How does the Taurus PT1911 shoot compared to other 1911's?

Tucker 1371 · January 4, 2009, 06:17 PM

I'm looking into buying a handgun as soon as I turn 21 and I have pretty much decided on a 1911. I read about Taurus's 1911 in American Rifleman and thought it might be the one to go with, does anyone know how the Taurus stacks up against other 1911s?

The HK USP45 is an option too but they're kinda pricey.

David the Gnome · January 4, 2009, 06:21 PM

Have you looked at the Rock Island Armory 1911's? They're a bit of a cult favorite over on M1911.org. I've had two and both worked flawlessly, one is even a compact.

buckit · January 4, 2009, 06:30 PM

Man them are nice grips David. On the taurus I got one in ss and of the 5 1911s I own only the Dan Wesson shoots better groups and not by much. I shoot it better than the sw and colts and thats with sights Im not used to.

Tucker 1371 · January 4, 2009, 06:55 PM

Quote:

On the taurus I got one in ss and of the 5 1911s I own only the Dan Wesson shoots better groups and not by much.

I have a friend who is very hung up on Kimber 1911s (not that I dont like them too), one of your 1911's wouldn't happen to be a Kimber would it?

Officer's Match · January 4, 2009, 07:19 PM

I have owned 1911's by Colt, Springfield, Kimber and Taurus, and my PT1911 was one of the best shooters I've had the pleasure of shooting.

RobertSB701 · January 4, 2009, 07:25 PM

I purchased my PT1911SS about 10 months ago, performs flawlessly (750 rounds). I've only shot a Springfield, Colt, & Kimber. I don't see any major difference as far as how they shoot, All guns are more accurate than me.

hulley · January 4, 2009, 07:40 PM

I put 100 rounds through mine today. I love the way it shoots, very accurate. To be honest, it is my first 1911 and I wasnt to thrilled with it at first, they are a little more involved to field strip and handle differently than my Sig P225 and my FNP-40. But now that I've gotten used to it, I love it. I wouldnt buy another 1911, especially as my first gun. I like something that holds more than 8 rounds and can strip quicker. If you have your heart set on a 1911 than the Taurus is a great gun. I'm just not crazy about 1911s, they seem limited to me.

Jason_G · January 4, 2009, 07:48 PM

Quote:

I'm just not crazy about 1911s, they seem limited to me.

It's okay, we'll pray for you.

Jason

hulley · January 4, 2009, 08:01 PM

LOL, I knew I was gonna get it for that!

I just really like my FNP-40 with tactical rail and high cap mags and now want the FNP-45, they just seem more practical to me. 1911s are cool and beautiful guns for sure and will outlast the FNP, but I'd rather carry something newer.

FALPhil · January 5, 2009, 12:12 AM

Yeah, I felt that way back when I was a kid, too. Then I got older and wiser.

Jason_G · January 5, 2009, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Yeah, I felt that way back when I was a kid, too. Then I got older and wiser.

He won't understand until he has spent some time with his "hi cap plastic". After he has gotten it out of his system he will come around

. Hopefully.

Just so you don't feel bad hulley, I have some "hi cap plastic" too... but I'm still prayin' for you.

Jason

Aloha50 · January 5, 2009, 01:49 AM

I purchased a railed stainless Taurus PT 1911 and so far it's been a great pistol. I trust it enough to use as a duty gun.

Mat, not doormat · January 5, 2009, 05:10 AM

I've got two of them, and shoot them quite a bit. On the plus side of the ledger, they are both very accurate, and feed anything I've tried in them. From the factory, the checkering is a little sharp for some people, but I like it. The Full Length Guide Rod is a completely unneccessary contraption, and it simplifies life with the gun considerably if you replace it with a GI rod and plug.

On the downside, between the two guns, I've had several breakages. Nothing really major, considering the round count, though.

Gun #1
@ 1847 rds, internal lock in the hammer broke, rendering gun inoperable. Replaced hammer.

@ 4255 rds, spade on grip safety bent, no longer engaged trigger bow. Bent back, worked fine.

Gun #2
@ 800 rds, replaced hammer as preventive medicine.

@ 2123 rds, spade on grip safety bent, when attempted to bend back, broke off. Replaced grip safety.

@ 9534 rds, began having difficulties setting off primers, due to worn firing pin. Replaced. (yeah, I know, bizarre, but heavier mainspring, new mainspring, etc, didn't help, and a new pin did.)

