1911 Handgun...

[jwcarlson]

This being the anniversary year and all I'm wondering if you guys have any experience with them and what you'd suggest. Not going to spend $1,000 but it does look like several are in the $500-800 price range.

Any experience?

[Hawkeye5]

I have a Kimber Gold Combat Series I (there is no series I, but when Kimber changed it they gave the new model a II designation) from the custom shop.

I picked it up used at my gun club swap meet several years ago and have been very pleased with the pistol.

You will find both good and bad comments about various 1911s that are available, including some of the Colts.

While I've not been there for awhile, there is a 1911 forum where you can find all kinds of information (opinion mostly, but informed opinion). Do a Google search to find it.

Also Culver's Shooting Page has a 1911 forum.

[alexseraph]

The 1911 is honestly my favorite pistol design.

For your price range I'd suggest the Springfield models, it really depends what you want it for of course.

Some folks find them a bit bulky for concealed carry. I'm not exactly small, so plenty of room to hide a .45 for me.

If you want the real Mike Hammer/WWII experience of course there's the base models they offer which are very close to military spec.

-Alex

[BSmout]

Bang for the buck? I like the CZ take on the 1911 in .40 cal. All steel, no plastic but the stock grips suck so walnut is better. Lots of military types are now using this version of the 1911. My $.02

Brian

[gixxer]

The Kimbers are VERY nice, Got to shoot one a couple times. I have owned a Para Ordnance P12 limited and that was just the greatest thing for me. It has a double stack mag so the grip has a more rounder profile than the flatness of a single stack. Some like the flatness for carry but man some of those grips just did not feel right to me. The trigger on that P12 was almost the smoothest pull I had ever felt.

[bamafan64]

1911's are my all time favorite. Classic, robust, effective. My next 1911 is going to be one of the Colt Series 70 repro's.

[73mountaineer]

I have this one:

http://www.gunshopfinder.com/springfield/PW9151L.jpg

Springfield GI Model in stainless.

It's a great pistol, IMO :thumbup1:

[Isaac]

This is what mine looks like

http://centermassguns.com/catalog/images/stainlesstle.jpg

[prophetic_joe]

I just recently purchased a Remington R1. It's been a pretty hot seller that dealers are having trouble keeping in stock. I absolutely love it. Designed pretty close to the classic 1911 design it does have upgraded dovetail sights. It shoots great right out of the box, or at least the three my buddies and I bought did. The only problem I have with it is the 2 year warranty, I eliminated that by getting one with a Davidson's lifetime. As far as I am concerned it is between the R1 and the Springfield Mil-spec for best entry level. Don't let the guy selling you the 1911 try to sell you the Springfield GI model instead of the Mil-Spec though, there is a difference. While the GI model is also a good gun the sights leave a bit to be desired and are a pain to change.

[bamafan64]

I just recently purchased a Remington R1. It's been a pretty hot seller that dealers are having trouble keeping in stock. I absolutely love it. Designed pretty close to the classic 1911 design it does have upgraded dovetail sights. It shoots great right out of the box, or at least the three my buddies and I bought did. The only problem I have with it is the 2 year warranty, I eliminated that by getting one with a Davidson's lifetime. As far as I am concerned it is between the R1 and the Springfield Mil-spec for best entry level. Don't let the guy selling you the 1911 try to sell you the Springfield GI model instead of the Mil-Spec though, there is a difference. While the GI model is also a good gun the sights leave a bit to be desired and are a pain to change.

The Remingtons look good in pictures, but I haven't seen one in person yet. I've read some pretty good reviews on them online and they'd probably be a good choice. My only knock so far with them is the extremely large logo on the slide, but that's only an aesthetic complaint.

[mtsgsd]

Good place to start is size, slide length, single or double stack magazine, single/double action, sights, beaver tail grip or standard etc.

If you want a traditional 1911, a lot of those options are moot, but there's lots of variants on the design. Knowing what you are looking for in a new pistol will help you narrow down the choices.

[alexseraph]

Good place to start is size, slide length, single or double stack magazine, single/double action, sights, beaver tail grip or standard etc.

