1911 advice wanted

[SSGN_Doc]

Springfield makes decent 1911s.

Also, for the money the STI Spartan comes with a lot of the same features and is priced very well.

In 1911s the most reliable ones are the full size. Commanders can be o.k. but once you go much smaller, extended range sessions can point out that the really compact ones become finicky. The full size are also generally more pleasant to shoot, and the long sight radius is better for target shooting. Since you mention it may be used for home defense, but not likely a carry piece, I don't think you would find a ful size to be a handicap of any sort.

Pre Series II Kimbers were really nice. I'm not a fan of the Schwartz firing pin safety that Kimber put in with the series II guns and find that it makes them a bit more aof a pain to work on. Also in our humid and somewhat salty air in my current gorner of coastal Georgia, many of the used Kimbers I see have rust on the barrels, though they are supposed to be stainless barrels. Some folks are true Kimber fans and they can't all be wrong. Thesea re just my opinions and observations.

[45BearGun]

First of all, well done on choosing a 1911 -45 for your first centerfire handgun !!

I don't think you could go wrong with any 1911 in that class such as the Springfield Range Officer. I own a S&W 1911 E and it has been a total sweetheart!. I think a Kimber, the S&W, or Springfield would fit the bill. You can also get a new series 70 Colt for 850-950 depending on where you go. I have also heard great things about the new Ruger 1911. I have handled one and if I were in the market again it would be another choice I would seriously consider. As far as models, I am all about the government model simply cause I have no plans on using a 1911 for ccw purposes. Hope this helps.

All good advice from DDS.

Kimbers are nice but overpriced if you ask me. Springfields are a good value in a 1911

The S&W incorporates the improvements that John Browning himself came up with for the 1911 (which was his design originally) I'm seriously thinking of getting one.

And you can never go wrong with a Colt

Just stay away from the Remington !!!!

[Dirtwater Doc]

There are lots of choices (maybe too many) in 1911s. A plinker and possible home defense pistol can be had for under $500. Kimbers, Colts, Rugers (even Remingtons--sorry!) and on and on may run $1000 or more. Gunbroker has over 2500 listed!!

I can recommend Rock Island Armory 1911s. They make a variety of models and can be had for 360 to 700 depending on the bells and whistles.
Look here: Centerfire Systems - 1911

DD

[SteedGun]

I own a Range Officer. It is very well made and shots extremely well for the price. It would make an excellent home defense gun. My nightstand gun is a big brother to the Range Officer, a TRP Light Rail with a Surefire X 400 light. You will not regret a Range Officer. The only thing I changed was the front sight. I put a fiber optic front sight on mine.

Questions welcome.

[Gaterskiner]

Looks like you have been given lots of sound advise here. I do want to add that A full size 1911 is not hard at all to carry concealed if you have A good holster. I'm A small fella and it is my prefered carry pistol altho I can't carry it workdays due to clothing restrictions.

[SteedGun]

Now that I have a better keyboard let me add a few things.

One, all of the advice above is very good. A quality 1911 from Kimber, Rock Island, Springfield Armory, Colt, S&W, Dan Wesson, STI, NighHawk... will last you a lifetime and shoot the lights out.

If you are getting a 1911 be sure to learn some of the history and learn hot to disassemble your gun all the way down like this. This is a Range Officer disassembled:



Reassembled:



Each part has a story and the more you learn about the 1911 the more you will believe that John Moses Browning was an inspired genious. Inspired by God and driven by his own quest for perfection. His guns have saved more lives than any gunmaker in history.

In honor to JMB

[Bumpus]

I REALLY appreciate all the advice. Thanks, guys!

A few more things I left out:
-My buddy's 1911 is a Rock Island. Lots of fun.
-Definately looking for a full size 5 in. barrel
-CC at work is NOT an option. (I'm a teacher. School+firearm=unemployed)
-I'm only planning on owning one pistol - may as well invest in quality. (OK, I'll probably add a revolver to the arsenal at some point)

[Thren68]

I've seen quite a few problems with Kimbers produced in the last 5 years or so. I can't recommend them as of yet. They might have cleaned up their act recently, but I'm not sure. The older ones tend to be solid. Besides, they are generally at a different price point than the O.P.'s mentioned RangeMaster.

I think the Springfield RangeMaster is a solid choice, along with the Ruger 1911. Second tier choices would be the Taurus and the Sig 1911. Although the Sig might be pushing the price point again.

[Golfbuddy45]

I agree that any of the name brand 1911's are the best choice but I prefer Kimber. I have 3 Kimber 1911's and have never had a single failure with any of them.

My carry gun is a Kimber Custom Compact Stainless Carry II .45ACP,
Kimber Compact Stainless II 45ACP 2.jpg

My best shooter is my Kimber Gold Match II .45ACP on the left and can't complain about the groups I get with my Kimber Custom Stainless II 9mm on the right.
Kimbers.jpg

This target was indoors at the farthest back the track will go, 25 yards.
I shot 6 clips of 9 x 9mm in targets 4 and 2 = 54 rounds.
I shot 8 clips of 8 x 45ACP in targets 6 and 3 = 64 rounds.
I shot 8 clips of 10 x .22lr in targets 1 and 5 = 80 rounds.
25 Yards Target 1.jpg

GB45

[SteedGun]

Ooooopppps. Very sorry not to mention Kimber, please add Kimber to the list. The only Kimber I own is a Solo STS I am breaking in right now. Kimber is certainly another quality gun maker!