Posted: 11/9/2013 2:47:19 PM EDT
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So, I currently have a G23 and an AR15. And I've been itching to get another pistol, and I've always loved the look of 1911s. Thus, here I am. I am trying to pick out my first one. My budget is ~$1000. I really like the Kimber Pro TLE/RL II, the main thing about it is the rail. I really like the idea of a rail to mount a light on when the need or want arises.
So, my question is are there any cheaper solutions out there? I'd prefer a full size frame with a picatinny rail. I have also looked at a few SIGs, but my mind keeps returning to the Kimber. I am pretty much a noob when it comes to 1911s, so feel free to throw brand names at me and other possible models. Thanks guys. |
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In my humble opinion for your first 1911 1000 bucks is plenty.
If you are ok with adjustable rear sights the Springfield Range Officer (RO) is a lot of gun for well under $800. On my RO I changed the front sight to an optic fiber, the mag release to a bigger one and I put one of those mag well funnels on it. Now I have nearly 5000 hand loads thru it and it runs great. Trigger is crisp and breaks at 4 pounds consistently per my Wheeler trigger pull scale. I have another Springfield 1911, stainless steel in 9mm Luger. Sometimes these are called a Loaded Target 9mm 1911 with adjustable rear sight. It is set up the same way as my RO. Trigger is crisp with a 3.75 lb. pull. I also have a basic black Taurus PT1911 in .45. It has more than 5000 rounds on it. Trigger pull was good but is deteriorating, getting mushy. As new the slide to frame fit was good and tight but has loosened considerably. Sights are not Novak but are Novak 3 dot type. This pistol is a range gun and not holstered but still the black finish is wearing thin. I would not buy another Taurus 1911. Not bcuz they are bad but bcuz there are far better offerings for the money. I do not own but have shot a Para 1911. It was a newish pistol. The trigger was good. VonBark |
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Quoted:
I have to go with the ruger sr1911, as it was my first 1911 and has sparked the urge for more, but it has been flawless so far and is a well made gun for the money mine to just picked one up a month or so ago. So far extremely accurate and no malfunctions in 200 rounds 
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Quoted: I hadn't looked at prices for the RO, as I was set on a rail. But the price difference leaves me with enough to get plenty of ammo while staying in my original budget. Thanks for that suggestion!
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Quoted:
I hadn't looked at prices for the RO, as I was set on a rail. But the price difference leaves me with enough to get plenty of ammo while staying in my original budget. Thanks for that suggestion! I opted for the SA Loaded Parkerized in stead of the RO. They are about the same price, and the most significant difference is that the Loaded parkerized has Trijicon Novak style night sights, whereas the RO has more target sights that are easily adjustable. I was more interested in the night sights, so that guided my decision. Neither has a rail though, but both are about the same price. If you are still serious about the rail, I would go with the MC operator, as suggested above. It, too, is basically the same gun, but with the addition of a rail. I think it also comes with night sights, which is a plus to me. |
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For what you're looking to spend I'd suggest a Springfield Range Officer, Ruger SR1911, or S&W E Series in no particular order.
All are made by companies that will take care of you properly in the event you get one of the occasional turds that slips through quality control. The Ruger and S&W are made here in the USA if that matters to you, and the E Series offers the most features whereas the others, though also very good pistols, are more "bare bones". The Ruger has a cast frame, which matters not in the least, and the S&W E Series has an external extractor which is extremely reliable although 1911 purists frown on them. Another option is to buy one of the better Philipines made 1911's like those made by ARMSCOR they are somewhat less well finished but are very good, reliable pistols and the company offers excellent cusomer service. You don't have to spend a fortune to get a very nice 1911. |