The Best 1911 in my opinion is...

LefthandShooter · 09-18-2009, 03:40 PM

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.

(Just wanted to use this smilies.)

Casca · 09-18-2009, 05:09 PM

There are no other 1911's except a Colt! Perhaps a Springfield, but that's it.

TeeRex · 09-18-2009, 05:13 PM

I'm partial to Springfields

CrazyIvan · 09-18-2009, 05:15 PM

I like em all. My Rock Island Armory is nice too. At only about $400, it is a pretty inexpensive alternative to the all-nagging wife.

Cyrano · 09-18-2009, 05:23 PM

Check the used pistol racks too. If the pistol is a true M1911 clone, they will fit the same way. You can add aftermarket upgrades as finances permit. Just find one that fits right and go from there.

Archetype_wyo · 09-18-2009, 05:35 PM

LHS my good friend as you saw in another post I just bought a PT1911 and it sure is nice. Smooth trigger at I think 3.5# crisp break. I have already put about 75 rounds through it which may not be alot but have yet to have fail to fire, feed, or extract. The pricetag on the box was $633.99 and according to this guy at Sports Lure (Reeve) its the best deal you can get for a 1911 right now with the options you get on the gun (Ambi-Saftety, 2 mags, Hard-case, 5" Steel Barrel).

Baconbits · 09-18-2009, 05:50 PM

I suppose if you wanted a good balance between cost and features, I'd buy the Taurus as well. All the goodies for around $600. I had a Taurus 92 break on me after 10,000 rounds and they shipped me a brand new pistol. Ever since then I've had a soft spot for Taurus.

Midas · 09-18-2009, 06:14 PM

I personally like Springfields and Kimbers, but there are certainly a lot of manufacturers putting out a good quality 1911.

Windwalker · 09-18-2009, 08:57 PM

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.

Ten Man · 09-18-2009, 09:04 PM

Since I use Glocks for Personal Carry, I would have to say the best 1911 choice would depend on accuracy, since all other features of the 1911 are basically interchangeable.

That leads me to nominate the Kimber Super Match II. Mine shoots 0.5" groups at 25 yards. It came that way from the Pro Shop in 2003. It is MY .45 ACP TARGET Pistol.

jerry · 09-18-2009, 09:27 PM

Started with a Norinco, good solid gun wish I still had it.

Uograded to a Kimber, nice gun. Partial to the first generation.
Shot Colt and Springers, nice guns.

Accuracy is important but takes a back seat to dependability for my purpose of use.

Deersniper · 09-18-2009, 09:30 PM

SS loaded Champ. A Springer that has been perfect.

Iron_Colonel · 09-18-2009, 10:57 PM

Springfield Armory Mil-Spec has treated me well for more than 6 years now. So has my Kimber TLEII for a year and a half now. Both are great guns. But for a 1911 thats not so high in price, its hard to beat Rock Islands. Probably a close second and a good platform to upgrade on is the Springfield Armory GI pistol. I think thats the cheapest SA 1911. But for NIB, the prices aren't too discouraging. NIB Kimbers are quite pricey.

Used is always an option. Just gotta keep the eyes peeled for the deals.

LefthandShooter · 09-19-2009, 05:07 AM

Thanks to all for the info!
The local range/gun shop does not sell Kimbers, and no one has a good thing to say about them. One guy said he'd buy/carry a HiPoint before a Kimber. They have a used on they took on trade as a favor to a good customer but they told me, as a good customer, they wouldn't sell it to me. One guy said Springfield and Colt are the best, but Colt are expensive. I used to have 2 XD's, and liked them, and they were both accurate, so I'd trust their 1911s to be also. Only problem they are hard to find around here.
No one has any opinions on the Sig 1911?

Accuracy is one of my main concerns, as well as reliability. I know a pistol only shoots as good as the trigger puller, but if I get one, I would like to know it is capable of very tight groups right out of the box.

Mooseman684 · 09-19-2009, 05:27 AM

I have 2 Colts , 2 Kimbers ,and a Springfield...There is Nothing wrong with Kimbers , But I am Partial to Colts. ANYONE who says they would rather have a Hi-Point over a Kimber NEVER OWNED OR FIRED A KIMBER !!!
( I have the Hi-Point too !)
Nothing wrong with a Springfield , or A Rock Island Armory, either...

LefthandShooter · 09-19-2009, 05:43 AM

Makes me wonder what they have against Kimbers.

deadzero · 09-19-2009, 06:13 AM

I love the Colts. production tolerances and spec.s are much better on the clones than they were 20 - 30 years ago, so there is a lot of stuff out there I've not had the chance to play with. if I could afford one I'd love to own a Wilson Supergrade. I've used Wilson parts for many years and have got to fire several of their pistols (not Supergrades tho) over the years. I love my Colts, but I would love to have a Wilson in my collection someday.

