Which 1911?

[Tazlaw]

I have a S&W M&P Shield 45acp. But it’s not a 1911. I want a 1911. Never owned one but I NEED one! So my question is; with a lack of funds and desire for a quality firearm, what is the best 1911 variant I should sets my sights on? Quality, cost, functionality, and looks all need to be considered.

On a side note; has anyone used a FNX-45? The 15 round mag sounds nice! But again, it’s not a 1911.

[NC_JEFF]

Rock Island. I've fired 2 and both were more accurate than my Colt GI out of the box.
The price is hundreds below a Colt as well.

[Winger Ed.]

Rather than read the menu from right to left, and get whatever is cheapest:
Save up and get what ya really want.
A Kimber, Les Baer, Colt, whatever.

Ya won't ever have buyer's remorse- and the pride of ownership will last forever.

Back in the 80's I was in the same spot.
I resisted the urge for some clone, saved up another few weeks and got a new Cold Gold Cup.
In almost 40 years, I've never had a single regret for doing that.

[tazman]

Either an midrange(price) RIA or a lower end Springfield. I have experience with both and the products are good.

[Burnt Fingers]

1. Decide on the sights you want.
2. Decide on the grip safety style you want.

To change either of those usually requires machining of the slide or frame. Get what you want when you buy it to save money later on.

[oldhenry]

I have 2 Ruger SR1911s: the .45 is the full sized & the 9mm is the Officer Model. The sights & trigger on both were great out of the box. I have no desire to change (update) anything on either. The 9mm has a throated bbl. as a standard feature. They were not cheap, but they were reasonable.

I don't regret buying either.

[Snow ninja]

I get crud every time I say this, but i love my Taurus 1911. I would put it up against ANY 1911. $500 out the door.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Ohhhh.......so many 1911s, so little time. Don't forget to look at some used ones.

[gwpercle]

I get crud every time I say this, but i love my Taurus 1911. I would put it up against ANY 1911. $500 out the door.

Taurus has improved their firearms a lot in the past few years , I have two , a 45 acp revolver and a 9mm semi-auto , not one complaint and would look long and hard at the Taurus 1911 .

You will get no crud or badmouthing from me...based on my experiences .
Gary

[Hickory]

I have a Ruger 1911 Commander, won't part with it ever.
I've owned:
70 series Colt - very good gun.
Springfield Armory GI - good gun.
80 series Colt - ok to good.
The Ruger is the best so far in fit, finish and accuracy. And never a malfunction.

[Iwsbull]

Also don’t overlook Remington R1. I bought an R1S off for under $600.00 less than a year ago and have loved it. It is my go to for carry and fun shooting auto. Since the 1911 and the revolvers have joined the stable my plastical guns are getting a lot of leisure time.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I have 2 Rugers 1911 9mm and 45 will not part with ether of them both shot spot on

[Plate plinker]

Dan Wesson. If you can swing it. A solid platform which you can have extras added to when funds allow.

[contender1]

I own several 1911's.
Kimber, Springfield, & Ruger.

One feature I totally prefer is adjustable sights. Different loads & such CAN make a big difference in the POI.
And out of the many good offerings out there,, I really like the fact that the Ruger has the Safety/slide stop plunger tube as a cast part of the frame,, & not a staked in part.
Shooting USPSA for over 20 years,, I have seen almost ALL brands of 1911's,, and have had experiences with lots of them. If you really want to get a good one,, buy one that has a reputation of holding up for 10's of thousands of rounds. Buy quality,, buy once!

[Boogieman]

Had a Taurus 1911 , shot so far to the left you couldn't sight it in. Their "life time warranty " is a estimated time for repairs. Slide stop quit at 300 rounds, replaced it with an Ed Brown stop. Traded the gun to a dealer who had stung me once for a real Colt 1991A1.

