Sig 1911 v. Taurus PT1911 -- where does each stand?

[yhtomit]

Hi there!

I know Sigs are great guns -- I don't own any at the moment, but that's because of my insatiable desire for food, shelter, etc, and because I've put my gun money in other makers' products. I also don't have any 1911s yet, for similar reasons. Want one, but haven't yet.

I've been taken with the Taurus PT1911 in stainless -- aesthetically pleasing, and the price isn't bad. (Yes, I prefer stainless -- the GI look is fine, and I'd be happy to be given a RRA or any other 1911 in GI trim, but for the cost of a gun, I'd rather get exactly what I want! )

A few minutes ago, though, I foolishly browsed the from page odf Bud's Gun Shop, and noticed a listing for a Sig Sauer 1911 XO Stainless 45acp at $600, roughly the price for which I've seen the Taurus.

(http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411534919)

I have a passing (but only passing) familiarity with 1911s. I know the names of some of the top makers (I know I won't get an Ed Brown with a bobtail for $600), and have fired a few. Are the Sig 1911s actually *made* by Sig, or is it one of the branding-and-badging situations like my wonderful Croatian pistol stamped "Springfield Armory" on the side?

For anyone who's handled both or otherwise has reason to know: What should I consider when looking at these two 1911s specifically? They seem to be fairly similar in features, with many of the goodies that made me want to get a Springfield Loaded 1911 (extended beavertail, claimed "target trigger," etc.) I frankly don't intend to spend MORE than $600 on a 1911 anytime soon (that's quite a few Hershey bars), but I can see spending UP to that amount. Have actually seen the Taurus -- I think also at Buds for I think mid $500s not long ago.

Are there any others I should be considering, if I want a stainless, featureful but not gaudy, 1911 at a similar price?

What's the scoop?

timothy

 

[Technosavant]

The Sigs are made by Sig in New Hampshire (hence the original name, GSR, for "Granite State Rail"). Early on they had issues, but they seem to have been worked out, but it has given people pause. The odd slide contour means that finding holsters for it will be more difficult than for the Taurus.

The Taurus is a good gun for the price. You can't find that mix of features at that price point. To hit that price point it means they did cut some corners- they aren't quite as refined as more expensive guns, but mine (and the Taurii of others) really do shoot quite well (the grips suck on them and the screws are oversize, so for a new PT1911 I'd go for new grips and screws immediately). At the same price as a Sig 1911, it would be a hard call; I might well lean towards the Sig.

Some look down on the Taurus because of Taurus' reputation with their other guns, but they seem to have gotten it right with the PT1911. Sig, meanwhile, has a great rep on their other guns, but they didn't get their 1911 out the door without issues. Kind of strange. But either would be a good gun that would serve well for a long time.

 

[hankdatank1362]

Oh man.. must.. not... put... another...SIG....on...credit....card.....

 

[VARifleman]

As long as you can look past the terrible front strap checkering, series 80 parts, and lots of MIM, the Taurus looks very good, and I've heard it shoots well too.

 

[yhtomit]

Technosavant: This is actually the Sig 1911 *without* a rail. I know a lot of people hate the look of rails on 1911s (I don't, as it happens), but this is not so equipped.

Great responses so far, thanks to all.

VARifleman: I've handled a couple of the Tauruses in gun shops, and didn't find the checkering bad -- why do you say it's terrible? (And I'll need to read up to know why I should / shouldn't care about Series 80 parts )

timothy

 

[BattleChimp Potemkin]

Ive removed the series 80 junk out of my Taurus and what a difference. Also, polishing the factory sear/disconnector, Cylinder and slide "light" sear spring, Capsian trigger (I polished the trigger bow) and horsing with the MSH spring got me around 2.5 lbs trigger pull. Next item Briley barrel bushing! As it stands now, the Taurus has (in a rest) performed up to 2" at 25M. Here's hoping!

The Taurus is an awesome beginning gun. Whether you want to hot rod (my next big purchase may be all the accruements for .400 Corbon, but lots love the .460 Rowland) or a good base pistol for a buildup (forged frame, good weight, compatible with fitting!), you cant beat the Taurus. So many folks are looking for a good buildup gun, but they end up buying the RIA. Dont get me wrong, the RIA is not bad, but after checkering, better sights to get it up to the base Taurus' level, youve spent the amount on that Taurus. Now, to improve the Taurus, that is the better money investment.

My onbly harp about the Taurus is the sight cut. Ive got nothing wrong with the Heinie sights (though alot of folks do), I wouldnt mind an adjustable target (cmon Millet!) sight that uses the Heinie Cut.

Sigs? Ive fired a few and like em. But where's the love, time and literally (in my case) blood spent into your gun getting it the way YOU want, not what the Sig guys build it as. Guys at my range look at my fingers after a new part is put in (or polished) and say that my gun runs on CLP and blood! <evil>

 

[Technosavant]

This is actually the Sig 1911 *without* a rail. I know a lot of people hate the look of rails on 1911s (I don't, as it happens), but this is not so equipped.

