Opinions on PT1911

[mkb909]

For all of those out there who currently own a Taurus PT1911 I'd like to hear some reviews on what you think of it so far, I've been waiting for the stainless to come out but now I cant decide between the stainless or blued models. Also I'm looking into a blackhawk cqc serpa holster if anyone can give me some opinions on it. The gun will be used just for target practice/home defense, nothing competitive.

[SVThuh]

Ive been looking into the Taurus myself, if I cant find a bare frame somewhere here in California that is. The Taurus I know has a very well made forged frame and from some of the other sites that I have perused where this gun came up in conversation, it seems that many people like it. From what I understand, its probably one of the best bang for the buck deals out there in the 1911 world.

[redbrd]

I too would be interest in what someone has to say about the PT1911 as I am looking at getting a new 1911 myself.
I have used the cqc serpa holster and I love it for open carry or a thigh rig. Its a very fast yet secure holster.

[mkb909]

SVThuh & redbrd
Thanks for the replies, seeing as how you two are looking into it I can say that I have rented one at my local gun range several times and have loved it, for a comparison I rented a 4" kimber classic 1911 and I didnt see any reason not to continue with the taurus. I've just heard the usual from this and other forums about some reliability problems with it, but these reports are being disputed all over. redbrd, how harsh is the blackhawk holster on the finish of your handgun?

[Reeek]

Mine's been great. It shares the spot with my Witness Match .45 as one of my favorite guns to shoot at the range. It's been totally reliable and accurate as all get out. The trigger is fantastic out of the box as well.

I bought one with the factory night sights - paid $599.

I couldn't be happier and have no desire to buy another 1911 for the near term future.

As far as the two 1911's in that price range (<or> $600) you don't have many choices as far as bang for the buck besides the STI Spartan and the Taurus PT1911. They are two different animals though.

The Spartan is just what the name implies. It's a simple 1911 that works extremely well. Reliable and accurate. Come with a FO front sight. If you get one go through Springer Precision, a forum sponsor. His service is as good as it gets and his pricing is as good as anyone elses and better in most cases. I hear STI service is great. I don't know first hand.

The Taurus seems to come with more bells and whistles but that doesn't necessarily make it a better deal. Frankly, most of the Taurus complaints you hear are more with the customer service turn around times rather than bad guns. From what I read and certainly have expereienced first hand with mine, the PT1911 is not an unreliable gun at all. I've heard more about Ambi-safety isses more than anything else. Many complain about the MIM parts but you have to complain about many other mfgs in tha case, including SA, Kimber, etc. These guns come with Heinie Straight 8's and require sights with the Heinie cut for after market choices. I happen to like the Straight 8's and shoot them very well. To me, the weakest element on the PT1911 is the blue finish. It's not the best and mars sort of easy. But it's not a safe queen and I will just refinish it down the road if I decide to keep it.

I'd be proud to own the Spartan but am very happy with my PT1911. It's a tack driver for sure.

[Badshot]

Well after a few months of owning mine and finally settling on a set of grips that I actually like, my only standing issue is the sights. I've got Straight 8's on a few guns and have decided that I just don't use them well and I'm not overly interested in retraining my meager allowance of spare brain power to really get them down, so away they will go. No decision on which sights yet though.

All said and told, it's an entry 1911, but like most 1911's it's a reliable piece and one I wouldn't have any concerns about using to a life or death situation.

[mkb909]

As far as the customer service aspect of taurus is concerned (never had to deal with it but have heard about it) I'm going a different route. I'm going to order mine through Gallery of Guns.com - Gun Gallery, Ruger Firearms, Shooter Online Services, Firearm Industry News, Firearm Dealer, Gun News, who offer their own full lifetime warranty with exceptional service.

[Reeek]

Originally Posted by mkb909

As far as the customer service aspect of taurus is concerned (never had to deal with it but have heard about it) I'm going a different route. I'm going to order mine through Gallery of Guns.com - Gun Gallery, Ruger Firearms, Shooter Online Services, Firearm Industry News, Firearm Dealer, Gun News, who offer their own full lifetime warranty with exceptional service.

That's not a bad angle if they step up when you need them. Another thing to keep in mind that was on my mind when I pulled the trigger on the Taurus is that the PT1911 is a 1911. That means parts and service are available anywhere you look. My mindset was unless the gun flat out failed due to some major problem I would probably weigh the cost of shipping to Taurus versus just upgrading a replacement part and either installing it myself or paying a local gunsmith to do it. It's not like this is a PT111 or 145 or some other unique Taurus model where parts and service may not be abundant.

If my safety fails, I'll probably buy a better part and install it. If I want to upgrade something else that is not a major part or cost, I will again do the same thing. The fact is with 1911's, many tend to change parts and upgrade anyway.

Just a thought . . .

[mkb909]

Reek,

You're absolutely right in that regard, I've verified the warranty and expediancy of gallery of guns, but you have to pay shipping if your handgun malfunctions, for something small and simple, fixing it yourself would be the way to go.

[MC350]

I own both the Blue & SS versions. They have been outstanding, reliable, and very accurate.

http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/pt_080505/index.html

http://www.gunblast.com/Taurus-PT1911SS.htm