[WinchesterM1]

I’ve got 8 1911s from ww1 colts to 10mm Kimber, Remington, les Baer. But I’ll be honest my $350 metro arms shoots just as good as my 3k 1911s

[tazman]

I own some Taurus handguns and think highly of them. I owned one Taurus 1911 bought new a couple of years ago. Worst piece of crap I have ever owned. Even my gunsmith, who was a military armorer, couldn't get it to work. It went down the road.

[Chad5005]

ive got a colt ngc,springfield,taurus and 2 customs, the 2 cheap guns shoot very good after very few rounds down the pipe and get better with use or very little polishing

[Rug480]

Springfield defender milspecs are great for the price, as low as $400 otd

[kens]

The 1911, like so many other guns, have many clones to the original.
I have had (still have) several 1911 'clones'. I do not have any original Colt 1911.
Like all cloned guns, you 'might' get one that doesn't run right.
I had a Thompson that didnt run right, changed out the slide stop and all was fine.
A friend had a Remington that wouldnt run.
I have a Norinco, ballistor-molina, and a pawn-shop generic, and they all run fine.
If you tight on money, then get a cheap one, if it don't run right, trade/sell it off to get your money back out of it, and try again.
IF you GOT the money, then get the $1,000 example and be all done with shopping.
I had a Rock Island that wouldn't run. I got my money out of it, and moved on.
Bottom line is that clones can be a 'hit or miss' proposition.
Do not be scared, but only be aware.

[tazman]

The 1911, like so many other guns, have many clones to the original.
I have had (still have) several 1911 'clones'. I do not have any original Colt 1911.
Like all cloned guns, you 'might' get one that doesn't run right.
I had a Thompson that didnt run right, changed out the slide stop and all was fine.
A friend had a Remington that wouldnt run.
I have a Norinco, ballistor-molina, and a pawn-shop generic, and they all run fine.
If you tight on money, then get a cheap one, if it don't run right, trade/sell it off to get your money back out of it, and try again.
IF you GOT the money, then get the $1,000 example and be all done with shopping.
I had a Rock Island that wouldn't run. I got my money out of it, and moved on.
Bottom line is that clones can be a 'hit or miss' proposition.
Do not be scared, but only be aware.

Very true there.
Life is too short to mess with guns that don't work. Sell them and move on.

[FLINTNFIRE]

Or if you can fix them and know how do so , I have had to replace and fit parts on some firearms , but if it is not worth your time or money then you are best to sell and get what works , the norinco 1911 was a good one had 2 till they were stolen , had a springfield and a colt series 70 , and a few others , still one of my favorite handguns

[nicholst55]

Also don’t overlook Remington R1. I bought an R1S off for under $600.00 less than a year ago and have loved it. It is my go to for carry and fun shooting auto. Since the 1911 and the revolvers have joined the stable my plastical guns are getting a lot of leisure time.

I would really have to think twice about a Remington R1. They have never had a sterling reputation to begin with, and Remington recently announced the end of all pistol production. Rumor has it that the R1s were rebadged Para USA guns (which never had a sterling reputation either). Remington has put Para USA (and DPMS and Bushmaster) to bed for good. That means there won't be any repair parts, and probably no warranty service either.

Unless I was totally unconcerned about factory support, I think I would pass on the Remington. There are plenty of other brands out there to choose from.

[samari46]

Bought a Springfield armory one that had, had some serious work done to it. Knowlen barrel,ambi safeties, trigger job and it was cut for these small guide rods that fit where the rails are. Used to shoot stell plate matches with it. My other 45 is a 1943 Ithaca that was given to me from a WWII vet for a Saur 38H in 32 acp. I also got a big cigar box full of all sorts of 45 ammo. From WWII on up.
Their Range Officer is a pretty good 45. Supposedly very accurate.
Mite on the expensive side but if you buy one I don't think you will be disappointed. Start using shock buffs in it, prevents the slide from hammering the slide. Have a bunch and they are not expensive. Have fun. Frank

[Joni Lynn]

At each price level there is a 1911 that might be considered to be a best buy. RIA is a good solid 1911 with a great warranty service if needed. After that I'd suggest Springfield, followed by Dan Wesson. My experience indicates that DW may be the best production 1911. If you want a really nice, reliable, extremely accurate built to be somewhat unique, then look into Alchemy Custom Weaponry. Rob does things that no one does and it works great. I have no connection to any of these other than owning or having owned most of them at one time or another.
Best wishes.

