I've recently gotten interested in 1911 style .45's and have been doing lots of online research. The only one I have actually shot was a Nighthawk Custom GRP. I'm interested in the GRP as well as the Wilson Combat CQB, but I've noticed the S&W 1911 stainless model 108282 with an external extractor. It's less than half the price of the NH or WC. Any comparisons between the S&W and the other two in accuracy, reliability, fit and finish, or is this like trying to compare apples to oranges?
Need 1911 opinions
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mljdeckard
Member
Duck. You're about to get bombarded.
I shot a Nighthawk at a rental range. Is it tight, smooth, accurate, pretty, and solid-feeling? Of course. What does it do that my $700 Kimber can't do for more than three times the price? I've absolutely no idea. I think that the law of diminishing returns kicks in at about $1000. Meaning, there is a point at which you spend more money and you get little, if any return for the money.
There are a variety of factors that change the price. What the parts are made of, how they were formed, if any of the gun is hand-fitted, and the degree of fit and finish on the inside as well as the outside of the gun. Me, I mostly care if it is dead-nuts reliable, which mine is.
S&W 1911s have a good reputation, but the external extractor gives some people the willies, it's not how the gun was designed. My Kimber uses MIM (metal-injection molded) parts, which some claim is basically compressed powder designed to break. After thousands of rounds, I've never had a problem. The lower-cost guns will not have a hand-fitted frame and slide. The advantage of fitting is that it makes a smoother, tighter, and thereby more accurate gun. The disadvantage is that it is labor-intensive and will cost more, and most rattly guns are plenty for most shooters anyway.
My dad recently bought his first 1911, a basic Springfield Armory Mil-Spec. I talked him into this one, so that he can try it, and get the (free) Brownell's 1911 parts catalog to customize it how he wants it.
I shot a Nighthawk at a rental range. Is it tight, smooth, accurate, pretty, and solid-feeling? Of course. What does it do that my $700 Kimber can't do for more than three times the price? I've absolutely no idea. I think that the law of diminishing returns kicks in at about $1000. Meaning, there is a point at which you spend more money and you get little, if any return for the money.
There are a variety of factors that change the price. What the parts are made of, how they were formed, if any of the gun is hand-fitted, and the degree of fit and finish on the inside as well as the outside of the gun. Me, I mostly care if it is dead-nuts reliable, which mine is.
S&W 1911s have a good reputation, but the external extractor gives some people the willies, it's not how the gun was designed. My Kimber uses MIM (metal-injection molded) parts, which some claim is basically compressed powder designed to break. After thousands of rounds, I've never had a problem. The lower-cost guns will not have a hand-fitted frame and slide. The advantage of fitting is that it makes a smoother, tighter, and thereby more accurate gun. The disadvantage is that it is labor-intensive and will cost more, and most rattly guns are plenty for most shooters anyway.
My dad recently bought his first 1911, a basic Springfield Armory Mil-Spec. I talked him into this one, so that he can try it, and get the (free) Brownell's 1911 parts catalog to customize it how he wants it.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^mljdeckard posted my post verbatum.^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I'll add the following, not that it's really needed, but it might give some clarity. My son in law and I have concluded the following:
In any Hobby/Sport there is a high end equipment level. Who belongs in line to buy that is not my place to say. Even in needle point and sewing there are probably carbon fiber needles that cost $200.00 a set or more. If your budget allows for the best then go for it. Until my budget allows I'll continue to punch holes with my Kimber custom ll. It really comes down to skill level and how serious you are in competing. My confidence level is high with the equipment I have. I used my Kimber to hold off a home invasion several years back and I've never second guessed my choice or ability to use it.
This is a fun sport/hobby. Don't go broke buying the gun at the sacrifice of quality ammo and/or range time.
