Let's say I want to buy a 1911 type .45...

J

Jack Straw

New member
I realize this question might start all sorts of family feuds, but that's fine by me because I want as much info as I can get hands on.

I am looking to buy a 1911 type .45, but I am not really all that familiar with all the different brands and styles and variations and such. If set an absolute limit of $700 what can I expect to get? I would prefer a steel frame (I have heard aluminum feed ramps are more picky as to what they will feed and that some HP bullets might damage the ramp -- this is what I have heard), a good trigger (crisp and light), and of course reliability; good fit and finish would be nice too. Are all the different brands and all the different after market parts compatible or what? Or is it possible to get what I want for that price without any upgrades?

A big bundle of questions but I sure would appreciate any help.

TIA,
Jack
 
Jack
It sounds like you want a Kimber. They are very good right out of the box. Fit,finish,accuracy,reliability, and customer service are all first rate! I used to recomend Colt, but we all know what happened there! Springfield Armory also makes a great line of 1911's but I like the Kimbers better. You can easily pick up a new Kimber for $700. They are a really great looking gun. Chip McCormick designed most of the parts, so after market parts are really not needed. I would add a set of night sights and call it done! As far as the alloy frame goes... I own a few 1911's with aluminum frames and have never had a problem.
I polish my feedramps lightly when I clean them, and have had no problems with feeding.
I also cant see how a H.P. could hurt the feedramp if it is machined correctly. Alloy frames have been around for a while now. I have heard of very few problems. Check out a Kimber. Good Luck with your search! I'm sure you will get alot more info. from the rest of the guys. I just thought I'd help a little.
CALVIN
 
I agree right now for the money you cannot beat a Kimber!I got a Goldmatch and boy is this thing one accurate machine!I like the springfields the way they look ,but every time i pick one up they just got way to much play in the frame to slide fit area.Which is very critical.the only thing that has a better fit than the kimber is a full custom gun from Wilson or Les Baer and they cost 2-3 times as much. Also you still cant go wrong with the colt ,Ive never lost a dime on one ive bought yet,could be i dont get rid of them either !
 
Jack, for a price check on Kimbers, Springfields, Baers, Wilson etc, go to http://www.gunsamerica.com then get in contact with StatewidePawnShop http://www.sbshow.com/UT/StatewidePawnShop/
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New Colt 1991 A1 $389.99
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Voice: (214) 351-0572
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has
Para-Ordnance P-16 Limited Stainless .40S&W with (1) hicap and coupon for 2 hicaps $659
Para-Ordnance P-14 Limited Stainless .45ACP with (1) hicap and coupon for 2 hicaps $649
********
From http://pages.hotbot.com/biz/jcarmory/MonthlySpecialsHG.html
Springfield Armory 1911A1 Stainless Loaded new in case - $520.00
Springfield Armory 1911A-1 Parkerized. New in box with 1 magazine. Price: $450.00
Springfield Armory Hi Cap 45ACP, standard, blued - $495.00
*******
When you decide on a Model, post the price & lets see if we can better it ! :)

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"The Gun from Down Under !"
http://www.para1911fanclub.w3.to/
E-mail hotshot_2000@hotmail.com
Alternate E-mail
HS2000@ausi.com



[This message has been edited by HS (edited February 13, 2000).]
 
Kimbers seem to be quite popular although once
you buy it, it's like driving a new car off the lot. Seems like for a reltively new company there are an awfully lot for sale at the popular auction sites and gunsamerica.com
the good news is you can find alot of (new used) kimbers pretty cheap. I personally don't
understand how there could possibly be more used kimbers for sale after ten years than there are colts or springfields after a hundred years.Buy quality buy an investment by a Colt.
 
I just bought a Springfield today. It runs better than my Kimber even though the slide to frame fit isn't as good. Then again, slide to frame fit isn't everything and is really over rated.

The truth is, a lot of shooters are just plain brand loyal. Kimber and Springfield both make good guns. However, I feel the Springfield is more dependable and from what I hear the customer service is better.
 
I'd like to suggest a Springfield. Both of mine run flawlessly and are a pleasure to shoot. Many folks have had problems with Kimber quality, and especially their customer service (including me). I have rarely heard these things about Springfield...In any case, good luck!
 