[Boolseye]

Have two, an RIA milspec and an SA milspec. The SA is the superior firearm. Agreed, get the sights you want first.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Brad Cayton]

In 1911s, I have a Rock Island GI, a Springfield RO, a Dan Wesson Guardian and a Ruger Commander. The Ruger is my favorite. Never any issues with it and is the most accurate of the group.

[C-dubb]

I have been shooting 1911's for almost 40 years now. I have owned almost all of the affordable models and a few of the upper ones.
I will agree with the previous posters that the Ruger is the best gun for the money.
My Ruger and my Gold Cup 70 series are 2 guns that I will never part with. I like the Kimbers too but hate their cheap looking finish.

[Rich/WIS]

Unless its a straight plinker go with adjustable sights, you can adjust to match your loads and they are easier to see. Seeing the sights is an issue as you age unless you were born lucky as far as eyesight is concerned. Have had a number of 1911's over the years and only one now is a SA Range Officer in 45 ACP. Good trigger, excellent sights and not fussy as far as feeding SWC is concerned. Bought it about 7-8 years ago IIRC for about $700-750 new, and would buy another if I were to replace it. Has held up for probably 10-12K rounds and shows no sign of stopping. Buy the best you can afford, there is no savings in buying low end and trying to add upgrades, costs more in the long run and the result may or may not be better than having bought a higher end gun to start with. If you can afford it I would recommend the Range Officer.

[daloper]

When I purchased my 1911 I chose the RIA Ultra FS. I chose it for the adjustable rear sight. The price was right and I love how it shoots. I did send the barrel to DougGuy to get it throated and crowned. It eats anything I feed it. It was worth sending the extra at the beginning to get the adjustable sight.

[Iwsbull]

Documentation, please as I cannot find where they have stopped production of pistols. They appear to have stopped production of the double stack 1911 that was a Para clone. Should they be getting out of the pistol business I would like to confirm as I have several friends that have bought and and are planning to buy an R1 based on my experience with them and them using my firearm.

[arlon]

I have a few 1911s including a REAL 1911 of WWI vintage for comparing. Bang for the buck, anything from Armscor in the Philippines seems like a good deal. I have an ATI "GI" in commander length that has been a favorite and cheapest 1911 clone. Good friend has an STI Spartan which is essentially the same gun QCd by STI. I just think they are the best bang for the buck out there. The ATI I got was $350 new at a gun show a year or so ago.

The ATI is no match gun but it's plenty well made and accurate enough to make for a really fun shooter. At least it doesn't have to live in a safe! And it doesn't rattle!

[GSP7]

I like the Beaver tail added and trig on those ATIs ...Saw another good review on them

[NuJudge]

I bought another 1911, to serve as a target pistol. I wanted it to work, and even be good enough for Bullseye work. I bought a Springfield Range Officer, and took it to a gunsmith to have a trigger job and the barrel bushing tightened. It shoots really well. I got the idea here:
https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t3913-accuracy-upgrade-to-the-range-officer-45

The Taurus and Turkish pistols have some complaints, amongst them being the groove diameter on the Taurus barrels run really big, and the custom smiths refuse to work on the Turkish guns because some dimensions are off.

[alamogunr]

I've got a Kimber Custom Classic, which was their plain vanilla full size 20 years ago. Works fine when I treat it right. Also have 3 Para Ordinance that I got in my double stack phase. These were all from when Para was still in Canada and making good stuff. I finally scratched the itch that I had and got a Dan Wesson just last week. I may get to shoot it if it stops raining.

I have one other .45, a Glock 21. I like it but it has no soul.

