Which 1911?
- Thread starter Alan Fud
- Start date
- Status
XavierBreath
Member
In my experience, Springfield's GI45.
Others will differ.
Others will differ.
I agree with X-Breath to a point, but at best it's a case of luck-of-the-draw. We have a substantial number of complaints on this forum that involve extractor and magazine problems to say the least. If you get a good one it may (or may not) turn out to be a great one. If you get one with problems you may be in for a lot of grief. The 1911 pistol is (or at least was) a very reliable handgun, but modern production technogies and questionable quality control have made it much less so, and this applies particularly to the "reasonably priced" ones.
I'm not sure you'll ever get a consenus answer on this, but my base model S&W 1911 has been great in the 10 months I've owned it.
Take a look around at the base (or relatively low-end models) from Springfield, Kimber, and S&W. See what features and appearance things that you like, and don't like. A key will be what you want to spend - all the base models should be around $700 or so (for Springfield comparisons look at the Loaded or at least Mil-Spec models).
Take a look around at the base (or relatively low-end models) from Springfield, Kimber, and S&W. See what features and appearance things that you like, and don't like. A key will be what you want to spend - all the base models should be around $700 or so (for Springfield comparisons look at the Loaded or at least Mil-Spec models).
BrennanKG
Member
Alan,
I think the big question is: what do you consider reasonably priced?
You can pick up an RIA GI-style 1911 at a show or online for a little under $350.
I understand Norincos run around the same (maybe a little more?)
Springfield's offerings From GI ($500ish), to MilSpec ($600ish), to Loaded ($700-$800ish) all fall under "reasonable pricing" in my book, but YMMV.
Kimber, Taurus, S&W and ParaOrd all have entry level offerings (with Taurus probably edging the others out in pricing). Dan Wesson and Colt have nice offerings as well but it's challenging to find them dipping to far done below the $1K mark
There are myriad possibilities and only you can really make the decision, hopefully after handling or even shooting some.
Personally, I'm fond of Kimber and Springfield, although that new DW Razorback (10mm) looks awfully tempting and I'm always on the lookout for the right Colt.
Later,
B.
I think the big question is: what do you consider reasonably priced?
You can pick up an RIA GI-style 1911 at a show or online for a little under $350.
I understand Norincos run around the same (maybe a little more?)
Springfield's offerings From GI ($500ish), to MilSpec ($600ish), to Loaded ($700-$800ish) all fall under "reasonable pricing" in my book, but YMMV.
Kimber, Taurus, S&W and ParaOrd all have entry level offerings (with Taurus probably edging the others out in pricing). Dan Wesson and Colt have nice offerings as well but it's challenging to find them dipping to far done below the $1K mark
There are myriad possibilities and only you can really make the decision, hopefully after handling or even shooting some.
Personally, I'm fond of Kimber and Springfield, although that new DW Razorback (10mm) looks awfully tempting and I'm always on the lookout for the right Colt.
Later,
B.
wally
Member
Check out the new RIA "Tactical". Paid $375+tax for mine, Novak's sights and all the creature comforts of the Springfield loaded models (ambi safety, beavertail, skeletonized hammer and trigger). Have over 8000 rounds thru my RIA standard.
Use the search I've posted about my experiences with Armscor/RIA guns. Go visit 1911forum.com and in the "other" section you'll see lots of info and user reports about RIA guns. Reports about customer service when needed have been execellent (every maker lets out some lemons, its what they do afterwards that really counts, Armscor's US rep hangs out in that forum! aka Blackdragon)
Dry firing over snap caps I can't believe how light, crisp and free of overtravel the trigger is on this one, if they all come like this, a few dry fires and you'll want it!
Another plus, no lawyer locks.
--wally.
Edit: Word is getting out about how good the RIA really are, best price I've seen at shows recently for the standard has been $323, with $335 being the mode, I think I gave $290+tax for mine.
Use the search I've posted about my experiences with Armscor/RIA guns. Go visit 1911forum.com and in the "other" section you'll see lots of info and user reports about RIA guns. Reports about customer service when needed have been execellent (every maker lets out some lemons, its what they do afterwards that really counts, Armscor's US rep hangs out in that forum! aka Blackdragon)
Dry firing over snap caps I can't believe how light, crisp and free of overtravel the trigger is on this one, if they all come like this, a few dry fires and you'll want it!
Another plus, no lawyer locks.
--wally.
Edit: Word is getting out about how good the RIA really are, best price I've seen at shows recently for the standard has been $323, with $335 being the mode, I think I gave $290+tax for mine.
Essex County
Member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2005
- Messages
- 1,247
I found a used ( very little ) Norinco for 275.00 at a local dealer's and it has been flawless. I shoot it more ofted than my Kimber. If I hadn't happened on this I was going to try a RIA G.I. model. Essex
wally
Member
Essex, great price on your Norinco! when I see these at shows $400-$450 is the norm. At that price, I'd have bought it immediately too!
