Advice on selecting a 1911
I'm a newcomer to the ins and outs of the 1911 pistol. I wonder if some experts could help me out in understanding how to make my way through the maze of originals and clones. My criteria would be:
-classic of its kind (e.g. like a T-series is said to be a classic Browning Hi-Power)
-or, if NOT an original classic, a newer design that sets a new standard for looks and functionality
-accurate and fun to shoot
-.45 caliber (I'm assuming that caliber is cheaper than, say, .40 caliber or 10mm, for someone who doesn't reload)
-is reasonably priced ($400-$800?)
I realize I may have to make some compromises on the above criteria, but that's my "wish list".
-classic of its kind (e.g. like a T-series is said to be a classic Browning Hi-Power)
-or, if NOT an original classic, a newer design that sets a new standard for looks and functionality
-accurate and fun to shoot
-.45 caliber (I'm assuming that caliber is cheaper than, say, .40 caliber or 10mm, for someone who doesn't reload)
-is reasonably priced ($400-$800?)
I realize I may have to make some compromises on the above criteria, but that's my "wish list".
0
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ok.
the ammo varries, 45 an 40S&W are almost the same, while 10mm is the most expensive out of em all. 9mm is by far the cheapest.
here are a few examples of of www.cheaperthandirt.com
10 mm federal hydrashock - 20rds 180gr - 17.23
40 S&W Federal Hydroshock - 20rds 180gr - 12.50
45 ACP federal Hydrashock - 20rds 230Gr - 12.54
9MM Federal Hydrashock - 20rds 147gr - 10.80
when you are looking at all the ifferant makers and the variouse differant sizes you need to asak yourself a few questions
- what are you going to be doing with it? (target, range gun, CCW LE or some other)
- what is most comfortable for yu, a full size grip or a compact?
answere me these two questions and i'll give ya my opinion on what manufacturer is the best, and what model i would go with.
as a side not - i have a springfield armory full size mil spec (not Gi) in bi tone that i carry around quite offten (i don't mind the size)
it is quite accurate for a 500$ + piece.
i am upgrading it as i type this so it will be even more accurate when i get done with it.0 -
Hello The first thing you need to decide is what kind of shooting are you going to do. I can only speak from a BULLS-EYE point of view . If you are going to use in C.M.P. matches then some of the GOOD clones S&W , Kimber , Les Baer ETC are NOT legal as they have a grip area on front and back of the slide For NRA bullseye they are legal. I favor the colt series 70 and avoid the series 80 also the Springfied is a good buy. I would also stay with a true Clone as THEY have many parts available from many sorces this means No pistols made in asia as Barrels and some other parts do not interchange with aftermarket parts. I dont like the new type extractor on some if not all S&W clones.Good LUCK quote:"PRAISE THE HARDBALL GUN" 0 -
as long as it has springfield on the side, it is good...[:D]
muss0 -
If you want a "Classic," it will have to be a Colt, the older the better. Your budget will probably keep you from anything very old, and anything very new is not a "Classic" in my opinion. I consdier anything "Pre-Series 70" to be "Classic." Keep in mind that the older guns will not always feed anything but hardball reliably. 0 -
If you want a really good Government Model then you should go with the MKIV Series 70 (unless you can afford the premium for a pre-Series 70). I would suggest a few worth while additions; BoMar adjustable target sights, a beveled magazine well, and a trigger job since this will make for a very a nice shooting 1911. 
"Nothing can ever be made 'idiot proof' because idiots are simply too clever"!
Mark T. Christian0 -
OK, Staind460, your answers:
1) My purpose for the gun would be strictly informal, "fun" target and plate shooting at my club.
2) As for hand size, my fingers are on the short side. But here's an idea: my Browning Hi-Power fits my hand very comfortably, my Walther PPK/S is a little small.
On further thought, since I already own a BHP, I'm thinking it might be fun to think of a 1911 type gun that looks different--maybe stainless, if that helps. I do like the idea of accuracy. Did look at _Standard Catalogue of 2004 Firearms_ and see that Springfield sure makes a wiiiiide variety of choices!0 -
ok,
you can get a higher end kimber or springfield for around the top end of your budget.
if you are just gonna use it for "fun" shooting you have to ask yurself "do you want to spen 800$+ on a handgun?"
if all you are going to do with it is "fun" shooting i would go with a SA milspec, it is the most bang for your buck and it only cost around 600$
there are other manufacturers like kimber, S&W, SIG, Colt etc. but all come loaded with all the bells and whistles that you may not want and they tend to be on the expensive side.
in the less expensive cat. you have makes like rock Island armory, norinco, thompson/ auto ord and a few other makes.
do a search here on GB to see the diferant makes and the prices that go with em.
as for size i would go with a full size, given the description you gav e.
my best advice fpr ypu is to try out a number of differant makes and models befor you buy.
as a side not - if you are using it as a fun gun, don't go out and get an older gun, they are worth more and with every shot through them, they lose value. not to mention that the older guns , as noted before, may only eat hardball ammo. . . just my humble opinion
hope i helped0 -
Springfield, Springfield, Springfield!
Best quality for the price, lifetime warrantee, and you can get that
Stainless mil-spec for around $500.00 on GB. Just go to "pistols/
semi-auto/" and then search for "Springfield". At least 20 different
quality sellers will have one on at one time or another.
Merry Christmas
Frog0 -
I'll have to agree with Sprinfield. I bought a MilSpec from Gunbroker auctions for $500 and it was already ticked out with custom hammer, beavertail safety, grips, sights, port/polish, etc. I've shot many 1911's and this one is awesome.
Myles
Myles
Gunnison, CO
SA Mil-Spec .45 custom
Charles Daly 9mm HiPower
Walther P99 .40S&W
Ruger Mark II, custom target.
"I got a gun for my wife, what a trade!"
"panic, chaos and mayhem, my work here is done"0 -
I have the Springfield Mil-Spec. I changed the grips to burled walnut to give it a classier look than the black plastic. Other than that it came with the basic Novak night sights and some other little not too noticeable features. However, it shoots 4" groups at 25 yds. and has never jammed on me yet in over 1000 rds. That's pretty good. I paid $509.00 plus tax for it a little over a year ago. -Good luck
We have the second amendment so that all the rest are secure....UNK>0
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