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Posted: 7/25/2018 11:54:22 AM EDT
[#1]
Dan Wesson Valor
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Posted: 7/25/2018 1:36:44 PM EDT
[#2]
I'd buy a Colt of some sort, probably one of the ones that looks GI. I say that only because Colt and the GI 1911 are so iconic. If he's not a 1911 guy he won't even know what or who Dan Wesson is.
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Posted: 7/25/2018 1:49:15 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryNice choice. |
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Posted: 7/25/2018 2:59:58 PM EDT
[#4]
I’m a dad to be retiring in a couple years. A little above your price point, but I would suggest a Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special. They’re discontinued now, but you might be able to find one. The price is going up. It should hold or increase its value.
TRS gen 2 is blued slide over hard chrome. Not stainless. If not, a Dan Wesson Valor would be nice. |
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Posted: 7/25/2018 4:23:40 PM EDT
[#5]
Dan Wesson Valor for the win in your price range.. Hands down best for your money
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Posted: 7/25/2018 5:14:50 PM EDT
[#6]
Blued
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Posted: 7/25/2018 5:22:23 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'd buy a Colt of some sort, probably one of the ones that looks GI. I say that only because Colt and the GI 1911 are so iconic. If he's not a 1911 guy he won't even know what or who Dan Wesson is. |
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Posted: 7/25/2018 5:55:08 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I tend to agree^. Like giving a Lamborghini to someone that takes the kids to school then back home. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I'd buy a Colt of some sort, probably one of the ones that looks GI. I say that only because Colt and the GI 1911 are so iconic. If he's not a 1911 guy he won't even know what or who Dan Wesson is. |
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Posted: 7/25/2018 6:57:47 PM EDT
[#9]
In that price range you can't do better than Dan Wesson. Their fit and finish is very hard to beat. And god forbid there is the slightest issue with the new gun, Dan Wesson will treat you like you are the only customer they ever had, and resolve any issues as quick as humanly possible.
Try that with Colt, you will get some nasty person on the phone and your gun will be gone up to a year for the simplest of issues. Good luck following up. Dan Wesson all around for the win. |
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Posted: 7/25/2018 10:18:38 PM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
Dad is retiring after 32 years of designing tools for a large oil company. He's never owned a 1911. I know nothing about them. Us kids would like to get him something nice to shoot and occasionally carry. We're looking to keep it in the $1500-2000 range. I want new. Stainless. 45. Full size. What do yall suggest? Awesome that you and your siblings are wanting to do this for your dad. The answers given are like " nobody's right & nobody's wrong " 
You do state an ignorance of the 1911. My question to you is this ? Will this just be a sentimental piece? Will your dad actually shoot it? Colt is an icon & can be a cherished item for your dad to hand back to you children. So, what is the ultimate goal that you have for this particular 1911 ? (Side note: All my Colts are going to my son's) 
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Posted: 7/26/2018 6:24:44 AM EDT
[#11]
One more in for the Valor...
I really love their Duty Treat finish, couple of years edc and looks new. Whatever the finish, quality parts and fitment, best bang in that price range. You could even order one with a couple custom touches, flush cut reverse crown etc. for a personal touch on a factory gun. |
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Posted: 7/26/2018 11:07:00 AM EDT
[#12]
Why don't you give him a gift certificate to your favorite gun shop and let him decide?
Since your Dad has never owned a 1911 he may not even want one. I have collected and built firearms for the last forty years, somebody else's isea of what I would like has very little relationship to what I do like. I'm sure he'll appreciate anything you get him, but being his choice is sure to please. |
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Posted: 7/26/2018 12:20:11 PM EDT
[#13]
If you really think that he will carry it, you might consider a 4" barrel. I carried a full sized 1911 for a bit. After a while, it gets really old due to the weight. Just my $.02. If it is more of a range toy then full size for the win.
