[GCBHM]

So like many of you I have an affection for the 1911. It was really the first pistol I learned how to shoot in the military, although I didn't get to shoot it nearly enough, and it is still one of the most relevant platforms available. I have a few that I am particularly fond of, but I would like to hear from some of you. The guns I like most are the Springfield TRP Operator, LB Operator, Colt Government Issue Series 70, the old GI model, and the DW VBOB. But I know there are lots of other great models out there that many of you elder 1911 veterans know about so please hit me with a little knowledge and wisdom, if you're so inclined.

 

[bumper]

If I lived magazine limited state, I'd probably opt for carrying my Wilson Combat 10mm. Probably one of the finest machined and fitted guns I own. The original owner spent $3.9K for it, so the quality is not cheap. I have a Dan Wesson 10 too, not at nice as the WC, but nice enough to be a better value, functionally speaking. I have a Fusion that's pretty nice as well - all purchased used, probably less than a magazine through each, along with 15 other guns from a guy who was not wanting to leave it all for his wife to deal with after he is gone. (He seemed healthy enough, was one year younger than I. I didn't ask further and he didn't offer.) I expressed my sincere appreciation.

I'd carry none of the above over my P229 40, unless visiting the bears.

 

[pblanc]

I enjoy shooting model 1911 .45 ACPs probably more than any other handgun but my knowledge of more expensive models is limited to the few times someone has let me shoot theirs. I am simply not prepared to spend multiple thousands of dollars on a handgun.

My two model 1911s are rather low-end. The first is a Springfield "GI 45", a model no longer offered which is more or less a GI replica that came with the tiny sights, short trigger, GI grip safety, short GI style thumb safety, small ejection port, and spurred hammer. That pistol was given to me by a friend who was a Marine company commander in Vietnam and later retired as an Army Lt. Colonel.

The second is a Rock Island Armory full-size "Rock" model .45 ACP. I have made quite a few modifications to both pistols to make them more usable, and I have had some reliability issues with both. The Springfield required three different trips to gunsmiths to get it to eject properly and I had to change the sights and trigger to something more usable for me. I also had a national match barrel bushing fit, and most recently had the ejection port lowered and flared. The RIA has only been worked on by me so far, and seems at this point to be smoothing out nicely. The trigger, front sight, thumb safety, recoil spring guide rod and plug, and mainspring housing have all been swapped for ones that suit me better.

In my limited experience, lower end model 1911s can shoot about as well (within my ability) as much more expensive ones, but are perhaps more likely to have reliability issues.

As for carrying a model 1911, I rather doubt that I would except possibly for short hikes in the woods, and then in a shoulder holster. Just a bit too big and heavy and rather limited magazine capacity for regular self-defensive carry. I also don't know that I have sufficiently ingrained disengagement of the thumb safety sufficiently to use a model 1911 effectively for self-defense.

 

[sigke]

My plain jane Sig Sauer 1911 xo does the job everytime amd with just an excellent trigger. Fit and finish are superb for the cost....

 

[New Car Smell]

I was thinking about my 1911's today. My favorite is my LB Thunder Ranch Special, it is a pleasure to shoot and easy to carry. I wish I would have also bought the Comanche version when it was available. I am also a big STI fan, the Escort goes with me when I can dress light, shorts and t-shirt. I also have an early 90's Colt 1991 Compact Commander. I sent it off Novaks and had better sights put on.

 

[PatFranklin]

I enjoy very much carrying my Compact Nickel SIG 1911 in .45 ACP. I actually shot it today and the thing is just reliable as ever without a hiccup. Accuracy is phenomenal. I carry it 7 + 1 plus an extra mag with 7 rds. I feel very secure and confident in its ability to perform when necessary.

 

[hardluk1]

I like a lot of handgun designs and have 8 different brands now . Some are purely fun guns some are hunters some should be gone and I've given some to childred for CC when hand surgery cause me to go heavier and wider but I've never managed to keep a steel 1911 around very long or a full size 1911 around . Today we only have one 1911 a kimber 9mm ultra lw and its a good dependable smaller pistol but my wife claimed it as her EDC now . I have little interest in any brand or design of pistol that's much over 28oz as for me its a carry handgun only now . I have revolvers that I use to hunt with or shoot small groups with and can load softball loads for fun .

