Help me choose a 1911 - Page 2

baddarryl · May 21, 2022, 08:00 PM

I found a DW Specialist locally used for a couple hundred under new. I may get it Monday. Anyone have one?

Nathan · May 21, 2022, 09:02 PM

Yes. Any questions about the Specialist? I was just shooting mine today!

stagpanther · May 22, 2022, 04:55 AM

Colt

WC145 · May 22, 2022, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baddarryl

$1200-2000 roughly

A nice used Baer or maybe a Colt Competition.

Logs · May 22, 2022, 07:54 AM

I'm looking at a Colt Competition or SA Garrison myself after dealing with Kimber last month. The features on the Garrison seem hard to beat.

the45er · May 22, 2022, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baddarryl

I found a DW Specialist locally used for a couple hundred under new. I may get it Monday. Anyone have one?

Shot mine today. Best shooter of my 1911 collection!

**Shane Tuttle** · May 23, 2022, 03:34 PM

Used? Les Baer, Ed Brown, Wilson Combat in that order.

Dan Wesson is on my radar. Finely made. But I personally don't see the build quality on the same level as the others I mentioned.

New? Now, I would look at a Dan Wesson. Last I checked, Baers/Browns/Wilsons aren't going to be at the $2000 price point for what you might want.

IDPA isn't as precise in the accuracy department for shooting. The bottom line is reliability and well above average precision grouping will generally keep you in competition. You can find 1911 variants that are sub $1k that would fit the bill, as well, if you ask me.

rc · May 23, 2022, 11:30 PM

I like Kimber over springfield for reliability of a steel firing pin. Colt would be good if you get a good one. 45 full size guns have a lot to offer even in this Glock world. If I want 9, the CZs are the best 9s

jar · May 29, 2022, 10:10 AM

I love my Colt 1903s and find them to be close to the perfect pistol for me but I'd never been able to warm up to the 1911 platform. About 40 years ago I bought a Series 80 and really wanted to like it but it simply never felt right, never shot right and never was totally reliable so it went to a Forever Home.

Time passed and I still felt slight guilty that I didn't have a 1911 so I bought a somewhat custom pre-CZ Dan Wesson Pointman/Patriot hybrid. It was beautiful and accurate but again it was picky about ammo and just never felt right so after a few years it too went to a Forever Home.

I loved the 45acp as a caliber/cartridge and have lots of 45acp wheelies from both Colt and Smith and when I lived in Phoenix back in the 1960s it was one of them that went with me when wandering in the desert or Superstitions.

I always felt somewhat dirty not having a 1911 or liking a 1911. Back when I was in likely the second or third grade I had taken a pieces parts 1911 that had followed my dad home from his four year all expenses paid vacation in the Mediterranean, North African, Italian and Persian Gulf as well as one 45acp cartridge to school for show and tell and to talk about the safety rules my dad had taught me and so I really really felt like I should love a 1911 of my own.

More time passed and a bunch of relative lower cost 1911s from a Turkish firm started arriving and they all looked pretty much like that 1911 from long long ago in a time far far away. They were really pretty inexpensive and so I was tempted to try yet another 1911.

I kept putting one in a shopping cart but then getting cold feet and putting it back. This went on for several years until recently when I decided to try yet again.

And I'm glad I did.

This 1911A1 felt much like that rattle trap from those long ago days but without the rattle. It arrived and after a clean and lube I took it with a couple Mec-Gar mags that were left over from the Dan Wesson and somehow didn't go to the Forever Home. I had a bunch of 230gr ball 45acp ammo in moon clips as well a a box and some extra that had to be at least 20 years old. I also found some RP headstamp hollow points and a box of Triton 185gr Hi-Vel +p JHP.

This Tisas 1911A1 came in a plastic clam shell carry case and with two CheckMate magazines and so I loaded the mags up and took it to the range for a function check.

It ran flawlessly and ate every type ammo I tried, ball or hollow point. I ran about 50+ rounds of ball plus a couple mags of each of the old hollow point ammo and had zero failure to feed, zero failure to fire and zero failure to eject using both the CheckMate dimple magazines and the smooth Meg-Gar magazines.

Maybe a 1911 is not as useless as I had found in the past.

AbE: Forgot to add that the out of the box no buff or polish trigger pull doing two sets of five pulls each averaged right at 4 pounds.

jrothWA · May 30, 2022, 02:05 PM

Only problem i have with Colt1911 are too many choices!

First in the barn was Colt Combat Commander[.45], then 1991a1[,45], and shortly third will be a Colt Combat Commander [9mm] .