I figured that was the case, but I made the GSR comment to show it was US made, and that was even in the name of the first ones (which were railed).

From what I've read, the non-railed ones came out a bit later, which meant more bugs were ironed out.

I did, however, just remember that the Taurus has a bit more "standard" 1911 design than the Sig. Not just the slide contour, but the firing pin safety on the Sig is proprietary. The PT1911 uses a standard series 80 design (pioneered by Colt), so parts are quite easy to find.

The checkering on my PT1911AR may not be artwork, but it grips just fine- I didn't buy my Taurus to gawk at, since the slide serrations and large rollmarks are kinda ugly (and then again, mine is railed, which is another level of ugly). I bought it as a house gun, and it shoots well and true. But then, I've no doubt that the Sig will do it too.

 

[19-3Ben]

I've handled a couple of the Tauruses in gun shops, and didn't find the checkering bad -- why do you say it's terrible?

Many people don't like the look. Frankly, i don't like it, and i don't see a need for it. All it'll do is rub and wear more on a holster every time I draw and re-holster. I'd rather got for a smooth slide which is why my first 1911 will be a SA Mil-Spec.

 

[yhtomit]

19-3Ben, Technosavant:

Ah! Good explanations on both. 19-3Ben, valid reason, but I think I won't mind the checkering; the 1911 is probably among the guns that would be me get fired at the range more than carried in a holster.

Great thing is, I haven't heard anything truly terrible about either of these guns yet in any of the responses, which makes me happy.

timothy

 

[Polish_Pounder]

Actually, the Sig GSR fits standard Colt 1911 holsters. I have one, and have ordered all of my holster for a " 5 inch 1911". All fit perfectly. If you look at them carefully, you will see that the top of the slide is flatter, but doesn't come up as high as the standard rounded slide. My GSR has no rail, and is a 1-hole shooter. Just last night I wowed my friends at the range by printing a 3 inch group off-hand at 90 ft. My vote is Sig.

-Polish

 

[Pimpstar00]

I was looking at that same piece and in my opinion it has the worst looking stainless finish i have ever seen. Look closely at it, also, gunbroker has good pictures to show the finish.

 

[Bozz]

I just ordered the Sig GSR XO Stainless on Saturday -- can't wait to get it. For the price, I don't see how it can be beat.

We'll see how the fit/finish is when it arrives here in a few days...

Bozz

P.S. - Bud's is showing OUT OF STOCK now, so I guess I got one of the last ones.

 

[Eightball]

the firing pin safety on the Sig is proprietary. The PT1911 uses a standard series 80 design (pioneered by Colt), so parts are quite easy to find.

Really now? Can someone explain SIG's FPS? And, for the Taurus, since their FPS is reputably pioneered by colt--does that mean that the plunger is actuated by the trigger (ala Colt) or the grip safety (a few other designs)?

 

[rellascout]

GSR are series 80 guns.

 

[19-3Ben]

Oh shoot. i just re-read my previous post. What a doofus. I was thinking of front slide serrations. Those tear up holsters. No reason I can think of that front-strap checkering would.
I mis-spoke. Mea culpa.

 

[Technosavant]

And, for the Taurus, since their FPS is reputably pioneered by colt--does that mean that the plunger is actuated by the trigger (ala Colt) or the grip safety (a few other designs)?

Done by the trigger. Standard series 80.

As for the Sig, I'm not sure exactly how the thing works (could be series 80), but IIRC, it has a proprietary screw holding in the firing pin. That may have changed, but I dunno.

 

[raytracer]

The GSR is a Colt style FPS. Current models do not have the "manhole cover".

Joe

 

[George Hill]

SIG > Taurus. The Sigs are fantastic.

 

[mhinagoya]

I do not own a Taurus, so I won't attempt to speak to them.

I do however, own a low-serial, railed Sig GSR. I paid nearly twice what Bud's is asking for mine and feel that I received excellent value for my money.

The sights are genuine Novak, not copies or something 'similar'. The slides are hand lapped and fit to the frames. They are barreled with a Storm Lake match grade barrel which is also hand fit. The small parts are by EGW, Wilson Combat, and Bob Greider (I may have left a manufacturer out of that list). There is no mim in the Sig GSR. All the small parts are solid steel. I believe the springs were from Wolff. I have been told that Caspian supplied the first 7000 frames and slides. I have no idea who is making them now, but wouldn't concern myself about the quality of the current guns.

My GSR is smoother than my Kimber and at least as accurate as my Wilson. Function has been flawless.

It is true that Sig had problems with some of the earlier 1911s, but not all of them(obviously, as mine has been perfect). During this time, Sig earned a reputation for outstanding customer service, and that customer service is still in place today.

Is the SIG 1911 as good as or better than XXXXX (fill in the blank)? I have no idea. They are very fine pistols and Bud's prices on the XO are fantastic.

Bill.