Looking to get a decent 1911 - Page 2

DubC-Hicks · January 6, 2018, 10:31 AM

https://grabagun.com/springfield-armory-px9109lca.html

So this would seem to be a pretty good deal on a loaded model. What type of finish do the Springfields have?

Edit: Check that, I see now it says parkerizing. Does it hold up any better than the parkerizing on say, a Rock Island?

BigJimP · January 6, 2018, 11:46 AM

Parkerizing ...is not durable, regardless of who makes it.

If corp politics bother you on Springfield, ok - take a serious look at the new Colts. Thay are significantly better than they were 20 yrs ago.

Everybody has budgets, so if you don't want to go over $1,000 -- ok, I get it / but even under $ 1,500 ..., you should realize you're making compromises on most of these entry level 1911's. Part of it comes down to how much you're going to shoot it....2,000 rds a yr / or 20,000 rds a year... I don't personally differentiate between a range gun and a carry gun / for me, a 5" 1911 in 9mm is my primary range gun ( I fire about 20,000 rds a year thru it ) and its my primary range gun as well.

Personally, I don't want a gun that isn't going to operate reliably for at least 100,000 rds / I know the TRP and the higher end Colts will do that. So to me, that's kind of a minimum standard.

All I can suggest is, you shoot, or at least dry fire, as many of these under $1,000 offerings you can find ...and pick the model you like the best. Features that are deal breakers to me on a 1911...it has to have a good trigger ( no creep / has to break & reset smoothly) / has to have a checkered front strap ( many don't) / a mag well or speed chute ...ideally ambi safeties..( 5" gun in 9mm or .45acp)...decent sights ( combat sight rear / fibre optic or gold dot front sight )...

For durable finishes...there are only 2 that I know are durable...all stainless or Wilson Combat's Armor Tuff ...either one will show very little holster wear and hold up ( but I know you're not in the Wilson Combat price range ), so my recommendation is to go with an all stainless gun.

Good luck in your search ...and remember to have fun with the process.

P-35HP · January 6, 2018, 04:14 PM

Take a good look at the Magnum Research 1911. It is an excellent 1911, solid good value, beautiful fit, accurate and 100% out of the box reliable.

Nathan · January 6, 2018, 04:41 PM

You said, "....decent 1911..." had you said good, I would suggested a Colt or Dan Wesson.

For decent, who knows....
For "good" at a decent price, I would suggest getting on cdnn's mailing list as they have good Colts on there you will never see in 'Joes Sporting and Such' for "decent " prices.

Quote:

Parkerizing ...is not durable, regardless of who makes it.

Somebody better tell the Marine Corp so they can return all those M4's.

Kilrb · January 7, 2018, 06:35 PM

Just bought my first 1911, looked at lots of them. Narrowed down to a couple and decided on a Dan Wesson PM9 and never looked back.

DubC-Hicks · January 9, 2018, 04:21 AM

Came across a LNIB Ruger SR1911 5" on Gunbroker for $475 so I snagged it. It's the stainless model, not the nitrided Talo like I was hoping for, but $475 is better than $750 any day.

For RIA price, I think I'll be happy. Can't wait to get it

PatientWolf · January 9, 2018, 05:03 AM

From the three you listed you consider, four if you consider SS vs Nitride, I think you made a great choice. Enjoy.

Tad_T · January 9, 2018, 11:36 AM

I have both a Ruger Model 6700 5” stainless SR1911 and a Model 6709 5” TALO Night Watchman.

The stainless SR1911 has been my main match Wild Bunch pistol for the last two years. I usually shoot it in two matches a month for 9-10 months a year, weather depending . It’s never had a problem or given me any issues. This is firing right at 5000 rounds of my reloads of 230 grain LRN with 4.8 grains of Bullesye during those last couple of years. It’s bone stock.

Because my SR1911 ran so well is why I bought the Night Watchman. I EDC a fullsize 1911 and I wanted I wanted to upgrade my carry gun to one that had tritium night sights. I got a great deal on a supposedly factory blemish Night Watchman that I can’t find a mark on. I’ve fired about 500 rounds of both factory 230 grain ball, my reloads, and JHP’s through it so far without any issues. I’ve moved to it being my EDC.

I’m glad that you found a good deal. I think that you’ll be happy with your SR1911. I hope that you enjoy it.

