BEST QUALITY .45???? para, spring or kimber?

I'll rank 'em in my order of preference:

1. Kimber

2. Springfield Armoury

3. Para [very distant last]

I've seen a few "issues" with Paras, to the point that I doubt if I will ever own one. [hence the 'distant last' comment for me].

My .02..... other's mileage may vary.... ;)

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NAA.
 
I agree with NAA, except that I would put the Springfield TRP well above Kimber. But good luck finding a TRP for sale anywhere in Canada.

Now all of that being said, Dan Wesson 1911s are truly the kings of the production 1911 world. Certainly more expensive than most Kimbers or Springers, but surprisingly still a good value at the price they sell for. Basically a semi-custom pistol for the price of a higher end production pistol.

If you are in the market for a high quality 1911 but aren't interested in spending the $3000+ for a Wilson, Ed Brown or Les Baer, then you will find that DW covers the gap between mass-market production and high-end semi-custom very nicely.
 
If price is not an issue the Nighthawk Custom makes the finest 1911 I have handled. Kimber , Sig Sauer , Smith and Wesson and Ed Brown also make high quality 1911's.
 
Of the three listed, the Springfield is the only one I would seriously consider owning. Both Kimber and Para Ordnance have rather questionable reputations for QC. My first choice of any of the mainstream mass-produced 1911s would be either a Colt or Dan Wesson.

Dlask advertises their base model 1911 for $1250, which is a pretty competitive price for a custom built pistol.

The S&W M&P 45 and HK45 are also excellent non-1911 alternatives.
 
DILLIGAF said:
1. Kimber

2. Springfield Armoury

3 a toy cap gun


then

1000. Para
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+1 But I would bump the top 3 down a notch and put STI at #1 not only based on quality but the second to none service you would get from Freedom Ventures if you ever needed service. I have had Kimber, SA, Colt, Norc, all nice guns, but my 2 Trojans were just that much nicer. I think the Trojan is the best bang for the buck when it comes to a 1911.
 
ok you seem to know your stuff ..maybe a colt i want a good one for 600 - 1000 silver lookinng best lifetime quality
 
:confused:A noob, mildly interested observer here.....Does anyone know for sure who makes the parts for each maker? Are they made by Kimber, STI or Wesson? Or is it a matter of the basic same parts, metalurgy, QA being the same and each "brand" fits and finishes the same parts and puts their name on them, as in the new jaw dropping Buick Regal being made on the platform of a top European maker, its a reverse issue but relevant to my enquiry.:confused:
 
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speros said:
ok you seem to know your stuff ..maybe a colt i want a good one for 600 - 1000 silver lookinng best lifetime quality
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So which is it? Are you asking what the "best quality" 1911 pattern pistol is, or what the best quality "silver looking" 1911 in the $600 - $1000 price range is? :confused: Very different questions...

But if I understand you correctly, you want a good quality 1911 for under $1000 but in stainless, or possibly finished with a stainless or chrome look to it? Is that correct?

The Hands down best buy in a 1911 for under a grand is the STI Spartan, but is comes with a parkerized finish only... so that may not fit the bill for you.

Your best bet for under a grand is probably to watch the EE for a used Kimber or Springfield. You might get lucky and find a nice used stainless Colt for under $1000, but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting to find one as Colts tend to hold their value very well... You don't often see used Dan Wessons, especially under $1000 either but if you did then you should snap it up as it won't last too long.

Good luck in your hunt!
 
banjaboy said:
:confused:A noob, mildly interested observer here.....Does anyone know for sure who makes the parts for each maker? Are they made by Kimber, STI or Wesson? Or is it a matter of the basic same parts, metalurgy, QA being the same and each "brand" fits and finishes the same parts and puts their name on them, as in the new jaw dropping Buick Regal being made on the platform of a top European maker, its a reverse issue but relevant to my enquiry.:confused:
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As far as Dan Wesson goes, they make their own major components - slide+frame and if they do go outside for parts, they use brand name parts. For example the CBOB used Ed Brown parts for the grip safety, mainspring housing, hammer, trigger, sear, and disconnector. Also if the sights look like Novaks they actually are Novaks, if they look like Heinie, they are. To my knowledge STI makes all of it's own parts, except of course for the Spartan, same goes for Kimber. If you're looking at a Para, you'd be better off getting a Norc, having it 'smithed to your specs and having it hardchromed, or sending to Murdoc for Armacoat.
 
Springfield Armory, Colt , STI , ........................> (Para & S&W HAVING OWNED THEM)
 
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