Co-worker tried mine CCC and loved the smooth recoil against his LW Commander ].45}]

bigboredad · May 31, 2022, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baddarryl

I found a DW Specialist locally used for a couple hundred under new. I may get it Monday. Anyone have one?

I hope you decided on the specialist. It is a great gun that you won't have to spend money to make it better. I have 3 Dan Wesson 1911's but have never found the specialist

Sent from my SM-T377V using Tapatalk

AustinTX · June 1, 2022, 09:25 PM

So are you going to tell us what you decided to buy, OP?

lll Otto lll · June 2, 2022, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickB

Springfield Garrison.

+1
I ordered one in 9mm from Brownells 3 weeks ago and it has yet to ship. No hurry because it was an impulse buy for $667.
Springfield customer service is second to none. Last year they replaced the frame on my Mil Spec that a local gunsmith managed to destroy (long story). The cost for a new frame and refitting to the original slide was exactly zero.

rodfac · June 2, 2022, 04:47 PM

Well Darryl, very hard to beat a Dan Wesson....& sounds like you'll get a good deal too....if you buy it, pics here are mandatory, as is a range report!

Best regards, Rod

AustinTX · June 4, 2022, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AustinTX

So are you going to tell us what you decided to buy, OP?

I guess not.

Always poor form to start one of these threads asking for advice and then ghost the thread without ever providing an update to the people trying to help, IMO.

Ruger45LC · June 4, 2022, 07:02 AM

Depends on how much you want to spend, if it's under $1K, then likely Springfield or Ruger. If it's over $1K, either a higher end Springfield or even better, Dan Wesson, that's about it.

JDBerg · June 4, 2022, 08:19 AM

I’d go with a lightly used Dan Wesson Valor or Springfield TRP. I own a Valor, and I’ve had plenty of range time with a few TRPs. Either one does not stay in the used gun case very long. Once you start shooting either one of these models, it won’t matter that you bought it used.

shooter1911 · June 5, 2022, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarryLee

I've got Colt and Springfield both are nice guns, but if I had to choose it would be the Colt. I have the Competition model which comes with some nice basic upgrades.

I'm curious as to why you would pick the Colt over the Springfield. I have both also, but just asking. Thanks

BarryLee · June 6, 2022, 11:29 AM

As mentioned, I have the Colt Competition pistol and the Springfield is a Mil Spec model. I just felt for the price the Colt seems a little better. Obviously, a lot of this decision may come down to what specific make/model a person can find available. I like both guns and doubt you could go wrong with either.

Alan0354 · June 6, 2022, 08:22 PM

I bought a Colt Gold Cup in 1989, workmanship was REALLY BAD. The gun was not reliable, I had to do a lot of work to make it reliable. I can see tool marks inside the slide, it's just rough. My S&W 659 or the Walther PPKS are much better polished. The slide was not tight to the frame. BUT, it was accurate, I used it for competition.

I don't know how's Colt's workmanship now, it's been a long time. I definitely wound NOT buy another one.

I remember I looked at a Springfield, the fitting was very tight, nothing like the Gold Cup. It's a shame Gold Cup was very expensive and still like that. I did gun smithing myself, I had to squeeze the slide and lap it to get a tight fit, change the link to make sure the barrel is tight when pushing down.

Let me know has Colt improved or still the same. If not, I would buy the spring field for half the price(at the time) and had better fit. Let me know how are they compare today, it's been a long time for me. I can only speak from experience 30+years ago.

shooter1911 · June 6, 2022, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan0354

I bought a Colt Gold Cup in 1989, workmanship was REALLY BAD. The gun was not reliable, I had to do a lot of work to make it reliable. I can see tool marks inside the slide, it's just rough. My S&W 659 or the Walther PPKS are much better polished. The slide was not tight to the frame. BUT, it was accurate, I used it for competition.

I don't know how's Colt's workmanship now, it's been a long time. I definitely wound NOT buy another one.

I remember I looked at a Springfield, the fitting was very tight, nothing like the Gold Cup. It's a shame Gold Cup was very expensive and still like that. I did gun smithing myself, I had to squeeze the slide and lap it to get a tight fit, change the link to make sure the barrel is tight when pushing down.

Let me know has Colt improved or still the same. If not, I would buy the spring field for half the price(at the time) and had better fit. Let me know how are they compare today, it's been a long time for me. I can only speak from experience 30+years ago.

I can't tell you how modern Colt's are coming out because the last one I purchased was in 2008. I bought a Series 70 reissue that was a mess. I used it as a build, and unfortunately the project cost much more than expected due to unreliability issues that had to be fixed. That was after going back to Colt for cosmetic issues. In 1911s I have only owned Colts and Springfield's. Several Colts have gone back to the factory, and zero SAs have gone back. SA customer service far exceeds Colt's in my opinion. I carry two guns these days. The Series 70 and a Springfield Range Officer Compact 45. The Springfield cost a fraction of what I have invested in the Colt, but runs just a good. I would be hard pressed to try another Colt these days, with so many other good options. I'm interested to see how CZ/Dan Wesson handles the new Colt line.