Oldjarhead · January 12, 2018, 11:58 AM

I have two 1911s. Had them for about ten years. A Colt 1991A1 stainless steel Commander, .45acp, that feeds everything, and has been completely reliable since I took it out of the box. I have a Kimber Ultra Covert Carry 2 .45acp that after break in (500 rds) has been very reliable. You will have to experiment with different hollowpoint brands. The ones with wider mouths tend to occasionally hang up on the feed ramp on my Kimber.

Bayou · January 12, 2018, 12:30 PM

"Came across a LNIB Ruger SR1911 5" on Gunbroker for $475 so I snagged it. It's the stainless model, not the nitrided Talo like I was hoping for, but $475 is better than $750 any day.

For RIA price, I think I'll be happy. Can't wait to get it."

I think you'll be happy with that SR1911. I've put over 5K rounds through mine so far. The pistol runs smoothly and reliably. It likes copious lubrication.

Now, if I could only shoot without twitching the hand....

DubC-Hicks · January 18, 2018, 01:58 AM

Picked up the Ruger today. Looks brand new, with just a slight idiot mark from the slide stop. The good news is it's hidden when the slide stop is in place. Oh well, for the price I can't complain. Can't wait to get out and shoot this weekend, I have a few in the safe that I've picked up recently that haven't been shot yet

Don't mind the terrible cell phone pic quality. Have to resize everything to post it here

Targa · January 18, 2018, 07:19 AM

Nice!!!

Bayou · January 18, 2018, 08:16 AM

Very nice...

cw308 · January 18, 2018, 08:38 PM

I'm sure it will shoot as good as it looks . Very nice auto.

Skunkape60 · February 8, 2018, 11:43 PM

I have a Kimber, a SR1911 Cmd and an ED Brown. The one I like the least is the Kimber. the one I like the most is the Ed Brown. Right in the middle is the Ruger. I would say the Ruger is in good company...

haiauphixu · February 11, 2018, 02:40 PM

dress up for sunday

JWT · February 11, 2018, 03:02 PM

I have DWs, I have Colts, I have Kimbers, and I have Ruger SR11s. For the price I consider the Ruger a darned good gun. Have had more issues (all minor) with the other manufactures than I have with the Rugers. Rugers have been fine out of the box. You'll be happy with yours.

9ballbilly · February 11, 2018, 06:43 PM

My son recently got his first pistol. A Ruger nightwatchman commander. He is very happy with it, and I have to admit I like the sights better than the ones on my Para 1911 elite commander.

Both 1911's shoot great.

Congrats on a great deal!

DubC-Hicks · February 11, 2018, 07:36 PM

I've put a few hundred rounds through it since I picked it up, reliable with everything so far. I put some Magpul grips on it and I'm really liking it

Hawg · February 11, 2018, 08:08 PM

The best bang for the buck is a Rock Island. You did good with the Ruger.

cw308 · February 12, 2018, 04:24 PM

All the manufacturers want to produce good firearms and they do . Sometimes a lemon slips by , hopefully your not the one that buy's it.

heavyballistics · February 12, 2018, 05:03 PM

I have a sig 1911 and I love it, I have buddy who owns a couple Para 1911s and says nothing but good things. I like Kimber I just think their 1911s are a little over priced but I will eventually buy one, just not on the top of my gun priority list.

Also I have heard really good things about the range officer 1911

Coloradohtr · February 12, 2018, 10:03 PM

I have a Ruger SR1911 Commander and like it alot. I put a set of LOK g10 Spec Ops slim grips, slim bushings and slim screws on it and I like it better that way. If you get an older Kimber, Ruger, Colt, Smith and Wesson or Springfiled I don't think you can go wrong. I wouldn't get a Norinco or Rock Island if it were me though. I'm sure they are decent pistols but they don't quite have the nostalgia like a Colt or something like that. Having an American made 1911 in your safe to me is like having a Harley Davidson in your garage haha.

Brutus · February 17, 2018, 04:11 PM

I have 5 1911's, 1 Colt Gold cup from around 1978 never had a problem with it.
2 Kimbers both of which are very accurate, only problem has been parts breaking. On the Target II 10mm 1 broken extractor. On the Super Match .45ACP I'm on my 3rd set of adjustable sights. These malfunctions are what introduced me to Kimbers customer service which has proven to be akin to getting a tooth pulled. Will never buy another Kimber again. Most recent purchase was a Dan Wesson. I've had several Ruger revolvers over the years never needed to send one back, built like tanks.

