User Panel
Posted: 3/14/2017 9:44:16 PM EDT
Got a nice raise at work last week and I want to get myself a nice "atta boy" gift.
Somehow, i've never managed to get a 1911, but now I think its time. I have buddies who have Kimbers, Springfields and one with an STI. I must admit that being from Texas I am leaning towards an STI but ultimately I just dont know much about 1911's at all. A few stipulations: -Price tag must be under $2,000 -Single stack .45 only - no 9mm or 10mm or double stacks -Would LIKE to have a rail for mounting a light but its not 100% necessary -Would prefer to stay away from stainless, but also not 100% necessary -Nothing ridiculously rare or custom - needs to be able to be purchased or ordered at one of my LGS's So, lets do this! |
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[#1]
Springfield Operator, under $2000, light rail, not stainless, 45 single stack, 10 round extended magazines readily available. Only other I've had was Springfield stainless GI model, shot well but plain jane no frills.
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[#2]
Dan Wesson Valor. I have the stainless 9mm and its a nice shooter.
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[#3]
Just barely over your 2k.......... whats 50$
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411557788 |
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[#4]
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[#5]
Thanks guys, keep'em coming!
So whats the deal with Springfield? Has their quality stayed good? I've had multiple people telling me that the older Kimbers are great but the newer models have gone to crap. Also, no feedback on STI's? Really liking the Hextac SS.... |
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[#7]
I have an STI Lawman that I bought in 2011. Never had a malfunction, great trigger, excellent fit, shitty blue, very accurate. To be honest their new offerings are meh. I get the race gun heritage but man some of the new stuff just looks terrible and the prices have gone up a lot since I got mine.
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[#8]
Springfield TRP, you can have it railed or non railed. Will come in under your budget and allow you to get extra mags and some ammo.
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[#9]
Quoted:
Got a nice raise at work last week and I want to get myself a nice "atta boy" gift. Somehow, i've never managed to get a 1911, but now I think its time. I have buddies who have Kimbers, Springfields and one with an STI. I must admit that being from Texas I am leaning towards an STI but ultimately I just dont know much about 1911's at all. A few stipulations: -Price tag must be under $2,000 -Single stack .45 only - no 9mm or 10mm or double stacks -Would LIKE to have a rail for mounting a light but its not 100% necessary -Would prefer to stay away from stainless, but also not 100% necessary -Nothing ridiculously rare or custom - needs to be able to be purchased or ordered at one of my LGS's So, lets do this! View Quote |
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[#10]
I have a few kimbers now, I'm in love with them all. Miss my colt, but I'm not sure it was any better than the kimbers I have currently.
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[#11]
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[#12]
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[#13]
I currently own Colt, Sig, Springfield, Dan Wesson, STI and a Norinco.
I'd go with the Dan Wesson Specialist. It's the only 1911 that I have that needed nothing changed or messed with. |
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[#14]
Dan Wesson Valor is my fav, but the Specialist is basically the same with a rail for a light. Best production 1911's on the market.
The Springfield TRP would be my second choice. Checkering is a bit too rough for my tastes. You might like the Operator version better, no checkering and has a rail. Or you could look into a Les Baer, on the more expensive side, but it's a semi-custom and not a production pistol like the others. All hand fitted, but it is super tight!! Don't even try taking it apart before shooting 1,000 rounds through it. Or I would also look at STI, it's a production pistol but very nice. |
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[#15]
Texas also, getting an STI duty one 4.0 as my first 1911. Even though I prefer shooting guns with red dots now. I got my daughter an STI Electra in 9mm for her 18th birthday (she's 9mo old now) a couple of weeks before she was born, and now I want one to shoot. The fit and finish on it is outstanding (to me anyway).
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[#16]
I wish somebody had taken me aside and told me about Dan Wesson products years ago when I was in your position. It sure would have saved me a hell of a lot of money and time.
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[#18]
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[#19]
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[#20]
I have Colt's , Springfield's, and Ruger's. They are all great guns. As much as it pains me to say it, I think the Ruger is my favorite. High bang for the buck factor.