I'll add the following, not that it's really needed, but it might give some clarity. My son in law and I have concluded the following:
In any Hobby/Sport there is a high end equipment level. Who belongs in line to buy that is not my place to say. Even in needle point and sewing there are probably carbon fiber needles that cost $200.00 a set or more. If your budget allows for the best then go for it. Until my budget allows I'll continue to punch holes with my Kimber custom ll. It really comes down to skill level and how serious you are in competing. My confidence level is high with the equipment I have. I used my Kimber to hold off a home invasion several years back and I've never second guessed my choice or ability to use it.
This is a fun sport/hobby. Don't go broke buying the gun at the sacrifice of quality ammo and/or range time.
MICHAEL T
Member
Their are many 1911's out their my lowest is a American Classic today around 500 I have several Colts and my Dan Wesson is top in money They all work right from box and I would trust and have any one of them For carry and SD . Would I like a Ed brown , Wilson , Night hawk sure I just don't see that kind of money for a pistol. Those I have will shoot better that I can see or shoot So whats the need .
robctwo
Member
I have a S&W 1911PD Commander with CT grips. S&W makes a good 1911, even with the external extractor. Kimber tried that as well. My friend has one that works great, others report trouble. The S&W external extractor doesn't seem to have that reputation.
My S&W has a better trigger out of the box than my Springfield Armory Black Stainless loaded. The SA stainless is a much better range gun due to the weight. The S&W carries better for the lack of weight.
I have a few higher end 1911s. They are great. I started with SA and S&W and am glad I did. Lots of good reports on RIA, STI, etc in the $5-600 range.
You will spend way more $ in ammo than on any gun if you are a shooter. If you aren't a shooter, it doesn't matter much what you get as long as it is reliable for home defense or what ever you are going to use it for.
My S&W has a better trigger out of the box than my Springfield Armory Black Stainless loaded. The SA stainless is a much better range gun due to the weight. The S&W carries better for the lack of weight.
I have a few higher end 1911s. They are great. I started with SA and S&W and am glad I did. Lots of good reports on RIA, STI, etc in the $5-600 range.
You will spend way more $ in ammo than on any gun if you are a shooter. If you aren't a shooter, it doesn't matter much what you get as long as it is reliable for home defense or what ever you are going to use it for.
ichiban
Member
S&W makes a very good 1911. I've had absolutely no problems with mine (5" 1911pd) and use it to introduce others to the 1911. It's accuracy is great and the trigger is very good right out of the box. Fit and finish is not the same as a semi-custom 1911 but it is very good and it is half the price. If asked, I'd recommend that you get the S&W and put the savings into ammo (it aint cheap).
fastbolt
Member
The 1911-style pistol is one of the most popular around in the commercial market and many sporting venues, and that being the case it generates a lot of opinions. Lots of companies are making them now, too.
As a firearms instructor I've seen my fair share of all brands of 1911-style pistols come through the range. Affordable and not-so-affordable.
I've worked alongside a very experienced armorer who put together some very nicely done Colt's and I've dabbled a bit, now and again, although my formal training is limited to just that of the Colt Model O Pistol armorer training.
As a long time owner of Colt pistols including 5", 4 1/4" & 3 1/2" models I've seen some that ran fine without any work, and some that required a bit of work. My latest Colt, a XSE stainless Government, ran just fine right out of the box ... although the aftermarket ambi safety assembly Colt used on that model broke within the first 200 rounds.
The folks who have been most pleased with their 1911's throughout the range sessions where I've been present have included those folks who could afford the more expensive customs (which aren't without their own occasional foibles, upon occasion, as tightly fitted guns can be less tolerant of cleanliness and ammunition than less tightly fitted guns) ... and then those folks who bought more affordable guns made by Colt, S&W and Springfield. I've seen more owners of Kimber and Para experience issues which required the services of a warranty dept, a gunsmith or an armorer than some of the other makes. However, I won't pretend to offer an explanation or suggest the size of the sampling means anything other than just that those owners I've known have had those experiences with theirs.
