Looking into a 1911

[freeman17]

Okay, I have been looking into buying a 1911 when I get a job this upcoming year (graduate in December). I have a .357 Magnum, but would like a .45 1911. I was looking into the Springfield models, such as the GI and others. Springfield has always seemed to be a pretty reliable manufacturer to me.

I have also looked into Kimber, but really never saw anything that I liked. Plus I have never owned a Kimber weapon so I don't know how reliable they are. Any thoughts or ideas?

 

[jabara572]

I doubt you could put hands on a SA milspec and not want it....
it gets my vote for somewhat affordable

 

[SgtGrim]

What is your budget?

 

[BlindJustice]

+1 for the Mil-Spec - the sights alone make it worth the
price over the SA G.I. model imo.

& keeping the price in the Mil-SPec range will allow you
to also budget, extra mags & a Holster/rig etc. for the
range/or in the field.

Randall

 

[Mad Magyar]

Springfield has always seemed to be a pretty reliable manufacturer to me.

You might want to handle a few .45's at your local sporting goods store to see how they feel in your hands. Springfield is a good one, but there are many out there, new & used...The search is always the fun part...

 

[Tacbandit]

Depends on a lot, especially your budget...Lots of good guns out there...You mentioned Kimber...I love my Pro Carry II...Light, concealable, accurate, and
eight rounds of .45 ............You need to look at, hold, and shoot several that you think you might like...Get the best you can afford...And P-R-A-C-T-I-C-E.
Good luck in the search, and Happy Shooting....

 

[hoosier8]

I have a SA Milspec and a Kimber CDP II Pro. I ended up carrying the Kimber all of the time. With the 4" barrel and light frame, it is easy to carry and looks good also. I take it to the range and have never had any trouble with it. It just depends on what you want.

 

[CountGlockula]

Get a Kimber. They feel sturdier than S&W Mil Spec 1911s. You'll be much more satisfied.

 

[Dickieray]

Both are good choices and you wouldn't go wrong with Kimber or SA. I'm partial to SA (have a Mil-Spec and a Loaded) and have had good service from both. I have a friend who has run several thousand rounds through his entry level Kimber. Both are more accurate than I am. There are other reasonably priced 1911s out there like RIA, but, I don't have any experience with them. You may want to keep your eyes on this forum when you are ready to buy. I am selling my Loaded black and Stainless for just a little over the price of a new Mil-Spec (I don't really need 2 anymore and want to get a little custom work done on the Mil-Spec). This is a good forum for advice and shopping!!!
Welcome to CSF..........

 

[Ghost Tracker]

Kimber & Springfield (RRA, SIG, Colt, STI, Dawson, Wilson, Nighthawk, etc.) are all among GREAT 1911 manufacturers. I'm a Springfield fan, but I sure have nothing bad to say about Kimbers.

 

[Tacbandit]

freeman17...Apologies to ya...I neglected to welcome you aboard when
I responded to your post......Welcome!!!

 

[possum]

welcome to thr,

sa makes great stuff and they are reliable as you say and they are accurate, as well they are backed by a great company and cs. go for a sa 1911, you will be glad that you did, i love mine.

 

[CPshooter]

Dan Wesson makes a good 1911 from what I've heard.

 

[roguejestyr]

check out Rock Island Armory, they're excellent guns for the money and have awesome customer service.

 

[JoeSlomo]

STI Spartan from Dawson precision.

Under $600.

Reliable out of the box. More accurate than the springer. A "beater" 1911 that shoots like a custom...

 

[bandreassen]

I recently purchased a Kimber after trying quite a few .45's. The fit and finish were first rate compared to other models in a similiar price range. Try to handle as many as you can and buy what feels good.

 

[freeman17]

Thanks for the advice. I will head to the local gun shop and look around. I really want a SA 1911 so I'll see if I like the feel of anything I can get my hands on.

Appreciate the responses and warm welcomes!

 

[JohnnyOrygun]

Welcome to THR! Springfield is the way to go, I love my mil spec, it is totally reliable and an all around great gun. Can't go wrong. IMHO

JohnnyOrygun
(Typed on a blackberry @3am, can't sleep)

 

[cerberus65]

S&W makes nice 1911's too. Definitely worth a look.

 

[BikerRN]

Welocme!

I don't know what your budget is, but if you plan to buy a "mid-grade" 1911 I would go with a Springfield "Loaded" Model.

It doesn't have all the "bells and whistles" but has what you need on a 1911, and nothing you don't, for a "Duty Pistol". It also serves well as a CCW piece or Home Defense pistol, if that's what you want it for. Decent trigger and sights you can see, as well as a lowered ejection port, ambidextrious thumb safety and is a good "starting point" if you want to do some customizing, but you most likely won't have to.

I've had two Mil - Specs, and spent money turning them in to "Loaded" Models. I would've been better off just buying a Loaded to begin with. The Loaded is the first 1911 I've left "stock". That alone should tell you something, as I am on my fifth or sixth 1911 in twenty years. If you turn your Mil - Spec in to a Loaded Model, if you go to sell it, it is still just a Mil - Spec.

BikerRN

 

[freeman17]

Yea, I think I really would like to go with a Springfield. How much do they usually run brand new? I really like the looks of the Mil-Specs on the site.

My parents are considering helping me out with the purchase for about $400-$500 for it. It would be my Christmas and Graduation gift.

EDIT: I forgot to mention I would try not to go over $650 for a decent 1911. Is this anywhere possible? I didn't see any prices on SA's website, so I check prices on Kimber's to see if they could be compared to SA and they were running up near $1000! Ahh, I can't spend that much!