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Posted: 7/26/2018 1:45:02 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Why don't you give him a gift certificate to your favorite gun shop and let him decide? Since your Dad has never owned a 1911 he may not even want one. I have collected and built firearms for the last forty years, somebody else's isea of what I would like has very little relationship to what I do like. I'm sure he'll appreciate anything you get him, but being his choice is sure to please. |
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Posted: 7/26/2018 3:03:04 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Why don't you give him a gift certificate to your favorite gun shop and let him decide? Since your Dad has never owned a 1911 he may not even want one. I have collected and built firearms for the last forty years, somebody else's isea of what I would like has very little relationship to what I do like. I'm sure he'll appreciate anything you get him, but being his choice is sure to please. |
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Posted: 7/26/2018 3:26:53 PM EDT
[#16]
The coldest joke that I have ever seen was our branch manager was retiring - one of our superintendents got a shotgun sleeve and put a couple of paces of rebar in it....
it was cold.... If he had asked us - we would have chipped in and had a sweet shotgun sitting in another gun sleeve... So have some fun with it... Red |
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Posted: 7/26/2018 3:32:19 PM EDT
[#17]
So you have 6 plus months? Ask him now what kind of 1911 he wants. Find out why he wants one, is it because of a certain TV show (Magnum pi, or something), or military history. If he's wanted one since he was a kid, I'm guessing he wants a GI looking one. IMO, it doesn't have to be perfectly correct, but I'd get a Colt with a spur hammer and gi grip safety. But check with him first, for all I know he wants a full blown race gun.
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Posted: 7/26/2018 3:43:02 PM EDT
[#18]
Another vote for Dan Wesson. I've handled a wide range so far and in that price range, without going used, I don't think you can beat them.
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Posted: 7/26/2018 4:08:56 PM EDT
[#19]
Hard to go wrong with the gift card idea...maybe if he doesn't see a 1911 he likes something else will catch his eye, on the Dan Wessons the Professional is a 1911 I have really started to like.
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Posted: 7/27/2018 12:29:21 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Why don't you give him a gift certificate to your favorite gun shop and let him decide? Since your Dad has never owned a 1911 he may not even want one. I have collected and built firearms for the last forty years, somebody else's isea of what I would like has very little relationship to what I do like. I'm sure he'll appreciate anything you get him, but being his choice is sure to please. |
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Posted: 7/27/2018 2:33:36 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I am older. It would mean more to me if my kids picked it out rather than give a gift certificate. 
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Posted: 7/27/2018 8:28:56 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I agree gift cards IMO are just a easy gift with very little thought.. Being given a 1911 your son picked out IMO would have a lot more meaning.. Which is what I did for my fathers 60th birthday bought a stainless Vbob and had it customized for him then gave it to him on his birthday.. I dont think he could have been happier.. This is the finished product.. http://i66.tinypic.com/2uzzfhj.jpg |
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Posted: 7/27/2018 10:46:46 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Agreed. See if Dan Wesson can build a 1911 with a personalized serial number. |
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Posted: 7/27/2018 11:06:33 AM EDT
[#24]
The Dan Wesson's are nice but I will throw in a TRP Stainless to the mix.
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Posted: 7/27/2018 12:26:28 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I agree gift cards IMO are just a easy gift with very little thought.. Being given a 1911 your son picked out IMO would have a lot more meaning.. Which is what I did for my fathers 60th birthday bought a stainless Vbob and had it customized for him then gave it to him on his birthday.. I dont think he could have been happier.. This is the finished product.. http://i66.tinypic.com/2uzzfhj.jpg |
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Posted: 7/27/2018 9:54:41 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The Dan Wesson's are nice but I will throw in a TRP Stainless to the mix. http://arms-tek.com/uploads/3/4/4/9/34496185/2823509_orig.jpg |
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Posted: 7/28/2018 4:49:39 AM EDT
[#27]
Dan Wesson
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Posted: 7/28/2018 5:54:39 AM EDT
[#28]
If you want stainless the TRP is nice.
You mentioned he’s talked about a Colt. I’d go with that. |
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Posted: 7/29/2018 9:02:21 AM EDT
[#29]
ruger sr 1911, baer TRS, or DW valor......
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Posted: 7/29/2018 10:20:11 AM EDT
[#30]
Just play dumb and pretend your getting one. Show him pictures and see what he likes while the whole time he thinks it’s for you. Take the information you extract from him and pick out the perfect pistol. Gift cards are nice but you guys need to pick this one out for him.