If you want a traditional 1911, a lot of those options are moot, but there's lots of variants on the design. Knowing what you are looking for in a new pistol will help you narrow down the choices.
+1 Definitely, it's all about you needs/wants. That's the great thing about a 1911 it comes in many flavors.

[Mazeman]

Congrats on getting a 1911. Every red-blooded American needs one.

Here's my Kimber Pro CDP II, but it would probably be more in the >$1000 ballpark.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c49/mazeman/kimber-1.jpg

[jwcarlson]

I tend to have a little more info that I hold back to see what people say right off the bat. :)

I've been looking a little at the Springfield and Remington (first year run?).

It's possible that in the next year or so I'll be looking into getting my CCP so this would possibly be a part of that.
I'm 5'10" and about 200 pounds. I'll be 170-175 by summer and hope to stay around that size as it was a good size for me. I think I could hide the pistol on my frame easily. One of my reasons for looking at them is their relatively thin profile.

Might head to the gun shop this weekend and take a look at some.
Thanks for the help guys!

[blary54]

Cant go wrong with Kimber, or Springfield Armory.

Although Ive never seen one ive heard Wilson Combat 1911's are excellent. Prob out of your price range though.
http://www.wilsoncombat.com/index.htm

I own a Springfield Operator.
http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?model=10

For $500 I would look at the Springfield Mil Spec. (around 500 to 600 bucks)
http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=1

Or perhaps go used.

[blary54]

Congrats on getting a 1911. Every red-blooded American needs one.

Here's my Kimber Pro CDP II, but it would probably be more in the >$1000 ballpark.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c49/mazeman/kimber-1.jpg

Beautiful. Prefect size for CCW.

[BrianK]

Unless I'm using a single shot hunting handgun I only shoot my 1911s anymore, the rest just sit in the safe. After 40 years I'm getting pretty good with it.

If you want to stay on the low end of your price, the 1911s imported from the Phillipines are pretty good.

But you probably don't want a standard GI grip safety- it will bite you. So you want a beavertail grip safety to prevent bite, that pushes you upward a little in price. You can have one installed for a few hundred or just buy a model that has one already, and that will probably have other nice replaced parts, like an extended safety. You want your thumb to ride the safety and that means an extended one.

I have some older 1911s, a Randall, an el cheapo AMT that I love to use for Action Pistol just to prove it isn't the bow but the Indian, and a few Kimbers.

My carry guns are an Ultra CDPII, and an Ultra 10II. I'll see if the pics are still in Photobucket.

I wouldn't be happy with a 1911 under $1000 today, but there are lots of folks who are. BTW, a Les Baer or Wilson is probably WAY out of your price range, but they are superb 1911s. They are true custom guns. Guns from the Kimber Custom shop aren't (and I love my Kimbers, but it's the truth).

BTW, if you're new to handguns a 3" gun is not for you. You don't say. A 3" 1911 is a very specialized handgun and is for the few, not for the many. It takes many years and more than just common expertise to use one effectively. That's just the way it is.

In the pics you can see the difference between the area of the grip safety directly under the hammer. The Beavertail safeties on the Kimbers keep the web of the hand from getting pinched and bloody, on the SS AMT it's a more GI type safety and it can bite. I've been bitten more than once by it.

All of the pictured guns have extended thumb safeties to the left of and slightly in front of the hammer. I shoot by making my thumb "ride the safety". Putting pressure on the safety while shooting helps tame muzzle flip. And the thumb is right there to wipe the safety back on when done shooting. When at the ready the thumb stays in place on top ready to wipe the safety to the off position for more shooting.