Springfield and Kimber make good guns, but Springfield has the better CS dept.

For that reason alone, I would go with Springfield.
 
I to favor the Springfield "loaded" Model in this price range...an unresolved customer service issue at Kimber lost me forever although if you don't get the proverbial "lemon" from them,they are quite good. Ankeny brought up a very accurate and valid observation about slide to frame fit: it only contributes 15% to overall accuracy measured from worst to best fit. Ther are of course some of us,myself included,who are willing to pay for this 15% gain,but then again,I will freely admit an at times unreasonable obsession with fine tuning 1911's,which,as I derive great joy from it,make no apologies... Over time,aluminum feed ramps can be damaged,particularly by jacketed bullets in a truncated cone shape,but it takes ALOT of rounds to do this. Welcome to the "family" & happy hunting!
 
Go with a new Colt, they got that new factory custom line and if you can find one grab it. Springfield's okay but you don't have the resell value of a Colt.
 
Well, I currently own a Kimber Custom. It's the best 1911 that I've ever owned period. Yes I've also owned Springfields, Colts etc. I can't comment on Kimbers customer service since my gun runs fine.

This isn't a slam against Sprinfield or Colt, or any other brand for that matter. I've seen or experienced failures with all of them form time to time (and not just 1911s either). I once witnessed the front sight, along with a good chunk of the slide go flying off of a brand new Springfield. Not my gun thank the good Lord ! If your pistol hasn't malfunctioned you haven't shot it enough.

The only reason that I own the Kimber is that I traded my last Colt of in a weak moment (I have a bad habit of doing that :)). The Colt was fine, so is the Kimber, so were the Sprinfields that I owned (except for the compacts by any maker).

Resale value has never been an issue with me. I'm a shooter not a collector. I'd rather have a gun that I can depend on with a slightly lower name value. The fact is they all make more good guns than bad. So pick the one you like and can get the best deal on.
 
I just bought a NIB Springfield gov't loaded model. The fit and finish are good- I was able to look over several and pick the one I wanted. Considering that I eventually plan on lightly customizing it, I chose it over the Kimbers and saved some money- which will later be rolled back into the gun when it goes to the smith. :) Either way, Kimber or Springfield, you will not go wrong.

Erik
 
I have four 1911's, all Colt's. I can not comment on any other brand, as I have no experience. I will say that I have always been pleased with my Colt's which include a Gold Cup, an Officer's ACP (my wife's gun), a lightweight Commander and a CCO. I am sure that other brands are just as good. As to the alloy frame, the ones I shoot the most are alloy frames and they are fine. All of that being said, I would like to welcome you to the 1911 club. Other than Glocksters, I don't think you will find a group more in love with their weapons!

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acp Mikey
 
I have a Colt Gold cup its a good gun works great but I don't shoot it, I find myself shooting my Kimbers the most. I have never had a problem with a Kimber! How ever I do have a new Springfield I can't wait to shoot, it's just been to damn cold were I live!

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ACCEPT NOTHING LESS THAN FULL VICTORY!"

General Dwight D. Eisenhower-- June 6,1944
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http://www.homestead.com/gunrights/Guns_and_Gunrights.html
 
I would recommend a Para-Ordnance P-14 in stainless steel. Not only does it come with a 14 round magazine (the appeal of some many 9mm and .40's) but it also provides you with a certificate to purchase two additional hi-cap magazines.

I picked one up a few months ago and with sales tax and a box of bullets, it came to just under $700.

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Share what you know, learn what you don't -- FUD.
 
Since nobody brought it up, I'll jump in: A tired old clunker of a beat-up GI model will cost what, $250? $300? With that remaining $400 or so you can do a heckuva lot.

Buy one of the "how to" books on the .45, and you can do a lot yourownself. As long as you don't go bananas on polishing the feed ramp, you can't really hurt anything that's expensive.

And you'll learn a lot more about your pistol that way than any other...Lordy, Lordy, you might start a whole new career! :)

FWIW, Art
 
Hi, folks,

Art, those beat up GI guns are bringing more than that these days. But I saw, on Saturday, three Colt Government Models (civilian version of M1911A1) from the 50s/60s for $400-450. Good condition except for some holster wear. These will beat any of the "cast clones" hands down, any way, any day for reliability and durability.

Jim
 
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