I am ready to get a 1911 with a rail. I intend to make it a nightstand gun so it will get a Surefire X300U with a DG switch.

Here is a list of things whatever gun I pick will need.

Night sights
Left side Single sided safety
Magwell
front strap checkering
Barrel with busing and GI guiderod

Obviously I chose the Springfield LDD as it has the barrel with busing setup and not the TRP with its bull barrel with full length guide rod.

Both the Springfield and Colt would have to have the front strap checkered, the Cold would also need a magwell installed and night sights.

The Specialist is ready to go right out of the box.

Regardless of which I choose they will all end up around the same price once the work is done to them. Probably around $1700

What would you choose?

Is there a gun out there that fits the criteria I am missing?

Hmmm, same dilemma I am having now, well minus the colt.


The specialist will absolutely be a better fit (although the SA will be no slouch) pistol with better small parts. It is set up like you want. The duty treat finish is supposedly a very good treatment.


The DW will only have a 5 year warranty. The recent stainless (non Duty Treat) DW pistols seem to have some issue with galling.




The SA will be a nice pistol that will need custom work to get it where you want it. That said SA makes a damn good pistol and the custom shop is 1st rate. After adding your additional items to the operator, you will probably be at or above the cost of the DW.


SA also has a lifetime warranty with customer service that is second to none.




Can't be of help as I can't make a choice myself. I am leaning towards the Specialist simply because it is 99% of what I want out of the box ready to go.


 

Edit:


Note, I have a Stainless Valor, a SACS Mil spec and a SACS Range Officer + I have owned 6 SA pistols in the last few years.

Hmmm   I didn't realize the DW only has a five year warranty.

Yes and to the original owner only also.

For me the warranty would be the deal breaker. I am to the point now if the firearm does not have a lifetime warranty I don't buy it. Just me.

Get the LDD/LB Operator and get some aggressive textured grips. Should be good to go.

You could find an old MC Operator with the Pach wrap-around grips or the current MC Operator with the front strap checkering.  You will have to add a magwell, I used a S&A, and replace the MSH guts due to SA using their locking system.

Check the Equipment Exchange for a used Specialist. It was on there a few days ago with duty coat, very low round count and looked new. I have the Specialist and its a great weapon. It's also got the flat top with the grooves and other features found on more expensive 1911's. I ended up with the Specialist, ECO and the Guardian because of the quality of the Dan Wesson.

A few people have owned that one that was in the EE. he current owner has no idea how many rounds have been through it plus only the original owner gets a 5 year warranty.

I use a Duty Treat Specialist for this. Have a Surefire 300 on it as well. I love mine so far.

There are many manufacturers that do not have lifetime warranties, and there is at least 1911 manufacturer does not provide any written warranty whatsoever, they actually go out of their way to say they offer no written warranty at that..  

As to your choices, they are all solid, but I'd be tempted to go with the one that fits your needs right out of the box, and thats the DW specialist.

Springfield due to their warranty/customer service. Unsure of Colys cs?