All are .45 ACP

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/BBQinMaineiac/DSC02798small.jpg
The Ultra CDP II. It has a 7 round mag, but takes a full size mag that will protrude out of the bottom. But if you need a reload everyone knows you're carrying.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/BBQinMaineiac/DSC02869.jpg
The old inexpensive AMT. The rear sight is now a dovetailed sight. The rear sight broke during a match, and I couldn't find the top half, so I had it replaced. These can be had on the used market for under $300 I believe. Have it checked by a gunsmith before purchasing. This particular one has many 10s of thousands of rounds through it.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/BBQinMaineiac/DSC02803.jpg
This is a Kimber BP 10II. It's the full size model of my Ultra 10II carry gun. It's a double stack gun. This 1911 can have one up the spout and 13 in the mag. The 3" Ultra version has a 10 round magazine that fits flush but can take the full size mag from this gun for a reload. The full size magazine protrudes from the bottom of the Ultra when it's used in the smaller gun. Both like nickled cases or cases with a high polish, it'll jam (in the magazine where it transitions to single stack) if the ammo isn't highly polished. But with proper ammo is 100% reliable.

[RayH]

Wow a lot of Kimber fans out there, but for myself I have a Rock Island Armory GI 1911.
Steel sites. Nothing special, no mods or anything. Straight GI. And I'm happy with it.
When I bought it, it was under $500. Now they go for that and up.
Lipseys has one for under $500, an ATI for $469.95
http://www.lipseys.com/itemdetail.aspx?itemno=ATATIGFX45GI&family=1911+Style+Pistol+Series

[b0bp]

Been looking at the Kimber Super Carry Pro and the Super Carry Custom. Anyone out there own one?

[Topgumby]

I've got a Colt Gold Cup Stainless Series 80 that shoots real nice.

I've also got a (Gasp!) Norinco Commander length pistol that just flat out runs and runs.

I had a Star PD that I really liked, but I shot it so much that the frame cracked. I've been leery of aluminum framed .45s since, but I bet there are good ones out there.

IMHO, the jazzed up versions of the old warhorse are fine and are certainly a joy to own and brag about, but in a tight spot the GI style versions with the simple sights and the the sloppy tolerances are still as effective now as they were when the thing was invented, and that's plenty effective.

Just to be strange, I've also got a S&W M1917 revolver in .45 ACP. :thumbup1:

[binowatch]

I've had Colts, Springfields, ParaOrdnances, Remingtons. I still favor the Colt Combat Commander or Colt Commander but the ParaOrdnace Colonel P14 is very appealing-high cap, double action trigger, totally reliable, very accurate and in the price range if you shop around.

[mgiah]

My 1911 of choice is a Kimber Tactical - They are great guns and very well made, but they are pricey +/- $1000. The Kimbers are very 'tight' (tolerances) which makes them consistently accurate, but they also tend to jam more often.

[RolandofGilead]

I love 1911s. They can have the best trigger you've ever felt. They can be completely reliable and unbelievably accurate. Or they can be a pain in the ass.
If you're a casual shooter, I would under NO circumstances use a 1911 for anything more than range use. If you plan or carrying it, you need to be prepared to work on it and spend more as 1911s require more maintenance than most modern guns. If you're good with that, then a 1911 may be for you.

For under $1,000 there isn't any stock 1911s that I would trust to carry. Kimbers are not what they used to be and are unfortunately hit and miss these days. I have one that's been great, and I had one that would not run for anything, even after trips to the factory. This is a well known issue with Kimbers these days. I would not recommend them any more.

Colts are usually a good bet. I would caution you against getting anything under a 4 1/4" (commander) barrel. Anything under that is notorious for issues. Stick with commander or government size guns regardless of brands.

Here's my recommendation. Pick up an entry level Colt or Springfield with NO add ons. I say that, because at this point you don't know what you need in a 1911. I bought my Kimber and found out after a few thousand rounds that I didn't care for certain things...but it was too late. Get one of those two. Shoot it a lot. Then save your money. Then, make a list of things you want...perhaps new sights, replacing the cheap internals most companies use, maybe checkering the front strap, a new beavertail or a magwell. Send it off to a competent smith to do your work. Then when you get it back you'll have maybe $1,500 in a semi-custom pistol that is better than any production gun on the market and has everything you want with nothing you don't.

I highly recommend Tripp Cobra mags as well.

I know a lot of people will come on here and say they have perfect luck with Kimbers, or their Phillipine imports. That's fine, but remember it's a sample of one. Also, many people that claim this aren't people who shoot a lot.

