[LockNLoad]

I want to purchase a 1911 .45 Cal. for the purpose of keeping as my collectors piece. One that I can shoot maybe a few times a year, but not even a quarter as much as my M&P. Which manufacturer holds the award for the best 1911? What model 1911 would you buy? Thanks!

 

[m4arc]

What is your budget? I hate to answer a question with a question but when you're talking 1911s there really is no limit. You can spend as little as $400 or as much as $7000 so we gotta narrow it down some.

 

[YukonGlocker]

Just target shooting, or using for defensive purposes at all?

How much do you want to spend?

What kind of finish do you want?

What kind of sights do you want?

 

[LockNLoad]

Thanks for the replies: My Budget was to be from $1000 - $1500. I like the stainless steel in satin/nikel. I have the M&P for defenseive use, so the 1911 will mainly be used for occasional target shooting. Standard sights are fine. Let me know, your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[YukonGlocker]

You can get an excellent 1911 with that budget.

My choice would be the Springfield Armory Trophy Match or Tactical Response Pistol.

 

[m4arc]

In that price range my first choice would be a Springfield Armory TRP but I don't think they make them in stainless. Another top choice of mine would be a Kimber Warrior if you wanted a light rail.



There are also a good number of S&W 1911s in that price range, some even come standard with Crimson Trace grips! If I was going to own a 1911 with an external extractor S&W would be the only one as they seem to have it right.



I'm so impressed with my M&P that I would seriously consider a S&W if (or when) I was in the market for a 1911.



http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/sto..._category=15708

 

[YukonGlocker]

I was going to suggest the Warrior also, but it's not stainless.

Here is the SA Tactical Response Pistol (TRP) in stainless. I have shot this exact model and it's an awesome gun.

 

[YukonGlocker]

Be sure to also check out the Trophy Match. Another awesome gun.

 

[m4arc]

I was going to suggest the Warrior also, but it's not stainless.

Here is the SA Tactical Response Pistol (TRP) in stainless. I have shot this exact model and it's an awesome gun.

NICE! I'm not a fan of stainless but I do love the TRP and that is a beautiful gun!

 

[LockNLoad]

Thanks for the info. gentlemen!! I'm going to take a look at them over the weekend. Can't spend the Christmas gift money yet. But I can get an idea of what they look like in person.



M4arc, you're right about the TRP, it does have some HOTNESS in its design!

 

[Guest]

Since this is a Smith And Wesson forum how can you guys not reccomend the SW1911? Paid about $800 for it and it is a much better gun than the Kimber a friend owns.

 

[Dan Burwell]

Since this is a Smith And Wesson forum how can you guys not reccomend the SW1911? Paid about $800 for it and it is a much better gun than the Kimber a friend owns.

Sorry Smith,

I can tell you the biggest reason why I don't like them....

NON-Standard parts.



They use a goofy rear sight cut so you cannot replace it with anything. although I hear Heinie has one out but from what I understand there is still a gap under the sight even with his sight.



and the beavertail is a smaller radius than anyother on the market so if the fit isn't as nice as you like it there really is no way to fix it.



Other than that the Smith 1911's seem to be solid guns, just don't expect to be able to change much on it.

 

[m4arc]

Since this is a Smith And Wesson forum how can you guys not reccomend the SW1911? Paid about $800 for it and it is a much better gun than the Kimber a friend owns.

I suggested he look at the smiths but see Mr. Burwell's post above. I think the smiths are nice but in addition to the non-standard parts MANY 1911 diehards frown on the external extractor.



Besides, this is the Non Smith Firearm Talk forum :wink:

 

[dlcrouch]

1911 Forums to check

http://forums.1911forum.com/

http://forum.m1911.org/



no lack of opinions on best 1911s

 

[m4arc]

Re: 1911 Forums to check

http://forums.1911forum.com/

http://forum.m1911.org/



no lack of opinions on best 1911s

Nope, when it comes to 1911s there is certainly no lack of opinions. And often no two opinions are the same!

 

[Jhp147]

Don't get me wrong, I love S&W, but with 1911s in my price range, I pick Springfield. The grip safety timing issues that may come up with a grip safety/firing pin block leave me cold. That goes for Kimber, too, because they pretty much broke my habit in that regard. That is MY experience and opinion and 1911 shooters tend to be as fierce and opinionated as Glock people, so that may not matter to anyone.

I've got a TRP and Parked Champ that I have had tweaked to just the way I like, and my next 1911 will be a SA, too, unless I hit the lottery and can get a Nighthawk..okay, or maybe a S&W Performance Center 1911...

 

[YukonGlocker]

I have personally handled a S&W 1911 with a grip safety/firing pin block timing issue.



That is one major reason I like the Springers also; they have kept to the original Browning design.

 

[IAShooter]

Add me to the list of happy Springfield 1911 owners.



IAShooter

 

[rjhauser]

sold my kimber to get an SA.

 

[LockNLoad]

Thanks for the wealth of information. I got to hold a SA TRP this weekend! (didn't get to shot it) Man that is one really nice piece of machinery! I told the shop owner that I was interested in collecting but wanted something I could shot every now and then. Like the advice that I received here, he said TRP was probably the way to go. I did ask him about the SW 1911, he stated its nice if you want a preloaded 1911, because SW loads them with after-market sites and lasers. Most collectors tend to want to load them their-selves.



Where I haven't ruled out the SW, I think for my 1st 1911, it will be the TRP. I hear nothing but good reviews. SW has, in my opinion, the polymer market cornered with the M&P so much so, that it has the potential, if it hasn't already, to beat out Glock. Springfield's TRP appears to be a top ranked 1911.



I'll keep you posted!