I do think that magazines for the 1911 are given less attention than they deserve, as magazines are at the heart of optimal feeding & functioning in all magazine-fed pistols, but seemingly especially in 1911-style pistols ... and there are a wealth of magazines from which to choose, too.
Then, not everyone may experience the same level of functioning and satisfaction using the same mag in different guns, even of the same make..
Then there's the ammunition and normal maintenance (especially lubrication) influences to consider.
Personally, I prefer not to spend more than $700 - $800 any 1911 which is going to be relegated to the role of a general range & 'working' gun (by which I also mean a carry weapon), but I've been lucky in being able to pick the last couple of them at armorer purchase prices. I look for quality of manufacture and support. This includes knowing the gun's manufacturer uses good quality vendor parts if they aren't making all the parts used in the gun, too. I use good quality magazines which I confirm function well in my specific guns, and I use good quality ammunition for both training & carry.
I know folks who like to spend significantly more, though, and that's fine since they can afford it and enjoy owning guns made by some of the big names in the custom field. That's what disposable income is all about, right? I know one experienced shooter and instructor who apparently doesn't carry a 1911 that costs less than $3,500 or more. 
I have toyed with the idea of ordering one from the Colt Custom Shop some time. I recently handled a friend's new Colt Special Combat Government (Hard Chrome, target sights) that was very nicely done. It was tight and yet felt really smooth when manipulated by hand. It was just removed from the box so it hasn't been fired, yet. I plan to try it a bit later.
I've also considered picking up a S&W Performance Center model. Some are pricey, but the PC's experience, reputation and support is pretty well established.
I've handled and fired some Wilson CQB's, and while they were nice guns which fed, functioned and fired well enough, I just didn't see how the price was justified ... for me. Of course, I've also had the opportunity to handle and practice with some Colt Gunsite model pistols, and I felt they were also just a bit over priced for what they offered, all things considered.
It depends on the customer and his/her preferences, desires and tastes, though. Somebody is likely to make something that appeals to just about anyone who wants a 1911-style pistol.
While I like to maintain my 1911's as recommended, I also know that my Colts & SW1911 will run and function well, even if left dirty between range sessions for anywhere from a few to several hundred rounds (but they're not carried unless clean & lubricated). Sometimes a few drops of additional oil may be added to the slide & barrel if they get really dirty and hot during extended/sequential range sessions in order to keep them running trouble-free in my hands. I've handled and used more tightly fitted custom guns which weren't so tolerant of those sort of conditions.
You get what you pay for, as with most things.
As a firearms instructor I've seen my fair share of all brands of 1911-style pistols come through the range. Affordable and not-so-affordable.
I've worked alongside a very experienced armorer who put together some very nicely done Colt's and I've dabbled a bit, now and again, although my formal training is limited to just that of the Colt Model O Pistol armorer training.
As a long time owner of Colt pistols including 5", 4 1/4" & 3 1/2" models I've seen some that ran fine without any work, and some that required a bit of work. My latest Colt, a XSE stainless Government, ran just fine right out of the box ... although the aftermarket ambi safety assembly Colt used on that model broke within the first 200 rounds.
The folks who have been most pleased with their 1911's throughout the range sessions where I've been present have included those folks who could afford the more expensive customs (which aren't without their own occasional foibles, upon occasion, as tightly fitted guns can be less tolerant of cleanliness and ammunition than less tightly fitted guns) ... and then those folks who bought more affordable guns made by Colt, S&W and Springfield. I've seen more owners of Kimber and Para experience issues which required the services of a warranty dept, a gunsmith or an armorer than some of the other makes. However, I won't pretend to offer an explanation or suggest the size of the sampling means anything other than just that those owners I've known have had those experiences with theirs.
I do think that magazines for the 1911 are given less attention than they deserve, as magazines are at the heart of optimal feeding & functioning in all magazine-fed pistols, but seemingly especially in 1911-style pistols ... and there are a wealth of magazines from which to choose, too.