I would go with colt for sure tho. It has meaning to him and your dad probably could give two shits about the things that make brand x better than brand y. To him, it’s a COLT that he’s wanted for many decades. That’s all the bang for your buck you need! |
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Posted: 7/29/2018 8:57:43 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: A blued Colt Series 70 would be super nice as a gift, the Dan Wesson Valor would be too, but more of a shooter. But if you want a stainless Colt. Stainless Colt  Attached FileETA: They can be found for closer to $900, add some more magazines. |
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Posted: 7/29/2018 9:02:56 PM EDT
[#32]
Colt, The original.
The Gold Cup National Match in Bright Stainless is a thing of beauty. It is one gun in my collection that I would never sell or trade away. 
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Posted: 7/30/2018 8:59:07 PM EDT
[#33]
colt doesnt make much that I would want.....springer maybe, dan wesson makes a nice basic A1
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Posted: 8/8/2018 8:38:47 AM EDT
[#34]
As others have mentioned, depends on what he wants to do with it. If you are looking to spend this kind of money, assume it's going to be an heirloom piece. You want something that he will be happy with first and foremost but that you can be proud of keeping in the family, too.
If you are dead-set on stainless: Go Colt National Match/Gold Cup or even one of the fancy Lew Hortons Otherwise, I would try to find a WW2 USGI Ithaca, Colt, or Remington Rand. If he had always wanted on since he was a kid, chances are this is the type of pistol he dreamed about. In your price range you can find very nice examples. Heck, you could even go pre-war commercial in that range. I gave my dad an USGI Ithaca for his 50th birthday 18 years ago (he carried one in the Army). It is his prized possession. I stole that one for 500 bucks though
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Posted: 8/24/2018 11:14:56 AM EDT
[#35]
My recommendation isn't stainless, and might be slightly outside your price range. However, this is a retirement gift so it should be special. While I own, and generally like, Dan Wesson Valors and Colt 1911s they are just "working guns". The Valor is definitely a step up from just about anything Colt produces, but it still "feels like a production gun". Both Colt and DW can be found on just about any self-respecting gun store's shelf.
As a retirement gift why not make give something "special"? Les Baer isn't "full custom" but they feel like they cost a lot more than they do, and they SHOOT! My recommendation would be a Les Baer UTC with factory hardchrome finish. The UTC is the same as the Thunder Ranch but without the ugly TR logo. I've owned and carried 1911s for the past 34 years. I've had aluminum framed, stainless frame with blued slide, all stainless, all carbon steel. I've had dozens of finishes: blued, parkerized, various spray on finishes, various baked on finishes, electroless nickel, bright nickel, etc etc etc. I really like hardchrome because it doesn't gall like stainless, and is actually MORE CORROSION RESISTANT. I wish I had pictures of the stainless Springfield 1911 that was rusty. Anyway, HC cleans up easily and is tough. Many people say Baer's HC isn't as hard as his competitors (I don't think Baer performs the service himself ... and don't know who he uses to for it), but my personal daily carry gun is a UTC HC and it has held up great. I've also had a Baer SRP HC 1.5" and it was tough as nails. Summary: Les Baer UTC (Ultimate Tactical Carry) 5" 45 ACP Factory Hardchrome |
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Posted: 8/24/2018 11:16:42 AM EDT
[#36]
Found an internet picture ...
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Posted: 8/24/2018 11:21:22 AM EDT
[#37]
Over the years I've owned a few Baers ....