Archetype_wyo · 09-19-2009, 09:43 AM

One thing that is nice about the leading makers of the clones (Kimber, Springfield, Taurus, Rock Island A. among others) is that alot of parts are interchangeable, so should you get a gun and then some months or years down the road you want to get a new barrel or match trigger or titanium slide or whatever you may want theres a good chance you can get a good deal on one as there are so many makers of just about everything out there for the 1911 and closes especially if its just the bare-bones Govt' Style which is a 5" gun.

Paper · 09-19-2009, 10:54 AM

Not to take away from LHS's question, but is there actually a BAD one out there??

I'm not a good source of reference to 1911's, since the only one I've ever owned is my Taurus PT1911 (which has functioned perfectly for a couple years, now)..

I've kicked around a Rock Island as a cheaper plinker, but then I look at my Taurus and ask why do I need another?? The Taurus does everything I ask it to do.. And this is from the guy who can justify any gun purchase. I like the looks of the high end 1911's, but truthfully, I'm not a fan of shooting the 1911 frame. Just never felt right in my hands, which are large, but not huge.

I like the feel of the Glocks and my instinctive pointing of them is usually very good, and better than a 1911, so I tend to lean towards the Glocks because of this..

Anyway, is there any 1911 out there that's not worth owning?

big boomer · 09-19-2009, 11:03 AM

To answer the question "what do they have against Kimber" its simple PRICE they cost more. I have had Norinco, Colt, and one I built on an essex frame but right now I have a Charles Daly that I got as payment for something, its a wonderful 45. A friend just got a High Standard concealed carry type and that little gun out shot all our full size and was just under 500.

09-18-2009, 03:40 PM	#1
LefthandShooter Got Jesus? Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Northeastern Ohio Posts: 4,345 Blog Entries: 2	The Best 1911 in my opinion is... 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. (Just wanted to use this smilies.) __________________ May God give us the wisdom & strength to live our lives in a manner that will be pleasing unto Him.

09-18-2009, 05:15 PM	#4
CrazyIvan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Englewood, CO Posts: 3,413 Blog Entries: 1	I like em all. My Rock Island Armory is nice too. At only about $400, it is a pretty inexpensive alternative to the all-nagging wife. __________________ "Minimum wage, minimum effort." "Never underestimate the power of stupidity." ~Me

09-18-2009, 05:35 PM	#6
Archetype_wyo Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Buffalo, Wyo Posts: 1,731	LHS my good friend as you saw in another post I just bought a PT1911 and it sure is nice. Smooth trigger at I think 3.5# crisp break. I have already put about 75 rounds through it which may not be alot but have yet to have fail to fire, feed, or extract. The pricetag on the box was $633.99 and according to this guy at Sports Lure (Reeve) its the best deal you can get for a 1911 right now with the options you get on the gun (Ambi-Saftety, 2 mags, Hard-case, 5" Steel Barrel). __________________ The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun. —Patrick Henry

09-18-2009, 06:14 PM	#8
Midas Chief Troll B' Gone Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NW Arkansas Posts: 3,571 Images: 2 Blog Entries: 6	I personally like Springfields and Kimbers, but there are certainly a lot of manufacturers putting out a good quality 1911. __________________ The Second Amendment: America's Original Homeland Security. NRA Life Member

09-18-2009, 08:57 PM	#9
Windwalker Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 6,097	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. __________________ America: Love it and protect it or leave it In God I Trust

09-18-2009, 05:09 PM	#2
Casca Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 23	There are no other 1911's except a Colt! Perhaps a Springfield, but that's it.

09-18-2009, 05:13 PM	#3
TeeRex Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Central, OH Posts: 339 Images: 1	I'm partial to Springfields

09-18-2009, 05:23 PM	#5
Cyrano Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New York Posts: 6,921	Check the used pistol racks too. If the pistol is a true M1911 clone, they will fit the same way. You can add aftermarket upgrades as finances permit. Just find one that fits right and go from there.

09-18-2009, 05:50 PM	#7
Baconbits Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Northern VA Posts: 149	I suppose if you wanted a good balance between cost and features, I'd buy the Taurus as well. All the goodies for around $600. I had a Taurus 92 break on me after 10,000 rounds and they shipped me a brand new pistol. Ever since then I've had a soft spot for Taurus.

09-18-2009, 09:04 PM	#10
Ten Man Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 430	Since I use Glocks for Personal Carry, I would have to say the best 1911 choice would depend on accuracy, since all other features of the 1911 are basically interchangeable. That leads me to nominate the Kimber Super Match II. Mine shoots 0.5" groups at 25 yards. It came that way from the Pro Shop in 2003. It is MY .45 ACP TARGET Pistol. __________________ AR10 - THE Battle Rifle! When Freedom is outlawed, only outlaws have Freedom.

09-18-2009, 09:27 PM	#11
jerry Short Time Shirt Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 13,228 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	Started with a Norinco, good solid gun wish I still had it. Uograded to a Kimber, nice gun. Partial to the first generation. Shot Colt and Springers, nice guns. Accuracy is important but takes a back seat to dependability for my purpose of use.