Then, not everyone may experience the same level of functioning and satisfaction using the same mag in different guns, even of the same make..
Then there's the ammunition and normal maintenance (especially lubrication) influences to consider.
Personally, I prefer not to spend more than $700 - $800 any 1911 which is going to be relegated to the role of a general range & 'working' gun (by which I also mean a carry weapon), but I've been lucky in being able to pick the last couple of them at armorer purchase prices. I look for quality of manufacture and support. This includes knowing the gun's manufacturer uses good quality vendor parts if they aren't making all the parts used in the gun, too. I use good quality magazines which I confirm function well in my specific guns, and I use good quality ammunition for both training & carry.
I know folks who like to spend significantly more, though, and that's fine since they can afford it and enjoy owning guns made by some of the big names in the custom field. That's what disposable income is all about, right?
I know one experienced shooter and instructor who apparently doesn't carry a 1911 that costs less than $3,500 or more. I have toyed with the idea of ordering one from the Colt Custom Shop some time. I recently handled a friend's new Colt Special Combat Government (Hard Chrome, target sights) that was very nicely done. It was tight and yet felt really smooth when manipulated by hand. It was just removed from the box so it hasn't been fired, yet. I plan to try it a bit later.
I've also considered picking up a S&W Performance Center model. Some are pricey, but the PC's experience, reputation and support is pretty well established.
I've handled and fired some Wilson CQB's, and while they were nice guns which fed, functioned and fired well enough, I just didn't see how the price was justified ... for me. Of course, I've also had the opportunity to handle and practice with some Colt Gunsite model pistols, and I felt they were also just a bit over priced for what they offered, all things considered.
It depends on the customer and his/her preferences, desires and tastes, though. Somebody is likely to make something that appeals to just about anyone who wants a 1911-style pistol.
While I like to maintain my 1911's as recommended, I also know that my Colts & SW1911 will run and function well, even if left dirty between range sessions for anywhere from a few to several hundred rounds (but they're not carried unless clean & lubricated). Sometimes a few drops of additional oil may be added to the slide & barrel if they get really dirty and hot during extended/sequential range sessions in order to keep them running trouble-free in my hands. I've handled and used more tightly fitted custom guns which weren't so tolerant of those sort of conditions.
You get what you pay for, as with most things.
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Plan-B
Member
I bought a Nighthawk GRP Recon last December. Why? Bragging rights. Among my friends anyway. It was my first 1911. But like others will tell you, the curve that graphs the increase in features & quality hits a plateau when you get past $1000. I might argue that you have up to around $1200 before it flattens out. If you wanna brag to your buddies about the Nighthawk/Wilson/Brown/Baer that you have and the $$ doesn't scare you off, go for it. Otherwise, you have good options in the mid-range Springfield/Kimber/Dan Wesson area.
ugaarguy
Member
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2006
- Messages
- 13,828
Read all the articles here - http://www.10-8performance.com/Articles.html - then decide where the curve flattens out for you.
fastbolt
Member
Hey, I've still got one of those early Devel 8-rd magazines in one of my extra parts boxes of assorted 1911 parts that never made it to the parts bins. Right along with a couple of my Vega magazines.
MICHAEL T
Member
I shoot mine and clean it what maintenance If you have a compact 3 1/2 " or less you might need to replace the recoil springs a little more often. My defender has a least a 1000 rounds on its springs and functions still fine
Biggest problem with a 1911 is owner tinkering, Not factory workmanship.
Almost every owner becomes a instant gun smith and his kitchen table his new shop. You can just about track 1911 owners by the sale of dremal tools in your area.
I agree with FASTBOLT's comments entirely. I am at the point where I prefer to spend my $$$ and buy two guns rather go the high-end route for just one. Many of us shooters to not possess the skills necessary to get top accuaracy out of an expensive gun. Coupled with the fact that many tight/tuned semi-autos DO NOT perform 100% until hundreds of rounds have been fired through them, nor do they tolerate being dirty. Not a knock, just the truth.
