Posted: 4/4/2004 8:02:25 PM EDT
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Okay, I am new to the handgun area of this site... I am an AR guy, but my state has finally passed the long awaited CCW, now if I had it my way I would just carry my bushy around... but I am suspecting that would be pretty tough to pull off. If this area is anything like the AR forums, I am in trouble, now I know that there are probably a lot of strong opinions on what may be the best 1911 but for my purpose, I do not want the best just yet... Just something respectable that I can carry around. I have owned a few pistols (Sig 220, USP .45, glock 23), but I recently fired an old Colt 1911 WW2 (renter), looked like a POS but I found myself shooting my best grouping to date. In my own opinion a 1911 is how a pistol SHOULD shoot, but anyway... to the point. Kimber, Colt, Wil$$$on? Which gun will give me great reliability and quality for a fair (cheap) price? around $600... any input would be greatly appreciated, Thanks again in advance. -Op |
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$600 should more than cover the price of a decent 1911...so far, so good. IMO, even amongst brands, some models have better reputations than others. And amongst brands, Colt, Springfield and Kimber, there seems to be time frames through the years when better ones were built or some problems occurred. You may prefer a compact for CCW, maybe even an aluminum frame for lightness. Buying one with night sights already factory installed will run the price up, but may be worth it, rather that trying to install them later. Compare warranties, to some that's a good selling point. Short of naming one brand over another and having it turn out to be the rare lemon, shoot the one you finally purchase to verify reliability, with the ammo you intend to carry. And welcome to handguns, Op2.  Stand by for more input, I'm sure it's coming. 
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Well I have looked around and for the best bang for the buck I went with the The Dan Wesson Patriot, meanwhile the cost was a factor but it was the attention to detail and GREAT customer service, I had some questions and I emailed them to to Dan Wesson and Bob Serva The President of Dan Wesson emailed me back the same day and answered all of them. This said allot to me So I went out and ordered my SS Patriot Marksman for $670 Last week and I can't wait to go and pick it up. Nate |
-Op
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$600? SA Loaded 1911 Kimber Pro Carry II Kimber Custom II Smith and Wesson SW1911 The Smith and Wesson is a great deal. Shop around, you can find NIB from 630 to 680. Comes with 2 Wilson 47D 8 round mags. The Kimber and the SA come with cheap mags. You should come over to the 1911 forum if you want to learn more about 1911's. www.1911forum.com .I would say the same if you wanted to know more about Fal,s , Glock's , Sig's..etc... There seems to be a forum for each family of guns. Please let us know what you end up going with. I have the name handle on all the forums. ct602  Right to left/ Top to bottom -Kimber Pro Carry II -Springfield Armory OD Loaded 1911A1 -Norinco 1911A1 with various wilson parts. Finished in Satin Nickel -Springfield Armory Hicap Refinished Satin black slide/Gunmetal grey lower -Smith and Wesson SW1911 -Colt Defender The lighten and flash put a super bright finish on all the guns |
Great input, Nice collection ct... I'm not too sure about a Chinese 1911 (no offense), but what do you all think of the Springfield 1911A1 "remake" mil-spec? I know it's probably the bottom of the barrel as far as 1911's but for $379, thats not too bad for a start (is it?). I just want something to get used to before I spend $1k on a top of the line pistol. Well, there it is. Laugh if you will, but keep in mind that I am a  when it comes to 1911's... -Op
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No. If you get to a store and see a new colt commander[ or govt. model] that is well fitted, and his price reflects a fair discount, buy it. They are still the best you can buy at the price. Imho, This is the best choice until passing into semi custom territority. Sam colt will not answer the phone but the guns are a best bet. |
Good choice  but I'd try to get it for no more than $600. Gun Broker |
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here is a match ready pistol take a look http://www.gunsandammo.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=17366745 . You can find the patriots online for 620-750 depends on what you like. also look here http://www.sportingarms.com/results...escr=0&x=9&y=15. and if you have any questions on Dan wessons guns feel free to email Bob Serva at or get the phone # of of the web site and he can help you out. [email protected] Nate |
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Here's what's important to me. Ambi (extended) safety, night sights, flat mainspring housing, Gov't model (5"), combat hammer and Ed Brown grip safety. The Colt's have a reputation for being great but I will not own a 1911 without a combat hammer. Once you've had a good case of "spur rash" you'll probably agree. The 1911 that I think would best suit your need would be the Springfield parkerized Loaded. You don't have to deal with the mickey mouse Series II safety Kimber is imposing on the free USA and get more gun than a Colt Golt Match. Springfield barrels are sometimes a problem but I don't think it is nearly often enough to be a big concern. www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976254855.htm www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976359382.htm I don't expect you would have any issues with one of these and you shouldn't have too much problem finding one NIB for close to $600. IMHO, this is one of the best values in OTC 1911s. |
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"Okay, What about a Colt Series 80 MKIV for $679 used..." If I was talking best 1911 this would be about as close to the bottom as I could get. production approx $600 Dan Wesson Patriot Kimber Custom series gov't length S&W 1911 Colt's new MKIV series 70's Springfield's wwII mil-spec (I've had bad luck with the loaded series.) AMT hardballer 1911 Colt series 80 right there at the bottom, a gun that fires reliably but has a mushy trigger and sloppy fit and turns in 7inch groups at 25yds or worse. |