ballistic gelatin
New member
Anybody care to offer their opinions on the best value for a 1911? Something that shoots straight, shoots every time, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
Best Value in 1911
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Springfield's Mil-Spec or kimber custom.
Springfield web Page
http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911.shtml
Kimber Web Page
http://www.kimberamerica.com/Custom_Custom_Target.htm
Tony
Springfield web Page
http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911.shtml
Kimber Web Page
http://www.kimberamerica.com/Custom_Custom_Target.htm
Tony
1911 best value
Well, I've had a few (maybe a dozen) and here's what I think.
First, my expectation with any new 1911 (with the exception of a full custom) is that it may have a few kinks that need to be worked out. That usually means several hundred rounds of ball ammo to break it in and maybe a sight adjustment and some trigger work.
Oh yeah, do yourself a favor and use Wilson magazines for whatever gun you choose. Eliminate mags as a potential variable.
In my recent experience, two guns stand out as the best value. First is a plain ol Kimber classic custom. The base model. I have a new series II gun that shoots great. I personally don't like the McCormick sights much but that's my opinion and they're certainly workable. IMO Kimber's higher models cost too much for what they are. You can get exactly what you want done on the custom classic should you choose to do so.
My experience with Springfield Loaded models is that they're nice but need a barrel fitted to achieve accuracy. I actually prefer a springfield with a new barrel over the Kimber but that's going to cost you too much. My Loadeds have been very reliable with Wilson mags but not so reliable with the Springfield mags. If you're not an accuracy nut the Springfield might work fine for you.
The other surprise is almost any new Colt. The new 1991 A1's shoot great - very reliable. Triggers are ser 80 and a bit heavy but still very workable. The most important thing is that the guns run. And they really are built so much better than they used to be. Take a look at one. The barrel fit and slide/frame fit is much better than in the past. But the sights and trigger aren't much to write home about......... Also its hard to lose much money on a Colt.
Now if you want it all out of the box in my experience you have to step up to a Wilson or a Brown or a full custom. Baers are hit and miss (mine needed work which Baer fixed but took a long time) but my experience with Wilson and Brown is that they run out of the box, and if they don't they'll fix it. But they cost a lot more.
Bottom Line: When you buy an under 1K 1911, it is a roll of the dice as far as it working right out of the box. Your best odds IMO assuming you're value driven are with a Kimber or a Colt. You may still get one that doesn't work quite right, but they'll be able to make it right for you if you have problems.
Well, I've had a few (maybe a dozen) and here's what I think.
First, my expectation with any new 1911 (with the exception of a full custom) is that it may have a few kinks that need to be worked out. That usually means several hundred rounds of ball ammo to break it in and maybe a sight adjustment and some trigger work.
Oh yeah, do yourself a favor and use Wilson magazines for whatever gun you choose. Eliminate mags as a potential variable.
In my recent experience, two guns stand out as the best value. First is a plain ol Kimber classic custom. The base model. I have a new series II gun that shoots great. I personally don't like the McCormick sights much but that's my opinion and they're certainly workable. IMO Kimber's higher models cost too much for what they are. You can get exactly what you want done on the custom classic should you choose to do so.
My experience with Springfield Loaded models is that they're nice but need a barrel fitted to achieve accuracy. I actually prefer a springfield with a new barrel over the Kimber but that's going to cost you too much. My Loadeds have been very reliable with Wilson mags but not so reliable with the Springfield mags. If you're not an accuracy nut the Springfield might work fine for you.
The other surprise is almost any new Colt. The new 1991 A1's shoot great - very reliable. Triggers are ser 80 and a bit heavy but still very workable. The most important thing is that the guns run. And they really are built so much better than they used to be. Take a look at one. The barrel fit and slide/frame fit is much better than in the past. But the sights and trigger aren't much to write home about......... Also its hard to lose much money on a Colt.
Now if you want it all out of the box in my experience you have to step up to a Wilson or a Brown or a full custom. Baers are hit and miss (mine needed work which Baer fixed but took a long time) but my experience with Wilson and Brown is that they run out of the box, and if they don't they'll fix it. But they cost a lot more.
Bottom Line: When you buy an under 1K 1911, it is a roll of the dice as far as it working right out of the box. Your best odds IMO assuming you're value driven are with a Kimber or a Colt. You may still get one that doesn't work quite right, but they'll be able to make it right for you if you have problems.
My Springfield Armory mostly mil-spec is pretty accurate "out of the box". The only non mil-spec parts are the slide (has front serrations which I'm not crazy about) with Novak sights and it has a commander hammer. The first time I tried it out, it shot low and left. However, lately it shoots quite accurate with about 3" groups at 25 yards. Must have been me early on. I'm not going to make any changes. No misfires either even with the SA magazines.
