Stainless 1911 possibilities?

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Siderite

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Due to some recent issues with rust on a blued 1911, I'm looking for a fullsize, stainless 1911. Could people suggest possibilities? I'd like something that comes as close to my criteria as possible - off-the-shelf, with minimal gunsmithing necessary.

Factors, in order from most important:
  • Reliability (with hollowpoints)
  • Beavertail grip safety (hammer-bite=ouch)
  • Sights (I normally wear glasses, but want to be able to aim if I am not wearing them/they get knocked off, so the "GI" blade front sight doesn't work for me.)
  • Ambi-thumb safety
  • Cost (I'd like it to be less than $1000, but I'm willing to go higher for the ideal carry 1911 - after all, this is something I'm entrusting to possibly save my life)

Thanks!
-Siderite

(and please stick to 1911s, I shoot them very well and I've already invested in holsters, mags, ammo, etc. for my current one)
 
How about refinishing your current 1911? It will save you some money and eliminate the rust issue. If you want it black, I suggest EGW's E-Treat. If you want a silver gun, hard chrome. If you want a mellow gray, Robar's NP3. In my experience, E-Treat and NP3 are as close to "rust-proof" as one can get.

Stainless does a better job of resisting corrosion than carbon steel, but my stainless 1911s are never as smooth as the carbon steel 1911s. So I just now start with carbon steel and add a good finish.
 
If this would be for carry purposes, I'd suggest that you check out the Dan Wesson CBOB line. It is not full-sized, but the slightly shorter length and bobtailed grip would make it much more comfortable.
 
Although I cannot vouch for its reliability with hollowpoints, Springfield's Loaded model does have everything else you're looking for. I have the parked version and love it; its only drawback is the speed bump on the grip safety.
 
I reccomend a used Series I Kimber. The four I have are flawless.

You could also have your pistol refinished. I'm thinking about melonite for my carry gun.

Oh, the stainless used in guns will rust. Just not as fast as a blued gun. Unless its a Para.
 
Springfield Loaded stainless would be my choice in your position. My priorities aren't much different than yours - so I'll be getting the parkerized mil-spec. I don't want the ambi-thumb safety, nor do I have a preference at the moment for the grip safety either way. My eyes are pretty good, so 3 dot sights are fine with me (though I do find the GI-45 sights to be too small). So as I said, I'll be purchasing the Mil-Spec soon. Though every manufacturer has its turds now and then, most Springers seem to feed hollowpoints quite well, IMO.

Plus Springfield does appear to have a good customer service reputation (no personal experience), and I hear their custom shop does excellent work.
 
+1 for the Colt XSE! Hands-down, the Colt 1911s are the best 1911s that I have ever owned. I have had 4 Colts and 15 Kimbers.

I do not mean to disregard Springfields, et al, but I have been sufficiently pleased with my Colts that I never had to look beyond them.

Regarding Kimbers, I currently have only my Kimber Warrior remaining. Kimbers used to be exceptional quality. At some unfortunate time in history, the company's quality control turned south. At present, all Kimbers fall into one of two camps: champs or chumps. Which will you get if you buy a Kimber? It's a crap-shoot at best.

Doc2005
 
Thanks!

Thanks for all the suggestions. After looking over them, I think I'll go with the Colt XSE. I've always wanted a Colt 1911:D, and this as good an excuse as any.

Does anyone know if the Colt XSE has a firing-pin block/safety mechanism? (I really don't care either way, I just want to know in advance)

Thanks again!
-Siderite
 
Yes, all current Colts have the series 80 firing pin block and it is easily removed if you wish.
Click to expand...
No, not all. Colt has re-introduced the 70 series guns, but you are correct that the XSE does have the 80 series FP block.
 
For less than $1000, I recommend a S&W or a Springfield. I would first look at the Colts and Kimbers. I don't know if you would be able to find a Colt or Kimber in stainless for less than $1000. You probably can, but they do tend to run a higher price than the S&W and Sprindfield. The 1911 design, like the AR, has been copied and perfected by many manufacturers. Regardless of which manufacturer you choose, you will find little differences and probably be satisfied.
 
I am going to offer up the
Colt Series 80 stainless enhanced
The Springfield loaded or get a mil-spec stainless and have some parts retrofitted
The S&W 1911
In that order for that price range.

For about twice that amount have Bill Wilson, Ed Brown or Les Baer build you a pistol to your specifications.
Be prepared to wait a year, or even longer for the Baer since they are going to be in the process of moving to Iowa..
 
I second Ala dan

I think i was the one that help ala dan go for a S&W 1911,
I highly recomend them, Like I said before to others, If you get a S&W 1911 stainless 5'' and dont like, I would love to have another!!!
 
Firing pin block on the XSE Colt? They told me it does not have block. Maybe they do not know what a firing pin block is. Maybe I don't know either.
 
Having owned and worked on many 1911's, I'd go with Colt. They seem to consistently run better out of the box, less MIM than the others, usually more accurate-their barrels are very good (one piece) and always retain value better than the others.
Not at all a fan of Kimbers, esp series II guns:barf:
Springfield--often a crapshoot--hate to see "Brazil" on a 1911!
Dan Wesson--very nice looking, but spotty QC.
Smith and Wesson--nice fitment, pretty good track record so far--don't like Schwartz safety--believe Kimber utilizes this on the Series II as well.
Sig--nice looking guns full of good parts, but need better fitment (by human hands) as many don't run well.
 
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