January 6, 2018, 10:31 AM	#26
DubC-Hicks Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2009 Location: Backwoods, Northern MI Posts: 1,031	https://grabagun.com/springfield-armory-px9109lca.html So this would seem to be a pretty good deal on a loaded model. What type of finish do the Springfields have? Edit: Check that, I see now it says parkerizing. Does it hold up any better than the parkerizing on say, a Rock Island? __________________ ”Gun control is like trying to reduce drunk driving by making it tougher for sober people to own cars.” ~Unknown

January 6, 2018, 11:46 AM	#27
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Parkerizing ...is not durable, regardless of who makes it. If corp politics bother you on Springfield, ok - take a serious look at the new Colts. Thay are significantly better than they were 20 yrs ago. Everybody has budgets, so if you don't want to go over $1,000 -- ok, I get it / but even under $ 1,500 ..., you should realize you're making compromises on most of these entry level 1911's. Part of it comes down to how much you're going to shoot it....2,000 rds a yr / or 20,000 rds a year... I don't personally differentiate between a range gun and a carry gun / for me, a 5" 1911 in 9mm is my primary range gun ( I fire about 20,000 rds a year thru it ) and its my primary range gun as well. Personally, I don't want a gun that isn't going to operate reliably for at least 100,000 rds / I know the TRP and the higher end Colts will do that. So to me, that's kind of a minimum standard. All I can suggest is, you shoot, or at least dry fire, as many of these under $1,000 offerings you can find ...and pick the model you like the best. Features that are deal breakers to me on a 1911...it has to have a good trigger ( no creep / has to break & reset smoothly) / has to have a checkered front strap ( many don't) / a mag well or speed chute ...ideally ambi safeties..( 5" gun in 9mm or .45acp)...decent sights ( combat sight rear / fibre optic or gold dot front sight )... For durable finishes...there are only 2 that I know are durable...all stainless or Wilson Combat's Armor Tuff ...either one will show very little holster wear and hold up ( but I know you're not in the Wilson Combat price range ), so my recommendation is to go with an all stainless gun. Good luck in your search ...and remember to have fun with the process. Last edited by BigJimP; January 6, 2018 at 12:45 PM.

January 9, 2018, 04:21 AM	#31
DubC-Hicks Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2009 Location: Backwoods, Northern MI Posts: 1,031	Came across a LNIB Ruger SR1911 5" on Gunbroker for $475 so I snagged it. It's the stainless model, not the nitrided Talo like I was hoping for, but $475 is better than $750 any day. For RIA price, I think I'll be happy. Can't wait to get it __________________ ”Gun control is like trying to reduce drunk driving by making it tougher for sober people to own cars.” ~Unknown

January 12, 2018, 12:30 PM	#35
Bayou Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2016 Location: SE Louisiana Posts: 300	"Came across a LNIB Ruger SR1911 5" on Gunbroker for $475 so I snagged it. It's the stainless model, not the nitrided Talo like I was hoping for, but $475 is better than $750 any day. For RIA price, I think I'll be happy. Can't wait to get it." I think you'll be happy with that SR1911. I've put over 5K rounds through mine so far. The pistol runs smoothly and reliably. It likes copious lubrication. Now, if I could only shoot without twitching the hand.... __________________ Bayou NRA Life Member "Keep Calm and Reload"

January 18, 2018, 08:16 AM	#38
Bayou Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2016 Location: SE Louisiana Posts: 300	Very nice... __________________ Bayou NRA Life Member "Keep Calm and Reload"

January 6, 2018, 04:14 PM	#28
P-35HP Member Join Date: March 31, 2008 Location: NH Posts: 83	Take a good look at the Magnum Research 1911. It is an excellent 1911, solid good value, beautiful fit, accurate and 100% out of the box reliable.

January 7, 2018, 06:35 PM	#30
Kilrb Member Join Date: September 20, 2017 Posts: 25	Just bought my first 1911, looked at lots of them. Narrowed down to a couple and decided on a Dan Wesson PM9 and never looked back.

January 9, 2018, 05:03 AM	#32
PatientWolf Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Location: NC Posts: 946	From the three you listed you consider, four if you consider SS vs Nitride, I think you made a great choice. Enjoy.

January 9, 2018, 11:36 AM	#33
Tad_T Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 231	I have both a Ruger Model 6700 5” stainless SR1911 and a Model 6709 5” TALO Night Watchman. The stainless SR1911 has been my main match Wild Bunch pistol for the last two years. I usually shoot it in two matches a month for 9-10 months a year, weather depending . It’s never had a problem or given me any issues. This is firing right at 5000 rounds of my reloads of 230 grain LRN with 4.8 grains of Bullesye during those last couple of years. It’s bone stock. Because my SR1911 ran so well is why I bought the Night Watchman. I EDC a fullsize 1911 and I wanted I wanted to upgrade my carry gun to one that had tritium night sights. I got a great deal on a supposedly factory blemish Night Watchman that I can’t find a mark on. I’ve fired about 500 rounds of both factory 230 grain ball, my reloads, and JHP’s through it so far without any issues. I’ve moved to it being my EDC. I’m glad that you found a good deal. I think that you’ll be happy with your SR1911. I hope that you enjoy it.