[garyg]

I had noted the centennial earlier this year .. having not a .45, went to a couple local well stocked gun shops, my range included. There is a bereft of 1911's around, I went thinking to trade ( H&K .40), couldn't find many of the 1911 Browning's finest. Lots of tupperguns, all models, all calibers ..

[The Pontificator]

Here's my 1911:

http://www.gunslot.com/files/gunslot/images/39866.jpg
:lol: Sorry, couldn't help myself. I just wanted to "cleanse the palate" :thumbup:

[garyg]

Tupperware lives then?

[RolandofGilead]

Here's my custom 1911. I did a lot of the work myself.
Please let me know if the pics aren't working.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/jwdent/IMG_0036.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/jwdent/WashingtonDC002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/jwdent/leftside1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/jwdent/rearslide1.jpg

[garyg]

Here's my custom 1911. I did a lot of the work myself.
Please let me know if the pics aren't working.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/jwdent/IMG_0036.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/jwdent/WashingtonDC002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/jwdent/leftside1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/jwdent/rearslide1.jpg

Nice "Art"

[RolandofGilead]

Thanks, it shoots as well as it looks too!

[art803]

i love the 1911. You can't go wrong with a kimber or springfield. I have both and love them.

[BigMick]

I have had a few 1911s. The one I have kept,carried and shot for years is my Rock Island. Very basic, 1911 pattern. The only upgrades have been grips, springs and sights. Still a bit under $500 invested. It's no Wilson or Kimber but it has never had a failure, except some of my bad reloads. Accuracy is very good, as in it makes me look good most days.

[Roobaix]

My absoulte favorite hand gun ever! I had a Wilson CQB in 4" that was just awesome. I sold it (I'm not really sure why, AD I guess) and picked up an H&K USP Tactical and a Kimber Custom TLE II. All are very accurate pistols.

As far as recommendations, they come in so many different flavors that you can really get exactly what you want. There are so many excellent aftermarket parts available that you can customize away once you do get what you want.

Here's my Kimber (Wilson grips, Wilson mag well, Wilson buffer kit, Wilson extended slide release, Ambi safety...not installed yet):
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/guitargod0dmw/Guns/IMG_1461.jpg

[Cromarti]

Proud owner of a Colt 70 series National Match Gold Cup. Thirty rounds is all that it's been fired.

[csmorris]

Custom built Caspian and a stock 1991. :thumbup1:

[Blue Raccoon]

Springfield GI .45

http://www.rrarms.com/cat_images/GPW9143LP.JPG

[orchestrion]

Here's my 1911:

http://www.gunslot.com/files/gunslot/images/39866.jpg
:lol: Sorry, couldn't help myself. I just wanted to "cleanse the palate" :thumbup:

This isn't a grenade thread!

[J2010]

If my little hand could handle a 45 I would get the Ed Brown Kobra carry 1911. It's a good looking gun that can shoot.

http://www.edbrown.com/kobracarry.htm

Here is a good video of it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnNbIQrlK4w

but alas my little hand has to settle for a 9mm. I like the H&K P30L.

[delisle]

I've got a Colt Gold Cup Stainless Series 80 that shoots real nice.

I've also got a (Gasp!) Norinco Commander length pistol that just flat out runs and runs.

I had a Star PD that I really liked, but I shot it so much that the frame cracked. I've been leery of aluminum framed .45s since, but I bet there are good ones out there.

IMHO, the jazzed up versions of the old warhorse are fine and are certainly a joy to own and brag about, but in a tight spot the GI style versions with the simple sights and the the sloppy tolerances are still as effective now as they were when the thing was invented, and that's plenty effective.

Just to be strange, I've also got a S&W M1917 revolver in .45 ACP. :thumbup1:

Having owned a 1911, a Springfield Armory XD (my go to pistol), S&W Model 625 in 45 ACP, and currently a carbine in 45 ACP. I would say that any 1911 is a good choice, my BIL has a Rock Island 1911 that shoots like a dream for the price, about $450. Seriously look into the used higher end models.