I've a Norinco I got for $225 new back when nobody had heard of them, always regretted not buying more at the time (I had two, but one went away with the second wife). But at $100+ more for a Norinco vs. the RIA these days I'd go with the RIA as you get a warrenty and my RIA has a much better trigger and is more accurate off a rest than is my Norinco. If you get a lemon with a Norinco (they've made more than a few despite being generally good guns, search for 1911Tuner's threads on the subject) you are on you own dime for getting it working.
--wally
I've a Norinco I got for $225 new back when nobody had heard of them, always regretted not buying more at the time (I had two, but one went away with the second wife). But at $100+ more for a Norinco vs. the RIA these days I'd go with the RIA as you get a warrenty and my RIA has a much better trigger and is more accurate off a rest than is my Norinco. If you get a lemon with a Norinco (they've made more than a few despite being generally good guns, search for 1911Tuner's threads on the subject) you are on you own dime for getting it working.
--wally
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Seasons Greeting's
Hello Alan My Friend-
I would have too give the Springfield Armory G.I. models a second vote
of confidence. I have two, that have proven utterly reliable with all kinds
of ammo; including all major brands of JHP's. I'm more than satisfied with
the quality and workmanship put into these inexpensive pistols. Happy
Holidays My Friend-!
Hello Alan My Friend-
I would have too give the Springfield Armory G.I. models a second vote
of confidence. I have two, that have proven utterly reliable with all kinds
of ammo; including all major brands of JHP's. I'm more than satisfied with
the quality and workmanship put into these inexpensive pistols. Happy
Holidays My Friend-!
MrDig
Member
Most of the guns made from 1911 blue prints are functional out of the box. What type of cosmetics are you willing to pay for is more the question. Nobody mentioned the Charles Daly FS 1911A1 a step up from RIA and a little below the others at about $450. Shop and look at them. The RIA is great to build up from, but has Low End written all over the finish work. So it's a trade off. I've seen Norinco's that needed to have about 200 rounds through them with jewelers rouge on the slides to get them functioning properly. The Thompsons are also rough but work well.
IMHO don't buy a 1911 to get a race gun out of the box, buy one to learn about building a nice gun.
IMHO don't buy a 1911 to get a race gun out of the box, buy one to learn about building a nice gun.
redneckdan
Member
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2006
- Messages
- 480
from my experience, colt is bottom of the barrel, kimber is slipping, springer is about the best adn they will stand behind their work. but thats my experience.
10-Ring
Member
I've had good luck w/ the top 3 (Colt, SA & Kimber). 100% reliabilty & function
Lone_Gunman
Member
I owned a Springfield GI model and it totally sucked. Jammed consistently. I sent it to Springfield, they sent it back with the same problem. I also owned a Loaded model from them, also a jam-O-matic.
I have owned a total of 3 Kimbers. They all had reliability issues as well, some worse than others, but none were 100 percent reliable. I was impressed with Kimber's customer service, as it was even worse than what I got from Springfield.
I have had good luck with Colt based on several different guns, and don't have any complaints with them.
However, I think the S&W 1911s are the best in terms of features and reliability.
I have owned a total of 3 Kimbers. They all had reliability issues as well, some worse than others, but none were 100 percent reliable. I was impressed with Kimber's customer service, as it was even worse than what I got from Springfield.
I have had good luck with Colt based on several different guns, and don't have any complaints with them.
However, I think the S&W 1911s are the best in terms of features and reliability.
I've owned a Kimber .45acp, a Springer 9mm Target and a Colt Gov't .38 Super.
The Kimber was pretty bad with JHP ammo (high angle jams).
I don't think the Springer ever made it through a whole mag without a jam. I became convinced 9mm was not for 1911s (I know others will disagree).
The Colt .38 Super has been fantastic from round one. Couldn't be more satisfied.
I really just dig the heck out of that .38 Super round, lotsa' fun, soft recoil.
The Kimber was pretty bad with JHP ammo (high angle jams).
I don't think the Springer ever made it through a whole mag without a jam. I became convinced 9mm was not for 1911s (I know others will disagree).
The Colt .38 Super has been fantastic from round one. Couldn't be more satisfied.
I really just dig the heck out of that .38 Super round, lotsa' fun, soft recoil.
mljdeckard
Member
My Kimber Custom II was $630 NIB, I have never had a serious manfunction of any kind.
I had an Auto-Ordnance/Thompson that was terrible.
I had an Auto-Ordnance/Thompson that was terrible.
I've got a Para-Ordnance PX745E - flawless, not a single FTE/FTF/etc. through 700rds..
Trigger feels a little heavy, but it's got a very clean break. My only complaint is that the stock grips were pretty 'pointy' on the checkering, so I switched to some ugly but comfortable Hogues for $20.
I don't own any Springfields, but based on the ones I've used and the problems I know of (FTFs, cycling issues, sticky slides - in both 9mm and 45), I probably wouldn't take a chance on one.
Trigger feels a little heavy, but it's got a very clean break. My only complaint is that the stock grips were pretty 'pointy' on the checkering, so I switched to some ugly but comfortable Hogues for $20.
I don't own any Springfields, but based on the ones I've used and the problems I know of (FTFs, cycling issues, sticky slides - in both 9mm and 45), I probably wouldn't take a chance on one.
