Question on which 1911 you'd suggest for women (wife's Bday present)

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Terrey Thompson said:
Hey guys,

I posted this on thefiringline as well, just wanted to get some suggestions on a potential purchase of a new pistol for my wife.

My wife and I have just gotten into shooting, it's been about 14 months now are we are really enjoying it. We've picked up a few pieces over the last six months including a glock 17 and a sig.

A few weeks ago my wife shot a Colt Delta Elite and loved it. I wanted to get her one for her upcoming birthday but the price tag is a bit much. :(

I'm just looking for some more affordable 1911s that don't compromise quality. Thus far I've been reading through this - https://gunnewsdaily.com/best-1911-money/ to get some ideas but would rather just ask for suggestions.

Looking to spend between 400-650. Thanks in advance.
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Two problems. Vast majority of women would want something other than handgun for birthday gift and $400 to $650 isn't enough money to buy a good one. Just give her 650 and let her buy something she will enjoy.
 
PabloJ said:
Two problems. Vast majority of women would want something other than handgun for birthday gift and $400 to $650 isn't enough money to buy a good one. Just give her 650 and let her buy something she will enjoy.
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Yup, its gonna be like when Homer got Marge a custom bowling ball.....and then she became a semi-pro just to spite him. Of course, if you're lucky the wife could become an IPSC champ......but you'd still be in the doghouse.
 
$600 is enough to get a Ruger Commander or Gov't size, and they're very nice compared to any Colt or Kimber I've ever owned or handled.

I agree with others that a steel frame is a plus, and the Gov't size will be a bit less snappy.

Buy a bucket or two of ammo, and save your brass.
 
My friend Sarah works in a gun shop and shoots 1911s. She loves the 38 Super. (She and Melvin Purvis) Believe she has at least 3. Her favorite is a Les Baer Stinger but she gathers Colts. I suggest you look at the new Colt competition. I saw one in the shop. Pretty gun. I see them on Gunbroker for under 800. Any 1911 other than a Colt is a pale imitation and the Colt will hold its value. If you buy cheap you will buy twice. Buying used is also a good idea. I got my Series 70 and my Trophy used and they looked new. Both shoot wonderfully well.
 
edwardware said:
I should have clarified: $600 is a used/as new, cash in hand price at several shops nearby.
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Useful clarification.

For reference, I have a Colt Combat Elite that I bought brand new and only paid $600 for it.






For clarification - I bought it new in 1989.;)
 
bassjam writes:

For that budget, it'd be a tossup for me between the Ruger SR1911 and the Remington R1.

It's a shame you didn't ask a few days earlier, the R1 had a $100 rebate that just ended.
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That rebate did it for me in deciding between stainless commander-types of each of those guns. My stainless R1 Commander is a very handsome firearm, but I do have to admit that I have not yet fired it.
 
I've seen Kimber Custom II's going for around 600 and with fiber optic target sights for 625.

They're pretty well equipped, American made and mine ran like a top.

Unfortunately I had to sell it, but I decided to step up and scooped up a blued Colt XSE for 800.

I'd heartily recommend a Kimber.
 
Take a look at SA Range Officer in 9mm. My wife shots one and loves it. She also shoots my SA Mil-Spec in 45 ACP. She shoots both of these very well but prefers the 9mm as she can shoot more rounds in a session without a bother than when using my 45 ACP. Looks count a lot and you may figure on buying used and then her changing grips and maybe adding a red-dot. Best advice is let her handle and choose the gun, just like you would want to do. Make up and hand-made gift certificate for one (1) 1911 of her choice (dollar limit as required) and give that with a B-day cake. We would all like to get a 1911 for a present but we might want the brand X versus the brand given.
 
My wife carrys a Kimber Ultra 45acp which she loves but getting up in age she wants to try a 9mm whatever she wants! Also she has expressed intrest in my 9mm shield we shall see what the outcome is
 
Look, most women do not want handgun for their birthday. Stop thinking of yourself and give her the $650.
 
I have owned two Rock Island Armory pistols and they have been good for the money. One of them has seen ridiculous amounts of ammo put through it. Tens of thousands of rounds. No issues.

Next, look at Springfield Armory. I'm a fan. Carry one regularly and like it a lot. Most of their models are above your price, but it can't hurt to look at what's available in your area.

I've not yet owned a Ruger 1911, but they have good reviews.

Then there's Colt. Probably a bit above your budget, but right now Colt is making some very good pistols at competitive prices. If I were in the market for another 1911 right now, I'd be looking really hard at one.
 
Mr. Hill said:
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/2084_21_141/products_id/36291/Colt+O1991+1991+Series+7+1+45ACP+5" here's a listing from Bud's.

It's a beautiful blued Colt for about a hundred more than the top of your budget. It's well worth the extra $100 IMHO, and a polished blue Colt really will be a beautiful gift.
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For just $50 more than that base model Colt, I just bought a pretty well equipped blued Colt XSE. The sights alone are worth the upcharge, not to mention the under cut trigger guard, beavertail, hammer and adjustable trigger among other bells and whistles.
 
gotboostvr said:
For just $50 more than that base model Colt, I just bought a pretty well equipped blued Colt XSE. The sights alone are worth the upcharge, not to mention the under cut trigger guard, beavertail, hammer and adjustable trigger among other bells and whistles.
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The cost is $938 and it doesn't even have a rail. The sights are not upgrade because they don't have tritium inserts for finding gun in the dark.
 
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Not every person needs a rail on a handgun. I actually recommend getting gifts for significant people in a persons life. Gifts other than cash.
If this is an 'I love you more everyday' gift, I encourage you to increase your buget some. She is worth it.
If you just wanted to give her a nice 'we found a hobby we both like' gift, get a nice one, let her choose some grip panels, and put them on for her. Then shoot the springs out of it! Toghether.
I assume it's more about her than the gun.;)



Sure would be nice to have one of those. 'Worth it' girls, that is.
 
paulsj said:
The cost is $938 and it doesn't even have a rail. The sights are not upgrade because they don't have tritium inserts for finding gun in the dark.
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I paid a hair under 800 for mine, new, this past week.
I'll take a set of dovetailed Novaks over staked in GI sights with dots any day.
 
So ... a 10mm brought a smile to her face. She has demonstrated an affinity for the 10mm. Get her a Delta Elite (a win 'cause you already know she likes it) or sub a Ruger 10mm (nicer pistol which I prefer to the Colt) or Rock Island 10mm (plenty good even if it's not the sexy Stainless of the DE or the Ruger).

There are certainly plenty of options. I've suggested the options you have which are closest to your budget. Your wife is not an average woman. She liked 10mm from a 1911 - get her a 10mm 1911. I do agree that she's the most qualified person to pick her next pistol.
 
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