My first 1911?

[rogerjames]

So I am looking for my first 1911. This will primarily be a range gun, but I may also like to carry it on occasion. I have no intentions of ever competing, but of course I would like a tight and reliable weapon.

I am looking to spend not much more than $1000.

My choices seem to be narrowed to Springfield Armory (my daily carry is an XD9 and I love it), Ruger SR1911, and STI.

I am thinking that low profile, fixed sights would be the best option if I am looking to also carry on occasion. What do you guys feel about long-trigger pull vs short, military style trigger? What are the advantages, disadvantages?

The SA line has a lot of model choices and easy to upgrade. The Ruger is new, but seems to be getting good reviews from those that have had the opportunity to test it, the price is right, and it's a beauty. I don't have any personal experience with STI, but they seem to get a lot of props from those that own them.

I would appreciate recommendations. I have used the "search" function and read some similar threads, but I'm still indecisive. I should also add that I have fairly small hands, and this is one of the main reasons why I chose the XD over the glock.

 

[Jason_G]

Well, if I were shopping in that price range, these are the ones I would consider:

Springfield Range Officer

STI Spartan

Colt XSE

Dan Wesson Heritage

I would put the DW as my top pick, but more than likely, it will also be harder to get.

PS, I'm not necessarily endorsing any of the above links as places to shop, I just wanted you to see some of the prices. I've never bought from the WeaponsPro place, but I have from Bud's, which was a good experience.

Jason

 

[Zerodefect]

Any 1911 trigger is going to be alot nicer than an XD trigger.

Also look at:
Kimber Custom, TLE, Pro
Colt XSE, Rail, Special Gov.
Dan Wesson Valor, Heritage, Vbob, CCO
Les Bear.

I'd buy the DW Heritage in the link above for that price. I saw a black DW H at the local gunstore with razorback for $1275.

 

[Lucion]

I would suggest a Springfield with all the bells and whistles you want already there unless you want to learn the gun inside and out. I have a Para GI Expert that is a pretty tight little piece. A few small upgrades complimented it. I also have a RIA that shoots great but had to put more elbows and $ in it. RIA has several upgraded models available as well.

 

[MCMXI]

Dan Wesson Valor, Heritage, Vbob, CCO
Les Bear.

These are quite a bit over the OP's budget but great suggestions nonetheless. The TRP Armory Kote is another good choice but again, about $500 over budget.

As Jason_G suggested, a Springfield Range Officer is a good choice but it has adjustable sights.

It should be easier to spend $1,000 on a 1911 but there seems to be a dead spot at that price point.

 

[Sunray]

"...low profile, fixed sights..." Think high visibility adjustables. Adjustable sights are far easier to sight in. Have fixed sights on mine and wouldn't do it again. Fixed sights require a pricey sight pusher to do the fine adjustment. Don't think I'd want the big adjustable rear sights SA uses though. Those are target sights. Ok, but too big.
Have a look at William's Gunsights. http://www.williamsgunsight.com/
"...long-trigger pull vs short..." That's a fit to your hand thing. Long triggers are good for long fingers or big hands.

 

[Jason_G]

It should be easier to spend $1,000 on a 1911 but there seems to be a dead spot at that price point.

Very very true. The $800-$1000 price range is in the doldrums. IMO, DW pretty much had the monopoly in that price range, and no one has really come along yet and filled the gap. Not with the same quality 1911 anyway.

As Jason_G suggested, a Springfield Range Officer is a good choice but it has adjustable sights.

Yeah, that's true. I forgot about the fixed sights requirement. If adjustable sights is the hang-up though, Harrison makes a fixed set of tritium sights that I believe will fit the dovetails without milling. I think you could do the swap and still be under the OP's price point.

Jason

 

[rightside]

STI - Trojan and you are good to go........

 

[.357 magnum]

Taurus 1911 45ACP 8rd Stainless W/ Rail

Save some Money and Buy some Ammo! Great Gun at any Cost!!!

The Best to All!

Frank

 

[possum]

SA Loaded, and have some money left over for ammo, mags, and or training.

 

[Winkman822]

Get yourself a Colt Series 70 Reproduction if the basic government issue style 1911 is your thing or a Springfield Loaded if you a modernized 1911 is more your bag. Either way cant go wrong and you'll have a couple hundred bucks left over for ammo.

If you really want to go all out save some money for a while and get yourself a Les Baer Custom Carry.

 

[Greg528iT]

I'll concure on the Springfield Loaded.

 

[rogerjames]

Ok, I definitely prefer the look of the stainless, I want fixed sights, beavertail grip safety, full-size 5" barrel, and preferrably a short trigger. Trying to stay around ir under $1000. The models that seem to fit most, but not all are: SA Loaded, Dan Wesson Heritage, Several Kimber models, Ruger SR1911.

I like the SA loaded, forged, but read in a few places that it can be a pain to field strip. The Dan Wesson looks really nice, but is not forged, does this matter? Several of the Kimbers seem to fit the bill, forged, reliable. The Ruger is new, not forged but good value. I've read there may be some issues with premature slide lock back and a few other minor issues. I also liked the STI options, but stainless was either more than I want to spend, or shorter bull barrel.

I've also read that MIM trigger components don't hold a polish well, and that swapping out for steel parts will improve an action job. Is this true?

Also, is it easy to replace a long-pull trigger with a short-pull, without any other modifications?

Last one... Does a flat mainspring vs arched have a mechanical difference, or simply an ergonomic grip difference? Can one be swapped for the other or does this require significant modification?

Sorry for all the questions, still a 1911 virgin

What do you guys think of these choices?

