The Best 1911 in my opinion is...

DaTeacha · 09-22-2009, 08:18 PM

LHS, the best 1911 is the one that's in your hand when you need it. Mine is a one of a kind built by a local 'smith many years ago. It's an Essex frame and slide, Colt NM barrel, Pachmayer wraparound grips, adjustable recoil buffer, and shoots like a dream with a very light but totally reliable hammer fall. Being somewhat of a handy guy, you could probably build your own once you get the basic frame from Midway. It would be a little more complex than building an AR, but I think you could probably handle it with all that knowledge from working at Lowes.

I don't know that it would be cheaper than an off the shelf gun, but the project would be pretty rewarding. I have to be careful or I'll talk myself into tackling one, and I still have to finish the woodwork on my AR. I just can't commit to a stain since I don't want to screw it up.

I seriously have no recommendation as to brand of 1911. On a budget, I would be haunting the shows looking for a used sample of the better brands rather than looking for a new cheaper one. I guess I would start with the $400 range guns and slowly work up until I found what seemed to be a lot of gun for the money. I would definitely not start at the top end and work down. Do you like the wide beavertail grip safety? The hollowed out hammer? The hollowed out trigger? Stainless, blue, or a combination? Arched or flat mainspring housing? What kind of sighting system, target or carry? There are just so many ways to configure one you might really want to build your own.

On another note, I would like to know which local store you go to that has the used Kimber and which model it is. My SILs brother has a hankering to get one, if it's the right model. He almost got a used one at the Den last weekend, but they were $30 apart and it wasn't exactly the one he liked best. If the price is good, I might be interested, too. You could PM me if you wish.

LefthandShooter · 09-25-2009, 02:10 PM

Saw a Springfield 1911 A1 45ACP stainless used today at Gander Mtn. for $729.99. Felt good in my hand but I've pretty much decided I don't need one. I'll just save my $$ for something else.

DaTeacha · 09-25-2009, 02:30 PM

Dang, what fun is it if you won't let us spend your money for you?? I didn't even get a chance to ask about barrel length and frame size, checkered front strap or wraparound grip panels, wood, plastic or rubber, thin or thick, rails or not, light or not, laser or not, and so on. This thread was just getting started!

FISHPOND · 09-25-2009, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaTeacha

Dang, what fun is it if you won't let us spend your money for you?? I didn't even get a chance to ask about barrel length and frame size, checkered front strap or wraparound grip panels, wood, plastic or rubber, thin or thick, rails or not, light or not, laser or not, and so on. This thread was just getting started!

EXACTLY...

LefthandShooter · 09-25-2009, 03:04 PM

Okay. I give you guys my permission to carry one. So far I liked the Sig best, but have not heard much on the Smith & Wesson 1911's.

srt 10 jimbo · 09-28-2009, 01:10 PM

The best? maybe the Les Baer. For the Money, I'll take the Taurus PT 1911

blueice · 09-28-2009, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windwalker

Well, there are so many good ones out there that the best one will be a personal choice. I like the double stack Para Ordinance Tac 4 or Carry 12 with the LDA trigger. As a lefty, you can carry it fully loaded with no safety to contend with.

I am glad someone mentioned Para, Windwalker!!

It is not one of a few or only 1911 made in America?

Scout6925 · 10-05-2009, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LefthandShooter

A question for all to answer. I was thinking about getting a 1911 and thought I'd ask for opinions. Wife has pretty much said no to financing a purchase, and since she is in control of the $$ (makes most of it too!) it might be a dead horse, but I'd like one. I held/liked a Sig 1911 stainless yesterday, but am a Smith & Wesson kind of guy but am open to others (but not to glock)!
One thing to keep in mind: I am left handed, and have always shot a hammerless semi-auto pistol. I am concerned that might be a learning problem to shoot one then the other then back.
:bad:(Just wanted to use this smilies.)

I have a Sringfield M1911 A1 and I relaod myown...so far it
is great

gandog56 · 10-06-2009, 07:52 PM

Several criteria for best. Best for price? Best for accuracy? Best for dependability? Almost all have how much do you want to spend limits.

