Opinions on a few different 1911's

2stonedbirds

Regular
Rating - 100%
26   0   0
Location
Southern Alberta
Hi all, I just upgraded my pal to rpal, and am in the market for a 1911. I will be getting a 22 trainer, but the whole reason I wanted to get into pistols is that I love the 1911's, the history, the look, everything. I am new to this though and would love some input on the different models I'm looking at. Pros/cons, personal experience, those sort of things.

http://www.wolverinesupplies.com/details/12002/Remington-R1-1911-Enhanced-45-ACP-5-Barrel-Wood-Laminate-Grips.aspx

http://frontierfirearms.ca/firearms/handguns/kimber-custom-ii-45-acp.html

http://www.theammosource.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_3_328&products_id=1371&zenid=22809f015649dbc0aa39615cc91528fb

I'm not really into the stainless look, I prefer blued with wood grips and want the standard gov't length... other than that I have no idea what to really look for. Not really looking to spend more than 1000$, but am a little flexible there. Also wondering about the ruger version of the 1911 as well.

Anyways just curious about what you guys think, and if you could maybe steer a guy in the right direction. So far I'm kinda leaning towards the Kimber or the STI. Thoughts?

I also realize these types of threads clutter up the page and are old hat for most folks, so I apologize in advance. :)
 
SAM are good guns for the price. STI Ive been noticing lower QC.

I got a Custom 1911, a SAM 1911. Pops got a SAM 45 Commander, Double Stack Norc 45 1911 and a Para SF45.

I always liked Springfield Armoury.
 
I've owned several 1911's, Sig, Kimber, STI and Para. The only manufacturer I wouldn't buy from again is STI, their quality is taking a #### at the moment. Sig, well it's a Sig, I would and should expect a great pistol, only downside is an external extractor, but that's personal preference. Kimber's are great, some models are a little pricey, but I was very happy with mine. The new Para's seem to be getting good reviews, seems they've fixed their QC issues, I haven't put a lot of rounds downrange with mine yet, but so far I'm quite happy with it.
 
I have a a Kimber and an STI, both work very well and are enjoysble to shoot. Kimber 45, STI 9.
 
Got a Les Baer Premier ll, this 1911 is a laser, a little bit more expensive but, this last only until you have shot your first mag, then you realise... My 0.02... JP.
 
I am running the Ruger SR1911 and am very happy with it! It's nice to look at but I don't hesitate to shoot it and holster it as well. Buy something that you won't just want to leave in the safe.
 
Last edited:
for the love of god not the kimber, unless all you plan on doing is looking at it and not shooting it.


Where does this #### come from? I have eighteen 1911's, four of which are Kimbers. They have been rock solid.

Not as good as my NHC, but a great quality mid priced 1911.

Are you speaking from first hand experience and you ownership and use of multiple Kimbers or have you been on 1911 forum too much and drinking the "mimber" kool aid?
 
Where does this #### come from? I have eighteen 1911's, four of which are Kimbers. They have been rock solid.

Not as good as my NHC, but a great quality mid priced 1911.

Are you speaking from first hand experience and you ownership and use of multiple Kimbers or have you been on 1911 forum too much and drinking the "mimber" kool aid?

That would be my guess.
 
I've owned several 1911's, Sig, Kimber, STI and Para. The only manufacturer I wouldn't buy from again is STI, their quality is taking a #### at the moment. Sig, well it's a Sig, I would and should expect a great pistol, only downside is an external extractor, but that's personal preference. Kimber's are great, some models are a little pricey, but I was very happy with mine. The new Para's seem to be getting good reviews, seems they've fixed their QC issues, I haven't put a lot of rounds downrange with mine yet, but so far I'm quite happy with it.

Is that based on your 1 bad experience, because the gun hadn't been stored properly and the there was rust under the rear site or are you aware of a series of problems with STI?
the rangemaster i got from Freedom Ventures is perfect and everyone i know that has bought one in the last few years loves em.
 
STI Ive been noticing lower QC.

And where specifically have you noticed lower quality? Be specific and don't just throw out your opinion.

In my experience, if you want a 1911 that will be reliable and a shooter then go with an STI. If you want a 1911 that you shoot a few rounds through every so often then pick whatever you like best. But if you want a shooter, then go with an STI.

As for my experience, I have a STI Trojan, Ranger and just picked up a Spartan. This past weekend, I shot the Summer Slam IPSC match in Dalhousie with my Trojan - about 300 rounds over 2 days. I had zero issues other than my shooting which is not gun related... The Trojan ran like a champ compared to other 1911s and other guns including supposedly bullet proof Glocks. I shoot at least a couple of matches a month and practice weekly. Again I can not remember the last time I have had a failure with this gun... My Ranger was a bit finicky at first but once broken in, I had again zero issues with that gun.

If you take a look at the top IPSC classic shooters in Canada (and I am not one), all are shooting STIs. Why? Because they are reliable and work. Plus if you have any issues, Freedom Ventures is there to assist.

So again for those that say there are quality issues with STI, please back up your statements.
 
I bought some STI SS parts for my 1911. There was flashing on the injection points and on the edges of the parts and the detent area on a ambi thumb safety was so bad I had to do some finesse work. By the time I was done cleaning up the flashing and fitting the part, the factory bead blasted finish was marred up. Now it is sporting a brushed ss look. I won't buy STI if their guns are made like those parts.

All the Kimbers I've seen have been top notch. Sorry, don't have any long term personal experience with them.

I love Sig 1911. Pretty well fitted and accurate when I do my part. The only time I've had an issue with it was when the Froglube gummed up my slide.

Shot my buddy's SR1911 and I won't hesitate to buy one. The slide and trigger might rattle on some but the barrel/bushing locks up solid. The slightly loose trigger and grip safety are easy fixes. Too bad the prices jumped about $125-$150. I think I'd rather buy a SR1911 over a Remy R1 after someone posted their review of theirs.

In celebration of today's small win with the firearm proposals, I'm looking to add a Springfield 1911 to my collection.:)
 
Last edited:
My STI Trojan (9mm) has been rock solid reliable. When I did poorly on a IPSC stage, it wasn't because of the gun. I will add, I use Tripp Research (Cobra) mags in the STI.
 
Back
Top Bottom