best 1911 handgun in the world ? - Page 2

nate45 · September 2, 2008, 08:40 PM

Baer, Wilson, Brown, Colt, Kimber, Springfield, Dan Wesson, STI, Sig, S&W, etc they all make good 1911s.

I've had a Sig Revolution STX for a couple of years and so far not one malfunction, its also quite accurate. Is it the 'best' 1911, I don't think so, but it is a good one. I mean I've also got a loose old Colt made in 1917 and refinished by Augusta Arsenal during WW2 and it has never malfunctioned either.

I really like Wilsons, but just reading about them and handling them in the gunstore, I think that the Les Baer may be as good or better than most of the others. If you go by fit, finish and accuracy. If someone were giving me a Brown, Baer or Wilson I'd take it.

If I have to pay I'll settle for a Colt, Springfield, S&W, Sig, etc.

capnjim · September 2, 2008, 09:58 PM

A really tough question. Try them all, and then get an Ed Brown Special Forces. Thousands of rounds through mine and nary a burp. And it shoots better than I ever will!

Stevie-Ray · September 3, 2008, 02:05 AM

I'd take my Colt Mark IV over all the custom jobs out there, and I have probably less than $900 in it. Only thing it's missing is concealability.

Stone Cold · September 4, 2008, 06:02 AM

Playpenguin said: "I agree...it is too vague a question with too much subjectivity involved. A $2500 is often not a better gun than a $900 gun. It will not out shoot the $900 gun, it will not outlast it, and it is not better made...it is just prettier and has more add ons."

You really haven't owned a $2,500 pistol, have you? Sometimes, you get what you pay for, and that means accuracy and durability - and "pretty" is not just blue deep. I can't answer the OP's question because I haven't owned all the pistols. I have owned a wide range of 1911s and I can tell you unequivocally that MY $2,500 pistols are more accurate, have better sights, better blueing (which also means durability), and lack cheap MIM parts that wear out quicker than forged ones. They also have USEFUL upgrades that enhance their shootability over cheaper guns without those enhancements. Just offhand, after looking at the catalogs, the Wilson Supergrade seems pretty hard to beat. Armor-tuff finish is pretty yeah, but it's also pretty tough. The stuff doesn't seem to wear, and it absolutely helps reduce friction. My Baer has the finish worn on the rails after half the rounds that my Wilson has through it. Absolutely worth the extra $.

Rinspeed · September 4, 2008, 02:17 PM

Quote:

A $2500 is often not a better gun than a $900 gun. It will not out shoot the $900 gun, it will not outlast it, and it is not better made...it is just prettier and has more add ons.

Ya, I'm not sure where this idea comes from but when you get into the semi customs the parts are almost always better and the hand fitting will help the pistol run smoother and longer.

Playboypenguin · September 4, 2008, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Ya, I'm not sure where this idea comes from but when you get into the semi customs the parts are almost always better and the hand fitting will help the pistol run smoother and longer.

And you can get that level of fit in cheaper guns. My Colts ($700-$750) are extremely well fit and my Dan Wesson ($950-ish) is amazing. And the DW uses no MIM parts and the Colt only uses a few easily replaced ones that are really not an issue anyway.

Colt

Dan Wesson

rellascout · September 4, 2008, 02:43 PM

I love all the myths that the more you pay the better the 1911 you get will look and run. This is not always the case.

My main point is that if you take $1000 gun put it on a bench against a $2500 gun you might see a difference in the group at 25 yards.

Put the gun in average shooters hand and that difference will go away because the gun is no longer the weak point. The weak point in the equation is the shooter not the gun.

I am not saying don't buy a $2500 gun but the differences are not that great. Look at the DW. High end parts well put together one easily replaceable MIM part for less than $900. You certainly are not getting 2.77 X more pistol in a Wilson Combat or Les Baer.