[delisle]

This isn't a grenade thread!

Grenade? I am curious about this

[delisle]

Here's my 1911:

http://www.gunslot.com/files/gunslot/images/39866.jpg
:lol: Sorry, couldn't help myself. I just wanted to "cleanse the palate" :thumbup:

While I am not a fan of the 40 S&W round, Glocks are fine pistols!

[orchestrion]

Grenade? I am curious about this

There are some reports (blown out of proportion, no pun intended) of Glocks "exploding" when shot. It was just a funny jibe based on The Pontificator's post. :laugh:

[Wishoot]

Grenade? I am curious about this
It's been reported that certain Glocks, mostly their 40 S&W versions have problems with unsupported chambers. Most problems seem to be associated with reloads.

I've shot a ton of stuff through my Glock 22 (40S&W) without any problems. Most of my law enforcement friends also carry this same gun.

Pretty much every manufacture of handguns has had a Kaboom happen now and then. It's certainly not isolated to Glocks.

[PaulX608]

When I'm not working, I'm carrying my RIA 1911 GI. Work days it's usually my Taurus 850 snubbie due to work dress. Even though it only cost a bit over $300 new(had it for quite a while, they're more now), I certainly trust my life to it. Regardless of what you spend, time spent tuning and familiarizing youself with your carry piece, as well as a good holster and belt, are absolutely essential.

[Roobaix]

While I am not a fan of the 40 S&W round, Glocks are fine pistols!

That's good since it's a 9mm...:001_smile

[simon1]

I picked up my series 80 Colt for $300 off of another cop about 20 years or so ago; don't think you can get one for that now though. I'd love to have a series 70.

But, after I sent it off to Bill Wilson...it was a little more than your price range, even back then. He does do good work though.

+1 on another poster's comment on the barrel length less than Commander models having issues. Even after I got it back from Wilson's I still had a bit of an issue with stovepiping. I switched from 185 grain bullets to 230 grain, and got a Wolff recoil spring tuning kit (I'm of the "if it stovepipes it's either the load or the recoil spring" school) and played with it a bit. It worked like a Swiss watch after that...and I took out the recoil buffer that was popular then.

It has done it's job...it has worked well, very well, in "critical incidents." That means it's a firefight veteran.

Sorry for the smudges on the slide...I carried it today and hadn't wiped it off before I took a pic.

I also second a previous poster's suggestion of getting a basic one until you find out what you want. You can probably get a used, full sized, Colt for about $700-$800 now...I think. Haven't shopped around for awhile. The other brands mentioned are good, but I just like the appeal of the Colt brand, even though they are getting overpriced in some circumstances.

[alexseraph]

I picked up my series 80 Colt for $300 off of another cop about 20 years or so ago; don't think you can get one for that now though. I'd love to have a series 70.


Had to compliment you on that colt, real beauty.

[Grumpy_Bottom]

I'm a huge fan of Colt - if you're buying a 1911, the best part about Colt is that while they may not have the "tight tolerances" touted by Kimber, Brown, Wesson et al fans, they just go bang when you need them to. There are a myriad of parts upgrades, especially if you're buying newer models from any manufacturer with MIM (metal injection molded) parts, pick up a Brownells catalogue or bookmark Wilsons site and go to town. It's the one handgun I own that continuously surprises people who "always thought a .45 would kick more" and can't believe how accurate a 100 year old design can be. I had almost forgotten it was the anniversary year, I think I might have a pick up a 5" to commemorate and show my support.

[azmark]

Congrats on getting a 1911. Every red-blooded American needs one.

Here's my Kimber Pro CDP II, but it would probably be more in the >$1000 ballpark.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c49/mazeman/kimber-1.jpg

My favorite gun to shoot!

[alexseraph]

What just one?
http://www.handgunsmag.com/GAbobtail_041305A.jpg
http://sgcusa.com/images/large/SA_1911_GI.45_Parkerized_PW9108LP_A.jpg
Of course my GI is a bit different, what with the custom work and snake skin grips.

