Review: Taurus PT1911 AR (Accessory Rail) - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

Mr. Wolf · 04-06-2008, 06:52 PM

I've been quietly lurking the 1911 forum here and elsewhere learning about the Taurus PT1911. My summary of the research.
1: Ambi safety is prone to breakage, but I'd want to replace it with a single sided one if it gives up the ghost.
2: Customer service is not the best, but this is not my CCW and if the ambi safety breaks, I'll have my gunsmith take care of it anyways (ref: #1).
3: Accurate, very accurate.
4: Majority of owners are very happy and have zero breakage issue. Some have true breakages but may get posted online and have disproportionate attention/coverage. Regarding the posts, very few have photos of the breakage, so some postulate that people are trolling or bashing.
5: Most factory railed 1911 start at ~$1100 (SA and Kimber).
6: Did I mention it being more accurate than many 1911s costing 3x more?

I decided to get the PT1911 AR, the blued railed version. Finally got it from my local shop after a 6 week wait for $539. Main purpose is for HD and IPSC matches.

Put 200 rounds through it with zero FTF, FTE or FT anything. Target = 10 - 15 yrds, off hand and double taps, 40 rounds of Winchester 230gf FMJ.

Streamlight TLR-2

In summary, I really like the weapon. I'll reserve final judgment until after ~1000 rounds and a few matches.
I'll entertain any questions, comments or corrections.

Cheers,

Pinedawg · 04-07-2008, 05:26 AM

Nice.

I agree that if there are so many breakages, and sights falling off, etc.....
how come we never see any pictures????

ghettocruiser · 04-07-2008, 05:33 AM

Hmm.. I never liked the 1911s with the acc. rail. However...seeing yours with the TLR-2 mounted changes my mind. That looks pretty cool. I dont think Im going to get one with a rail....but if the right deal came along I wouldnt turn it down!

J.

LUVMYSIGP225 · 04-07-2008, 05:49 AM

My safety kept breaking. Right hand side(lefty safety) would fall off consistently while firing. Guess I never really cared to take pictures of it, or maybe it was that I rushed to get rid of it and didn't have the time. Then again, I bought one of the first released. Everybody was groveling for them, and I got luck and scored one on a "Taurus Manufacturer Day" at my dealer. So, maybe I got one of the junky one that was hastily put together to meet demand.

I would agree that it was reasonably accurate. At the time, I compared it to a Colt Mark IV Gold Cup, and I would say that the three of us that fired them both would all agree that the Gold Cup was more accurate. Definitely more pleasant to shoot.

I didn't have my TRP Operator at the time to compare it to, but I can say I would never give up my Operator for anything. I doubt the PT1911 could hang with it. Would love to get my hands on another one and put them side by side.

Overall, I would say the PT1911 is a very good buy for the money. Glad you are having good success with it. Nice groupings.

Mr. Wolf · 04-07-2008, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUVMYSIGP225

My safety kept breaking. Right hand side(lefty safety) would fall off consistently while firing. Guess I never really cared to take pictures of it, or maybe it was that I rushed to get rid of it and didn't have the time. Then again, I bought one of the first released. Everybody was groveling for them, and I got luck and scored one on a "Taurus Manufacturer Day" at my dealer. So, maybe I got one of the junky one that was hastily put together to meet demand.

I would agree that it was reasonably accurate. At the time, I compared it to a Colt Mark IV Gold Cup, and I would say that the three of us that fired them both would all agree that the Gold Cup was more accurate. Definitely more pleasant to shoot.

I didn't have my TRP Operator at the time to compare it to, but I can say I would never give up my Operator for anything. I doubt the PT1911 could hang with it. Would love to get my hands on another one and put them side by side.

Overall, I would say the PT1911 is a very good buy for the money. Glad you are having good success with it. Nice groupings.

Thanks Sig,

I've shot cheaper end Kimbers and entry level 1911s from Rock Island and SA only, so I don't consider myself a true connoisseur. But of the 1911s I've personally fired, the Taurus so far has been the nicest. Also agree that some of the earlier models might have had some growing pains. And I also agree that it is good value for the money.

Perhaps the recoil is even less due to the weight of the rail and the light/laser.

I think the only thing I might change up is to get larger grips. Although I have average size hands, it feels a bit too thin at times. Holding the 1911 like the XD-9 service causes bony pain at the base of the thumb on my shooting hand.
The target was shot without laser or light. One flyer to the left while double tapping.

Cheers,

redbrd · 04-07-2008, 07:02 PM

Nice group.

jon45xdtac · 04-07-2008, 07:41 PM

Nice weapon. Have you had a chance to shoot longer distances like 25 yards?

Mr. Wolf · 04-08-2008, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jon45xdtac

Nice weapon. Have you had a chance to shoot longer distances like 25 yards?

Jon,
Not yet. I'll be shooting single stack in IPSC this weekend and will hit some 25 yrd groupings.
Stay tuned... more to come.