I have owned many 1911 handguns and truly liked the various features between makes and models. Eventually, I figured out that it is rather ignorant to carry, dent, scratch, and de-beautify a high priced firearm by constant use. I carry only what I need for I am doing at the time. I no longer buy anything that I do not intend to carry and shoot and subject to some wear. To me this is practical and financially prudent.
I have owned many 1911 handguns and truly liked the various features between makes and models. Eventually, I figured out that it is rather ignorant to carry, dent, scratch, and de-beautify a high priced firearm by constant use. I carry only what I need for I am doing at the time. I no longer buy anything that I do not intend to carry and shoot and subject to some wear. To me this is practical and financially prudent.
With the 1911 the magazine tends to get neglected and causes issues. It is not the fault of the manufacturer, it is the owner. The care and handling of magazines is IMPORTANT and top quality mags are required. I see folks having issues with their 1911 (or other semi-auto) and quite often the gun is too dry to function.
The is nothing in the design of a 1911 which causes it to be inherently prone to function problems. Mags, lubrication, maintance, limp wrist shooting, or weak springs usually are the culprit. A serious study of just how a semi works will tell you a lot about what needs attention.
The is nothing in the design of a 1911 which causes it to be inherently prone to function problems. Mags, lubrication, maintance, limp wrist shooting, or weak springs usually are the culprit. A serious study of just how a semi works will tell you a lot about what needs attention.
yeti
Member
4 - 1911's not one dremel tool; a man has got to know his limitations. Then again my 1911's all run fine.
Sapper771
Member
I have owned a Les Baer Monolith Custom, Wilson CQB , and a Fusion Custom Hunter. The Les Baer was insanely accurate, but was tight as a drum. The Fusion was a no-go from the beginning and had to be sent back to be fixed. After that, the Fusion got sold. The Wilson was an all around great 1911, and I wish I still had it. When I had the Wilson, I also had a Springfield TRP. I preferred the TRP to the Wilson, then the Wilson was sold for money to go toward other ventures.
How I chose a $1200 TRP over a $2500 custom Wilson, I'll never know. I could run the TRP a lot faster than the CQB, with better accuracy(at speed. At the bench, the CQB smoked the TRP) As my friend told me "That TRP was made for you".
I have noticed that 1911s have their own personality. Each one is different and possesses its own characteristics in handling and performance. I like all firearms, I just have preferences to them....but there are some 1911s I can pick up and automatically think "BINGO!" , while others, not so much.
Try several different makes and models out before you make your decision. Its a big market. I have have had the best dealings from Springfield, Colt, and STI. Those high dollar customs are nice and well worth the money, but you can get "similar" features and peformance from a quality mid-level manufacturer for under half the cost of those customs.
Good Luck !
How I chose a $1200 TRP over a $2500 custom Wilson, I'll never know. I could run the TRP a lot faster than the CQB, with better accuracy(at speed. At the bench, the CQB smoked the TRP) As my friend told me "That TRP was made for you".
I have noticed that 1911s have their own personality. Each one is different and possesses its own characteristics in handling and performance. I like all firearms, I just have preferences to them....but there are some 1911s I can pick up and automatically think "BINGO!" , while others, not so much.
Try several different makes and models out before you make your decision. Its a big market. I have have had the best dealings from Springfield, Colt, and STI. Those high dollar customs are nice and well worth the money, but you can get "similar" features and peformance from a quality mid-level manufacturer for under half the cost of those customs.
Good Luck !
If you are looking for a defensive gun imo stick with a factory model that doesn't cost a gojillion dollars.
If you are looking for a bulls eye gun or are a SERIOUS competitor, than the greater accuracy of the custom/semi-custom may be worth it to you.