ArkansasHunter · 10-07-2009, 01:21 AM

Buy a CZ pistol of your likeing. There not to expensive and prolly the best built pistols there is.

gunnut2u · 10-07-2009, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LefthandShooter

Okay. I give you guys my permission to carry one. So far I liked the Sig best, but have not heard much on the Smith & Wesson 1911's.

That's great LHS,
Lets order him a taurus 1911 and a S&W 1911 and 2 cases of the most expensive ammo we can find .Nothing but the best for LHS when he lets us carry on like this ...LOL!!!

P.S. and a lite and laser too!!!!

ackspac · 10-07-2009, 10:15 AM

More then happy with my SA Champion GI model. The S&W 1911s' are great too.

gandog56 · 10-07-2009, 12:56 PM

I prefer my Dan Wesson.

wunhunglo · 10-08-2009, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArkansasHunter

Buy a CZ pistol of your likeing. There not to expensive and prolly the best built pistols there is.

Quote:

I prefer my Dan Wesson.
__________________

Back in the Day, I bought what I considered was the best at that time:

Colt Series 70 Gold Cup, probably my most accurate centrefire pistol; just for comparison at the same time I had a CZ75 & a Dan Wesson .357

Only problem I ever had with any of them during the 10 plus years I had them was a broken take-down pin on the CZ. (it broke at about 18,000 rounds)

So, final answer....................The good old Colt 1911, Series 70 Gold Cup.

Scout6925 · 10-08-2009, 06:43 AM

I have the M1911 A1 Colt and the M1911 A1 SF and I love them both.
the colt sure help me out a lot of times back when.
scoutsgt

TheLastMountain · 10-08-2009, 12:10 PM

Para Ordinance P-14, Nice gun, don't leave home with out it..

Durandal · 10-09-2009, 11:19 PM

Im a little curious all this about the m1911 and noone has mentioned citadel. Ive been thinking about getting one myself. noone on line seems to have a problem with them (the few that do say its because they arent made in the usa, but neither is stoeger) and the one I found was on a seasonal discount for $427. (usually run $499 brand new) its not frilly it doesnt come with white dot sights or anything like that, just two clips, but it fits good in the hand and feels balanced.

That1GarandKid · 10-09-2009, 11:36 PM

RIA, awesome gun for the money..

s&weet peace · 10-11-2009, 11:17 PM

If you're a Smith & Wesson guy, check out the S&Ws. I have one in stainless and it is awesome. I don' think you can go wrong with it. Smooth action and recoil. I'm also impressed with the Thompsons (AutoOrd).

GlennM · 10-11-2009, 11:31 PM

Quote:

So, final answer....................The good old Colt 1911, Series 70 Gold Cup.

Thanks GOODNESS someone mentioned the Gold Cup. Catching up on the 3 pages of posts, my jaw was on the floor nobody had said a word about the GC when discussing 1911's.

(But I vote GC National Match Series 80 stainless...) <hoot> For the $ though, the Taurus 1911 is hard to beat when considering features. I spent a WHOLE lot more bucks years ago having a government Colt tricked out for IPSC matches than what the Taurus costs new in-the-box today.

09-22-2009, 08:18 PM	#41
DaTeacha Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: near Funk, Ohio Posts: 2,913	LHS, the best 1911 is the one that's in your hand when you need it. Mine is a one of a kind built by a local 'smith many years ago. It's an Essex frame and slide, Colt NM barrel, Pachmayer wraparound grips, adjustable recoil buffer, and shoots like a dream with a very light but totally reliable hammer fall. Being somewhat of a handy guy, you could probably build your own once you get the basic frame from Midway. It would be a little more complex than building an AR, but I think you could probably handle it with all that knowledge from working at Lowes. I don't know that it would be cheaper than an off the shelf gun, but the project would be pretty rewarding. I have to be careful or I'll talk myself into tackling one, and I still have to finish the woodwork on my AR. I just can't commit to a stain since I don't want to screw it up. I seriously have no recommendation as to brand of 1911. On a budget, I would be haunting the shows looking for a used sample of the better brands rather than looking for a new cheaper one. I guess I would start with the $400 range guns and slowly work up until I found what seemed to be a lot of gun for the money. I would definitely not start at the top end and work down. Do you like the wide beavertail grip safety? The hollowed out hammer? The hollowed out trigger? Stainless, blue, or a combination? Arched or flat mainspring housing? What kind of sighting system, target or carry? There are just so many ways to configure one you might really want to build your own. On another note, I would like to know which local store you go to that has the used Kimber and which model it is. My SILs brother has a hankering to get one, if it's the right model. He almost got a used one at the Den last weekend, but they were $30 apart and it wasn't exactly the one he liked best. If the price is good, I might be interested, too. You could PM me if you wish. __________________ Teach NRA -- If you're reading this, you should be a member. United, We Stand.