(1) Les Baer Custom Carry (1) Les Baer Custom Carry Stainless (2) Les Baer UTC - Blued (1) Les Baer UTC - Blued No Front Cocking Serrations (1) Les Baer UTC - Hard Chrome (1) Les Baer SRP - 1.5" Hard Chrome I still have the UTC HC. In fact, if I had to keep only one handgun that would be my choice. Les Baer (full size ... don't get anything less than 5") builds a gun the way we THINK they were built in the past. I can tell you from experience, they are HARD FIT (super tight barrel lock up) and feel like quality hand built heirlooms. |
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Posted: 8/24/2018 2:03:02 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
...snip... He's mentioned in the past that he'd wanted a Colt 45 since he was a kid. If just a 1911, I'd probably skip the Colt. If he specifically wants a Colt, then I'd get him a Colt. JMO & YMMV. |
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Posted: 8/24/2018 3:03:02 PM EDT
[#39]
Nicest 1911 you can buy new for about $1800-$2,099 is a Ed Brown Alpha stainless. Ed Brown builds his own frames, all forged parts, hand fit, and tested for total reliability! I’m sure a lot of guys will 2nd this.
The Ed Brown is better than DW, better than the TRP, and nicer than the colts, yes the Ed Brown fit and finish is much cleaner than a Les Baer! I’m a huge TRP fan, and DW fan, and LB..But, for $2,000. The Ed Brown is the nicest pistol you can buy. Something about a stainless les Baer feels a little unfinished vs a stainless Ed Brown 1911. The les Baer is more raw looking like it was once a block of metal, vs the Ed Brown is tight but not to tight, very smooth clean soft looking finish. And the slide feels like it’s on ball bearings. I’m sure you could find a like new in box Ed Brown kobra stainless for $1,500 or $1,600 easily. |
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Posted: 8/24/2018 3:10:35 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If you really think that he will carry it, you might consider a 4" barrel. I carried a full sized 1911 for a bit. After a while, it gets really old due to the weight. Just my $.02. If it is more of a range toy then full size for the win. |
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Posted: 8/24/2018 3:12:05 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I am older. It would mean more to me if my kids picked it out rather than give a gift certificate. |
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Posted: 8/24/2018 6:30:30 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryYou will not go wrong getting your dad a Dan Wesson.
For myself at 64, I would much prefer that my son picked out a new pistol for me, even if it’s not exactly what I might have picked out for myself, rather than have him give me a gift card or cash and saying “here you go dad, go buy yourself something... “ Gee, thanks son... |
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Posted: 8/24/2018 8:50:37 PM EDT
[#43]
I retired from a long career in March of this year, and my coworkers gave me a Sig Sauer 1911 STX https://www.sigsauer.com/store/1911-stx-full-size.html with our agency logo lasered into the grips and a Bison lasered onto both sides of the slide. I was overwhelmed. By the way, it shoots amazingly.
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Posted: 8/26/2018 11:51:46 AM EDT
[#44]
I'd say kick in more money and get him a premium 1911 like a Night Hawk Custom or a Wilson Combat, because they're head and shoulders better than the cheaper ones. But, if not, then at least get him a $2,000 Dan Wesson. They're much better than any Colt, RIA, Springfield Armory, Ruger, Sig Sauer, S&W, or Kimber. These are mine. And the one that is my EDC is the NHC because it is a better 1911 than the DW below it. Oh, and both are chambered in the more effective 10mm cartridge.
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Posted: 8/29/2018 9:56:09 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I retired from a long career in March of this year, and my coworkers gave me a Sig Sauer 1911 STX https://www.sigsauer.com/store/1911-stx-full-size.html with our agency logo lasered into the grips and a Bison lasered onto both sides of the slide. I was overwhelmed. By the way, it shoots amazingly. Nice gun! |
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Posted: 8/29/2018 10:12:00 PM EDT
[#46]
I’d say a stainless Springfield TRP over the Dan Wesson.
I have 2 TRPs and they are excellent |
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Posted: 9/19/2018 8:57:42 PM EDT
[#47]
Walt Longmire is a new comer. I was a peace officer in Wyoming for 38 years!
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Posted: 9/20/2018 3:53:38 PM EDT
[#48]
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Posted: 9/23/2018 3:45:40 PM EDT
[#49]
If your dad is a machinist maybe get him an 80% 1911 kit. He could make it to his spec and it would probably mean more to him as something he was able to build himself.
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Posted: 9/25/2018 4:03:17 PM EDT
[#50]
Guys keep posting pics telling this guy what to buy. Funny thing is the OP probably made the purchase like 3 months ago. In fact, the OP never even posted anything other than his first post.
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