I wouldn't count out the new Charles Daly 1911s. Check out their website. www.charlesdaly.com
I prefer a Kimber, I haven't had a single problem out of mine. It is extremely accurate and reliable. I don't think you can go wrong with a Kimber. I can't really speak for the base models, I own the Pro CDP and have had some experience with the Super Match, and they both are excellent guns!
Go with a Kimber you won't be disappointed!
Go with a Kimber you won't be disappointed!
http://www.sources.com.ar/armas/cortas/
http://gunfactory.ch/faustfw/norinco.htm
Check out the Para clone from Norinco, if u could find one. The stainless version "Cavalry" model looks cool. Past comments about the gun give it a "thumbs-up".
Best,
New_comer
http://gunfactory.ch/faustfw/norinco.htm
Check out the Para clone from Norinco, if u could find one. The stainless version "Cavalry" model looks cool. Past comments about the gun give it a "thumbs-up".
Best,
New_comer
I have a new Charles Daly 1911 that I think is one of the best values available. I didn't get it with any ideas that it would be a great gun and run with 1911's that are twice the price, but it goes bang every time I press the trigger and gives me fair three inch groups at 25 yards. Not bad for a 399$ gun.
DAVID NANCARROW
New member
I think a toss up between the Colt and Springfield Armory. Both shoot pretty well even in the base model. Some folks don't like the slightly squared grip on the SA, but I think thats a personal preference. I do see what appears to be a mismatch on the SA's on their mainspring housing to frame fit, but have shot enough of them to know it doesn't affect function. SA's and Colts in North Texas run about the same price, and both seem to be cheaper at the gunshows than the Kimber.
The Kimber does have a nicer finish if that matters, as a general rule. I think where Kimber and SA have it over Colt is that they offer upgraded models which gradually escalate in price.
Colt doesn't seem to want to offer much but a base model, then jump to their premium model which is really close to the Gold Cup price-also not a bad buy these days, but its pushing a grand really hard!
All of them can get rid of the "cheese grater" grooves on the front of the slide, IMO. It's no place to put your hand and shouldn't be encouraged, not to mention it looks ugly. Fortunately, Colt and SA doesn't do that on all their models.
The Kimber does have a nicer finish if that matters, as a general rule. I think where Kimber and SA have it over Colt is that they offer upgraded models which gradually escalate in price.
Colt doesn't seem to want to offer much but a base model, then jump to their premium model which is really close to the Gold Cup price-also not a bad buy these days, but its pushing a grand really hard!
All of them can get rid of the "cheese grater" grooves on the front of the slide, IMO. It's no place to put your hand and shouldn't be encouraged, not to mention it looks ugly. Fortunately, Colt and SA doesn't do that on all their models.
The best value, IMHO, are the base offerings from Kimber. These are the Classic Custom (black) & the Classic Stainless.
Whether it interests you or not, the Classic Custom is shipping with *most* of the frames made from stainless steel. Kimber finishes them to match the black coating on the slides which are carbon steel.
I have a Classic Stainless & Ultra CDP, and based on my experiances with those guns can recommend the brand.
Whether it interests you or not, the Classic Custom is shipping with *most* of the frames made from stainless steel. Kimber finishes them to match the black coating on the slides which are carbon steel.
I have a Classic Stainless & Ultra CDP, and based on my experiances with those guns can recommend the brand.
another nod to the daly. I also bought mine with the nagging idea that it would be another "cheap" 1911 nock off. I was wrong. No reliablity problems with Wilson or Clark CGW mags, fit and finish of a Kimber or Colt (on the empire grade anyway) and all the bells and whistles you could ever want, all for $499. I have had some pretty impressive accuracy results with mine as well.
BTW, I get kinda confused and miffed when someone calls the Daly cheap. True its less than half the price of the Kimbers and such, but the Fully loaded Empire grade is still $500. Thats the same thing I payed for my Glock and less than I payed for my polished stainless Vaquero, and no one calls them cheap?
BTW, I get kinda confused and miffed when someone calls the Daly cheap. True its less than half the price of the Kimbers and such, but the Fully loaded Empire grade is still $500. Thats the same thing I payed for my Glock and less than I payed for my polished stainless Vaquero, and no one calls them cheap?
I GOT THE DALY! ITS JUST AS IMPRESSIVE AS ANY OTHER $450 GUN. IF YOU LET SOMEONE WHO KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT GUNS SHOOTTHEM ALL, AND THEN TELL THEM THE PRICE. I KNOW WHAT THEY'LL BUY. I AM NOT KNOCKING THE KIMBERS IN ANY WAY. YOU SHOULDN'T KNOCK THE DALY JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE LESS DRAINING ON YOUR WALLET. BESIDES, THE MORE .1911'S AND CLONES THERE ARE OUT THERE MEANS ITS EASIER TO CUSTOMIZE MINE. THE MORE INTEREST THE BETTER. NO ONE ONLY WANTS TO HAVE ONE 1911. THEY ARE ADDICTING!