For the last two years My EDC has been a p320c 40 and as a ultra 1911 replacement a s&w 669 . Now If I could order a sti 2011 guardian I might own that but waiting 6 to 8 months for one ain't happening but a 25oz double stack with a 3.9" barrel and sa trigger would be interesting carry pistol .

 

[GCBHM]

I enjoy shooting model 1911 .45 ACPs probably more than any other handgun but my knowledge of more expensive models is limited to the few times someone has let me shoot theirs. I am simply not prepared to spend multiple thousands of dollars on a handgun.

My two model 1911s are rather low-end. The first is a Springfield "GI 45", a model no longer offered which is more or less a GI replica that came with the tiny sights, short trigger, GI grip safety, short GI style thumb safety, small ejection port, and spurred hammer. That pistol was given to me by a friend who was a Marine company commander in Vietnam and later retired as an Army Lt. Colonel.

The second is a Rock Island Armory full-size "Rock" model .45 ACP. I have made quite a few modifications to both pistols to make them more usable, and I have had some reliability issues with both. The Springfield required three different trips to gunsmiths to get it to eject properly and I had to change the sights and trigger to something more usable for me. I also had a national match barrel bushing fit, and most recently had the ejection port lowered and flared. The RIA has only been worked on by me so far, and seems at this point to be smoothing out nicely. The trigger, front sight, thumb safety, recoil spring guide rod and plug, and mainspring housing have all been swapped for ones that suit me better.

In my limited experience, lower end model 1911s can shoot about as well (within my ability) as much more expensive ones, but are perhaps more likely to have reliability issues.

As for carrying a model 1911, I rather doubt that I would except possibly for short hikes in the woods, and then in a shoulder holster. Just a bit too big and heavy and rather limited magazine capacity for regular self-defensive carry. I also don't know that I have sufficiently ingrained disengagement of the thumb safety sufficiently to use a model 1911 effectively for self-defense.

I've had a few people tell me they really like their RIAs. One was a federal agent who says he trusts his life to it and carries it everyday for work. I thought that was a pretty solid endorsement. I also agree with your thought process wrt carrying one, though. I went away from them several years ago simply bc they're heavy, low capacity and they require the external safety manipulation. But, they are just...well, they're classics. You just have to have one.

 

[boris95]

I am a fan of the 1911, as that is what I carried in the Corps. I currently carry a Kimber 1911 pro .45. I've got over a thousand rounds through my full size Kimber and no malfunctions since day one. I used it brand new for a course at GunSite, I cleaned it the first day and did not clean it till I got home. It ran for about 600 to 700 rounds, no cleaning or lube, other than, like I said, the first day. Still, would like a Wilson Combat. One day.

 

[7.62Kolectr]

For under $1000 Colt has some new Commander models both in steel frame and lightweight models as well as .45 and 9mm along with Ruger and Remington.
$1500 or so Dan Wesson and Springfield make nice ones.
$2000ish you can get an Ed Brown Alpha in full size or Commander models.
Les Baers are also in that price range. Once you get past $2500 you're looking at Wilson, Nighthawk and Guncrafter. Above that are Wilson SuperGrades, Stan Chen and the likes.
You can pay upward of $10,000 or more for a 1911.

Really depends on your budget and desired use of it?
If you're just gonna shoot it get a full size Govt model in your price range.
For carry the Commander size is perfect. Just carry a spare mag. Even if you don't if you didn't get it done in 8+1 you're in trouble. If it's 9mm it's 10+1.

Here's my latest add. WC Pro model with a 4 inch flush cut bushingless cone barrel and extreme dehorn. Feels kinda like a semi melted stick of butter. Just smooth all the way around.

