Help me decide which 1911 to buy

D

Derek Zeanah

New member
Looking for a full-sized 1911 to go with my Officer's ACP.

I've looked around in town and here's what's available:

Dan Wesson (pretty basic): $450
Colt 1991A1 (black): $570
Colt 1991A1 (Stainless, adjustable sights): $620
Springfield 1911 (Black): $650
Randall (Service model, adjustable sights, stainless): $695
Kimber Custom Classic (black): $725

What I'm looking for is a reasonably accurate and reliable gun. I'll shoot ball through it for the most part, but it'll be loaded with hollow-points most of the time. Might want to take it to Gunsite in a year (finances and wife permitting).

Can anyone comment on the build quality of the above firearms? All are new except the Randall, which seems to show very little wear (but a nice trigger).

Any brands I should avoid at all costs? Saw an Auto Ordinance and a Charles Daily also (cheap), but remember hearing bad things about 'em.

Thanks. Hope this isn't too redundant.

(edited 'cause I'm a dumbass. :o )
 
FWIW, the Randall should be stainless steel but it could have been chromed or nickled somewhere along the line. Not a bad price listed for it.

I would avoid the A/O even thought Kahr are now making them. I have not seen any comments about their quality from members of this board or others since Kahr took over.

Charles Daly's are a somethime thing, sometimes they are great and sometimes they stink.

Have you considered a Systima 27? Pre-war quality 1911A1 made in Argentina on Colt machinery. Nice pistols.

If you are happy with the Officer's ACP why not stick with a Colt?

Kind of wishywashy ain't it?
 
Hey man, nothing wrong with a nice pimp gun.

I got a shiny colt 1911 with pearl grips on it, with a black widow spider carved into the grips... a real pimp special.

Of the choices you list, I would go with the Kimber.

You might also consider a Colt XS or XSE if you can find one.
 
I know it's off subject, but I have a Bright Chrome .50AE Desert Eagle. Regarding your "pimp gun" comment, I resemble that remark!!
 
Just thought I would add my 2 cents worth. Of the 1911's listed I would go with the Kimber. If money is no object I would order a Wilson Combat CQB. I have on and love it. I also have 4 Kimbers one of which is a full size that has had a full Clark Custom job done to it.

Long live the 1911
Molon Labe:p
 
All choices given are good ones. I'm partial to Springfield Armory having had good experience with them..


Rick
 
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There was a poll here before. People preferred Kimber by a long shot.
I've heard that Springfield is almost as good. Maybe your prices reflect the order of quality?

The reason Kimber is seeing exponential growth in sales is that they make quality guns and offer a very wide variety of models. I bought the most expensive I could afford and got a Kimber Gold Match Stainless. $1050 internet.

Kimber offers black or silver, light or heavy, target or normal or night sites, everything!

I really like the Chip McCormick magazines.

Glad I couldn't afford more expensive. That would mean considering the Wilson and then the STI. STI makes some really cool models including some with 6" barrels. WAY expensive though.
 
Ended up picking up the Kimber, and am happy with it. I've got tomorrow off so I'll throw a few hundred rounds downrange and see how it does.

Thanks for the help and encouragement.
 
I have over 35 years experience with 1911's. If you are thinking about buying a factory made gun not a custom or factory custom then stick with a series 70 or earlier Colt. My second choice by far would be the later series 80 Colt followed by the Springfield Armory. Stay away by all means from the Kimbers. I have personally fired these weapons and some of them were great and some did not work at all. Their quality control is very spotty to say the least.

Lets face it Colt has been building 1911's for almost 100 years. They know how to build them and I have never had a serious problem with any of them and have always experienced good accuracy with them. Even the plain jane no frills models often shoot 2 inches at 25 yards.

A 1911 built by a quality manufacturer is the worlds greatest fighting automatic pistol period. 100 years of History has proved it over and over again. Since you already own a Colt you know what I am talking about. People who dislike the 1911 are usually people who have bought a cheap off brand or a brand not true to the orignal patent (like the multi large capacity abortions).

If I were you I would look around for a good used series 70 or earlier model. Often you will pay less than what you would pay for a new off brand. I recently bought a gorgeous WWI commemerative with Colt Royal blue finish for only $500.00.

Good luck you will never be dissatisfied with a colt. W.R.
 
Don't know about the rest of the world, but here in OH you can find Springfield 1911's for about $400. For that price, it would be difficult to pass on. If it didn't have the features you wanted, you could always use the money you saved to get them, and maybe come out ahead!
 
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