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[#21]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Springfield Operator, under $2000, light rail, not stainless, 45 single stack, 10 round extended magazines readily available. Only other I've had was Springfield stainless GI model, shot well but plain jane no frills. TRP model is what I chose. I really like my TRP but one thingI do not like is the 20lpi they use for the front strap it is aggressive as Hell. I would prefer it to have been 25 or a chainlink style. |
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[#23]
Overall best value pic:
Dan Wesson Specialist ~ $1,450 Honorable mention: S&W E Series ~ $800 SA Range Officer 45 ~ $700 SA Loaded ~ $1,100 SA TRP Operator FR ~ $1,499 Semi Custom: Les Baer Custom ~ $1,895 Good luck. |
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[#24]
This is what you seek.
DW Specialist |
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[#25]
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[#26]
update -
went to my LGS today to find a big sign out front that said "under new management!"... not a good thing, bc they were an awesome gun store where I have purchased many guns. went told them I wanted to see a few 1911's. the fellow behind the counter said they only had a few... zero springfields, one STI (double stack 9mm model) and the rest were remington's. very unfortunate because they were my go to gun store, now i'll have to find a new one. Im wanting to handle a few of the ones you guys have recommended on this thread. I really like the look of the TRP, and since so many of you have recommended it, its definitely close to the top of my list. I have never seen a Dan Wesson before, are they something I have to order online? I'd have a hard time doing that without handling one first. the search will continue this weekend, i'll go to a few more LGS's in my AO to see what all they have. Keep the recommendations coming guys! |
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[#27]
Quoted:
update - went to my LGS today to find a big sign out front that said "under new management!"... not a good thing, bc they were an awesome gun store where I have purchased many guns. went told them I wanted to see a few 1911's. the fellow behind the counter said they only had a few... zero springfields, one STI (double stack 9mm model) and the rest were remington's. very unfortunate because they were my go to gun store, now i'll have to find a new one. Im wanting to handle a few of the ones you guys have recommended on this thread. I really like the look of the TRP, and since so many of you have recommended it, its definitely close to the top of my list. I have never seen a Dan Wesson before, are they something I have to order online? I'd have a hard time doing that without handling one first. the search will continue this weekend, i'll go to a few more LGS's in my AO to see what all they have. Keep the recommendations coming guys! View Quote I don't know where you are in TX but the Market hall show in dallas will have them all Dan wesson SA trp etc ............ you won't find a lot of custom guns wilson etc but the production stuff will all be there at probably the best prices you will find even with tax. |
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[#28]
I've had a TRP and a Colt railgun.
I liked the Colt better; there was no play between the slide and frame, the finish was better, and the trigger was smoother. Maybe I got a crappy TRP and lucked out on the Colt, but IMO the Colt Railgun is superior. In all honesty, you can't go wrong with any of the options you've listed. |
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[#29]
I have lots, three Colts, two SAs, two STI trojans, a Kimber, two fully customized, and a Dan Wesson Valor.
And I shoot them a lot. All said and done: Dan Wesson Valor... Blemish. It's got the sights, trigger job, all the ergos, and finish that I want and usually have to add on as a aftermarket customization. I usually buy off gunbroker. Internet purchase sight unseen. A 1911 is a 1911. I love almost all. Never had a problem. |
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[#30]
somewhat off topic question
im a lefty. It looks like the Dan Wesson Specialist has an ambi safety already but the Valor doesn't. The more I am looking at 1911's the more I am realizing that I dont think I want a rail... just dont like the look of it and doubt i'll ever mount a light on it. That said, is it possible to put an ambi safety on a Valor if I wanted? (or any other 1911 for that matter) |
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[#31]
Quoted:
somewhat off topic question im a lefty. It looks like the Dan Wesson Specialist has an ambi safety already but the Valor doesn't. The more I am looking at 1911's the more I am realizing that I dont think I want a rail... just dont like the look of it and doubt i'll ever mount a light on it. That said, is it possible to put an ambi safety on a Valor if I wanted? (or any other 1911 for that matter) View Quote Short answer is Yes. |
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[#35]
Dan Wesson.
If you want the rail, go Specialist. If not, go Valor. RZ-45 is also a solid option. Buddy has one, he loves it. I have a Valor. I love it. |
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[#36]
I have a TRP Operator and a Les Baer UTC. Both are great guns but I shoot the Baer more. With you budget go with the Baer. Call crazy John at 1911heaven.com. If you must have a rail see if he has a recon in stock if not look at the UTC or TRS.