Predator26 · September 4, 2008, 03:00 PM

Wilson CQB

Only my opinion though.

jfrey · September 4, 2008, 03:06 PM

The one in my hand when I need it the most. Otherwise, a Briley Versatility made with a Commander slide on an Officer's frame. Reliable, accurate, great concealed carry. Couldn't ask for more.

rogertc1 · September 4, 2008, 04:28 PM

Taurus all the way!!!

http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/pt_080505/

CzCasull · September 4, 2008, 05:01 PM

haha.. ha

yeah Taurus is beyond anything.

Darth vader · September 4, 2008, 05:58 PM

Kimber pro raptor

Playboypenguin · September 4, 2008, 06:01 PM

One thing I will add...I have not heard one gun put forth yet that I would not gladly have in my collection. Well, I might not be so proud of the Taurus but I would be willing to shoot the daylights out of it if it was given to me.

bac1023 · September 4, 2008, 07:18 PM

You get what you pay for with 1911s. I have them in all price ranges from $5000 full customs to Wilson Super Grades to $300 Rock Islands.

The TRP is nowhere near the quality of my 1911s above $3K and higher.

I think many people who feel otherwise, unfortunately have very limited experience with the upper end stuff.

To say a $900 1911 is built as well as a $2500 model is ridiculous, as is saying the TRP is the best all around gun. The TRP is a low to mid range production 1911.

Playboypenguin · September 4, 2008, 07:22 PM

Quote:

I think many people who feel otherwise, unfortunately have very limited experience with the upper end stuff.

What makes the expensive gun better?

bac1023 · September 4, 2008, 07:27 PM

Build quality, tolerances, fit and finish, trigger pull, smoothness, you name it.

Believe me, you can get a hell of a 1911 under $1500, but the high end models are fully worth it if you can swing the bill. I've got Wilsons, Baers, Brown, Nighthawks, Springfield Custom, RRA, Unertl, Performance Center, Volkmann, and a couple full customs to go along with a couple dozen production 1911s from the TRP to a RIA. I'm a 1911 collector and shooter.

I'm not trying to sound like a snob, I'm just stating my opinion since I own so many in all price ranges.

rhillen · September 4, 2008, 07:32 PM

Don't forget resell value.

Playboypenguin · September 4, 2008, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Build quality, tolerances, fit and finish, trigger pull, smoothness, you name it.

I have compared many 1911's from $500 to $3500 and I do not see the big differences in fit or trigger pull. How much tighter can a gun get than zero movement? I do see a difference in finish sometimes.

bac1023 · September 4, 2008, 07:39 PM

I'm not just talking about tightness, its about how the whole gun is put together. To me, its really not even close.

I enjoy shooting all of mine, but with the 1911 more than any other handgun, you really do get exactly what you pay for. That's not saying the inexpensive guns aren't good, because they are. I've got six 1911s under $500 and they all shoot very well.

Playboypenguin · September 4, 2008, 07:44 PM

Quote:

I'm not just talking about tightness, its about how the whole gun is put together. To me, its really not even close.

It must just be a "feeling" because I have stripped them down and see little difference. Once you get to a certain level you really do start to suffer from the rule of diminishing return.

bac1023 · September 4, 2008, 07:51 PM

Well, feel is a big part of it.

Believe me, there is a big difference in a production 1911, such as the TRP and the semi custom and full custom variety. I'm not knocking the TRP, I love mine. However, just comparing it to Springfield's best 1911 in the TGO1 shows a huge difference in quality.

Pics don't do these guns justice though.

beasleydano · September 4, 2008, 07:57 PM

The best I have owned is my current Springfield Armory TRP stainless no rail.

Gonzo_308 · September 4, 2008, 07:58 PM

Seriously? I mean we're this bored?

Stone Cold · September 5, 2008, 06:48 PM

I tell you what, Penquinboy, I've got a whole box of parts in my basement that haven't even been tainted by gun powder. They were all replaced with better (forged) parts, and the triggers on those brand new guns was not even close to what is on those guns now. You must have lobster claws for hands if you can't tell the difference between an Ed Brown or Wilson Combat trigger and a plastic Colt job.

Rant Casey · September 5, 2008, 06:50 PM

My wilson combat in 10mm is hard to beat in my eyes. 100% reliability with power to boot. A bit on the high side though, going to buy a springfield next time around in .45 acp.