The overwhelming majority of us won't get much benefit out of the extra accuracy inherent in the more accurate and expensive custom / semi custom guns. The higher end models hold their value a bit better, however, for the average Joe, a good factory gun is probably a more realistic and affordable option.
If you are looking for a bulls eye gun or are a SERIOUS competitor, than the greater accuracy of the custom/semi-custom may be worth it to you.
The overwhelming majority of us won't get much benefit out of the extra accuracy inherent in the more accurate and expensive custom / semi custom guns. The higher end models hold their value a bit better, however, for the average Joe, a good factory gun is probably a more realistic and affordable option.
joe_security
Member
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2007
- Messages
- 490
Springfield TRP... A great value IMHO.
HOME DEPOT GEORGE
Member
I got both of these plus the ammo for 1100.00.http://www.centerfiresystems.com/1911.aspx When you get your 1911 do yourself a favor and get a tube of RIG gun grease for the slide and any other metal on metal moving parts you won't regret it.
the bottom 1911 is a hi cap comparable to the PARA P-14 for half the price.
the bottom 1911 is a hi cap comparable to the PARA P-14 for half the price.Magnumite
Member
mljdeckard got it right. You will be bombarded. Stand back!
#1 A high dollar gun will not make a good shooter out of you;
#2 A high preformance gun (which is typically high dollar) will allow you to
extract more of your abilities to produce results on the target;
#3 You won't know what you really want in a 1911 (or any gun) until you
have a good number of rounds through one;
#4 Substandard will only discourage you and cost you $$$$.
Stating you have just stepped into the 1911 arena there is lots of bling and some not so good stuff. Some of the posters have put a cap on performance at the $1000 level and stating higher costs are cosmetic and finish in nature. True for some lines, not true for all. My own experience...
After many years of aspiring for a Les Baer PII, I finally acquired one. And it didn't "fit" me as well as it could. I realized I had to change the contour of the grip safety and the thumb safety to make it more my gun. It sat in the safe as I sat on the options. I knew I had to take the plunge or the option was selling it. Things worked out and its a keeper. It truly is a splendid pistol and worth its cost which is well in excess of $1000. But only because I can appreciate what is about that makes it worth that amount of money on my budget. Most that know will tell you a Les Baer is all performance...not alot to bling. That's how I like them.
I knew what to do to this pistol only because I bought, shot, built and sold enough 1911's to know what I need and prefer on the 1911. I can intelligently determine a 1911's fit for maximum performance in mine and my son's hands because I have learned the parameters of this pistol. My best 1911 I built. Work so well my son commandeered it. Now I have to build another.
Guess what I am saying is buy what you like...but for the familization with the 1911, I'd go with the Smith & Wesson. It's a good gun, you'll have money for ammo and you'll know what touches you want put on your GRP.
#1 A high dollar gun will not make a good shooter out of you;
#2 A high preformance gun (which is typically high dollar) will allow you to
extract more of your abilities to produce results on the target;
#3 You won't know what you really want in a 1911 (or any gun) until you
have a good number of rounds through one;
#4 Substandard will only discourage you and cost you $$$$.
Stating you have just stepped into the 1911 arena there is lots of bling and some not so good stuff. Some of the posters have put a cap on performance at the $1000 level and stating higher costs are cosmetic and finish in nature. True for some lines, not true for all. My own experience...
After many years of aspiring for a Les Baer PII, I finally acquired one. And it didn't "fit" me as well as it could. I realized I had to change the contour of the grip safety and the thumb safety to make it more my gun. It sat in the safe as I sat on the options. I knew I had to take the plunge or the option was selling it. Things worked out and its a keeper. It truly is a splendid pistol and worth its cost which is well in excess of $1000. But only because I can appreciate what is about that makes it worth that amount of money on my budget. Most that know will tell you a Les Baer is all performance...not alot to bling. That's how I like them.