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[#37]
MC Operator.
Spend the rest of the budget on a quality light, mags, ammo, and any other accessories you may want. You'll still be within your budget. |
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[#38]
TRP. Use the extra money to get some 10 round mags, a good holster, a light, and some ammo.
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[#39]
Quoted:
somewhat off topic question im a lefty. It looks like the Dan Wesson Specialist has an ambi safety already but the Valor doesn't. The more I am looking at 1911's the more I am realizing that I dont think I want a rail... just dont like the look of it and doubt i'll ever mount a light on it. That said, is it possible to put an ambi safety on a Valor if I wanted? (or any other 1911 for that matter) View Quote Sig also has some very nice options well within your price point. I picked up my first over a year ago, and I don't regret it one bit. I own SA and Sig currently, but have also owned Colt, Kimber and spent plenty of time on a Dan Wesson. You really can't go wrong with any of them. My only advise is to go put your hands on each of the ones you narrow it down to before you buy. Once you put the right one in your hands you will know. |
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[#40]
Springfield Armory model of choice. Bang for your buck, Range Officer model is hard to beat.
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[#41]
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[#42]
This is a cool gun.
Here's a BIN from Florida Firearms (a very reputable gun shop) for $2,000 Ithaca M1911 1911-C45 M1911A serial 188 1911 Trade - Brand new in box. Match barrel, Bo-Mar target sights. Target trigger. The only downside is the right-hand safety. You could install an ambi, but if it was me this wouldn't be a carry gun, and it wouldn't much matter. |
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[#43]
+1 for Springfield MC Operator
Just bought one to augment my Ed Brown as the workhorse.. Paid $1050 new, + $190 surefire X300 + 4 WC 8 rounders + 1 10 rounders for under the price of a TRP operator.. Shoots great, the newer models also don't have the internal safety, good trigger too. |
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[#44]
Got to fiddle with a Springfield TRP over the weekend at the LGS.
I liked it a lot. I actually liked everything about it, EXCEPT for the overly aggressive texture on the front side of the grip (side closest to the trigger). I actually disliked it so much that it could potentially drive me away from the gun. What the heck is up with that? It almost hurts if you grip it to hard (I know I know, insert man hands joke here) Im going to try to find a Dan Wesson Valor somewhere to get in my hands to see how it feels. I think ultimately its going to come down between that, the Dan Wesson Specialist or a Springfield of sorts. Is there a quick / simple fix for the grip on the TRP? |
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[#45]
I just got used to it over time. Some people have modified theirs.
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[#46]
Quoted:
Got to fiddle with a Springfield TRP over the weekend at the LGS. I liked it a lot. I actually liked everything about it, EXCEPT for the overly aggressive texture on the front side of the grip (side closest to the trigger). I actually disliked it so much that it could potentially drive me away from the gun. What the heck is up with that? It almost hurts if you grip it to hard (I know I know, insert man hands joke here) Im going to try to find a Dan Wesson Valor somewhere to get in my hands to see how it feels. I think ultimately its going to come down between that, the Dan Wesson Specialist or a Springfield of sorts. Is there a quick / simple fix for the grip on the TRP? View Quote |
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[#47]
There are SO MANY good options out there for 1911s it's hard to go wrong. Just do tons of research and see if you favor a particular brand(s). I don't always like asking peoples advice because they steer you towards gun they like.
I like Springfields and Kimbers. But this week I really want a Sig Scorpian. This week I'm a Springfield guy, next week I'm a Kimber guy, then the third week out of nowhere I buy a freaking SIG Scorpian on a whim. |
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[#48]
Quoted:
Got to fiddle with a Springfield TRP over the weekend at the LGS. I liked it a lot. I actually liked everything about it, EXCEPT for the overly aggressive texture on the front side of the grip (side closest to the trigger). I actually disliked it so much that it could potentially drive me away from the gun. What the heck is up with that? It almost hurts if you grip it to hard (I know I know, insert man hands joke here) Im going to try to find a Dan Wesson Valor somewhere to get in my hands to see how it feels. I think ultimately its going to come down between that, the Dan Wesson Specialist or a Springfield of sorts. Is there a quick / simple fix for the grip on the TRP? View Quote |
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