I plan to purchase a .45 and I would like some input

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JCisHe

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I'm consolidating my weapons down to just two that I haven't purchased yet.

The first purchase which is a "for sure" is the Ruger Sp101 in .357. Looking for a 3"-er.

The second purchase is a toss up between the Taurus pt1911 and perhaps a Kimber or maybe even a springfield.

The Taurus looks like it is supposed to have all this custom stuff at a great price. The Kimber, perhaps an ultra II or for the Springfield a "loaded." Anything I purchase will be stainless.

Any input?

Regards,
Beau
 
It sounds like you want a 1911 for the .45.

What features are you wanting? Do you solely want a 1911 style?
 
From what I've read here the Taurus pt1911 is a very nice gun. Having said that, I have personal experience with Taurus and can tell you their customer service is terrible. It took 3 months to get 2 replacement magazines! Have you considered a Rock Island 1911? I have a full size and love it. They make a tactical model if you want all the upgrades. The standard models can be had for about $380 shipped if you look around. From what I heard RIA has very good customer service. Can't say anything about Kimbers except they are too dang expensive for my budget.
 
Was told my a custom 1911 builder that a Springfield TRP was the best 1911 you could buy off the shelf. The Loaded was a good second. The Loaded is what my son has and loves it. I carry a Les Baer, now I'm not going to tell you my Rock Island Tactical will do everything my LB will do but man oh man it is a very sweet gun.
 
What weapons do you have now that you are getting rid of to then buy 2 new guns? (Why are you getting rid of them to get new ones? Are you familiar with 1911's in general?)

Don't buy into the Taurus hype of all these features in the gun you're buying for such a great deal. Is it an OK 1911 - probably, and seems as many owners are happy with them. But I'd buy a Springfield every time over the Taurus - either the Mil-Spec model if the budget is lower or the Loaded if you can go that high.
 
Me personally....

I own three RIA's and two Colts. I'd get the new RIA Tactical in matte nickel finish. RIA service is the best.

I wouldn't get a Taurus, I've heard too many complaints about their service and parts falling off.

Can't speak about Kimber, but I just don't like 'em. That big gay logo shouldn't be on the slide of a 1911. JMO, no flames please.

Springfield, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. Great reputation for quality and service. Tried really hard to get a Stainless Loaded offered for $600, but the seller just refused to communicate.
 
Out of those you have mentioned, I'd go with the Springfield.

If the choice were mine, I'd get a Colt XSE, or a DW. Springfield is not a bad choice either.
 
Dispense with the marketing hype and anticipation.

Get the stack of candidate handguns onto the counter and go through them one by one.

Eventually your hand find the one for you and you will understand that weapon. That is the one you probably most likely will take home.

Colt Commander Stainless 45 fit the bill at first but vs M&P Budgetwise, I got the M&P. I can always come back for the colt later in life.
 
personally i would buy an SP101 and a 1911, but keep your other weapons, but to each his own...

on the 1911...
i think the best bang for your buck right now is dan wesson. they use several match-grade parts, are made in america (though owned by CZ now), and have great customer service. taurus and kimber seem to suffer in the service department, and both taurus and springfield are made in brazil.

if you never need service of any kind, maybe that doesn't matter, but it's a "just in case" measure.

overall, i commend your taste. i love my SP101, and 1911s feel better in your hand than just about any gun on the planet. i say "just about" only because i think i like the BHP better, but that's neither here nor there.

good luck.
 
Why not get a S&W1911 or a Dan Wesson? Both are great quality, not too expensive, stainless steel, made right here in America.

But if you had to choose between those three I'd suggest Kimber.
 
Budget after I sell everything is about $1300.00.

I am selling a 9mm Ruger and a .38 special Smith with 500 rnds each, some reloading components, dies, holsters, extra magazines, etc... (you know all the crap you collect)

I didn't want these guns but they were the right price at the time and to tell you the truth, they are both GREAT shooters. I just know what I want. The 1911 has always been the "one" and I HAVE TO HAVE a nice revolver. The sp101 fits the bill. I can load the .357 brass to .38 special specs and plink all day long...