Both guns had all springs replaced at 10k rounds. Gun one has been melonited and converted to Series 70 ignition. Both are running at around 13k rds now.

BTW, the melonite bit reminds me, get the stainless model! The bluing on these has got to be the thinnest, ugliest, most rust prone stuff of my acquaintance. Even oiling the one i was carrying morning, noon, and night couldn't keep me ahead of the rust.

Anyhow, to make a long story short, great guns, just get stainless, and replace the hammer with a normal one, before you trust the gun.

~~~Mat

puccini · March 16, 2010, 11:33 AM

I own both.
The Taurus is a really good 1911 for the price.
Reliable and accurate for the money.
Aside from the finish I think it's more than adequate for 90%
of shooters.

The Rock Island Armory 1911 is THE bargain for economy minded shooters.
I got the Tactical model with the bells and whistles.
Very happy with it.
Excellent gun for the price

When I shoot informal competition I always use the Taurus.
I get excellent results with Russell 200gr LSWC bullets over 4.2gr of bullseye.

The RIA model is not as accurate overall but still well worth it.

Kreyzhorse · March 16, 2010, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Gun #1
@ 1847 rds, internal lock in the hammer broke, rendering gun inoperable. Replaced hammer.

Wow, that's the first time I've ever seen any one with first hand experience of an ILS system causing a gun to be inoperable.

Not ragging on Taurus, but there is a lot of talk about ILS systems failing but thats the first time I recall any one with first hand experience.

riggins_83 · March 16, 2010, 01:22 PM

I'd take the Rock Island over a Taurus any day.

QC is really hit or miss with the Taurus!

michael t · March 16, 2010, 02:12 PM

American Classic and Rock Island Taurus ok but warranty service sucks with that company

AcridSaint · March 16, 2010, 03:10 PM

I agree the FNP-45 is more practical - if you have a suitcase to carry it in

tacticalj · March 16, 2010, 05:33 PM

PT1911 would be a good entry level gun into the 1911 realm. There are plenty of ways that you can upgrade a 1911. The design is almost older then dirt and really works very well. I've own a couple of them, but nothing fancy. Shot a friends Kimber and really did not see the difference in that and my rock island, other then the price tag. Will all the upgrades available, i would personally buy rock or taurus and then make the changes that i want, i.e. beaver tail, hammer, safety, etc. It should suit you fine if you want a 1911.

January 4, 2009, 07:19 PM	#5
Officer's Match Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2007 Location: LANCASTER,OHIO Posts: 3,944	I have owned 1911's by Colt, Springfield, Kimber and Taurus, and my PT1911 was one of the best shooters I've had the pleasure of shooting. __________________ REAL EYES REALIZE REAL LIES

January 5, 2009, 01:49 AM	#12
Aloha50 Junior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Posts: 2	Duty Ready I purchased a railed stainless Taurus PT 1911 and so far it's been a great pistol. I trust it enough to use as a duty gun.

March 16, 2010, 11:33 AM	#14
puccini Junior Member Join Date: November 5, 2009 Posts: 1	Taurus PT1911 and Rock Island 1911 I own both. The Taurus is a really good 1911 for the price. Reliable and accurate for the money. Aside from the finish I think it's more than adequate for 90% of shooters. The Rock Island Armory 1911 is THE bargain for economy minded shooters. I got the Tactical model with the bells and whistles. Very happy with it. Excellent gun for the price When I shoot informal competition I always use the Taurus. I get excellent results with Russell 200gr LSWC bullets over 4.2gr of bullseye. The RIA model is not as accurate overall but still well worth it.

March 16, 2010, 01:22 PM	#16
riggins_83 Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2009 Location: Wherever I may roam Posts: 1,515	I'd take the Rock Island over a Taurus any day. QC is really hit or miss with the Taurus! __________________ l've heard police work is dangerous. Yes, that's why l carry a big gun. Couldn't it go off accidentally? l used to have that problem. What did you do about it? l just think about baseball. -Leslie Nielsen

January 4, 2009, 06:17 PM	#1
Tucker 1371 Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: East TN Posts: 2,649	How does the Taurus PT1911 shoot compared to other 1911's? I'm looking into buying a handgun as soon as I turn 21 and I have pretty much decided on a 1911. I read about Taurus's 1911 in American Rifleman and thought it might be the one to go with, does anyone know how the Taurus stacks up against other 1911s? The HK USP45 is an option too but they're kinda pricey.

January 4, 2009, 06:21 PM	#2