September 2, 2008, 08:40 PM	#26
nate45 Senior Member Join Date: July 15, 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 3,746	Baer, Wilson, Brown, Colt, Kimber, Springfield, Dan Wesson, STI, Sig, S&W, etc they all make good 1911s. I've had a Sig Revolution STX for a couple of years and so far not one malfunction, its also quite accurate. Is it the 'best' 1911, I don't think so, but it is a good one. I mean I've also got a loose old Colt made in 1917 and refinished by Augusta Arsenal during WW2 and it has never malfunctioned either. I really like Wilsons, but just reading about them and handling them in the gunstore, I think that the Les Baer may be as good or better than most of the others. If you go by fit, finish and accuracy. If someone were giving me a Brown, Baer or Wilson I'd take it. If I have to pay I'll settle for a Colt, Springfield, S&W, Sig, etc. __________________ "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms."- Thomas Jefferson ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ (>_<)

September 3, 2008, 02:05 AM	#28
Stevie-Ray Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: The shores of Lake Huron Posts: 4,783	I'd take my Colt Mark IV over all the custom jobs out there, and I have probably less than $900 in it. Only thing it's missing is concealability. __________________ Stevie-Ray Join the NRA/ILA I am the weapon; my gun is a tool. It's regrettable that with some people those descriptors are reversed.

September 4, 2008, 03:06 PM	#34
jfrey Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2008 Location: Coastal South Texas Posts: 557	Best 1911 The one in my hand when I need it the most. Otherwise, a Briley Versatility made with a Commander slide on an Officer's frame. Reliable, accurate, great concealed carry. Couldn't ask for more.

September 4, 2008, 04:28 PM	#35
rogertc1 Junior member Join Date: December 17, 2004 Location: Maquoketa Posts: 1,335	Taurus all the way!!! http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/pt_080505/ Last edited by rogertc1; September 6, 2008 at 12:18 PM.

September 4, 2008, 05:58 PM	#37
Darth vader Member Join Date: July 15, 2008 Location: Selma, North Carolina Posts: 25	best 45 Kimber pro raptor

September 2, 2008, 09:58 PM	#27
capnjim Junior Member Join Date: September 2, 2008 Location: the residential part of Minnesota Posts: 2	A really tough question. Try them all, and then get an Ed Brown Special Forces. Thousands of rounds through mine and nary a burp. And it shoots better than I ever will!

September 4, 2008, 06:02 AM	#29
Stone Cold Senior Member Join Date: June 12, 2008 Location: Wilmington, Ohio Posts: 177	Playpenguin said: "I agree...it is too vague a question with too much subjectivity involved. A $2500 is often not a better gun than a $900 gun. It will not out shoot the $900 gun, it will not outlast it, and it is not better made...it is just prettier and has more add ons." You really haven't owned a $2,500 pistol, have you? Sometimes, you get what you pay for, and that means accuracy and durability - and "pretty" is not just blue deep. I can't answer the OP's question because I haven't owned all the pistols. I have owned a wide range of 1911s and I can tell you unequivocally that MY $2,500 pistols are more accurate, have better sights, better blueing (which also means durability), and lack cheap MIM parts that wear out quicker than forged ones. They also have USEFUL upgrades that enhance their shootability over cheaper guns without those enhancements. Just offhand, after looking at the catalogs, the Wilson Supergrade seems pretty hard to beat. Armor-tuff finish is pretty yeah, but it's also pretty tough. The stuff doesn't seem to wear, and it absolutely helps reduce friction. My Baer has the finish worn on the rails after half the rounds that my Wilson has through it. Absolutely worth the extra $.

September 4, 2008, 02:43 PM	#32
rellascout Junior member Join Date: September 2, 2004 Posts: 2,435	I love all the myths that the more you pay the better the 1911 you get will look and run. This is not always the case. My main point is that if you take $1000 gun put it on a bench against a $2500 gun you might see a difference in the group at 25 yards. Put the gun in average shooters hand and that difference will go away because the gun is no longer the weak point. The weak point in the equation is the shooter not the gun. I am not saying don't buy a $2500 gun but the differences are not that great. Look at the DW. High end parts well put together one easily replaceable MIM part for less than $900. You certainly are not getting 2.77 X more pistol in a Wilson Combat or Les Baer.