 

[Willard]

GCBHM, as you stated, I too have loved them since I was first introduced to one. While a child, along with the others of my generation, we were constantly watching our heros on both the Big Screen and small screens, of World War 2 based series and movies, along with the hundreds of westerns.
My father actually had a nickel plated single action revolver, in .45 Colt, but it wasn't a Colt. I believe it was a Great Western, but that's not the point. I enjoyed that "Big Bore" pistol.
Getting back to 1911s, my first introduction, was during basic training. Just those few rounds for familiarization, created a yearning for one. A couple of years later, about 1974, I acquired a Remington Rand. I carried it for quite a while, as this was before expanding ammunition for handguns started to gain any steam. Like everyone else, big hole in, and big hole out, was the way to go! Still carried one for close to 20 years, of course with modern hollowpoint ammunition, until I started carrying a badge. I had already owned a Sig P220, and P226, and since my department issued the P226, 9mm, that is what I started to carry. I figured that since qualifying with that weapon system, it would be the best bet to carry it, if I ever had to use it, I would have adequate documentation of training. Over the years, I have also carried Beretta M9s, 92FS, and 96s plus a varied assortment of Smith & Wesson revolvers.
Unless a person constantly trains to brush the safety off during the draw, I feel it is a liability for EDC or personal protection, but again, that's my opinion, and we all know what they are like...

Even though the platform is over 100 years old, it's heavy steel, and low capacity, it's comforting to know it will still get the job done when needed!

 

[kelseyscooter1]

A 1911 colt lightweight commander in 45 ACP is a perfect carry gun if you require 45 ACP.

 

[Jonzim48]

I have carried my Sig 1911 Compact Nitron on may occasions. The most important factor to me is the fact that my holster/belt combination hold it high and close to my side. Being rather thin, compared to my M11-a1, I hardly know it is there. The weight of my M11-a1 loaded is 2lb 4oz, HST 124gr, and my 1911 is 2lb 8oz with my choice of Gold Dot 185gr standard pressure loads. So it is noticeably heaver but, the way it rides on my side offsets the weight difference. Hope that isn't too confusing of an explanation. Just my observations.

 

[haldir]

I carried my Les Baer Custom Carry Comanche today. I think the Commander size 1911s carry really nice IWB.

 

[7.62Kolectr]

What can I say? I'm hopelessly addicted to 1911s....

Picked this up a couple days ago. When I got there seller even had a custom foam lined walnut Wilson case for it he threw in.




Stainless CQB special order


Flush cut reverse crown muzzle

 

[BigBlockBobby]

For the money the Sig 1911's are a good value. I own two of them and haven't had any issues with either.

I have owned many 1911's from all the top names in 1911's and the one maker I always come back to is my Les Baer. I have owned better finished and more expensive 1911's but never a better fit or more reliable.

 

[Tacops fan]

I am a Springfield fan. TRP would have to get my vote. Never owned a DW but someday. Will not own another colt. With all that said my next 1911 will be a sig.

 

[SHOOT]

Of course in the Navy, while standing watches on shore and aboard my ship, I had a Colt Gov't strapped to me. So in early 70, my 1st pistol as well as my 1st 1911, I bought my Gold Cup Series 70 National Match which is what I shot when going shooting. Since then, I also have a Sig TacOps, (2) Sig Super Targets, and (2) NH Bob Marvels. Here of late, I'd been wanting another Colt and saw one that I wanted on GB, which I bid on and won. It's a nib estate Colt Gov't Series 70. At the right time, I would still like to get a hold of a nib nickel Colt. So, I love 1911's .

 

[bdickers]

As current owner of a couple of Dan Wesson VBob Valor pistols, one 9mm and the other a .45, and previous owner of a fair number of Springfield 1911's, full\compact and sub-compact size, I have to say that you wouldn't go wrong with either choice.
You'll want to take into consideration how you intend to use the pistol, if it's one you want to carry concealed, a 4.25" 1911 is a great choice. A full-size 5" 1911 is a bit tougher to conceal and is heavier on your belt if you carry all day.
If strictly a range gun, any of your preferences\likes will be just fine.
Good Luck And Good Shooting!

 

[oswiz]

Also consider a SIG 45 Ultra Compact: