Posted: 10/2/2009 7:07:30 AM EDT
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Let me preface this by saying that I am fairly knowledgable when it comes to 1911s but would prefer some more opinions. In about 3 weeks, I turn 21, and as such want to celebrate my 21st birthday by buying a 1911. My price range is give or take around $1000 but I'd be willing to go up to about $1500 for this pistol. I've done some research, not a lot, but some and just have a few questions. I've always been fond of Smith & Wesson because of their revolvers, are their 1911s of the same quality? What about Sig? I've also heard people mention on this board the Springfield TRP, what's their quality like? Any other brands that you would recommend? FWIW, this pistol will be a carry pistol so it has to have the beavertail grip safety, commander hammer, and night sights. Thanks for the help. ETA: Coincidentally post 45 asking about a .45 |
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Lots of different options in the price range that you mentioned, lots of great ones. Colt, SA, DW are all great choices. S&W has been pretty well received, as has SIG, but I prefer internal extractors, personal preference.
The Springfield TRP is in my opinion one of the great production guns out there, as is the MC Operator, both should fall within your price range. The Colt XSE series and Combat Elite are also great, though they don't come from the factory with tritium night sights. Looking at used guns will get you within your price range as well, and you can find some real gems, stay with forged frames and slides. Enjoy, and be prepared to buy more! ~Augee |
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I have a Kimber 1911 Custom SS Target and a Springfield TRP and I love them both. The TRP is an excellent pistol fit is excellent, shots like a dream and for a pistol around 1500 bones it is worth every penny. My Kimber is a great pistol also but no as many bells and whistles as my TRP stock but I have done work to it. In the 1000 to 1500 range you will get a good pistol.
Do not forget to check out Les Baer, Wilson and some other ones. My next one personally will be a high end Colt or Les Baer. Here are my 1911's 
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Well for your price range there are probably 3-4 pistols that jump out immediately as great quality.
Les Baer Thunder Ranch or Premier II Springfield TRP Dan Wesson Valor Some other good guns to look at: Dan Wesson Pointman Colt anything Springfield MC Operator STI Trojan Kimber Warrior |
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Quoted:
My Kimber CDP (Pro) was $900, and my Les Baer Thunder Ranch was $1300, on consignment. Both are excellent pistols. If you can go up to $1500, the Dan Wesson Valor and Springfield TRP are pretty attractive models. Dan Wesson Valor won't have any MIM though, so that's a +1 for it. Also used Les Baers can be found around that price range. Don't discount STI and Fusion from that mix as well. I don't consider the S&W/Colt/SIG options as competitors to the above ones listed, they are just not in the same quality category. |
| Kimber SIS FTW. I have had several Springfields. 3 to be exact. none of them were worth a damn. FTF FTE and all 3 looked like and fit like they were machined by a monkey with a hammer and chisel set. Con trast that to my 2 Kimbers that have run flawless. The fit and finish is superb and they will chamber anything I feed them. |
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Quoted:
Kimber SIS FTW. I have had several Springfields. 3 to be exact. none of them were worth a damn. FTF FTE and all 3 looked like and fit like they were machined by a monkey with a hammer and chisel set. Con trast that to my 2 Kimbers that have run flawless. The fit and finish is superb and they will chamber anything I feed them. No offense, but the SIS has some of the most useless and ugly slide serrations of any 1911 available. |
| thanks for all the answers so far guys. since i still have about 2.5 weeks until i turn 21, more info would greatly be appreciated. i handled a TRP at the gun show today and was very impressed. i also saw MIM mentioned in this thread, sorry for being a newb, but what does that stand for. thanks in advance guys. |
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I'd take Trumpets advise.
BUT, The TRP is a niiiiice production gun, and actually has some hand fitting done on it (barrel to slide for sure, I THINK slide to frame as well) Mine has no slide or barrel play, has been 100% reliable in over 1500 rounds and is a tack driver. I'm not sure how important it is to you but it does have some MIM. (Springfields MIM is some of the best out there from my experience and what I've seen/read) I'd rather deal with good MIM than I would a goofy ass external extractor or a slide that looks like something out of a Sci-Fi movie...YMMV |
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