Posted: 11/11/2008 5:08:21 PM EDT
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I was at the range today and a gun club buddy showed me his "custom" 1911 think it was a mid sized one –– looked sharp nice and slim.
I have been into rifles the last couple years and do not have a 1911. I would be willing to spend about a grand on one. I would like to find a colt 1911 since I have some colt rifles as well a couple colt pistols. I would like a "mid size one"if thats what they are called. I do not care at this stage of the game to customize it or anything like that. I'd rather spend the cash on a higher end one than a lower priced budget model. also would like to find one that did'nt require polishing or work to get it to run reliably. any advice on colt models I should look for? or any other brands that anyone could recommend? vague and uninformed questions I know but any feedback appreciated |
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A mid-size sould be a Commander it has a shorter barrel/slide, but retains the same length grip as the Government model.
Colt, Springfield, and Dan Wesson have some good Commander models. The Dan Wesson Commander Bobtails seem pretty popular. Colt and Springfield are solid companies with good products. Wilson, Baer, and other high end companies are going to be a bit more pricey. Kimber seems to be a bit more hit or miss lately on QA, but folks who get good ones are loyal to them. |
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A 5" is the right place to start for a first 1911. 4.25" or 4" guns are great for CCW, or as primarily a range gun, but the reccomendation will be towards a 5"
A basic Colt, or Springfield Loaded would be in your price range - I'd look at those first. A Wesson, Les Baer, or Ed Brown would be a fair bit more, but accordingly nicer. I'm a fan of the loaded - it's a solid value package. If you'r looking to upgrade and add parts, then the Colt would be the best base pistol. All those options come as 5" or as the Champion/Commander iteration. |
| I'd second the SA Loaded recommendation. I had one and liked it; it's within your price range. I sold mine and bought an Ed Brown- not because of any complaints about the SA but because I wanted a high-end 1911. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Springer although the EB has somewhat spoiled me! |
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First, Springfield Armory does not offer a 4.25" Commander-sized weapon. They offer a 4" Champion sized gun. The two are very different animals as the former is a little longer with a standard bushing and the latter is shorter with a bull barrel.
Second, figure out your application and tailor your purchase towards it. Someone mentioned the 5" is the place to start. That's hardly true for all applications. If you want a first 1911 for range use only and/or home defense only, then a 5" full size/Government is a top pick. OTOH, if you have ambitions to carry, or want a "jack of all trades" plaform, the 4.25 midsize/Commander may suit you much better, and it is the one that caught your eye as well. Colts offer a reliable Commander platform for starting budgets, but they leave much to be desired with respect to features for carry (with the exception of a few, like the gunsite and XSE pistols). You can add the modifications as your application and budget dictates, however. If you have the money and the willingness to buy better quality, the semi custom market is a quantum leap above the production class offerings. Les Baer makes a Commander platform (Comanche), As does Ed Brown and Nighthawk. If you buy a semi custom 1911 as a first, the odds of your 1911 experience being anything less than stellar are pretty remote. |
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+ 1 for the Springfield Loaded. I own one in stainless and I love it.
I will give you a warning, once you start to shoot 1911's, you'll almost surely be ruined on any other design. It's like the Black Rifle Disease, no known cure! Some cases have 5 or 6 1911s or more and it's never enough! 
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thanks for the replies fellas. looks like I need to do some research and looking around on internet to familarize myself with what is what. I'm getting ready to google les bauer comache as well as springfield loaded model.
A local shop has a nib colt gold cup blued for 869 bucks is that a reasonable price for that model? Honestly not really that interested in the gold cup just trying to see where the shop falls in terms of prices –– I know his rifle prices seem abit high ––but maybe I have been spoiled by internet shopping. I assume shipping prices on pistols are higher since I believe they have to be overnighted ––so pistol shopping locally may be the same to online with transfer and higher shipping cost. I may check back in with you guys to sound off a potential purchase down the road. thanks ! |
| There is not a person here (not wearing a protective hockey helmet) who would take a Springfield Loaded over a Les Baer. These two pistols along with the Gold Cup are completely different pistols in different price ranges with different applications. Gold Cups are medium-priced target pistols, Loaded models are mid-high end production pistols, and Baers (5" or 4.25") are high end semi-customs. Again, figure out precisely what this pistol will be used for (Priority 1, Priority 2, and if so, Priority 3). If Priority 1 would have anything to do with defense for example, then the Gold Cup would be right out. If 1 is defense but 2 is target use, then a Baer is a great compromise due to the way it's built. If you live in a colder weather climate, aren't affected by carrying a full size. and you shoot IDPA matches, then a 5" Baer would address your needs well. If OTOH you carry in a warm climate, and/or are less comfortable wearing a 5" and your target use consists of non-league recreational shooting, then the 4.25" makes the better choice. This is how to figure out the best purchase. Application, platform, features, price. |