I knew what to do to this pistol only because I bought, shot, built and sold enough 1911's to know what I need and prefer on the 1911. I can intelligently determine a 1911's fit for maximum performance in mine and my son's hands because I have learned the parameters of this pistol. My best 1911 I built. Work so well my son commandeered it. Now I have to build another.
Guess what I am saying is buy what you like...but for the familization with the 1911, I'd go with the Smith & Wesson. It's a good gun, you'll have money for ammo and you'll know what touches you want put on your GRP.
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Ive owned about 20 different 1911s from low end of spectrum to high. From Rock Island to Ed Brown/Nighthawk/Baer/Springfield Custom. Yes there is a big difference between even a $1200 gun and a $2500 gun. The thing is, you will only see the difference after you have shot them for a while.
If I were to get any new gun for under $1800 is would be an STI Trojan. Second choice would be a Springfield TRP. Dan Wesson makes some nice guns in the $1200-$1500 range as well, but best value I would say goes to the STI.
At $1800 you can get into a Les Baer Premier II or Thunder Ranch. I would say this is the where the point of diminishing returns begins. After this point you quit paying for function and begin paying for form. From here on out you are paying for different people's build philosophies.
That being said my favorite 1911 maker is Nighthawk. Top notch quality, customer service, and beautiful guns. This one was around $2800.
1911s are addictive and IMHO if you are sure you want a 1911 then go ahead and spend the money because it is not if, it when you will be wanting a semi-custom or custom 1911.
If I were to get any new gun for under $1800 is would be an STI Trojan. Second choice would be a Springfield TRP. Dan Wesson makes some nice guns in the $1200-$1500 range as well, but best value I would say goes to the STI.
At $1800 you can get into a Les Baer Premier II or Thunder Ranch. I would say this is the where the point of diminishing returns begins. After this point you quit paying for function and begin paying for form. From here on out you are paying for different people's build philosophies.
That being said my favorite 1911 maker is Nighthawk. Top notch quality, customer service, and beautiful guns. This one was around $2800.
1911s are addictive and IMHO if you are sure you want a 1911 then go ahead and spend the money because it is not if, it when you will be wanting a semi-custom or custom 1911.
jackpinesavages
member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2009
- Messages
- 809
I did not really study the market, makers, or parts differentiations therein. It's huge. At first I looked at Bob Serva and Fusion. Beautiful custom work on the 1911 platform. A local dealer who I was talking with suggested my STI TargetMaster through Dawson Precision and I could not be happier. He cut me a deal for future business leads. It's my first 1911. The build is quite different than the trad. 1911, as far as the internals are concerned; bull barrel and the recoil master. If you have a chance to, shoot an upper level STI or Fusion with 6" barrel. At 50 yds. Yup.
benderx4
Member
My two cents worth. The bang for the buck, IMO, flattens out around $1500. I've also owned lots of low end 1911s and a couple higher end. HUGE difference between the two in terms of build quality, reliability, function, and even looks.
Although there are MANY excellent 1911s out there including the SW 1911 PC and even the Taurus PT1911, the best value for the money, IMO, are the:
1. Springfield Armory TRP
2. Dan Wesson PM7
3. Les Baer TRS
4. Colt MK IV Series 70 Gold Cup
I've also found that the 5" models tend to be much more reliable than either the 4" or especially the 3" models. Finally, don't skimp on your magazines. Once you buy your gun get yourself some good Wilson 47Ds or Tripp Reseach Cobra mags. Good luck!
Although there are MANY excellent 1911s out there including the SW 1911 PC and even the Taurus PT1911, the best value for the money, IMO, are the:
1. Springfield Armory TRP
2. Dan Wesson PM7
3. Les Baer TRS
4. Colt MK IV Series 70 Gold Cup
I've also found that the 5" models tend to be much more reliable than either the 4" or especially the 3" models. Finally, don't skimp on your magazines. Once you buy your gun get yourself some good Wilson 47Ds or Tripp Reseach Cobra mags. Good luck!
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