09-25-2009, 02:10 PM	#42
LefthandShooter Got Jesus? Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Northeastern Ohio Posts: 4,350 Blog Entries: 2	Saw a Springfield 1911 A1 45ACP stainless used today at Gander Mtn. for $729.99. Felt good in my hand but I've pretty much decided I don't need one. I'll just save my $$ for something else. __________________ May God give us the wisdom & strength to live our lives in a manner that will be pleasing unto Him.

09-25-2009, 02:30 PM	#43
DaTeacha Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: near Funk, Ohio Posts: 2,913	Dang, what fun is it if you won't let us spend your money for you?? I didn't even get a chance to ask about barrel length and frame size, checkered front strap or wraparound grip panels, wood, plastic or rubber, thin or thick, rails or not, light or not, laser or not, and so on. This thread was just getting started! __________________ Teach NRA -- If you're reading this, you should be a member. United, We Stand.

09-25-2009, 03:04 PM	#45
LefthandShooter Got Jesus? Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Northeastern Ohio Posts: 4,350 Blog Entries: 2	Okay. I give you guys my permission to carry one. So far I liked the Sig best, but have not heard much on the Smith & Wesson 1911's. __________________ May God give us the wisdom & strength to live our lives in a manner that will be pleasing unto Him.

09-28-2009, 01:10 PM	#46
srt 10 jimbo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fort Lauderdale Posts: 300	The best? maybe the Les Baer. For the Money, I'll take the Taurus PT 1911 __________________

10-06-2009, 07:52 PM	#49
gandog56 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Montgomery, IL. Posts: 11,797	Several criteria for best. Best for price? Best for accuracy? Best for dependability? Almost all have how much do you want to spend limits. __________________ People think I'm paranoid because I own guns. If I own guns, what do I have to be paranoid about?

10-07-2009, 01:21 AM	#50
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas. Posts: 17,215	Buy a CZ pistol of your likeing. There not to expensive and prolly the best built pistols there is. __________________ IN GOD WE TRUST NRA MEMBER

10-07-2009, 10:15 AM	#52
ackspac Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 215	More then happy with my SA Champion GI model. The S&W 1911s' are great too.

10-07-2009, 12:56 PM	#53
gandog56 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Montgomery, IL. Posts: 11,797	I prefer my Dan Wesson. __________________ People think I'm paranoid because I own guns. If I own guns, what do I have to be paranoid about?

10-08-2009, 06:43 AM	#55
Scout6925 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Florissant, Missouri USA Posts: 42	I have the M1911 A1 Colt and the M1911 A1 SF and I love them both. the colt sure help me out a lot of times back when. scoutsgt

10-08-2009, 12:10 PM	#56
TheLastMountain Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Kansas City Mo Posts: 28	Para Ordinance P-14, Nice gun, don't leave home with out it..

10-09-2009, 11:19 PM	#57
Durandal Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 75	Im a little curious all this about the m1911 and noone has mentioned citadel. Ive been thinking about getting one myself. noone on line seems to have a problem with them (the few that do say its because they arent made in the usa, but neither is stoeger) and the one I found was on a seasonal discount for $427. (usually run $499 brand new) its not frilly it doesnt come with white dot sights or anything like that, just two clips, but it fits good in the hand and feels balanced.

10-09-2009, 11:36 PM	#58
That1GarandKid Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 144	RIA, awesome gun for the money.. __________________ Colt Trooper Mk III, K-98, 91/30, Next gun: Ruger Security Six

10-11-2009, 11:17 PM	#59
s&weet peace Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Benton City, WA Posts: 32	If you're a Smith & Wesson guy, check out the S&Ws. I have one in stainless and it is awesome. I don' think you can go wrong with it. Smooth action and recoil. I'm also impressed with the Thompsons (AutoOrd).