-Alex

[bamafan64]

It's the one handgun I own that continuously surprises people who "always thought a .45 would kick more".
Me, too, though I never thought that .45 acp was a hard kicker to begin with. I guess the fact that one of the first handguns I ever fired was a 2.5" .44 magnum may have influenced that!:lol:

[insomniac]

It's been far too long since I bought a new gun, and I don't have a 1911, so... I want a 1911 :tongue_sm


I've heard pretty good things about Rock Island *for the money* on various forums - they tend not to jam, at least. The last time I took a defensive handgun class, the one guy with a Les Baer had a jam-o-matic. Definitely not something I'd want to have fun with at the range, much less carry.

Thoughts?

[Pbalkan]

The 1911 is a way of life and there's far too much to say about it in a small space.

For many years, I shot US "Conventional Bullseye" competition. A .45acp is required for the 3rd series in that competition and it is also acceptable in the 2nd series which is "any centerfire." So, all of us spent hours tweaking and practicing with the 1911.

When it was introduced, it was the first semi-auto pistol adopted by US forces. It had to be reliable. Unfortunately, that reliability came at the expense of accuracy. Tolerances were very loose and the 1911 and the .45acp got a reputation as inaccurate.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The .45 acp is inherently accurate and the 1911 can be made to be accurate. First.... the barrel bushing has to be tightened and the barrel lock-up has to be precise and consistent. For most purposes, the standard barrel might not do it so a barrel-bushing combination is best. Today, there are "drop-in" parts which makes things easier (although not necessarily less expensive). Next is the trigger, which is usually horrendous, out of the box. There are now drop-in sears but a good gunsmith is usually essential, especially when you need to achieve a precise let-off in pounds. Sights are a must and the old fixed sights are usually worthless.

Basically, what shooters did was to tighten up those loose tolerances to make the pistol more accurate. Then reliability was restored by careful polish and tweaking. There were gunsmiths who worked on nothing but 1911's.

Back in the 80's when I started shooting, we'd have to spend about $1000 to get a competition gun.... and that with Colts and Springfields starting off at $300-350 brand-new!

I still shoot my 1911's regularly. I have them all and some of them were "done" by well known armorers like Jimmy Clark and Shocky.

They are fine, fine classic guns. I've had a love-hate relationship with them for 30 years... but now it's mostly love (as my hands become arthritic and I can't shoot them as much).

But... they are old designs and not really "user-friendly" out of the box. They are a challenge to shoot well. If you love old things and are patient, I'd say go for a 1911. If you want a reliable carry-gun that you can master with minimum practice and effort, I'd say go for a Glock or Sig.

[Pbalkan]

Unfortunately, Colt quality has become suspect in the past several years. I don't trust any of the Colt-made firearms these days.

I'd opt for an older one if I was buying. The Series 70's were the gunsmith's favorites.

[Grumpy_Bottom]

Unfortunately, Colt quality has become suspect in the past several years. I don't trust any of the Colt-made firearms these days.

I'd opt for an older one if I was buying. The Series 70's were the gunsmith's favorites.

They've done a much better job in the past couple years, by all reports I've read, my Defender had one issue, ejector pins sheared within the first 80 rounds (stupid MIM crap) but once that was replaced, it has run reliably for 1000 rounds since without a single FTF, FTE. I know people tout the series 70 stuff because they fear the firing pin block, but it's nothing like the horrible Kimber Schwartz unit and I've never had a FTF on my Defender, even with a wilson beavertail. I agree with you on smithing the 1911, but there are so many used 1911's out there that have already been tweaked that you can very easily pick up a gun with 500+ worth of upgrades for the same price as a stocker in many cases. Or you can simply go to one of the boutique manufacturers like Wesson who put out spectacular product for pretty modest money. The thing I like most about Colt, as you mentioned in your first post, and the thing that swayed me to them vs. a comparable 3" kimber or springfield was the loose tolerances - for a carry gun, I heard way too much about Kimber et al needing 500 rounds of break in to "loosen them up" and tons of FTF, stovepipe, return to battery issues (which, ironically I've experienced now with my uber tight Wesson that'll easily do 1" groupings at 25) whereas the Colts were designed to go bang, maybe not with 1" groupings at 25, but when you need it to go bang, it will.

