truck, buried them, and shot them underwater. They all functioned and held up under the punishment.
xXxplosive
Member
That was the list of "Jamb-O-matics" for sure............
WhoMe?
Member
I am not a 1911 expert, but I had a similar budget and some similar attitudes toward the pistol I wanted. After extensive research I decided on the SA Range Officer like so many others here have mentioned. I thought I had decided on the Mil-Spec but something about the 'Made in Brazil' stamped on the side of a 1911 just made me cringe every time I looked at it. The Mil-Specs I saw actually seemed to have a pretty good fit, but the RO does have that something extra in comparison. I got it for Christmas and have not had time to shoot it yet, so we shall see.
Regarding previous posts concerning the differences among the GI, Mil-Spec, and RO...
GI: Original size ejection port (smaller than what most have now), non-throated barrel, and staked front sight (a bit harder to change, may affect what sights are available to choose from or may not matter to you), 'Made in Brazil' stamped on the frame.
Mil-Spec: Larger ejection port, throated barrel, staked front sight, 'Made in Brazil' stamped on frame.
RO: Supposed built to same standard as the TRP and Trophy Match (great fit) without the frills, dovetail front sight, frame simply states 'GENESEO IL USA'
Another plus for the RO is, as mentioned throughout this thread, it comes from the factory pretty close to what the OP described in the criteria thus leading to a hopefully more reliable pistol within the price range stated.
View attachment 521710
Regarding previous posts concerning the differences among the GI, Mil-Spec, and RO...
GI: Original size ejection port (smaller than what most have now), non-throated barrel, and staked front sight (a bit harder to change, may affect what sights are available to choose from or may not matter to you), 'Made in Brazil' stamped on the frame.
Mil-Spec: Larger ejection port, throated barrel, staked front sight, 'Made in Brazil' stamped on frame.
RO: Supposed built to same standard as the TRP and Trophy Match (great fit) without the frills, dovetail front sight, frame simply states 'GENESEO IL USA'
Another plus for the RO is, as mentioned throughout this thread, it comes from the factory pretty close to what the OP described in the criteria thus leading to a hopefully more reliable pistol within the price range stated.
View attachment 521710
Skylerbone
Member
But FYI still made in Brazil. Nothing is actually "Made" in Geneseo, merely assembled there.
I have a RIA and a Kimber, no trouble of any kind with either one. both will shoot groups the size of the palm of your hand from 25 yards.
On MIM parts, a properly made MIM part is 96-98% as strong as a comparable forging. Back in the early 90s Chevrolet started using MIM (sintered) connecting rods in Corvettes, I heard the same comments i'm hearing now about MIM gun parts. Despite the naysayers, the engines held up just fine and sintered con rods today are more the rule than the exception. None of the MIM parts in a gun are as stressed as the rotating assembly of an engine, much adoo about nothing.
On MIM parts, a properly made MIM part is 96-98% as strong as a comparable forging. Back in the early 90s Chevrolet started using MIM (sintered) connecting rods in Corvettes, I heard the same comments i'm hearing now about MIM gun parts. Despite the naysayers, the engines held up just fine and sintered con rods today are more the rule than the exception. None of the MIM parts in a gun are as stressed as the rotating assembly of an engine, much adoo about nothing.
Rail Driver
Member
I like my RIA 1911 Tactical CS (3.5" barrel, officer's frame) just fine, but that's a REALLY pretty springer, Who.
I just looked at the Springfield RO that was suggested above as i haven't seen it yet and im very impressed. For the $700 price range i don't think you could do much better than that gun.
Springfield has a few other options also.
Colt's can be found used in that price range but your just gonna get basic models.
Kimber gets a bad rep alot of times and im sure much of it is earned, But in no way would i buy their base model as imo thats exactly where the most issues would be in their product line.
STI makes a few good models in that range, But honestly the Spartan which is the most affordable is not in the same class as the Range Officer.
Springfield has a few other options also.
Colt's can be found used in that price range but your just gonna get basic models.
Kimber gets a bad rep alot of times and im sure much of it is earned, But in no way would i buy their base model as imo thats exactly where the most issues would be in their product line.
STI makes a few good models in that range, But honestly the Spartan which is the most affordable is not in the same class as the Range Officer.
heavyshooter
Member
WhoMe?,
be sure you report back with the results of that first trip to the range. I think the RO is my front-runner.
Heavy
be sure you report back with the results of that first trip to the range. I think the RO is my front-runner.
Heavy
Peter M. Eick
Member
Just a comment.
Consider saving your money and getting a custom 1911 right off the bat. I bought my first 1911 from Les Baer and have never regretted it. 100% reliable, worth more today then the day I bought it and exceptionally accurate.
Just consider something more "special" for your first 1911.
Consider saving your money and getting a custom 1911 right off the bat. I bought my first 1911 from Les Baer and have never regretted it. 100% reliable, worth more today then the day I bought it and exceptionally accurate.
Just consider something more "special" for your first 1911.
heavyshooter
Member
Peter M. Eick,
I appreciate this suggestion; it was my original plan. But as I reflect back on previous gun purchases, I realized that I learn what I want in a high end gun by familiarizing myself with a good, mid-ranged gun. I may not want all of the bells and whistles, so I want to start here and come to my own idea of "customized."
Heavy
I appreciate this suggestion; it was my original plan. But as I reflect back on previous gun purchases, I realized that I learn what I want in a high end gun by familiarizing myself with a good, mid-ranged gun. I may not want all of the bells and whistles, so I want to start here and come to my own idea of "customized."
Heavy
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