Can you help me choose an accurate 1911?

T

treeprof

New member
Having previously been a once-per-year or less shooter, I started regularly shooting (and accumulating) handguns abt 8 mos ago. After several bumps, detours and lessons along the way, I've arrived at the point in the last 6 weeks where I shoot 2-2.5" groups (2 hand, off-hand) at 25 yds regularly, sub 2" groups occasionally and almost everything 3.5" or less (with flyers abt every 15-30 shots).

I'm by no means a member of the "one ragged hole" club I see referenced in various threads and board (strange that none of them shoot at the ranges I do), but I really like shooting for accuracy. I'm fairly pleased with my progress to date (at least by my standards), and assuming my skill continues to improve, I'd like to get an accurate (3" or less at 50 yds) 1911 .45 that I could really go to the mat with. I currently shoot Sigs mostly (226, 229 and Pro), and have a good selection of other carry handguns of various calibers and makes. So, I'm really interested only in a target (and possibly competition) worthy full-frame .45 (e.g no Pro Carry CDP's, tho they're nice pistols), and that's where I need some input.

For out-of-the-box accuracy, I'm thinking Kimber Super Match, Les Baer (I like the Premier II Super-Tac) or something from Rock River Arms. Or, given my skill level and ya'lls collective experience, should I get a stock Kimber or Springfield, shoot it for a while, and have it smithed? I want something out-of-box, tho, that's more accurate than I am at present.

The oustide consulting activity that I was counting on to buy this pistol with dried up recently, so it'll take a while to accumulate the $$ for a high-end gun. I'm not in a big hurry, but on the other hand I don't want to wait too long to purchase in the current political climate, esp. if I'm faced with Pres. gore and a Democratic House come Nov. I'd REALLY, REALLY like one of the high-end models, but I could trade my Cougar .45, throw in a few $$ and get a basic Kimber Classic target Springield "Loaded" right away. Decisions, decisions ...

Any suggestions would be appreciated, and I offer my thanks in advance. This is a great place for info. and an occasional laugh.
 
Hello. I don't know if the Kimbers will do 3" or less at 50 yards! I cannot shoot that well. I know they'll shoot well under 2" at 25 yards with selected loads. For the money, I'd go with the Kimber Gold Match. At the same time, I sure understand the desire for a "top end" firearm. I'd probably go with Rock River Arms as they reportedly offer the same level of performance as Baer, but at about 2/3 the cost. I am considering having them build me a 6" bbl/slide .38 Super. Best.
 
if you can find an early series 80 gold cup NIB or used I'd go for that but I'm sentimental about Colts (I know I know).

Kimber's Match guns are supposed to be VERY nice as is Les Baer, Wilson Combat etc.

the 1911 is the Ultimate "hotrodders" gun.. you can take any base model and customize it to the max.

I'd say the low end a springfield "loaded"and compensate it etc for that kind of long range accuracy. But I understand you can still get a kimber for around $650 (here in Colorado anyway)
 
I've tested multiple Kimbers, all sizes. VERY accurate.

I've read about and e-mailed with some RR Arms-owners; they are EXTREMELY satisfied with their accuracy.
And Les Baer will guarantee your accuracy.

Not as many good, trouble-free results with Springfield pistols I've had direct experience with.

My 1911 is a 1"er, Caspian/Bar-Sto of course.

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"All my ammo is factory ammo"
 
Treeprof,

I have four .45 ACPs, including two 1911A1s: a full size stainless Kimber Custom/Classic and a pre-WW II Colt Government (FYI, the others are a Sig P-220 and an H&K USP Tactical). All are outstanding semiautomatics! Based on experience, I can recommend the Kimber without reservation. Doubtless, you are a better marksman than I am, but -- unfortunately -- I'll never exceed the inherent accuracy of the Kimber.

That may be a key question for your consideration: Is it wise to invest a thousand dollars (~$600 for a Kimber or Springfield versus ~$1600 for a mid-range Wilson or Baer) in an effort to obtain accuracy you may be incapable of achieving? If I had $1600 to invest in 1911A1s right now -- and particularly given your concerns regarding politics during the next Administration -- I would consider purchasing a good Kimber and an equally good Springfield Loaded. After all, you can always have them customized for enhanced accuracy by Bilby, Wilson, etc. regardless of the political vagaries.


[This message has been edited by RWK (edited September 09, 2000).]
 
Treeprof, I've just purchased a loaded Springfield V12. Now I haven't picked it up yet, so of course I haven't fired it yet.
But I guess I was looking for the same as you and was guided in this direction. I was not directed to that particular model but thats the one I chose because I liked it.
I heard a lot of good things about Springfields so thats the route I took.
I did hear that some of their earlier models were not that good but quality has changed and they are making a better pistol for the money and it's a shooter right out of the box with no modifications needed.
Hope this helps ;)

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We preserve our freedoms by using four boxes: soap,ballot,jury, and cartridge.
Anonymous
 
If you are looking for Master Class accuracy for bullseye type shooting forget factory Kimber, Springfield, etc. pistols. Go with something from Les Baer or Rock River and pay a little extra for the accuracy package.

If you want something from STI get it from Dawson's and have them turn it into a tack driver.

World class shooters use world class pistols and anyone who tell you such rubbish as, "An out of the box (insert Kimber, SA, Colt, etc. here) will shoot 2 inch groups at fifty yards..." has been reading too many gun rags.

If accuracy is your main issue, expect to pay $1500.00 on the bottom end to someone who knows how to build a real pistol.
 
I have a springfield loaded with match barrel
that does shoot the one hole groups at 25yards,using 200swc reloads and my son doing
the shooting,(I'm not that good)How much more
accurate one could be with say $1500 more,I
dont know. But at 50 yards I will use a rifle.
 
bullet44:

Sounds like you have a keeper, the pistol and the kid. Seriously, I don't doubt for a minute that your SA eats those 200 grain swc bullets right up. The point I was trying to make is that the 1.5" Baers, Rock Rivers, STI's from Dawson ALL shoot like that. I think yours is the exception rather than the rule.

By the way, 50 yard pistol matches don't let you shoot a rifle. If I had my way I would shoot IDPA with an H&K MP5 PDW
 
Everyone - Thanks for all of the comments. As usual, there were lots of well-reasoned, diverse opinions. I still have lots to think abt, but I'm leaning more towards a Baer or RR Arms w/1.5" @ 50yds guaranteed. I may never improve beyond my present skill level, but there's a certain level of satisfaction in owning something better than one really deserves.
 
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