Alan0354 · June 6, 2022, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shooter1911

I can't tell you how modern Colt's are coming out because the last one I purchased was in 2008. I bought a Series 70 reissue that was a mess. I used it as a build, and unfortunately the project cost much more than expected due to unreliability issues that had to be fixed. That was after going back to Colt for cosmetic issues. In 1911s I have only owned Colts and Springfield's. Several Colts have gone back to the factory, and zero SAs have gone back. SA customer service far exceeds Colt's in my opinion. I carry two guns these days. The Series 70 and a Springfield Range Officer Compact 45. The Springfield cost a fraction of what I have invested in the Colt, but runs just a good. I would be hard pressed to try another Colt these days, with so many other good options. I'm interested to see how CZ/Dan Wesson handles the new Colt line.

I am glad I wasn't unlucky, so it is a trend!!!

Why are they so famous....at least in the pass? I bought it because of the name and it's a big disappointment. I still have not manage to make it totally reliable with the CCI Blazer JHP which the mouth of the bullet look more like an ashtray.

Yes, when I picked up the SA, I almost kicked myself because it is so much tighter in fitting.

oldbear1950 · June 18, 2022, 03:17 PM

I have a real COLT 1911 in 38 super, with ED BROWN CONVERSION KIT TO 9MM (ALL WAS NEEDED WAS BARREL, BUSHING, AND MAGAZINES , a new SDS, I believe is a quality weapon and not a lot of green, so far 4 boxes of ammo, no problem, and AN ATI 1911. both the ATI AND SDS 45. No problems. Will wait and see if this continues,

Siggy-06 · June 18, 2022, 08:19 PM

The Springfield Garrison is actually pretty nice. I just picked one up in 9mm. Very tight tolerances and fit, and the bluing is nice as well. Swap the sights and do a little trigger work and I'd have no issue putting it up against a few higher end 1911s.

oldbear1950 · June 20, 2022, 01:29 PM

I have 3 1911s, an original COLT, 38 super/with a ED BROWN 9mm conversion kit. (actually is just the barrel, bushing, and magazines), an ATI
commander size pistol, that so far eats anything I put in it, and a new budget priced SDS, that like wise eats anything, at least so far, and that is 4 boxes of hollowpoint and round nose. I have carried a 1911 since 1968 as an ARMY RESERVIST, MP, 20 years in the US COAST GUARD, and owned my own for most of my adult life. I have found most 1911s work fine as long as you find magazines they like. Also as long as they have decent sites, fair triggers, they usually work well.
I find it is more a matter of personal preference and taste, as to what you want.

May 22, 2022, 04:55 AM	#28
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,773	Colt __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

May 22, 2022, 07:54 AM	#30
Logs Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 1999 Location: BLUEGRASS STATE KY USA Posts: 1,780	I'm looking at a Colt Competition or SA Garrison myself after dealing with Kimber last month. The features on the Garrison seem hard to beat. __________________ NRA LIFE MEMBER

May 23, 2022, 03:34 PM	#32
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	Used? Les Baer, Ed Brown, Wilson Combat in that order. Dan Wesson is on my radar. Finely made. But I personally don't see the build quality on the same level as the others I mentioned. New? Now, I would look at a Dan Wesson. Last I checked, Baers/Browns/Wilsons aren't going to be at the $2000 price point for what you might want. IDPA isn't as precise in the accuracy department for shooting. The bottom line is reliability and well above average precision grouping will generally keep you in competition. You can find 1911 variants that are sub $1k that would fit the bill, as well, if you ask me. __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

June 2, 2022, 04:47 PM	#39
rodfac Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,623	Well Darryl, very hard to beat a Dan Wesson....& sounds like you'll get a good deal too....if you buy it, pics here are mandatory, as is a range report! Best regards, Rod __________________ Cherish our flag, honor it, defend it in word and deed, or get the hell out. Our Bill of Rights has been paid for by heros in uniform and shall not be diluted by misguided governmental social experiments. We owe this to our children, anything less is cowardice. USAF FAC, 5th Spl Forces, Vietnam Vet '69-'73. Last edited by rodfac; June 2, 2022 at 04:53 PM.