Cheers,

bigun · 04-09-2008, 09:05 AM

If you are planning to use it in competition and home defence I would definately replace the hammer, sear and Safety with quality aftermarket pieces from C&S, Wilson,Les Baer ect. I hate internal locks as I have seen several malfunctions of both the Springfield and Taurus systems. My Springer Loaded ILS lasted 1/2 hour before being replaced with a S&A magwell.

ckuplent · 04-09-2008, 09:30 AM

There's a reason the big smiths work with the brands they do. Will the Taurus work for 90% of people, sure. Just keep an eye on the small things.

04-07-2008, 05:26 AM	#2
Pinedawg XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lower Slower, DE Posts: 595	Nice. I agree that if there are so many breakages, and sights falling off, etc..... how come we never see any pictures???? __________________ "How'd you get the beans above the frank?" Yes I am a pirate, 200 Years too late, The cannons don't thunder, there's nothin to plunder, I'm an over 40 victim of fate, Arriving too late, Arriving too late... Jimmy Buffet

04-07-2008, 05:49 AM	#4
LUVMYSIGP225 XDTalk 4K Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Crackron, Ohio Posts: 4,641	My safety kept breaking. Right hand side(lefty safety) would fall off consistently while firing. Guess I never really cared to take pictures of it, or maybe it was that I rushed to get rid of it and didn't have the time. Then again, I bought one of the first released. Everybody was groveling for them, and I got luck and scored one on a "Taurus Manufacturer Day" at my dealer. So, maybe I got one of the junky one that was hastily put together to meet demand. I would agree that it was reasonably accurate. At the time, I compared it to a Colt Mark IV Gold Cup, and I would say that the three of us that fired them both would all agree that the Gold Cup was more accurate. Definitely more pleasant to shoot. I didn't have my TRP Operator at the time to compare it to, but I can say I would never give up my Operator for anything. I doubt the PT1911 could hang with it. Would love to get my hands on another one and put them side by side. Overall, I would say the PT1911 is a very good buy for the money. Glad you are having good success with it. Nice groupings. __________________ Rest In Peace Officer Josh Miktarian. God bless Holly and Thea.

04-07-2008, 07:02 PM	#6
redbrd XDTalk Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 32	Nice group. __________________ XD-9 4in glock17

04-07-2008, 07:41 PM	#7
jon45xdtac XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 257	Nice weapon. Have you had a chance to shoot longer distances like 25 yards? __________________ Springfield XD 45 ACP 5" Tactical Bersa Thunder 9mm Why I CC "Walk softly and carry a big stick." - Theodore Roosevelt

04-09-2008, 09:05 AM	#9
bigun XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Southern Iowa Posts: 2,345	If you are planning to use it in competition and home defence I would definately replace the hammer, sear and Safety with quality aftermarket pieces from C&S, Wilson,Les Baer ect. I hate internal locks as I have seen several malfunctions of both the Springfield and Taurus systems. My Springer Loaded ILS lasted 1/2 hour before being replaced with a S&A magwell. __________________ Remington Rand 1911A1, Kimber Pro CDP 2, Kimber Custom Target, Ruger mark2 Govt model with Bushnell Holo site, Beretta 92D 9mm, Kahr K-40, Coming soon Kimber Warrior or Springfield Operator.

04-06-2008, 06:52 PM	#1
Mr. Wolf XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NC Posts: 300	Review: Taurus PT1911 AR (Accessory Rail) I've been quietly lurking the 1911 forum here and elsewhere learning about the Taurus PT1911. My summary of the research. 1: Ambi safety is prone to breakage, but I'd want to replace it with a single sided one if it gives up the ghost. 2: Customer service is not the best, but this is not my CCW and if the ambi safety breaks, I'll have my gunsmith take care of it anyways (ref: #1). 3: Accurate, very accurate. 4: Majority of owners are very happy and have zero breakage issue. Some have true breakages but may get posted online and have disproportionate attention/coverage. Regarding the posts, very few have photos of the breakage, so some postulate that people are trolling or bashing. 5: Most factory railed 1911 start at ~$1100 (SA and Kimber). 6: Did I mention it being more accurate than many 1911s costing 3x more? I decided to get the PT1911 AR, the blued railed version. Finally got it from my local shop after a 6 week wait for $539. Main purpose is for HD and IPSC matches. Put 200 rounds through it with zero FTF, FTE or FT anything. Target = 10 - 15 yrds, off hand and double taps, 40 rounds of Winchester 230gf FMJ. Streamlight TLR-2 In summary, I really like the weapon. I'll reserve final judgment until after ~1000 rounds and a few matches. I'll entertain any questions, comments or corrections. Cheers, __________________ Mr. Wolf - "That's 30 minutes away, I'll be there in 10."

04-07-2008, 05:33 AM	#3
ghettocruiser XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southeastern, PA Posts: 242	Hmm.. I never liked the 1911s with the acc. rail. However...seeing yours with the TLR-2 mounted changes my mind. That looks pretty cool. I dont think Im going to get one with a rail....but if the right deal came along I wouldnt turn it down! J.

04-09-2008, 09:30 AM	#10
ckuplent XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Hippytown, Oregon Posts: 144	There's a reason the big smiths work with the brands they do. Will the Taurus work for 90% of people, sure. Just keep an eye on the small things.

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