[mustachio]

I picked this one up for $399 out the door.

http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss296/handlebar/cerama-coatfulllegt.jpg

[Gray Wolf]

A Taurus PT1911 costs about $600, and needs nothing done to it. They come from the factory with beavertail grip safety, extended ambi thumb safety, ramped & throated, front gripstrap checkered, good sights and trigger. They feed anything, ball, hollowpoint, lead semi-wadcutter, mix and match in the same magazine. Unlike those costing twice as much that need 5oo rounds put through them just to break them in and make them reliable, and the ones costing 3 times the price that handle ball ammo only.

[aceinyerface]

There is a huge cult grown up around the 1911. People spend tons and tons on them, becoming almost like a piece of jewelry.

I've had them, and fired the top end ones. They are nice however, I like other firearms better for various reasons, like capacity, weight, etc... But it truly is a personal preference decision.

[miamimoe]

The 1911 is a way of life and there's far too much to say about it in a small space.

For many years, I shot US "Conventional Bullseye" competition. A .45acp is required for the 3rd series in that competition and it is also acceptable in the 2nd series which is "any centerfire." So, all of us spent hours tweaking and practicing with the 1911.

When it was introduced, it was the first semi-auto pistol adopted by US forces. It had to be reliable. Unfortunately, that reliability came at the expense of accuracy. Tolerances were very loose and the 1911 and the .45acp got a reputation as inaccurate.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The .45 acp is inherently accurate and the 1911 can be made to be accurate. First.... the barrel bushing has to be tightened and the barrel lock-up has to be precise and consistent. For most purposes, the standard barrel might not do it so a barrel-bushing combination is best. Today, there are "drop-in" parts which makes things easier (although not necessarily less expensive). Next is the trigger, which is usually horrendous, out of the box. There are now drop-in sears but a good gunsmith is usually essential, especially when you need to achieve a precise let-off in pounds. Sights are a must and the old fixed sights are usually worthless.

Basically, what shooters did was to tighten up those loose tolerances to make the pistol more accurate. Then reliability was restored by careful polish and tweaking. There were gunsmiths who worked on nothing but 1911's.

Back in the 80's when I started shooting, we'd have to spend about $1000 to get a competition gun.... and that with Colts and Springfields starting off at $300-350 brand-new!

I still shoot my 1911's regularly. I have them all and some of them were "done" by well known armorers like Jimmy Clark and Shocky.

They are fine, fine classic guns. I've had a love-hate relationship with them for 30 years... but now it's mostly love (as my hands become arthritic and I can't shoot them as much).

But... they are old designs and not really "user-friendly" out of the box. They are a challenge to shoot well. If you love old things and are patient, I'd say go for a 1911. If you want a reliable carry-gun that you can master with minimum practice and effort, I'd say go for a Glock or Sig.

+1 on all of the above. I owned three .45's. One was an Argentinean Army issue parkerized .45 that I bought for $275.00 brand new. Had the barrel throated, the feed ramp polished, installed an extended thumb safety and beavertail safety. Total investment was about $500.00 into the gun and parts and labor. That piece had thousands of rounds through it, no jams, not one. I had a Colt Government Combat model, not to be confused with a Combat Commander, which was a special issue from Colt, series 70 that came with a throated barrel, extended thumb safety, beavertail safety, and polished feed ramp right from the factory. Installed an arched mainspring housing. Finally, I had a Combat Commander, stainless, and had the same work done as I had to the Argentinean Army issue. None of these guns were "competition" pistols. They were all for carry and self-defense. While they may not have been the most accurate boys on the block, each of them went "bang" each and every time, and I had total confidence in all three as a carry/self-defense sidearm. They were also accurate enough for self-defense purposes. Look around and if you can find a reasonably priced "G.I." pistol, then you can have some simple and inexpensive changes done which will give you a fine weapon that works every time. Just my .02.