09-18-2009, 09:30 PM	#12
Deersniper Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 3,611	SS loaded Champ. A Springer that has been perfect.

09-18-2009, 10:57 PM	#13
Iron_Colonel Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Washington St. Posts: 3,281	Springfield Armory Mil-Spec has treated me well for more than 6 years now. So has my Kimber TLEII for a year and a half now. Both are great guns. But for a 1911 thats not so high in price, its hard to beat Rock Islands. Probably a close second and a good platform to upgrade on is the Springfield Armory GI pistol. I think thats the cheapest SA 1911. But for NIB, the prices aren't too discouraging. NIB Kimbers are quite pricey. Used is always an option. Just gotta keep the eyes peeled for the deals. __________________ Mosin Nagant evangelist on a mission to convert YOU!

09-19-2009, 05:07 AM	#14
LefthandShooter Got Jesus? Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Northeastern Ohio Posts: 4,345 Blog Entries: 2	Thanks to all for the info! The local range/gun shop does not sell Kimbers, and no one has a good thing to say about them. One guy said he'd buy/carry a HiPoint before a Kimber. They have a used on they took on trade as a favor to a good customer but they told me, as a good customer, they wouldn't sell it to me. One guy said Springfield and Colt are the best, but Colt are expensive. I used to have 2 XD's, and liked them, and they were both accurate, so I'd trust their 1911s to be also. Only problem they are hard to find around here. No one has any opinions on the Sig 1911? Accuracy is one of my main concerns, as well as reliability. I know a pistol only shoots as good as the trigger puller, but if I get one, I would like to know it is capable of very tight groups right out of the box. __________________ May God give us the wisdom & strength to live our lives in a manner that will be pleasing unto Him.

09-19-2009, 05:27 AM	#15
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness. Unit 13 Posts: 11,307 Images: 2	I have 2 Colts , 2 Kimbers ,and a Springfield...There is Nothing wrong with Kimbers , But I am Partial to Colts. ANYONE who says they would rather have a Hi-Point over a Kimber NEVER OWNED OR FIRED A KIMBER !!! ( I have the Hi-Point too !) Nothing wrong with a Springfield , or A Rock Island Armory, either... __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

09-19-2009, 05:43 AM	#16
LefthandShooter Got Jesus? Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Northeastern Ohio Posts: 4,345 Blog Entries: 2	Makes me wonder what they have against Kimbers. __________________ May God give us the wisdom & strength to live our lives in a manner that will be pleasing unto Him.

09-19-2009, 06:13 AM	#17
deadzero Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: deep in the swamps SC Posts: 1,203	I love the Colts. production tolerances and spec.s are much better on the clones than they were 20 - 30 years ago, so there is a lot of stuff out there I've not had the chance to play with. if I could afford one I'd love to own a Wilson Supergrade. I've used Wilson parts for many years and have got to fire several of their pistols (not Supergrades tho) over the years. I love my Colts, but I would love to have a Wilson in my collection someday. __________________ If I need more than 1 shot, I need more practice.

09-19-2009, 09:43 AM	#18
Archetype_wyo Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Buffalo, Wyo Posts: 1,731	One thing that is nice about the leading makers of the clones (Kimber, Springfield, Taurus, Rock Island A. among others) is that alot of parts are interchangeable, so should you get a gun and then some months or years down the road you want to get a new barrel or match trigger or titanium slide or whatever you may want theres a good chance you can get a good deal on one as there are so many makers of just about everything out there for the 1911 and closes especially if its just the bare-bones Govt' Style which is a 5" gun. __________________ The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun. —Patrick Henry

09-19-2009, 10:54 AM	#19
Paper Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: IL/WI Border Posts: 1,913	Not to take away from LHS's question, but is there actually a BAD one out there?? I'm not a good source of reference to 1911's, since the only one I've ever owned is my Taurus PT1911 (which has functioned perfectly for a couple years, now).. I've kicked around a Rock Island as a cheaper plinker, but then I look at my Taurus and ask why do I need another?? The Taurus does everything I ask it to do.. And this is from the guy who can justify any gun purchase. I like the looks of the high end 1911's, but truthfully, I'm not a fan of shooting the 1911 frame. Just never felt right in my hands, which are large, but not huge. I like the feel of the Glocks and my instinctive pointing of them is usually very good, and better than a 1911, so I tend to lean towards the Glocks because of this.. Anyway, is there any 1911 out there that's not worth owning? __________________ I'm on vacation!!!

09-19-2009, 11:03 AM	#20
big boomer Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Minn. Posts: 2,308	To answer the question "what do they have against Kimber" its simple PRICE they cost more. I have had Norinco, Colt, and one I built on an essex frame but right now I have a Charles Daly that I got as payment for something, its a wonderful 45. A friend just got a High Standard concealed carry type and that little gun out shot all our full size and was just under 500.