[GSP7]

I bought another 1911, to serve as a target pistol. I wanted it to work, and even be good enough for Bullseye work. I bought a Springfield Range Officer, and took it to a gunsmith to have a trigger job and the barrel bushing tightened. It shoots really well. I got the idea here:
https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t3913-accuracy-upgrade-to-the-range-officer-45

.

I've been eyeballing the Springfield Range Officer too , thinking of the upgrades I would want to do on a lesser model. Might as well spend that money to start with on the goodies. Good sights(adjustable), beaver tail spur, Flat spring housing, etc.

But now im looking at that low priced$ ATI 1911 Firepower Extreme model ,, Yikes !
https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/75560

:Fire:8-)

[Boolseye]

I would suggest going with the RO. I bought the SA milspec and did extensive accurizing work on it, but wish I had adjustable sights. Also, the gun was so accurate out of the box that some of my work may have been superfluous. Still was a great learning process and gun remains a tack driver.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Groo]

Groo here
1911 specs are like "carved in stone".
Almost anyone can make one,or parts for one and almost any smith can work on one.
The best can make one that will eat almost anything and stack holes on top of each other.
The big question is what do you want it for, how tight do you need the groups, and how good do you shoot???
I suggest a good quality frame and slide.[750 to 1000 range] that you can make small changes to as you learn.
If you out shoot that one [most won't] then you have a good base to get a high end one or have one made....

[Drm50]

I presently don’t have a 1911 myself. I’ve traded just about everything for S&W revolvers. I’ve owned dozens of them. I don’t believe in second rate guns. Doesn’t have to be a $2500 job but I want a good gun. I don’t have anything good to say about several low end 1911s that others swear by. The Remingtons I’ve had to fool with looked like the inside of slide & frame were milled out by a beaver on menth. I had one new one a guy took apart to clean before first firing and he couldn’t get it back together. After it made my fingers bleed I had to polish out muzzle of slide to get barrel bushing back in.

[mozeppa]

ed brown

[alamogunr]

ed brown

I understand where you are coming from. BUT! I have been on the EB site to buy magazines for a new Dan Wesson carry 1911 and have looked at Ed Brown in stock guns. The three models in the Carry series ranged from $2995 to $3660. I paid less than half that for the DW. It will probably take over $200 in ammunition to break it in. It is very stiff right now.

I read an article a few days ago that reviewed a Sig 1911 carry gun. I realize that these types of articles are supposed to be favorable but this one was almost over the top with praise. I almost had buyer's remorse when he quoted the MSRP. It also looked good(sexy). I think it was this one but can't be sure:

https://www.sigsauer.com/store/1911-fastback-emperor-scorpion-carry.html

[sghart3578]

I was in a gun store years ago and bought a used Auto Ordnance 1911, GI sights. I thought to myself "I will plink with this until I can afford a better one".

Well, thousands of rounds later that gun is still ticking. It is more accurate than I am and very reliable. When I got it the dealer, who is also a gunsmith, recommended that I replace the firing pin stop and extractor. I did and the gun has been flawless.

It eats a steady diet of Lee 230 gr RN or Lee 200 gr LSWC over 5 gr of Bullseye

I recently snagged a deal on a Rock Island 1911 in 38 Super. It is an outstanding gun.


Steve in N CA.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Well......there's really nothing wrong with this one......!
258702
Click to enlarge.

[Silver Jack Hammer]

I have 3 1911’s, all Colt’s, because I love Colt’s. A 1911 master once suggested that there is no such thing as a 1911 clone, it’s either a 1911 or it’s not, regardless of who manufactured it. He had a 1911 made in Brazil which all the parts mic’d to Mil Spec, he suggested it was a 1911, not a clone.

There are lot of good 1911’s today. Mil Spec means all the parts could be interchanged for field cannibalizing, which isn’t important to us in the civilian world.

