Are all 1911's the same?

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djsjd

New member
Seems like nearly everyone makes a 1911-type-pistol. What's the difference between what a GI would have been issued in WWII, and what is out there today?
 
The difference?

Primarily, different external features (Hammer, trigger, sights and safeties) and differing fit of the operating parts (Hammer/sear, barrel/bushing, and slide/frame).
 
The general fit of the guns is better than what a GI was issued. Accuracy is greatly improved.
Much better sights.
Unobtrusive safeties that you can reliably reach.
Better finishes than Pakerizing.
 
1911's are like cars if there is an option that you want someone offers it , the basic's are the same except maybe fitting and finish , you get what you pay for .
 
The biggest diffrence in my opinion of a combat gun and a off the shelf weapon is reliablility. That said you cant have say supper accurate and super reliable at the same time...but there is a median...I just want mine to go bang every time!

Semper Fi
 
Sorry, but IMO there's no comparison between the government-issue pistols made by Colt and current production. The GI Colts were made using old-world crafstmanship which involved a healthy dose of hand-fitting, and all the parts were machined steel. Nothing was cast or plastic except for the grips. Even stamped parts weren't used until near the end of the war. The contract guns were a little rougher internally and externally, but they still functioned 100% all the time (thanks to a very strict quality assurance process by government inspectors). I don't know where the argument that GI guns were poorly-fitted comes from either. My GI Colts are tight, smooth, and have a flawless exterior finish. I've only dared to fire one of them due to their value, but the one I do take out and fire (a 1943 example) shoots better groups than any other 1911 I own aside from my two Kimbers. I think most complaints of ill-fitting GI guns comes from well-worn examples that have been kicked around for awhile in the service.

Modern commercially-produced 1911s take advantage of modern CNC manufacturing techniques and cheaper materials like cast, MIM, and plastic components. But overall the quality has dipped thanks to high production costs, and unless you spend the big $$$ for expert hand fitting (as seen on Wilson or Les Baer guns) you'll likely end up with a temperamental weapon. I'm not saying nobody makes a quality 1911 anymore, but on the 1911 forum I'm simply amazed at the complaints so many folks have. Plunger tubes falling off, feeding failures, rough triggers, and broken small parts to name a few.
 
Building a gun that goes bang everytime isn't rocket science. There are plenty of guns out there that work great right out of the box. CZ's, Makarovs, Rugers....

What is the most reliable 1911 made right now that is under $500? That is not an unreasonable request. Made in the USA. It could be done. I'm still talking about a quality gun..
 
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