1911 Recommendation

[kkina]

I have a friend who wants to buy a .45 semi, 1911 style. He asked me for a recommendation, but I am also relatively new to handguns and only know a little about 9mm's. I think he's willing to spend a little coin if necessary, but of course cheaper is always better. What should I tell him? I've heard that Kimber, Springfield, and of course Colt are good choices. What do you knowledgeable folks think? Thxx

[xnavysubber]

Personally I tend to stay away from anything that says Colt on the side.I've owned 3 Colt 1911's and can't say I wasn't happy the day that they got traded for something else. (Opens can of worms)

Kimbers are pretty much the top fo the line as far as factory 1911's go, but are not cheap. They are worth it if you need the absolute best there is without going full custom and you want all the bells and wistles.

Para-ordanance is also a fine firearm. Little less expensive than the kimber but still very good. If you want something different look into there LDA series. These are some of the best triggers on the market period. Also they have an extensive line of high caps in their line-up, and mags are fairly common yet. Come-on september! :D

Springfield would be my choice for a good quality 1911 for the money and quality. I own several of them and am more than happy with all of them. In my area you can get into an entry level 45 for about $400. This is pretty good since the cheapest Kimber, new, starts at about $650 and the quality is on par with all the other makers.

Pretty much stay with one of the better makers and you can't go wrong. Alot of the decision will be in what features you are looking for.

Oh yea, you might want to look into the Dan Wesson pointman series. I don't have any experience with these but they are getting rave reviews from what I've seen and heard.

Hope this helped and wasn't too long winded. ;)

[AR15_Fanatic]

Once again, your decision is based upon what you want to use the gun for. For target shooting, the 9 mil is just fine. It's a well behaved little round with good ballistics, fairly quiet, low recoil - great for a day at the range - but then again, so is a .45ACP!
Self defense is another matter. The small diameter of the 9mm round along with its hotter muzzle energy, decreases the round's stopping power on humans, whereas the bigger, slower, more mellow .45ACP can hit harder, giving the .45ACP it's well deserved reputation of a 'widowmaker'.

[Metaldoc]

The Springfield mil-spec is a good buy for the price and it is dependable. It would make a good entry level .45 and then later on your friend could always move up if he so desired without getting hurt dollarwise.

metaldoc :usa:

[kkina]

Thanks guys, precisely the info I was looking for. My friend is getting it for self-defense primarily. Has already decided on .45, whereas I went with 9mm. I'll pass the info along, this helps a ton.

[xnavysubber]

Just glad that my opinions and ramblings were of some help to someone! :lol:

[punchie]

xnavysubber
Except for the shot at Colt, I pretty much agree with your comments. Stop by some day and I'll let you see what a good Colt is like.

[xnavysubber]

I would gladly take up that offer, I would like to see that elusive beast. :D

[gossman]

My bro bought a Colt 1991 version of the 1911, we were out shooting ( I was, he was picking out stove pipes) when his front sight fell off. Made the time humorous for me, not so for him. It had about 250 rounds through it when it happend. I have owned several Colt's, look great but were terribly finicky. This new G.I. Springfield I purchased has 300 round though it, ( JHP, FMJ Ball, Semi-wad cutters) and has yet to hiccup. For around $400, they are hard to beat. At the 1911 forum (http://www.1911forum.com/forums/) there are lots of suggestions and comments. The only problem that I have seen on the GI model is that some have had to replace the recoil spring but it still it a bargain for the price. 20 years ago, a person had to plan to spend the cost of a 1911 to make it functional after he purchased the gun. Good luck! :beer:

[Mini144me]

Colt
Kimber
Wilson Combat
Springfield

:2guns:

[stealthmode]

i put a vote for the springfield mil spec they are well priced an quite accurate and reliable out of the box. if you friend gets more into it then he can get a better 1911 style or customize the springfield. i like mine i actually shoot it better than a couple of my sigs.

[hotntot12]

I REALLY ENJOY MY WILSON CQB ---IF HE IS WILLING- IT IS A LIFE TIME GUN AND HE WILL NOT BE SORRY.

[Nighthawk]

The Springfield Loaded 1911A1 is one of the best for the money.I have a Loaded Model and their (TRP)Tactical Response Pistol.They have proved their selves to the FBI Hostage Rescue Team and are issued to all agents in that field.I just acquired their XD Model and Im in love with it as well.With a lifetime warranty their hard to beat.




Best!! :usa:

[MVF]

I can't resist going with Hotntot here. I did TONS of research on 1911's and I'm usually pretty cheap, but I got the Wilson CQB and I think it was one of the best things I ever did. It is a GREAT pistol. Utterly reliable, and just as accurate as they say it is. It is a gun I would be comfortable with if my life depended on it, and it's a great target pistol too. It has definitely made me a better shooter (never any doubt about "whether its you or the gun"), and I can put 7 out of 8 shots through the same raggedy hole with it and know that the 8th was my fault. It was probably some of the best money I ever spent.

[wolfORACLE]

Originally posted by Metaldoc@Apr 15 2004, 05:03 PM
The Springfield mil-spec is a good buy for the price and it is dependable. It would make a good entry level .45 and then later on your friend could always move up if he so desired without getting hurt dollarwise.

metaldoc :usa:
Definetly my choice as well. I personally own one, and enjoy firing every single round through it. It eats up whatever ammo I throw at it with no problems at all. Great price and performance in a single package make it the best choice I think.

[Long Ranger]

Colt SS Gunsite. Pricey, but a real beaut. NO problems, and love at 1st sight.