David the Gnome Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2007 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 3,092	Have you looked at the Rock Island Armory 1911's? They're a bit of a cult favorite over on M1911.org. I've had two and both worked flawlessly, one is even a compact.

January 4, 2009, 06:30 PM	#3
buckit Member Join Date: March 2, 2008 Location: North Florida Posts: 62	Man them are nice grips David. On the taurus I got one in ss and of the 5 1911s I own only the Dan Wesson shoots better groups and not by much. I shoot it better than the sw and colts and thats with sights Im not used to.

January 4, 2009, 07:25 PM	#6
RobertSB701 Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2008 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 125	I purchased my PT1911SS about 10 months ago, performs flawlessly (750 rounds). I've only shot a Springfield, Colt, & Kimber. I don't see any major difference as far as how they shoot, All guns are more accurate than me.

January 4, 2009, 07:40 PM	#7
hulley Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2008 Location: Hoschton, Ga. Posts: 726	I put 100 rounds through mine today. I love the way it shoots, very accurate. To be honest, it is my first 1911 and I wasnt to thrilled with it at first, they are a little more involved to field strip and handle differently than my Sig P225 and my FNP-40. But now that I've gotten used to it, I love it. I wouldnt buy another 1911, especially as my first gun. I like something that holds more than 8 rounds and can strip quicker. If you have your heart set on a 1911 than the Taurus is a great gun. I'm just not crazy about 1911s, they seem limited to me.

January 4, 2009, 08:01 PM	#9
hulley Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2008 Location: Hoschton, Ga. Posts: 726	LOL, I knew I was gonna get it for that! I just really like my FNP-40 with tactical rail and high cap mags and now want the FNP-45, they just seem more practical to me. 1911s are cool and beautiful guns for sure and will outlast the FNP, but I'd rather carry something newer.

January 5, 2009, 12:12 AM	#10
FALPhil Senior Member Join Date: September 10, 2007 Location: Racoon City Posts: 934	Yeah, I felt that way back when I was a kid, too. Then I got older and wiser.

January 5, 2009, 05:10 AM	#13
Mat, not doormat Member Join Date: May 29, 2007 Location: Alger, OH Posts: 44	I've got two of them, and shoot them quite a bit. On the plus side of the ledger, they are both very accurate, and feed anything I've tried in them. From the factory, the checkering is a little sharp for some people, but I like it. The Full Length Guide Rod is a completely unneccessary contraption, and it simplifies life with the gun considerably if you replace it with a GI rod and plug. On the downside, between the two guns, I've had several breakages. Nothing really major, considering the round count, though. Gun #1 @ 1847 rds, internal lock in the hammer broke, rendering gun inoperable. Replaced hammer. @ 4255 rds, spade on grip safety bent, no longer engaged trigger bow. Bent back, worked fine. Gun #2 @ 800 rds, replaced hammer as preventive medicine. @ 2123 rds, spade on grip safety bent, when attempted to bend back, broke off. Replaced grip safety. @ 9534 rds, began having difficulties setting off primers, due to worn firing pin. Replaced. (yeah, I know, bizarre, but heavier mainspring, new mainspring, etc, didn't help, and a new pin did.) Both guns had all springs replaced at 10k rounds. Gun one has been melonited and converted to Series 70 ignition. Both are running at around 13k rds now. BTW, the melonite bit reminds me, get the stainless model! The bluing on these has got to be the thinnest, ugliest, most rust prone stuff of my acquaintance. Even oiling the one i was carrying morning, noon, and night couldn't keep me ahead of the rust. Anyhow, to make a long story short, great guns, just get stainless, and replace the hammer with a normal one, before you trust the gun. ~~~Mat

March 16, 2010, 02:12 PM	#17
michael t Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: Out back Ky Posts: 4,044	American Classic and Rock Island Taurus ok but warranty service sucks with that company

March 16, 2010, 03:10 PM	#18
AcridSaint Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2009 Posts: 407	I agree the FNP-45 is more practical - if you have a suitcase to carry it in

March 16, 2010, 05:33 PM	#19
tacticalj Member Join Date: March 1, 2010 Location: Kansas Posts: 35	PT1911 would be a good entry level gun into the 1911 realm. There are plenty of ways that you can upgrade a 1911. The design is almost older then dirt and really works very well. I've own a couple of them, but nothing fancy. Shot a friends Kimber and really did not see the difference in that and my rock island, other then the price tag. Will all the upgrades available, i would personally buy rock or taurus and then make the changes that i want, i.e. beaver tail, hammer, safety, etc. It should suit you fine if you want a 1911.