SpringField or Taurus 1911 modles?

[menthol120]

I am Considering buying a 1911 model, but i'm not quite sure what to go with. I have already looked at the spring field mil-spec 1911 and i like the way it feels and then a friend recommended the Taurus 1911PT but i have heard issues of questionable performance and ability about Taurus..... so no im just looking for opinions about the springfield and the taurus and comparisons between the two.

[kristop64089]

With the Taurus, You'll get more options for your money. The mil-spec, and PT are at the same price point.
Taurus 1911's seem to be doing ok, still relatively new on the Market.

I'm Biased towards Springfield, owning both a SS Mil-Spec, and a Loaded. I'd pony up the extra money for the loaded, as the Mil-spec is exactly that...Mil-Spec.

Both companies offer a lifetime warranty, but Springfiels actually cares about their customers, I have talked with the pro-shop and C.S. numerous times, somtimes they actually shoot-the-breeze with ya.

YMMV

[longrange08]

I Got A Taurus Got Well Over A Thousand Through It And Love It And You Get All The Extras The Milspec Dont Have But Thats Just Me

[menthol120]

well the thing is, on the Taurus im not sure that i need the extras because i need a 1911 to shoot, not to have bells and whistles im looking for accuracy and precision as well as reliability

[Playboypenguin]

I have shot the Taurus models and they are okay gun. The big difference is when I tore one down. They are just not that high quality and once you get them into pieces it becomes more evident.

I am sure many people will spout off with "I have umpteen thousand rounds though mine!" and even if that is true it proves nothing. I have seen many go back to the maker and I am sure there are people out there that can say "I drove my Yugo for ten years and never had a single problem."

I have just heard too much bad from them from local dealers too.

They are okay gun but the Springfields are so much better IMHO.

[kristop64089]

I think you would do ok with either. Springfield's definately hold their value better.
I have been eyeing a PT-1911 as well, but still haven't made the jump.

The upside to a Mil-Spec is, it gives you the essential 1911 package. And you can then customize, as you see fit. I have never shot the Taurus, so I can't help ya on accuracy, but my Mil-Spec tore up the 10 ring on a B-27 at 10-15 yds.

[gwnorth]

But on the Taurus, a lot of those "extras" play into exactly what you say you want, things such as:

air-gauged bushing fitting to the barrel
Polished feedramp and barrel throat
nice tight fit of slide to frame

I have a stainless PT1911 and like it a lot - thus far 250 rounds through it and no issues at all (of course, that means it's barely broken in too).

One thing I have noticed, is that if you read enough comments on enough different forums, you will read stories of all sorts of reasons NOT to buy any make of 1911, including the custom shops!! Seriously you say you have "heard issues of questionable performance and ability about Taurus", but peruse the web some and you'll find the same thing about the Springfield (or Colt's, S&W, SIG, DW, ....)

[menthol120]

what about the colt combat or the XSE? are they worth the money

[Playboypenguin]

Read this thread...
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...&highlight=XSE

[KyJim]

Some of the Taurus 1911s have had issues and Taurus' customer service has a very bad reputation. I did a poll awhile back asking how many rounds shooters here actually had shot on their Taurus 1911. Relatively speaking, not many people had many rounds through these guns. With a quality 1911, you can expect 50,000 rounds or more.

The Springfield MilSpec is a solid gun, though not with the options of the Taurus. For a bit more, you can get the Springfield Loaded which has better options and is an excellent value.

Colts are proven quality guns. Every manufacturer sometimes puts one out that isn't up to snuff but I would not (and have not) hesitated in buying Colt.

[menthol120]

Thank you penguin, i think i will go with the colt XSE.... thank you everyone for your opinions and help...... please feel free to keep adding comments and concerns

[bac1023]

The PT1911 is the worst 1911 I own.

[CzCasull]

you take a chances with a PT-1911.. it'll ether do VERY well or very bad :/
I've heard more cases of them working out for people :]
Checking the gun before you buy it helps somewhat.

[Ssgt Savage]

I'm gonna have to disagree with the anti-Taurus folks. I have two PT1911's in SS. Bought one to shoot and one to sell. I also own a few Springfields including the GI 1911A1 (latest model). Colt and Springfield take up the majority of my 1911s.
The PT1911 is a great gun with tons of features. I've had it apart, many times. Pehaps one response had a bad QC job on his but evey part on mine including the non-showing parts have been polished and are of HQ - HG stainless. It shoots exactly where I aim it, has nice, no snag Heinie sights and great balance.
Never an issue with it, groups 4" at 50' and looks nice. I am not a Taurus type either, but this weapon impressed the heck out of me. The spare is for sale....

