Thinking Of Getting A 1911

I bought a RIA GI model a couple of years ago and I REALLY like it. The wooden grips look great and are unusually thick. My biggest 1911 complaint was always they are too skinny and don't fit my hand right.

And I agree, a 1911 should be blued.
 
I bought the Ruger SR1911 in Commander size. Great gun, no problems, around 200 rounds through it - 5 different brands including some JHP.

I also looked at the Rock Island's and may buy one yet.
 
Owning many 1911 type handguns of many brands I discovered that two brands cover the entire scope for me. On the higher end is Dan Wesson, and at the other end is RIA. Both brands stand out for different reasons;

RIA is reliable at a low price, easily as reliable as old name guns which also have MIM small parts.

Dan Wesson offers high quality without MIM, very close tolerance guns, works of gun making art.

Both brands operate within the laws of supply and demand without sacrificing quality. I'd never buy another 1911 for over $400 if it has MIM parts, many American guns costing much more, twice as much, have the same number of MIM parts as RIA.

And many guns as well made as the Dan Wesson cost a good deal more.
 
Well I just called Colt to see if they might know when they would be doing the rebate on the 1991 again and of course they had no idea of a date but said a rebate will happen again. Story of my life.

So after looking at each gun you guys have suggested I still think the Mil-Spec might be the gun I go with. I trade emails with a poster on THR named Bluehawk and he just bought a Mil-Spec and changed out a few parts before he shot it. He still hasn't shot it as far as I know. I don't know why he changed parts. I don't want to have to start trading parts. I just want it to work right out of the box.

Thanks to everyone for the help.
 
ratshooter: My Colt 1911 Mod.1991 has such a great trigger,I let a guy try it he said it's trigger was better then his Goldcup. It's really a great Colt.
 
The Springfield Range Officer would be my vote, for a reasonably-priced, all-around good value.
I've owned a Mil-Spec, a Loaded Target, and now, the RO, and they're all good guns.
I prefer the classic looks of the Mil-Spec, while admitting that the RO and Loaded models are more functional.
 
This is what it looks like in person:

TISAS1911_zps2f156e47.jpg
 
To stay in exact compliance and reply strictly with the original post... For the money a GI Rock Island can't be beat. Hope that helps. Good Luck.
 
One of the best things about the 1911s is if you don't like the one you buy, you can quickly sell or trade it.
So buy one you feel will best serve your needs,and see if it fits them.
 
Nice looking guns runningbear. I like the one on the bottom best.

I checked the Dan Wessons on GB. Nothing even close to what I am willing to spend on a 1911.

I checked out Norinco 1911s on GB and the lowest price was about $560 and the rest over $600. I think I will stick with the Mil-Spec.
 
A guy was shooting a Dan Wesson at the range a few years ago. He let me shoot it and I was very impressed with how well I did with it.
 
I think that whatever you choose. With the quality these days and customer service you should be alright. I think the best choice will be the Springfield milspec because it's been around awhile and its known to be a well made gun. My buddy has a rock island GI that has had at least 2 other owners. He has shot probably 200 RDS through the thing and it didn't malfunction. We have an old empty oxygen/ propane tank that measures about 4ft high and probably 14-16" wide, set about 200 yards from our shooting position. He can hit that tank about 50/50 per magazine. Even with those tiny crude sights. Compared to my springfield when I handle them both, ignoring the added features, the rock island just doesn't feel as well put together or not quite as finely made. The mil spec is the way to go if you're budget is around 4-6 and it has the features you want and none you don't. I was originally going to get one but someone rear ended me and only did a slight paint scuff so I just spent that whole check on a loaded 1911 with the full length guide rod and tritium sights
 
Funny enough, my buddy bought a Taurus 1911 when i bought my Springfield mil spec. Mine has been flawless from day one and has been my carry weapon much of the time. His Taurus locked up the first time at the range. Yes, he had cleaned and oiled it, but it locked up HARD for some reason. We could barely pry the slide open. The fixed sights also fell off after about 500 rounds. Just my anecdotal experience.
 
This gun could also be in the running and the price is right. I don't think they are available yet. They are rumored to be made by Dan Wesson.

http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-1911-a1/
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I'm interested to see some reviews of it's quality and being able to handle one in person. My Valor is top notch so this plain-jane 1911 appeals to me. It might have some cast or MIM parts unlike the Valor, but if the quality and fit is the same then it'll be a winner for sure. I'm hoping street price is reasonable.
 
I'm interested to see some reviews of it's quality and being able to handle one in person. My Valor is top notch so this plain-jane 1911 appeals to me. It might have some cast or MIM parts unlike the Valor, but if the quality and fit is the same then it'll be a winner for sure. I'm hoping street price is reasonable.
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My guess it will have some cast parts. Dan Wesson has a history of using cast parts and they will be building these guns. My guess is that some of the small parts will be cast. Frame, Slide and barrel are all forged.

Depending on the actual street price I think it will compete nicely with the SA Milspec and the Colt 01991.
 
My guess it will have some cast parts. Dan Wesson has a history of using cast parts and they will be building these guns. My guess is that some of the small parts will be cast. Frame, Slide and barrel are all forged.

Depending on the actual street price I think it will compete nicely with the SA Milspec and the Colt 01991.
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No doubt it will have some cast parts at the price point. The Valor has zero cast parts which I can testify to except for the Ed Brown beavertail which I hear is now made by DW as well. No big deal since it's not a part that sees stress anyhow.

If the fit and quality is similar, it'll be an awesome basic 1911. Even Springfield's TRP has a decent amount of cast and MIM parts in it and that's their flagship model while the flagship model DW Valor doesn't. If the price point is the same as the MilSpec which I once owned, it won't be much of a competition IMO. I've owned a bunch of 1911s from different manufactures and although they're reliable and accurate, very few catch my interest now. I can't wait to handle a CZ1911-A1 in person.
 
I am not worried about the use on cast or MIM parts in handguns,they have been used for many years without great reports of failures.
Even the top priced 1911s and many others including Sig Sauer HK Walther and Glock,all use many MIM parts.
My Para CCO LDA has a cast stainless frame,also both my new Colts have MIM parts and does not keep me up nights.:)
 
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