Posted: 1/31/2008 4:26:12 PM EDT
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I am new to 1911 pistols. I have always wanted one and now I am ready to buy. I don't really want a Mil-Spec. I want one that have a beavertail and checkered front and back strap. I want a gun that is not over the top, just a good model to start with and build up later. In other words, I don't want to spend any more than I have to, but I do want the beavertail and checkered front and back strap. What would be the ideal gun to get? |
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I have been looking at the TLE. I will probably get a Kimber over a Springfield mainly because it is Made in America. That means a lot to me these days. It seems too much of what is being sold is manufactured elsewhere. I know the TLE has the checkered front strap that I want, but is that the only difference between the TLE and the Custom? |
dont get me wrong, i love to buy just about everything made in the US, but a lot of mass produced stuff nowadays, even made in the US stuff tends to be of shoddy manf/construction  kimber is no exception; as of late, a few too many of thier products have been leaving thier factory w/ one too many problems... other firearm examples are the craftmanship of US made Sigs and Berettas--thier EU counterparts manf were, imo, just better and you could see and feel the diff; cars are too, but thats something else... the great things about SA is that this company offers a great warranty and great CS that is propt and professional; no swartz FP safety like the TLE II (which i'd suggest removing or disabling); better overall fit, finish, and the like the only diff btw a custom II and TLE II is that the TLE II has the 30LPI FSC and night sights i do own a TLE II though, and i love it |
 The TRP is made in America as well.
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Que? My favorite are those who buy Fords because they are American made but miss the very small print that it was actually assembled in Mexico...  And they bag on me even though my Japanese Honda was built on American soil... |
| Look guys, I realize that parts are made elsewhere. I just try to buy as much American made items as I can. That is all. My decision is between a Kimber TLE and a Springfield Loaded. It will probably come down to which one I find used first at a good price. Thanks for the help. |
Your opinion is noted ................ and cast aside. Apparently you are not a fan of Kimber. I would think a used TLE or SA Loaded would be considered a higher end gun than a Mil-Spec or something of that nature. I will say up front, right now that my first 1911 will not be a $2000 gun. I don't have that much desire to have one. As I stated in the first post, I am looking for a good gun with a few basic extras because I have a budget. |
Quite a way to break into the 1911 world! True, though. Most folks who own Baers take pretty good care of them. They may have some rounds down the barrel and some finish wear, but are nicely-made pistols. I would have little reservation about buying another used Baer. Note that the blueing tends to wear quickly, but that's just cosmetic. Colts can be hit or miss, but you may like having the pony on the side. I love my Commander that's been customized. Keep in mind that I'm the owner of a Kimber Eclipse complete with the Series II firing pin safety. It's a great shooter and looks pretty, but now gets fired least of my 1911s. The only new Kimber that's interested me lately is the SIS. IMHO it's what they should have been producing for the last few years instead of screwing around with firing pin safetys and external extractors. If the price weren't within spitting distance of a used Baer, I'd be seriously considering one. The TRP is a solid choice, as long as you don't mind pretty aggressive frontstrap checkering. I almost purchased one instead of the Kimber. Personally, I'd immediately get rid of the 2-piece guide rod and maybe the locking mainspring housing. Those are both things you can do yourself. There are guys on this forum that far more authoritative on 1911s. That's just my input from having owned a few different versions. Those I've listed tend to run somewhere north of the $1000 mark, unless you keep the Colt stock. For a little less cash, take a look at the Springfield Loaded models. Nice touches in a more user-friendly package. I've fired a GI .45 that was fun at the range. For defensive use, I'd add more visible sights as a minimum. ETA: Sorry, just read your requirements. GI's out. I don't think the Loaded model has checkering on the front, either. Springfield only charges something like $120 to checker the frontstrap. If you opted for stainless, you could get a Loaded model checkered and not have to bother with refinishing the entire frame. ...or you could just throw some skateboard tape on the frontstrap. |
That's like saying my supermodel wife who cooks me breakfast & dinner every day, buys me Class 3 toys & humps my brains out, snores in her sleep. 
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| I was in the same boat last year, I got a used Nighthawk. Looking around can find you a great deal on a preowned gun. There is a Wilson on Gunslingers site under preowned for $1350 and one for $1375. They also show up on EE here. |
Yeah but Ford's parent company resides in the US and Toyota's in Japan. Either way, I like them both and not don't really bust anyones cajones for buying an overseas product, because as you pointed out, it's not just black and white. I did some work in a place that made gaskets up here and they sold to almost all the Auto Companies. Including the ones overseas. It's been a global economy. That said, I still try and buy American Owned products. |