September 4, 2008, 03:00 PM	#33
Predator26 Junior Member Join Date: July 15, 2008 Posts: 7	Wilson CQB Only my opinion though.

September 4, 2008, 05:01 PM	#36
CzCasull Senior Member Join Date: August 17, 2008 Posts: 414	haha.. ha yeah Taurus is beyond anything.

September 4, 2008, 06:01 PM	#38
Playboypenguin Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Great Pacific Northwest Posts: 11,515	One thing I will add...I have not heard one gun put forth yet that I would not gladly have in my collection. Well, I might not be so proud of the Taurus but I would be willing to shoot the daylights out of it if it was given to me.

September 4, 2008, 07:18 PM	#39
bac1023 Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 1,107	You get what you pay for with 1911s. I have them in all price ranges from $5000 full customs to Wilson Super Grades to $300 Rock Islands. The TRP is nowhere near the quality of my 1911s above $3K and higher. I think many people who feel otherwise, unfortunately have very limited experience with the upper end stuff. To say a $900 1911 is built as well as a $2500 model is ridiculous, as is saying the TRP is the best all around gun. The TRP is a low to mid range production 1911.

September 4, 2008, 07:27 PM	#41
bac1023 Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 1,107	Build quality, tolerances, fit and finish, trigger pull, smoothness, you name it. Believe me, you can get a hell of a 1911 under $1500, but the high end models are fully worth it if you can swing the bill. I've got Wilsons, Baers, Brown, Nighthawks, Springfield Custom, RRA, Unertl, Performance Center, Volkmann, and a couple full customs to go along with a couple dozen production 1911s from the TRP to a RIA. I'm a 1911 collector and shooter. I'm not trying to sound like a snob, I'm just stating my opinion since I own so many in all price ranges.

September 4, 2008, 07:32 PM	#42
rhillen Member Join Date: March 16, 2008 Location: Sacramento Posts: 41	Don't forget resell value.

September 4, 2008, 07:39 PM	#44
bac1023 Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 1,107	I'm not just talking about tightness, its about how the whole gun is put together. To me, its really not even close. I enjoy shooting all of mine, but with the 1911 more than any other handgun, you really do get exactly what you pay for. That's not saying the inexpensive guns aren't good, because they are. I've got six 1911s under $500 and they all shoot very well.

September 4, 2008, 07:51 PM	#46
bac1023 Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 1,107	Well, feel is a big part of it. Believe me, there is a big difference in a production 1911, such as the TRP and the semi custom and full custom variety. I'm not knocking the TRP, I love mine. However, just comparing it to Springfield's best 1911 in the TGO1 shows a huge difference in quality. Pics don't do these guns justice though.

September 4, 2008, 07:57 PM	#47
beasleydano Member Join Date: May 20, 2006 Posts: 18	The best I have owned is my current Springfield Armory TRP stainless no rail.

September 4, 2008, 07:58 PM	#48
Gonzo_308 Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2000 Location: Sunbury, Ohio Posts: 1,367	Seriously? I mean we're this bored? __________________ Loaded like a freight train, flyin' like an aeroplane!

September 5, 2008, 06:48 PM	#49
Stone Cold Senior Member Join Date: June 12, 2008 Location: Wilmington, Ohio Posts: 177	I tell you what, Penquinboy, I've got a whole box of parts in my basement that haven't even been tainted by gun powder. They were all replaced with better (forged) parts, and the triggers on those brand new guns was not even close to what is on those guns now. You must have lobster claws for hands if you can't tell the difference between an Ed Brown or Wilson Combat trigger and a plastic Colt job.

September 5, 2008, 06:50 PM	#50
Rant Casey Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2008 Location: AZ Posts: 441	My wilson combat in 10mm is hard to beat in my eyes. 100% reliability with power to boot. A bit on the high side though, going to buy a springfield next time around in .45 acp.