A few years ago I wanted a 1911 and went out and bought a Springfield Mil-Spec model. It shot alright, but still had some FTF / FTE issues after 300+ rounds. Had the shop that I bought it from put a different weight Wilson Combat recoil spring in it. It helped some, but I still had FTE issues. I was a gun newb at the time and I sold it.

Now I really feel the need to give the 1911 another shot. Even if it's just a range toy. I want to stay under $1500 and so far, I've been eyeing up the Dan Wesson Valor. I also want a solid stainless finish. Any other models I should add to the list?

You don't need to spend that much for a range toy - most $400ish RIA 1911s run like tops - and if you have any issues they have a lifetime warranty.

That being said, I don't know much about the high end 1911s so if you do end up spending that much, good luck! I just picked up a commander sized 1911 with rail and threaded barrel as a range toy for $436 shipped.

I have had some good luck with the Remington R1.  Good trigger, 8 rd factory mags.  I have the basic version with fixed sights.  Around $600.  Second on the Citadels/RIA.  They work too.  Just wanted a USA gun.

I've got the R1/A1 and it works great. Well, with only 50 rounds through it so far.
But for $550 it's pretty nice. Seconded on the trigger and the USA part. Pretty accurate too.
I like that it doesn't have the big tail or grip safety. The pin safety doesn't bother me because this is my first 1911 and I don't know the difference.

It was that or the RIA.

For that budget...

Colt series 70 repro
Springfield TRP
Dan Wesson

Colt Gold Cup stainless (05070X)

Colt certainly came to mind first but I found many reviews from the past 2 years that claim the quality is noticeably less compared to Dan Wesson, STI, Wilson, etc.  I would like to keep it at $1000 but that DW Valor looks and feels amazing. Haven't found one bad thing about them but I am a 1911 newb for the most part

Good friend just got a DW Specialist for $1400 new.

It's very very nice.

If you can swing a Valor, do that.

Otherwise......


S&W E series if you like lots of features

Colt 1991 if you like basic and functional

1) don't ever go back to that gunsmith.  
2) Buy a 5" Colt in 45.  
3) Be happy.

If you like the valor, buy the valor.

If I were to purchase a new 1911 today,  I would easily go with the Valor.

I  prefer to receive a pistol that already has the proper minimum clearances to function, and this is where Dan Wesson excels.  To be clear,  they’re  tight guns.

Slide-to-frame fitment on the Valor leaves absolutely no wiggle room that I can feel, up-and-down or side-to-side, whether in battery or with the slide locked back. Despite this, it cycles smooth as glass and as easily as the recoil spring allows.

Dan Wesson doesn’t manufacture every part on its 1911's. Grip safeties, mainspring housings, slide stops, barrel bushings, grips, sights, and springs typically come from a combination of other companies such as Ed Brown, EGW, Grieder, Wolff, VZ, Heine, etc.
All of these parts are carefully sourced and are best-of-breed and, again, they are all hand-fit.

As far as DW parts go:


Keith DW works there
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=457720

Thanks for the replies. The DW Valor seemed like the best out the box 1911 that would not require a bunch of custom work. I really want something that I can just be happy with from the factory without trying to have it moded or custom fit everything.

I of course would rather not spend $1500 on a pistol, but I think it may be worth it in the long run. If the boss is generous with the bonus this year I'll be getting the Valor. If not, might try out the STI Spartan V

I have the stainless Valor. You will not be disappointed in that purchase. I can't speak for STI pistols.
I would take a Valor over a Colt, all day everyday, not because Colt isn't a quality firearm, they just don't really offer anything out of the box that I like, the Valor is setup 99% the way I want a 1911 set up.