Steve2237
Member
1911
Kimber Custom Series 1 or 2, just avoid the external extractor guns
Kimber Custom Series 1 or 2, just avoid the external extractor guns
david_the_greek
Member
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2005
- Messages
- 533
got a kimber custom TLE II NIB for about $800 I believe. Its got nice little night sites and I can brag about LA swat using it But in all honesty it has thus far been great. Haven't quite reached the number of rounds I'd like to but I've put atleast 375-400 rounds of old american eagle (humidity stricken and tarnished) and some random cheap (well compared to their other crap) range ammo. So far abolutely ZERO problems. I've only used the standard mag and some cheap shooting star mags. oh yeah its an internal extractor
But in all honesty it has thus far been great. Haven't quite reached the number of rounds I'd like to but I've put atleast 375-400 rounds of old american eagle (humidity stricken and tarnished) and some random cheap (well compared to their other crap) range ammo. So far abolutely ZERO problems. I've only used the standard mag and some cheap shooting star mags. oh yeah its an internal extractorAla Dan
Member in memoriam
I think that Lone Gunmans problem with the Springer G.I. was more
of an exception; rather than a rule. To date, both my parkerized WW-II
G.I. replic, and my stainless WW-II G.I. replica have run flawlessly; and I
also own a new MIL SPEC that has performed without a hitch in its gitty-
up~!
of an exception; rather than a rule. To date, both my parkerized WW-II
G.I. replic, and my stainless WW-II G.I. replica have run flawlessly; and I
also own a new MIL SPEC that has performed without a hitch in its gitty-
up~!
BrennanKG
Member
Alan,
Letting one, two or even ten anecdotes about a given maker or model dissuade you would not be in your best interests.
I'm not making an issue of LG's experience. Quite the contrary, I believe it and file it away in my "1911 forum reports", although the troubling part to me would be Springfield returning it to him still having the same problem, rather than the gun jamming.
All manufacturers make mistakes, lemons, QC nightmares.
The important part is how companies deal with their mistakes and support their customers.
I would rather have a well-supported product from a "B" company, than a poorly supported product from an "A" company.
Ultimately while we can dazzle you with our tales of 1911 ownership, the good, the bad and the ugly, you really just need to shoot a few different ones (as many as you can manage) and make your decision for yourself.
Let us know what you get,
B.
Letting one, two or even ten anecdotes about a given maker or model dissuade you would not be in your best interests.
I'm not making an issue of LG's experience. Quite the contrary, I believe it and file it away in my "1911 forum reports", although the troubling part to me would be Springfield returning it to him still having the same problem, rather than the gun jamming.
All manufacturers make mistakes, lemons, QC nightmares.
The important part is how companies deal with their mistakes and support their customers.
I would rather have a well-supported product from a "B" company, than a poorly supported product from an "A" company.
Ultimately while we can dazzle you with our tales of 1911 ownership, the good, the bad and the ugly, you really just need to shoot a few different ones (as many as you can manage) and make your decision for yourself.
Let us know what you get,
B.
I have a S&W Commander sized 1911Sc and a Kimber Eclipse Pro Target II bought both new, both have functioned great right out of the box. About 2500rounds out of the Kimber and little under 2000 out of the Smith. Both worked flawless so far.
JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone
Member
Several brands have been discussed.
Personally I've never bought a new 1911. My used Colt and Kimber 1911's are top notch in the reliablilty section. My Kimber is by far more accurate than my Colts.
All, under $600. Used, and the stainless ones look great.
Remember, buying a Parked GI, That's all it'll ever be. You'll never be impressed with it's accuracy. Sure, it'll eat ball ammo for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Will it print a group under 2" at 50yds? Doubful. But neither will a stock Colt or many of the others. My kimber will.
A Smith 1911... Just sounds kinda weird to me. Although, a good many people are happy with them.
If you want to keep some value, Buy a Colt. If you want accuracy, Buy a Colt or Nork and have it worked. Or buy a Kimber. If you want to spend a bit more.. The Performance Center 1911's very accurate and reliable.
Still, buy a used one for your first 1911.
-Steve
Personally I've never bought a new 1911. My used Colt and Kimber 1911's are top notch in the reliablilty section. My Kimber is by far more accurate than my Colts.
All, under $600. Used, and the stainless ones look great.
Remember, buying a Parked GI, That's all it'll ever be. You'll never be impressed with it's accuracy. Sure, it'll eat ball ammo for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Will it print a group under 2" at 50yds? Doubful. But neither will a stock Colt or many of the others. My kimber will.
A Smith 1911... Just sounds kinda weird to me. Although, a good many people are happy with them.
If you want to keep some value, Buy a Colt. If you want accuracy, Buy a Colt or Nork and have it worked. Or buy a Kimber. If you want to spend a bit more.. The Performance Center 1911's very accurate and reliable.
Still, buy a used one for your first 1911.
-Steve
boldkharma
Member
Colt. No question about it to me. Colt bottom of the barrel? Yikes!! Colt is making some of the best pistols I have seen from them lately, and they can be had for a very reasonable price.
- Status