The two things I always caution those new to the 1911 to pay attention to is the grip safety and the sights. Choose wrong on either, and you'll spend some time and money having somebody weld or grind on your 1911 to correct your choice.So the current list is:
- Dan Wesson A2
- Colt Competition
- Kimber Stainless Target II
- Springfield Ronin. (Although it’s at the bottom of the list.)
Sig Emperor Scorpion
The two things I always caution those new to the 1911 to pay attention to is the grip safety and the sights. Choose wrong on either, and you'll spend some time and money having somebody weld or grind on your 1911 to correct your choice.
A Dan Wesson A2 .45 acp is available at Bud's Gun Store for $1,208. IMHO, it would be money well spent.
https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/24820/dan+wesson+01946+1911+single+45+acp+5+8+1+walnut+grip+blued
Sometimes the right answer is the simple one. This is the right answer. If your looking cheap, good, or fancy, lots of answers. But when most people think "good middle range 1911", DW is the go to.Dan Wesson.
The two things I always caution those new to the 1911 to pay attention to is the grip safety and the sights. Choose wrong on either, and you'll spend some time and money having somebody weld or grind on your 1911 to correct your choice.
All of those in your final selection have a beavertail grip safety so that is a non-issue.
However, in the group, all except the Kimber Stainless Target II have a Novak-ish rear sight cut, while the Kimber wears an adjustable sight. Most folks new to 1911's don't realize all 1911 sight cuts are not the same. If you are looking for a night sight or a sight more comfortable for carry, your options with the Kimber will be rather limited.
If you want a target/range gun, the Kimber's adjustable rear sight is typically an advantage, but if that's what you're looking for, the other companies also offer a model with adjustable sights that may be better choices than the models you've selected.
I'd have to agree with this. Maybe I'd park it $1600-$2000 for "mid range". DW's, some Eds and Baers go in this range. None on op's list are mid range imo. Just sayin.My thoughts are that ''mid priced'' is around $2000.
DW A2 (aside from sights) wins this list. Colt guys may say otherwise. Kimber and Springer guys too, but from what I've seen and handled and broken down on my journey to "Mid-level", DW has this list beat big time.So the current list is:
- Dan Wesson A2
- Colt Competition
- Kimber Stainless Target II
- Springfield Ronin. (Although it’s at the bottom of the list.)
i'll give my controversial advise. I will never buy another RIA, and consider them and their customer service junk. A friends bought a brand new kimber a few months ago. It jams, frequently. "bad magazines... defective ammo... its 'too tight'... its not broken in... but its not unreliable". Now he has to blow $300 dollars in ammo to prove his $1000 1911 doesn't work. I love my springfield. I love my Kahr AO, and really like my R1S (didn't shoot it enough to love it, buts its reaalllly pretty). I would buy a Ruger, or Dan Wesson if I was in the market. Maybe a Colt in 9mm for the classy lines.
yes, He mentioned both. Of the brands he mentioned, I have strong opinions on three. I included my opinion of two other low cost brands to make clear I am not against low cost brands. I generally do not recommend RIA, or Kimber based on personal experiences.I'm confused. You start off ragging RIA then switch to Kimber. You do know they aren't the same?
If you can find a DW a2, jump on it.
I'd have to upgrade the sights, although black paint on the rear sight dots would be an ok fix, and removable.
Sometimes the right answer is the simple one. This is the right answer. If your looking cheap, good, or fancy, lots of answers. But when most people think "good middle range 1911", DW is the go to.