I will look at the Rock Island's but from what I understand that weapon is an introductory weapon and I'm looking for a lifetime partner. Something fairly custom.

My requirements are going to be good sights (not spectacular but preferably night sights/I was interested in the straight 8's/ thought they may be fun), lowered and flared ejection, custom barrel would be nice, light and smooth DA trigger pull with a crisp and short SA (out of the box).

I'm not interested in the Smith... just doesn't appeal to me as much as the Springfield, Kimber, or Taurus (although the Taurus only because of the advertisements and a good friend said, "this looks like one I would buy")

Looks like the winner here is the Springfield and now my final choice is between the Springfield and the Kimber.

I'm going to consider the Taurus but only for the price (not my major concern).

Thanks for the input!

Let me alter the "point" of this post though...

What I would really like to know if what experience you have with any of these brands in the 1911. Not so much opinions like, "I think they are nice" but more something like this, "I have owned a .... for .... I have shot it ... and it has proven to be..."

In the real world "use" dictates the better weapon. The better weapon holds up and proves to be trustworthy! These weapons once they are in my hands won't leave until they are willed to a relative...

Regards,
Beau
 
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You can't go wrong with a Springer or a Kimber. One thing I didn't see discussed.. is what model or type 1911. They run from 3" barreled poly guns which barely weigh a pound....to 5" 43 oz steel guns.

You really need to consider how the gun will be deployed. If it will be a concealled carry gun your requirements may be different than if it will be a home defense and range gun only.
 
I have owned Just about all the Colts NM on down to the GI, Springfield NM and a Loaded, Rock Island Tactical, Les Baer PII, Concept III, and also a PII in a 38 super. I have also owned a Dan Wesson in a 10mm. Les Baer is the best weapon I have ever shot, the SA were nice, and so was the RI. For the price range you've set you could find a very nice LB for just $200 more you could get a brand new one. I did'nt mention ED Browns or Wilson's or Night Hawks cause their way out of your price range and IMO you get the same gun in a Les Baer for $1000 cheaper. I have never shot one but have heard nothing but good on the Fusion.
 
Mich,

The gun may eventually be for carry but for right now, it's just for home and range. I'm a big guy 6' 3", 56" chest; so carrying a 5"/full size weapon isn't going to be too hard. With that being said, that's what I want. Full size, stainless, 1911.

Sur,

I only have around 900 to spend for the 1911. I also need to purchase an SP101. Thanks for the input though.

Regards,
Beau
 
"That big gay logo shouldn't be on the slide of a 1911. JMO, no flames please."

That's great, using gay and flames in the same paragraph. Did you do it on purpose?

I don't know anything about stainless 1911s. Oh wait, I have a '99 Kimber Gold Match that's stainless. Talk about a gaudy, reliable over 18k rounds, accurate pistol. I currently like my Colt WWI Repro more because it's better, and prettier too. Oh well.

John
 
John,

The blued models sometimes look a lot better but the stainless offers a "peace" I enjoy.

Thanks for the input...
 
I have a Springfield and a Kimber. The Springfield was a "Plain Jane" GI model that I've done quite a bit of work to so that it is much like some of the "loaded" models. New sear, trigger, hammer, grip safety, mainspring housing and grips. I love it because it is part of me now. I also really like my Kimber. A lot of people on this forum dislike Kimbers for some reason but I have nothing but good things to say about mine. I enjoy shooting them both. The Springfield tought me to really appreciate the 1911 platform. I want more. I've only owned one Taurus (Not the 1911) and I just don't trust the quality.
 
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Hate to do it like this, but I've fired four 1911s extensively in my life. The Kimber and Taurus jammed consistently (Kimber was still a low round count).

The most reliable was a Springer Mil-Spec.

The greatest surprise was a flawless RIA 5" that was a very solid shooter.

I'd go with the Springer. Good luck.
 
The Rock Island keeps coming up...

Perhaps I might change the main candidates to RIA and Springfield.

I might have to look into the Rock Island...

Any other comments about the RIA's? I wouldn't mind hearing more...
 
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