Posted: 8/12/2008 5:32:09 PM EDT
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I've been a devoted and loyal 1911 shooter for many years. I have a couple but they tend more toward the classic style. I have a Colt series 70 repro and a Kimber pre-series II Classic Custom Target. The Colt is a beauty to behold and shoots well. The Kimber will shoot the dick off a gnat at 20 feet but it's not much to look at, compared to the Colt that is. Well I decided I needed a tactical style pistol for holding lights and such. I had heard many good things about the S&W M&P .45, so I got one. I like it good enough, reliable as hell, shoots to the sights although not as tight a group as my 1911s and it generally does what it's supposed to do. I have only one problem, it has no soul. I know about technology and polymers and all that jazz, but it just doesn't do it for me. I shoulda known but I thought I'd give it a try. Now I need to sell the M&P to fund a tac. style 1911 with night sights, light rail and of course a deep black finish 'cause it has to be black to be tacticool. I've owned a Springfield loaded and now own an older Kimber so I have limited experience with both of those brands. I'd like some feedback on what railed 1911s you've owned and or shot extensively. Please no anecdotal internet info, I can or have read all thats out there. I'm looking for first hand experience or maybe second hand info from friends, family, co-workers, etc. The guns I'm considering are the Kimber Warrior, TLE/RLII, Springfield Operator series S&W or, gasp, SIG GSR. The TLE/RLII and SIG are kinda at the bottom due to their respective FP safetys. Not a big fan but if I hear nothing but positives I could be swayed. If there are other options at or below the $1k mark feel free to include those. |
+ over 90,000 |
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I'd recommend the SA MC Operator. In my mind there is no better bang for the buck 1911. It's one of my favorite guns, the only thing I plan on changing are a) possibly refinishing in Black T b) if I refinish then a checkering job. I plan on getting a Pro in the near future (dunno about railed or not) bur for less than $1,000, you can't beat the Operator. Mine sits on the nighstand with an X300 and Gold Dots 
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Replies seem to be quite unanimous, I will have to do further research on the MC Operator. I liked the look of the Warrior but it seems Kimber's QC has been slipping as it's popularity has grown. Thanks to all who responded and keep em coming if you've got more. |
) equipped with a Streamlight TLR 1, however were I in the market today I'd opt for the Springfield MC Operator as far as production guns go.
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Another option I've considered is a permanent add on rail for the Kimber. This pistol is a known quantity. It has not failed in over 3k rds and is the most accurate and well fit factory 1911 I've run across. I've replaced all the MIM/factory innards with parts from EGW, Ed Brown, etc. and it wouldn't need much to qualify. I was already considering having an EB beavertail, ambi-safety and re-finish done. All I would have to add would be a set of Heinie night sights (the only fixed sights to fit the Kimber adj dovetail that I know of) and have the aftermarked rail welded on. I know this goes against the arfcom tradition of "get both!" but it would solve the problem with no surprises. |
If you've had good luck with your Kimber, send it to a competent gunsmith and have a rail and the other mods added. Otherwise; SA Railed Pro (if you can afford it) or MC Operator |
| I remember reading that the SA guns up to a certain price point were completely made in Brazil while others were started there and finished here in the US and the upper end ones were totally US made. Does anybody know the full story? I'm not a brand whore but I do prefer to support companies who in turn support American workers. |
| I have or have had Kimber, S&W, TRP, Wilson, Sig. If you throw out the Wilson as the obvious winner, the Sig 1911 is superior to the rest as I have seen and used them. (Kimber is the worst.) The first Sig guns had problems but the newer ones are gtg. Use mine for duty, o/d carry and everything else. 15,000 round no problem tackdriver in full size rail and 1675 rounds in the Compact after the first 100 rounds and 2 FTF. What more could you ask for. And NO MIM. |
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I've liked the looks of the SIG guns since they came out but was dissuaded because of numerous QC issues reported on various web forums. The FP safety isn't a deal breaker but not a feature I want. IMO, the most effective safety is between your ears and if that don't work nothing is going to save you. I know the FP safeties are to prevent ADs due to the pistol hitting the ground muzzle first, but I believe it's been proven that a TI FP along with an extra power FP spring will prevent this as well. I'm really leaning toward having my Kimber smithed-up but I've appreciated all the advice and info. It seems a new gun these days can be a crap-shoot regardless of manufacturer and I'm not sure I feel like gambling right now. I know I haven't addressed the Taurus suggestion, but it's not really being considered. Not because it's a Taurus and all of them are crap, I don't think they are. It's more because of the American made thing mentioned above. I beilieve in this world of global market economy we are all being brainwashed into accepting that cheaper is better regardless of where something is made, who made it or what it's made of. I also know that the majority of consumer goods are made in foreign countries but when I have a choice I will always exercise my right to buy American. OK, lemme climb down from my soapbox now. |
 Springfield LW Operator. Over 4200 rounds through mine with no failures, used a verity of ammo and mags. Takes a beating and keeps on ticking. Here is a report I wrote up at 3.8k from the archives. The finish is holding up great and has seen some use in a CTAC holster. The gun is plenty accurate and could do much better in skilled hands. So far this gun has been 100% reliable with ball and HP ammo. It has worked with every mag I own, Chip McCormick Shooting Star mags, Wilson's, Mec-Gar, and the stock mags. Boringly reliable it reminds me of my M&P 9 in that department but this gun has a soul. Trigger breaks at 4 1/2lbs after a good amount of range time and dry fire. Novaks are nice but I will get around to changing the rear to a wide notch. With the cost of ammo I haven't changed the grips yet, but slim grips would be nice for carry. I will also replace the two piece guide rod for a tool free take down. After 3800 rounds downrange I have concluded that this gun was worth every penny, it's my second favorite 1911 in my collection after my Les Baer TRS. I will let you all know in a few years when I hit the 30-40k mark how well the frame holds up, but with the lifetime guarantee I'm not worried. It's beefed up in all the right places for hard use. |