Which 1911?

[danber9546]

I have a strong itch that I really need to scratch concerning a 1911.
Which brand is the best as far as quality,reliability, ease of carry (which I may do on occasion:D)! I'd like to get something reasonably priced, while also reliable too. I really like the R1 and the RIA. But, would I be better off with say, a colt or a Smith&Wesson? All ideas welcome!

[SPUSCG]

Smith and Wesson, more features for your money.

[egor20]

Reliability, ease of carry, reasonably priced?

Look at a RIA CS

http://www.armscor.com.ph/pistols_practical.htm

I've been carrying one for years.

[overkill0084]

Springfield Mil Spec or Range Officer if your price sensitive.

[shanzlik]

Also consider an STI Spartan or Trojan, or a Colt Combat Elite. The others mentioned are good, too. What is your budget?

A commander sized gun like the STI Ranger II is easier for some to carry than a full size.

[danber9546]

I'm not completely sure right now, but I'm leaning towards the $400-$1100 range. I gotta say, I really like the Kimber Custom Ultra Crimson Carry most of all.

[BikerRN]

In the $400-$1100 range there is quite a bit of variety.

I'd opt for a new Colt and be done with it. If not the Colt than a Springfield Armory Loaded Model, or perhaps a S&W.

I'm basing my suggestions on personal expirience, observations of others, and reputation of the manufacturers.

Biker

[varoadking]

Colt Government Model.

[IDAHO83501]

Springfield, Olympic Arms, STI, Magnum Research, Colt, Sig, Kimber, all are good, do your homework, and get the one YOU want.

[Kreyzhorse]

It's really hard to go wrong with any thing from S&W, Colt or Springfield. I'm a Springfield guy and recommend their product but Colt or S&W will serve you just as well.

[TheGoldenState]

Springfield TRP

[BILLDAVE]

+1 TheGoldenState you are spot on. TRP,with a lightened trigger, and don't look back.
BILLDAVE

[ROGER4314]

Don't overlook the RIA 1911's. They are an excellent value for the money!

Flash

[Aguila Blanca]

You can't buy a new 1911 for $400 any more. Rock Island and Metro Arms used to be close to $400, but ... no more.

But you can get several Colt models, new, for $1,000 or under. If your budget extends to $1,100 I can't think of any reason why you would consider anything other than a Colt.

[Mike38]

"If it's not a Colt, it's only a copy." ;)

[sophijo]

ATI.....new player

[PT-92]

Regent is new to the 1911 arena <$400.

-Cheers

[Northslope Nimrod]

Budget: Look at low-end STI first, then RIA.
More $: Several good brands. Mostly just personal preference....STI, Colt, Springfield, Kimber & S&W are what come to my mind.

[shootn4fun]

Best bang for a few bucks: RIA Tactical
Best bang for a few more bucks: Springfield Loaded
Best bang for a long time and to give to your grandkids: Colt

[THORN74]

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/8489/imag0098a.jpg (http://img515.imageshack.us/i/imag0098a.jpg/)

here is my brand new Dan Wesson Heritage .... American made, no MIM, and series 70.....I highly recomend Dan Wesson 1911s !!!!

[OJ]

Colts are hard to beat - quality for good price - top one original made in 1970 ($800) & bottom one a repro made since 2002 ($900 some five years ago)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/kmastf/PISTOLS/IMG_2401.jpg

Stock except for low mount thumb safeties and larger sights - identical twins for me in finish, accuracy, and reliability.

[HKFan9]

Springfield TRP or Springfield Champion Operator if you like the 4inch variety.

[hammer062000]

I faced the same question as you a few years back, wanted a 1911 but did not know which one. Did my homework and research and looked at a lot of good guns, but when i picked up my Springfield Stainless loaded model, I knew she was the one. So i guess its alot like picking out a dog when you find the right one for you to take home you'll know it. One thing for sure there is no shortage of good 1911's out there.

[Skadoosh]

Get a Colt. Seriously.

[Lead shooter]

There are a lot of quality 1911's on the market. My opinion, you want a Forged slide and frame, and a minimum of MIM parts. Pretty much boils down to the COLT.

[skoro]

But, would I be better off with say, a colt or a Smith&Wesson?

My 1911 experiences have always pointed back towards Colt.

[Hig789]

I would say the RIA if this is your first 1911. If you end up not liking it(couldn't imagine why you wouldn't) and after you shoot it a bit and find out what custom mods you want on it you can customize it to your liking. Rather than paying for mods you wouldn't do your self if you where choosing them.

[joegator]

Just came back from the gun show. The least expensive model was the ATI at $399. It's a Philippines model. Not sure how it compares to the RI. The RIs were running about $499.

[bradypatullo87]

Nobody has suggessted a Taurus 1911 yet...good.

In all seriousness though, with an $1,100 price limit you will be able to find many great 1911s from many great makers. I am partial to my Colt series 70, but thats because it was my father's back in the 80s and she is still working flawlessly to this day. I compared a pattern at 15 yards with my Colt and a friend's Taurus 1911. The Taurus may have looked cool ( all blacked out with every option that taurus offers) but the targets spoke that day with the Colt's grouping being almost twice as tight.

I'm not intentionally trying to knock the tolerances of a taurus, but if you want a quailty 1911 below $1,100 then stick with Colt, Kimber, Springfield Armory, and all the like. Still, in the end try and find one that doesn't want to leave your hand. Good luck to you : )

[Wheeler1]

Low cost, NIB, good quality 1911, American Classic II by Metro Arms, RIA or the Shooters Arms Manufacturing (S.A.M.) imported by American Tactical Imports and know as as the ATI FX 1911 .45. They have the G.I., Thunderbolt, Titan Blue and the Titan Stainless Steel.. And finally, the Rock Island Armory 1911.

You could do a lot worse. The ATI GI shoots better than my Kimber and the Kimber is an extremely nice gun. I also have the Metro Arms American Classic II and will soon be the proud owner of the ATI Titan Blue.

Semper Fi,

[htown1000]

Colt Combat Elite.... DONE!!!

[rman43]

I have six 1911s from Kimber, Para USA, Springfield and Taurus. They ranged in price from $500 to $1100. Every one of them has been excellent and all have been shot a lot. Pick what suits your taste and budget best and buy it. You will be glad you did.

[Spats McGee]

Those who have posted before me have covered most of what I'd recommend. In the $400-$1100 range, there's a lot of variety. In no particular order, here are my suggestions:

1) Colt
2) Springfield Arms GI, Mil-Spec, Loaded, Range Officer
3) RIA

[Wanabebiker]

For the money I like Colt. Unless you can afford a Wilson Combat or Ed Brown... JMHO.

[1goodshot]

Colt or Springfield, you will also need money for ammo and leather.

[HoraceHogsnort]

I want a car that'll do 265 mph and I want a little tag on the back that sez "Buggatti Veyron" but I want it reasonably priced. Ya git what ya pay for. You'll never regret defering gratification, saving your mony and buying a really top quality gun. ;)