The Springfield GI (recent model - not the WWII pieces) is Parkerized and a decent weapon. I've only put a few hundred through and it is picky about it's ammo, seems the cheaper,the better. It will take Wolf all day but load a mag with S&B snf forget about it. FTF's....I do't have this issue with any other Springfield rifle or pistol I own.

If you are considering Colt the Series 80 Government Model is affordable and dependable. I have one of these as well.

Out of all listed, even if you threw in ANY Kimber I would take the Taurus. Call me crazy but Taurus took their time developing these, they won't be available when the new 1911 line up comes out next year. The MSRP just shot to $859 for the PT1911 in SS, my spare is 6....

Lifetime warranty like the others just heavier, better sights, better steel, better finish, better capacity...tons of bette features. Go Taurus if it's a good deal. My opinion only, I have a nice collection of 1911's a Singer being my pride and joy.

[Topkicker]

I'm in the market for a 1911 also and the Taurus didn't make it on my list. I own two Taurus hand guns and they both function well,but if I'm going to spend that kind of money on a 1911 I would go with the SpringField. I agree with PBP about the quality. My list goes as follows: Dan Wesson, Colt, Kimber, SpringField, and Smith &Wesson.

[Huntergirl]

I love Springfield, and think they are better made. It will have better resale value, if someday you want/need to sell.

[lechiffre]

if you like the way the springfield mil-spec feels that is the one you should get.

the pt1911 feels a lot different.

[NGIB]

I have a Springer Mil-Spec, a Loaded, and a PT1911. All are good shooters. I got my PT1911 for around $400 used so it was a good value. The Taurus will not hold value that well and you need to factor this into your decision. If I had to pay retail, I'd get the Springer Loaded...

[rogertc1]

I now have 7- 1911's.

Remington Genuine GI
Norinco
Llama MinMax Sun Compact
Detonics MK 1
Kimber Ultra CDP 2
Springfield Stainless GI
Taurus PT ALR

The last two are what this thread is about. Both are from Brazil and I have had zero problems with either. The finish and quality of machineing and finish are both excellant. The Taurus does give you the most bang for the buck with the same features as a Springfield Fully loaded for $200. less. I have no regrets one either gun.

[ssilicon]

I'm Biased towards Springfield, owning both a SS Mil-Spec, and a Loaded. I'd pony up the extra money for the loaded, as the Mil-spec is exactly that...Mil-Spec.

Actually, the GI model is the closest to the original, while the "Mil-Spec" has enhancements like a flared ejection port, throated feed ramp, and improved (if not as improved as say Novack would be) sights.

A SA Mil-spec is actually a solid, quality 1911 if not as refined as some more expensive versions.

[45_Shooter]

For this one, the answer is really easy: Springfield. I don't think the Taurus is worth it for something that will see hard use. I've dealt with too many 1911 problems to want to invite more, so I stay away from makes that raise a question mark. But, my .45's see thousands of rounds a year, so what fits my bill might not be necessary for you.

The Colt is an excellent choice; they'll run forever and hold their value. If you want to turn it around into a full custom gun then it also makes an excellent base gun. The only gripes about Colt have to do with little things that can be cheaply and easily replaced, like sights, trigger, etc. But, it's a heck of a lot better than having gripes about poor metal quality or bad machining that you might or might not get with the other companies.

[Officer's Match]

I have shot the Taurus models and they are okay gun. The big difference is when I tore one down. They are just not that high quality and once you get them into pieces it becomes more evident.

Must be something wrong with mine, 'cause it looks great inside. At least as good as my Colt's, and better than my Kimber.

[Playboypenguin]

Must be something wrong with mine, 'cause it looks great inside. At least as good as my Colt's, and better than my Kimber

You are confusing "field stripping" with "tearing down." This is what they look like torn down...and this is before the slide components and MSH are disassembled so the firing pin, firing pin spring, extractor, and so on are still not shown. Do a tear down and compare the inner components of the PT1911 with higher end 1911. See all those snags, nicks, blemishes, flats spots, and burrs on the workings now?

Plus, look at the barrel in your pic and look at the one in mine. See the difference? It is even visible in the pics if you know what to look for.

[45_Shooter]

Must be something wrong with mine, 'cause it looks great inside. At least as good as my Colt's, and better than my Kimber.

I'm sorry man, the feed ramp looks like a blind man cut it, at least in that picture. It actually works OK?

At least your thumb safety isn't broken yet.

[CzCasull]

I hope to see the PT1911AL soon. I'd like to see what changes were made other than the aluminum frame and finish were implemented.