Looking For A 1911 - Where Do I Start?

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nw mb

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...i've had several handguns over the years but we moved so often back then that i just got fed up with different regs on transport, bylaws, etc so sold them off ...i've shot competition (.22 heavy bbl s+w) and ipsc (beretta 9mm sf) ...now that i'm long settled i'd like to get a 1911 but don't know them at all, and there seems to be SO many models/upgrades out there that i thought i'd ask if there is a good, basic model that is reliable where i can start?

thanks
 
Budget?

I have a Ruger and SAM and both are decent. In a blind taste test the SAM comes across as a higher quality and tighter piece.

You will have folks suggest the STI line as well. I've never held one though.

Avoid the norinco
 
Mark II, that's an interesting observation on the SAM vs Ruger. That's for that.

Nw mb, you'll certainly need to indicate a price point since your options start at around 370 for a Norc and go up to around 3700 for a Nighthawk. Also are you after a faithful copy of the old original military issue or will you move up to a more typical modern version that uses the fuller beavertail shape with ring style commander's hammer?

Myself I'm a fan of slide serrations only on the rear of the slide and the fuller beavertail with ring hammer. I like the cleaner look of that combination over the slides with forward serrations that I'd never use.
 
...budget? ...1000 would be tops for now ...military or modern? ...i've fired old military and there's some nostalgia in that ...but modern isn't ruled out ...and will stick with iron sights

thanks
 
Conventional wisdom says go with the .45ACP calibre. There is some value in this statement. Also wise people say go government length of 5 inches bbl. A good quality 1911 is around $2000 but a decent gun is in the $1000 range. I have owned a STI Spartan and it is OK. It is made off shore. A Canadian gun smith DLASK makes a good quality 1911, you could check him out. I have one and it is a nice gun.
 
The sticky thread up top is a good starting place. I too have been researching whether i should invest in a 1911. From what i have been reading, it's all about budget. $1000 and below are more for range/plinking use. $1000-2000 for ipsc/ipda. $2000 and up for collectibles and the clinically insane. This is what i have been able to come up with so it's not gospel or anything. Fyi my bro and i tried out a springfield 1911 government last week at springdale. 50 rounds each and had a ftf/fte twice. Also the grip was so uncomfortable it gave me a blister. Was not too happy with it.
 
I have several Norinco 1911's, and they are all good to excellent. Fit, finish and accuracy.
And at $279 for a new on, you can't go wrong, IMO.
 
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Entry level/econo: SAM or Norc 1911A1 [preference to the unmarked Norc 1911A1 if going Norc]

Quite a bit better & more money: STI Spartan or Ruger SR 1911.

And it goes up from there.

And yeah I agree..... a Colt is a Colt is a Colt.

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NAA.
 
Couldn't agree more with NavyCuda - Sig target 1911 has been my main competition gun through roughly 13 matches this year. I love everything about it. Also have a spartan and have about 15k through it. They have both been great guns. The Sig has the front strap checkering and is stainless so for 300-400 more it is my opinion a great value. The spartan has a cheaper finish which wears off rather quickly, atleast in mine.
 
Something to consider is that .45acp shooters are typically also reloaders. If you will use your new 1911 in any sort of matches you're going to lose a lot of brass. And NO ONE is as much a group of brass hounds as .45acp shooters... :D

So there's lots to be said for having a pair of 1911's. One in the proper and authentic .45acp caliber and one in either 9mm or .40S&W for use in matches where you just won't worry as much about the brass since both calibers are so common and easy to pick up empties.

Norcs can be nice enough guns but they are also a bit of a gamble. Their fitting standards are rather lax and the odd one arrives with rather generous fitting clearances. Also the triggers can vary from very nice to crazy heavy. And let's not forget that a common malady with Norinco 1911's is that you can shave with many of the edges on the outside parts. So all in all while I like Norincos for the value one is gambling a little on getting a good one and they are to some extent a bit of a project gun since even a good one really does need an overall de-horning and blueing touch up after smoothing all the edges and corncers that want to shave skin.

The SAM sounds pretty nice for a lower cost option that should be good to go right out of the box with less risk and less required work. And I know that Remington makes a pretty nice budget 1911. But aside from what I also consider a weak finish the nicest to shoot is the STI Spartan in the sub $1K price. The two I've shot both had VERY NICE triggers right out of the box.
 
silverfoxdj said:
A STI SPARTAN in 45 or 9mm is a great gun for the money $750-$800 new
Click to expand...

Seconded!! I ended up with an STI Ranger ll ------ZERO regrets, and despite being the 2nd (or 3rd, or 4th) owner, when I had a problem with the slide lock, one quick email to STI in the Great State of Texas, and a new part was shipped to be free of charge.

I've heard nothing but GOOD about the STI Guys!
 
PPCLIGullyPlatoon said:
Seconded!! I ended up with an STI Ranger ll ------ZERO regrets, and despite being the 2nd (or 3rd, or 4th) owner, when I had a problem with the slide lock, one quick email to STI in the Great State of Texas, and a new part was shipped to be free of charge.

I've heard nothing but GOOD about the STI Guys!
Click to expand...

I'd buy another in a heart beat..
 
Ive handled a few 1911's and the Colts seem to be my favorite ones. They have a good feel to them and made shooting them easy and comfortable.
 
what i recommend to people is the following according to price range.

low end (under $500) i say SAM over Norc.
you get more bells and whistles with the SAM and they are 10 times tighter out of the box then any Norc ive ever seen.
amount owned by me SAM x 1, Norc x 3

mid range (under $1000) i say Ruger or Kimber (the entry level one)
the Ruger SR1911 is nice, they had a blip with QC initially and there is a lot of people having to replace their front sites but thats a easy fix.
the Remington R1 is nice, the R1 Enhanced is nicer! but for the money i prefer the Ruger.
for the same price range you can pick up a Kimber Custom II on sale, i did, by far head and shoulders above the Ruger and Remmy.
while its only the entry level Kimber its just a beautiful gun.
fit and finish are 2nd to none.
owned by me Ruger x 2, Kimber x 1

higher mid range (over $1000)
i can only say Kimber as that is all i have shot over $1000 range, but the Sigs look nice and the S&W PC ones look nice.

i have only shot a couple STI and they where well used ones and where rattle traps due to the high round count.
some people swear by them but i cant personally say anything about them as i dont have one.
 
Without a doubt I would highly recommend the Norinco for your entry - level 1911. FS (5" barrel) / .45acp. I have several mass produced 1911s to include my newest Colt. I have fired two Norincos this past year and was highly impressed. I always assumed they were junk and I was wrong. After my experience w/ them and much research, I recently purchased what appears to be a good used one. At your current price of approximately 279.00, I'd be all over it. Totally disassemble and give it a good bath and scrubbing w/ mineral spirits, blow dry / dry throughly, relube, reassemble, do the 1911 safety check and go shooting. Initially anyway, I would run it a little wet. Not so wet where it drips into the magazIne or on the rounds but wetter than you might normally lube one. Good luck.
 
...thanks for all of this...

...who carries a colt 1991 series 80? ...readily available? ...and how can you pass up a norc for $280?
 
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