January 12, 2018, 11:58 AM	#34
Oldjarhead Senior Member Join Date: July 4, 2008 Posts: 508	I have two 1911s. Had them for about ten years. A Colt 1991A1 stainless steel Commander, .45acp, that feeds everything, and has been completely reliable since I took it out of the box. I have a Kimber Ultra Covert Carry 2 .45acp that after break in (500 rds) has been very reliable. You will have to experiment with different hollowpoint brands. The ones with wider mouths tend to occasionally hang up on the feed ramp on my Kimber.

January 18, 2018, 07:19 AM	#37
Targa Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Posts: 2,084	Nice!!!

January 18, 2018, 08:38 PM	#39
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	I'm sure it will shoot as good as it looks . Very nice auto.

February 8, 2018, 11:43 PM	#40
Skunkape60 Junior Member Join Date: February 7, 2018 Posts: 8	I have a Kimber, a SR1911 Cmd and an ED Brown. The one I like the least is the Kimber. the one I like the most is the Ed Brown. Right in the middle is the Ruger. I would say the Ruger is in good company...

February 11, 2018, 03:02 PM	#42
JWT Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: Southern Arizona Posts: 3,888	I have DWs, I have Colts, I have Kimbers, and I have Ruger SR11s. For the price I consider the Ruger a darned good gun. Have had more issues (all minor) with the other manufactures than I have with the Rugers. Rugers have been fine out of the box. You'll be happy with yours.

February 11, 2018, 06:43 PM	#43
9ballbilly Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: northeast Florida Posts: 611	My son recently got his first pistol. A Ruger nightwatchman commander. He is very happy with it, and I have to admit I like the sights better than the ones on my Para 1911 elite commander. Both 1911's shoot great. Congrats on a great deal! __________________ may God eternally bless the American Rifleman--- as long as one stands, resolute, liberty shall not perish.

February 11, 2018, 07:36 PM	#44
DubC-Hicks Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2009 Location: Backwoods, Northern MI Posts: 1,031	I've put a few hundred rounds through it since I picked it up, reliable with everything so far. I put some Magpul grips on it and I'm really liking it __________________ ”Gun control is like trying to reduce drunk driving by making it tougher for sober people to own cars.” ~Unknown

February 11, 2018, 08:08 PM	#45
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	The best bang for the buck is a Rock Island. You did good with the Ruger.

February 12, 2018, 04:24 PM	#46
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	All the manufacturers want to produce good firearms and they do . Sometimes a lemon slips by , hopefully your not the one that buy's it.

February 12, 2018, 05:03 PM	#47
heavyballistics Junior Member Join Date: January 30, 2018 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 5	I have a sig 1911 and I love it, I have buddy who owns a couple Para 1911s and says nothing but good things. I like Kimber I just think their 1911s are a little over priced but I will eventually buy one, just not on the top of my gun priority list. Also I have heard really good things about the range officer 1911

February 12, 2018, 10:03 PM	#48
Coloradohtr Member Join Date: February 29, 2016 Posts: 49	I have a Ruger SR1911 Commander and like it alot. I put a set of LOK g10 Spec Ops slim grips, slim bushings and slim screws on it and I like it better that way. If you get an older Kimber, Ruger, Colt, Smith and Wesson or Springfiled I don't think you can go wrong. I wouldn't get a Norinco or Rock Island if it were me though. I'm sure they are decent pistols but they don't quite have the nostalgia like a Colt or something like that. Having an American made 1911 in your safe to me is like having a Harley Davidson in your garage haha.

February 17, 2018, 04:11 PM	#49
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	I have 5 1911's, 1 Colt Gold cup from around 1978 never had a problem with it. 2 Kimbers both of which are very accurate, only problem has been parts breaking. On the Target II 10mm 1 broken extractor. On the Super Match .45ACP I'm on my 3rd set of adjustable sights. These malfunctions are what introduced me to Kimbers customer service which has proven to be akin to getting a tooth pulled. Will never buy another Kimber again. Most recent purchase was a Dan Wesson. I've had several Ruger revolvers over the years never needed to send one back, built like tanks. __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search