One of my Colt’s is a Series 70 steel 5” worked over by Wilson, great gun, I have lots of money into this one. Another 1911 is a 5” lightweight I bought new. Both work flawlessly. Both were carried when I was a law enforcement officer. I shot an active shooter at 80 yards with my lightweight 5”.

This 1911 master suggested we get one good 5” steel 1911 working well, regardless of its cost or brand. After that, we can mess with other 1911’s. I had a Colt’s Commander which I purchased new and it ran flawlessly however I didn’t like it, I felt the slide snapped when fired so I sold it.

Sig had .380 micro 1911 at a seminar I attended. They had a case ammo and we could not get this micro 1911 to jam.

My third 1911 is a high polish nickel Series 70 which I purchased used, it has not been successful in running reliably yet.

[fn1889m]

For Best Buy, either the Springfield milspec or the range officer. I think they give you the most quality gun for the money. Personally, I am fine with the mil spec. But look at both.

Both of these are good starting places for future modifications. I believe both the frame and slide are forged. And Springfield barrels are usually pretty good. You can always get a fitted bushing.

The Colts Series 70 reissue is also very nice. I’m not sure if it’s still in production, but I’m sure it’s out there. Nicer finish.

For custom high end, I like Ed Brown. His 1911 replacement parts are also very good.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[jrayborn]

In relation to price, I'd go Ruger, Springfield Range Officer and then Dan Wesson. Don't be afraid to try used too.

[Scrounge]

I have a S&W M&P Shield 45acp. But it’s not a 1911. I want a 1911. Never owned one but I NEED one! So my question is; with a lack of funds and desire for a quality firearm, what is the best 1911 variant I should sets my sights on? Quality, cost, functionality, and looks all need to be considered.

On a side note; has anyone used a FNX-45? The 15 round mag sounds nice! But again, it’s not a 1911.

I found myself not quite flat broke a couple years ago, and thinking if I didn't get some sort of 1911 RFN I might never be able to get one. My favorite pawn shop also sells new guns, and they had a Tisas Zig M1911. Made in Turkey. $350 NIB. Looked at it, shook it. Didn't rattle nearly as much as I remember my dad's old GI 1911. I've actually lived in Turkey, knew both the kinds of quality problems they can have, and the kind of craftsmanship some of their folks also have. Bought it, and a couple of boxes of Winchester .45 acp. It has a Mec-Gar 8 round blued steel magazine, and the old GI-style sights, exactly what I learned to shoot an autoloading large-bore pistol with. Now, I've only fired about a box of the factory loads through it, but I prevailed on my brother to supply a few hundred of his handloads, and I've shot heck out of it. I've also put the old 1961 Colt Exercito Brasiliero slide I got from my dad on it just to test the fit. It fits with no slop. Haven't tried to fire it with that slide, as it's missing some important parts, but the Tisas barrel also fits the Brasilian slide. One of these days, after I collect some more parts, I may give it a try. In the meantime, I love my 1911. You could do worse. Same store was asking $500 for the Rock Island 1911's they had in stock.

[salvadore]

Snow melted enough to fire my Tesas with cast reload. Ran like a clock. Mine has a excellent military style parkerized finish, including the barrel. The shooter has 1911a1 sights and thumb safety, as well as lanyard loop and wide checkered hammer. Some difference from the military 1911a1 is a lowered ejection port, the mag well is beveled. The trigger is not too bad, better than a series 70 I bought in the 1970s. The OP couldn't choose a better 1911 with no bells or whistles. Mine was less than $400 after taxes and shipping.

[DeadWoodDan]

Just purchased what may be one of the last few Turkish 1911's on the market A Tisas Zig M45, Commander 1911!!! I've always wanted some variety and knew no matter how much I saved I could never put $$$k on one. I narrowed it down to this a Taurus or RIA's. This was the least expensive of the three but by only $60. I choose it b.c. it has better sights, 3 mags instead of 1, and it had out of all the reviews I only found one very negative. My FFL who also is more educated in 1911's than I was on the Taurus wagon, but is very excited to get his hands on this.