Metro Arms / American Classic vs. Taurus 1911

[Spammy_H]

I'm saving my pennies for a 1911. I have champagne taste on a beer budget.

My first desire would be for an Ed Brown, but at my current savings rate, I'd probably be retired before being able to purchase one.

Next, I really like the Springfield TRP or even a Loaded, but would probably have to wait too long for one of those

Someone pointed me in the direction of the Taurus PT1911, and while they appear to be a good value, I'm not sold on Taurus' ability to make a 1911.

Finally, I've been looking at RIA and just saw another Filipino company, Metro Arms, who appears to make a pretty nice 1911 as well. For whatever reason, the Metro Arms American Classic II in chrome seems to have taken my fancy.

Here's my question - what are your thoughts on the quality of the Metro's vs. a Taurus? Some of the reviews I've read seem to put it in the same category as a Springfield, but I'm not sure about that.

Also, how "customizable/upgradeable" are the Metro's? Do they do anything proprietary in their design, that would not allow me to upgrade it later? I'm thinking specifically about the sight channels, but any other comments are welcome.

I'd end up putting an ambi safety on it, and might switch out the mainspring housing for one with checkering or grooves. I'd like to checker the front strap, but would probably end up just putting some skateboard tape on it for now.

Thanks for your opinions. All are valued, even the sarcastic ones

[VinnAY]

I have a Taurus PT1911AR and I'm completely happy with it. It eats every type of ammo I've put in her and keeps on going, I couldn't be happier to be truthful. I think that most of the name-calling with Taurus is based either on uninformed word of mouth or plain snobbishness behavior.

I also been carrying it as CCW weapon over the last month, that's how satisfied I am with it.

[VR4]

I have a buddy that has been running his PT1911 with out problems. Before I bought my TRP I thought it would take a year or two to get it but one night at the casino I had that baby in my hands the next day. Every gun but two that I own the casino paid for. Craps and roulette are the games to play.

[chupacabrachus]

Originally Posted by VinnAY

...I think that most of the name-calling with Taurus is based either on uninformed word of mouth or plain snobbishness behavior...

I strongly disagree. The Taurus I personally own has not had a single problem. On the other hand, I have personally witnessed many Taurus pistols choke and die that I was not the owner of. Taurus is hit and miss with quality control and their customer service is anything but joyful to deal with.

I have not heard of any serious problems with their 1911s or seen any personally.

I also never saw a problem w/ the 3rd Gen Mil Pro PT145s that I have fired many hundreds of rounds out of. Maybe they only know how to make 45ACP guns

[southern thunder]

Good luck. go RIA

[Nakanokalronin]

Next, I really like the Springfield TRP or even a Loaded

If you can save or sell something you won't miss for one of these.

I had the Taurus PT1911 when it first came out. Total garbage. It fed only 50% of ball no matter what ammo or mags and 0% of HP. I sold it a week after owning it. I already had 3 other 1911s and didn't need a total Lemonx100.

Fast forward 2 years and I was looking for a new 1911 with rail to add to the heard. There was a PT1911AR at my local shop. Considering my experience I was more than hesitant but decided I would just replace anything that was garbage since I've built and worked on all my other 1911s. I replaced the ambi thumb safety with a single sided and got on of those 80 series deletion kits from Brownells so 70 series parts would work and it eliminated more things to go wrong. It ran 100% since day one with any ammo or mags with great accuracy.

Lesson is that Taurus pistols truly are 50/50 in the hit or miss department.

[VinnAY]

Originally Posted by chupacabrachus

I strongly disagree. The Taurus I personally own has not had a single problem. On the other hand, I have personally witnessed many Taurus pistols choke and die that I was not the owner of. Taurus is hit and miss with quality control and their customer service is anything but joyful to deal with.

I have not heard of any serious problems with their 1911s or seen any personally.

I also never saw a problem w/ the 3rd Gen Mil Pro PT145s that I have fired many hundreds of rounds out of. Maybe they only know how to make 45ACP guns

name any brand of gun and I guarantee you with a few google strokes I can find an abundance of "my XXX gun is broke".

[XD357sig]

I have noticed a lot of 1911 fans that build their own custom pistols start out with a Springfield Armory model in the $400.00 to $500.00 range. You might look into that.

[bdraughon]

Originally Posted by XD357sig

I have noticed a lot of 1911 fans that build their own custom pistols start out with a Springfield Armory model in the $400.00 to $500.00 range. You might look into that.

this is a great idea to me. start small. build as you go to your liking a little at a time.

can beat that, and with the right 'smith it may end up being just as nice as an ed brown

[1lowlife]

Originally Posted by southern thunder

Good luck. go RIA

I concur....
Or a low end SA..

I almost bought an RIA, but went ahead bought a Kimber.
But I had to sell a gun in order to buy the Kimber..
No regrets..