Suggestions on buying a 1911 .45

[Delija]

Well, now that I've been bitten by the shooting bug again after a 15 or so year layoff, I feel like when I go to the range, I want to shoot something other than just my Sub9.

I had thought about getting a .22 target type pistol, and I probably will do that next.

But for the past few days (not sure why) I have been doing a lot of thinking about a 1911 .45. Maybe due in large part to an article I read by Massad Ayoob in which he extols the virtue of the 1911 as the "ultimate handgun" (or something like that....read the article..very interesting:

http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/ayoob83.html

Seems like every gun manufacturer makes one. Prices vary tremendously.

Where does one start? I had a Llama 9mm a long time ago which was built on a 1911 type platform. I had bought it when it was well used. It worked perfectly though. But it was still a 9mm.

I did own a Colt Gold Cup for a very short time in the mid or late 1980s. It seemed to jam all the time. It was expensive for the time (I think around $600), and I was able to sell it for about what I bought it for. I was not impressed.

Now, just on the Springfield homepage, I see all kinds of .45 1911s. Prices (MSRP) are shown to range between just under $500 to almost $3000.

I have no real preference for used or new. I would like to get the most gun for my money.

I have red that the Springfields and a few others have more modern safeties (drop safeties).

Then I wonder what the more modern .45s must be like....those like the Glocks which are .45 ACP, but not 1911s. Are they an improvement?

Any recommendations greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

And MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!

Peace,
D.

[lodraw]

take a close look at Kimber. their Custom Classic is a super fine gun for the money. Springfield's 'Loaded' is another good buy. Last but not least Dan Wesson has a 1911 line up thats been received well.

here is a link with A TON of 1911 info...

http://forums.1911forum.com/index.php?

[Snake-eater 1]

The forum mentioned by lodraw is absolutely the best place to go for 1911 advice.

[synchro]

and then instead of a .22 target pistol, check out a marvel precision .22 conversion for the 1911. then you get 2 guns in one. a nice .45 and a match grade .22.

[thirdtimesthecharm]

i think if i wanted a quality low priced 45 id go with the springfield gi mil spec , you can get them brand new for 400 bucks and of course having the lifetime warranty give you piece of mind.

[Delija]

Originally Posted by thirdtimesthecharm

i think if i wanted a quality low priced 45 id go with the springfield gi mil spec , you can get them brand new for 400 bucks and of course having the lifetime warranty give you piece of mind.

This is what I have been thinking. New gun, lifetime warrantee.
Reasonable price.

What is it that I will be missing? Seems like you usually get what you pay for. Here's a case where on the surface it seems like you get more than what you pay for (which is doubtful). So is there a catch?

Also, what of the non- 1911s in .45 ACP?

Thanks.

Peace,
D.

[Engineer]

I'm a Kimber 1911 guy and from Custom's to Gold Match's, all have worked well. I used to not be a fan of Springfield Armory when their 1911's came with the thicker front straps, but it appears that they have gone with a more contoured frame in the past two years. Either company will give you a reliable 1911 that will most likely be more accurate then you are.

[Engineer]

Originally Posted by Delija

What is it that I will be missing? Seems like you usually get what you pay for. Here's a case where on the surface it seems like you get more than what you pay for (which is doubtful). So is there a catch?

The GI definitely cuts a few corners. For example, it does not have a beavertail grip safety, skeletonized hammer, the sights are not as good as a loaded model, the ejection port is not flared and lowered and the trigger is not adjustable. All of these things help reduce the cost of the pistol.

[synchro]

I'd look for a used Kimber Custom Classic. you can usually find them for about $600 or so used.

[Delija]

Originally Posted by Engineer

The GI definitely cuts a few corners. For example, it does not have a beavertail grip safety, skeletonized hammer, the sights are not as good as a loaded model, the ejection port is not flared and lowered and the trigger is not adjustable. All of these things help reduce the cost of the pistol.

OK, thanks...I have been looking at the SA site and trying to figure out what's what.

There is the Mil-Spec, which is more money than the GI, but I'm not real clear on what the difference is on features. They do not give a lot of very specific info.

I looked at the 'Full Size Loaded" and it looks really nice. They have a 9mm and a .45. They seem to be the same, except for caliber....and sights. The .45s have "Novak" whatever they are. The 9mm has adjustable sights (no brand name)...one of the .45s has night sights. Yet of the basic models, the 9mm is the most expensive. Seems strange!
Of the eight models, only one of the .45s (with the no brand name mentioned adjustable sights) is more money than the 9mm guns.

Parkerized and bi-tone are as expensive (or more) than stainless? The stainless looks like a really nice pistol. Don't know if I really want to spend that much...also, what is "black stainless"? Looks very cool...also the most expensive of the bunch.


Peace,
D.