 

[Greg528iT]

The Springfield so be no more a pain to strip than any of the others, being they are all 1911s and same design. Now if it's the FLGR that's the pain, I don't understand. I put a FLGR in mine, it adds a few seconds to the field strip, but no additional pain. If you end up not wanting the FLGR, a standard guide rod slips right in.

 

[Skylerbone]

The DW has a forged frame. Many moons ago they did not. The Heritage in SS is just under $1150.

Some other options: Colt XSE, Colt Rail Gun, S&W E Series, Sig Classic Series.

 

[MCMXI]

Dan Wesson looks really nice, but is not forged, does this matter?

The Heritage has a forged frame according to DW's website.

http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/dan-wesson-rz-45-heritage/

As for your questions ...

Trigger: Easy to swap.
Hammer and sear: Quality steel parts are available that will improve the trigger. Cylinder & Slide sells true drop in sets.
MSH: Easy to swap, numerous choices available, I prefer flat to arched.
MIM: Good MIM is acceptable but I replace all MIM parts in my Kimbers.
FLGR: Not a big deal when removing/installing the slide.

 

[MCMXI]

Some other options: Colt XSE, Colt Rail Gun, S&W E Series, Sig Classic Series.

A friend of mine bought a Colt Rail Gun (100 year anniversary model) and it's really well built. Still, I'd choose the DW Heritage based on the OPs list of candidates ... followed by the Colt Rail Gun at just under $1,000.

 

[Skylerbone]

I'll offer a different take on replacement parts.

Can a trigger be swapped out without further modification? It's possible but not likely to benefit the pistol. Can it be dangerous? Yes. Can it prevent the pistol from firing at all? Yes. Keep in mind first and foremost this is a firearm.

Is a MSH drop in? Odds are better than with a trigger. Can it disable the grip safety if not properly fit? Yes.

Can a hammer/sear/disco be dropped in to improve longevity and feel? Yes, but not always. Again with mated parts even higher quality steel can wear quickly if not fitted. Picture what 1 degree of difference would make on a car door, it might have room to close and latch or it might smack the frame.

Is a cast frame a deal breaker? Not if done correctly. You'll not likely wear it out.

Spending an extra $200 or more for replacement parts is better spent up front on a nicer pistol. What you want is out there you simply need to find it.

Good luck in your search, you've got some solid suggestions so far.

 

[rogerjames]

Thanks Guys!

I appreciate the thoughtful recommendations and information, it has all been very helpful to me.

 

[foxmoor]

A friend has an STI Spartan and loves it.

 

[MCMXI]

Spending an extra $200 or more for replacement parts is better spent up front on a nicer pistol.

I agree and that's why I think a stainless Valor is a better option than a stainless Heritage. You get front strap checkering and Heine Ledge Straight Eight night sites. That's a $350 upgrade right there.

 

[Skylerbone]

I agree and that's why I think a stainless Valor is a better option than a stainless Heritage. You get front strap checkering and Heine Ledge Straight Eight night sites. That's a $350 upgrade right there.

Ah the voice of reason enters the arena and calls out for a listener! Agreed and point taken. Now we test the OP's budget for elasticity and his eye for detail.

 

[rogerjames]

I agree and that's why I think a stainless Valor is a better option than a stainless Heritage. You get front strap checkering and Heine Ledge Straight Eight night sites. That's a $350 upgrade right there.

Ah the voice of reason enters the arena and calls out for a listener! Agreed and point taken. Now we test the OP's budget for elasticity and his eye for detail.

How funny you guys mentioned this, as I started looking at the Valor last night after Sklerbone earlier recommended that it may be better to spend more upfront than trying to add an upgrade.

In addition to the Heine sights and checkering, the Valor has all billet steal internals, with no MIM parts. That definitely makes it a better value I think. I like the redwood grips on the Heritage much better than the black on the Valor but that should be an easy enough swap.

Here's another conundrum... How do you guys feel about Commander size vs full size? I'm afraid that after getting my hands on a 1911, I may want to carry it more than I suspect, and it's slimmer profile may be more enjoyable as I usually carry IWB with my XD.

They don't make the CBOB anymore, which was the commander length, they now make 2 commander length models, one based on the heritage and one based on the valor. Both of these models add and extra $300-400 + to the full size and now I am really getting carried away with price, as my first child is due to be born in November. This is one that I will really have to hide from the misses!

Why is the commander size so much more? Is it more difficult to manufacture, or simply a more popular model with higher demand?

I've also read that DW often puts out some duds, so it's best to handle a few before buying, not sure if I'll have that opportunity. I've read about a few DW CS issues as well... I'm sure most manufactures have some CS issues at some point though. Any opinions here?

Thanks again for the advice... I'm getting there

 

[Zerodefect]

DW has put out a couple Duds. But form what I've heard they've been good at fixing them. If your patient, I'd say it's a non-issue. Mine has been flawless, but it was in the batch that had front sights too tall.

The Stainless VBOB should only be a little more than a Valor. The CCO is about $1550.

I prefere to carry the fullsize 1911's at 5:30, allmost small of the back. I can slide my Crossbreed holster around to 4:00 if I'm planning on being seated alot, but for walking around 5:30 conceals best on me. When I sit, I do have a 1" tail in my pants. Having a 4" barrel would help alot. Sometimes a CCO is alot easier to conceal.

Really no way around it, need more than one gun for the CCW life style.

I'm currently CCWing a Valor 5", Glock 23, and a Kahr p380. I'd let your other pistols determine whether you get a CCO or Fullsize for a first 1911. Do you have other compacts? Or mostly fullsize?

 

[moxie]

If you intend to carry it at all, commander size is better, and lightweight frame is even better.

Look at the S&W 1911PD. Or a Colt XSE Lightweight Commander.

Another option is to look at one of the on-line sites like Gunsamerica. Might save some $$ on those.