June 4, 2022, 08:19 AM	#42
JDBerg Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2015 Location: PA Posts: 1,835	I’d go with a lightly used Dan Wesson Valor or Springfield TRP. I own a Valor, and I’ve had plenty of range time with a few TRPs. Either one does not stay in the used gun case very long. Once you start shooting either one of these models, it won’t matter that you bought it used. __________________ Words to Live By: Before You Pray - Believe; Before You Speak - Listen; Before You Spend - Earn; Before You Write - Think; Before You Quit - Try; Before You Die - Live

May 21, 2022, 08:00 PM	#26
baddarryl Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2011 Location: Cape Fear! Posts: 1,683	I found a DW Specialist locally used for a couple hundred under new. I may get it Monday. Anyone have one?

May 21, 2022, 09:02 PM	#27
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,328	Yes. Any questions about the Specialist? I was just shooting mine today!

May 23, 2022, 11:30 PM	#33
rc Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 1,765	I like Kimber over springfield for reliability of a steel firing pin. Colt would be good if you get a good one. 45 full size guns have a lot to offer even in this Glock world. If I want 9, the CZs are the best 9s

May 30, 2022, 02:05 PM	#35
jrothWA Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 2,519	Only problem i have with Colt1911 are too many choices! First in the barn was Colt Combat Commander[.45], then 1991a1[,45], and shortly third will be a Colt Combat Commander [9mm] . Co-worker tried mine CCC and loved the smooth recoil against his LW Commander ].45}]

June 1, 2022, 09:25 PM	#37
AustinTX Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2010 Posts: 2,145	So are you going to tell us what you decided to buy, OP?

June 4, 2022, 07:02 AM	#41
Ruger45LC Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 768	Depends on how much you want to spend, if it's under $1K, then likely Springfield or Ruger. If it's over $1K, either a higher end Springfield or even better, Dan Wesson, that's about it.

June 6, 2022, 11:29 AM	#44
BarryLee Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2010 Location: The ATL (OTP) Posts: 3,946	As mentioned, I have the Colt Competition pistol and the Springfield is a Mil Spec model. I just felt for the price the Colt seems a little better. Obviously, a lot of this decision may come down to what specific make/model a person can find available. I like both guns and doubt you could go wrong with either. __________________ A major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it ... gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman

June 6, 2022, 08:22 PM	#45
Alan0354 Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2021 Posts: 541	I bought a Colt Gold Cup in 1989, workmanship was REALLY BAD. The gun was not reliable, I had to do a lot of work to make it reliable. I can see tool marks inside the slide, it's just rough. My S&W 659 or the Walther PPKS are much better polished. The slide was not tight to the frame. BUT, it was accurate, I used it for competition. I don't know how's Colt's workmanship now, it's been a long time. I definitely wound NOT buy another one. I remember I looked at a Springfield, the fitting was very tight, nothing like the Gold Cup. It's a shame Gold Cup was very expensive and still like that. I did gun smithing myself, I had to squeeze the slide and lap it to get a tight fit, change the link to make sure the barrel is tight when pushing down. Let me know has Colt improved or still the same. If not, I would buy the spring field for half the price(at the time) and had better fit. Let me know how are they compare today, it's been a long time for me. I can only speak from experience 30+years ago.

June 18, 2022, 03:17 PM	#48
oldbear1950 Senior Member Join Date: April 27, 2022 Posts: 205	1911s I have a real COLT 1911 in 38 super, with ED BROWN CONVERSION KIT TO 9MM (ALL WAS NEEDED WAS BARREL, BUSHING, AND MAGAZINES , a new SDS, I believe is a quality weapon and not a lot of green, so far 4 boxes of ammo, no problem, and AN ATI 1911. both the ATI AND SDS 45. No problems. Will wait and see if this continues,

June 18, 2022, 08:19 PM	#49
Siggy-06 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 1,148	The Springfield Garrison is actually pretty nice. I just picked one up in 9mm. Very tight tolerances and fit, and the bluing is nice as well. Swap the sights and do a little trigger work and I'd have no issue putting it up against a few higher end 1911s. __________________ Flicks just like a lighter, just a different kind of fire.

June 20, 2022, 01:29 PM	#50
oldbear1950 Senior Member Join Date: April 27, 2022 Posts: 205	1911 I have 3 1911s, an original COLT, 38 super/with a ED BROWN 9mm conversion kit. (actually is just the barrel, bushing, and magazines), an ATI commander size pistol, that so far eats anything I put in it, and a new budget priced SDS, that like wise eats anything, at least so far, and that is 4 boxes of hollowpoint and round nose. I have carried a 1911 since 1968 as an ARMY RESERVIST, MP, 20 years in the US COAST GUARD, and owned my own for most of my adult life. I have found most 1911s work fine as long as you find magazines they like. Also as long as they have decent sites, fair triggers, they usually work well. I find it is more a matter of personal preference and taste, as to what you want.