1911's to many to choose

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Shnitzl

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I think I have to much on my plate and now I want a 1911.

not sure what would be ideal.
the anniversary ones have my eye, but I am realistically going to be shooting them.

has anyone had experience with the smith and wesson 1911s?
im digging the performance shop sw1911 but the e series seems cool also.
there web site doesnt go into detail about the differences, does anyone know.

then there are the
browning commemorative .45
and
remington R1
ruger

just want to get a feel for my options, I tried digging up info on the smiths nothing useful yet.
 
Sigs and Kimbers: custom quality at still reasonable prices.

Among them, the SIG POW-MIA gives you nice symbolic engravings: barbed wire along the slide signifying the prisoner status of the POW; the American Flag on the slide; a pair of dog tags behind the front sight, one reciting the Soldier's Oath, the other "Not Forgotten". As well, feels in hand and shoots top notch, like any 1911 Sig; I have one and it became my favourite handgun. It comes with a nicely engraved Ka-Bar combat knife all in a Pelican case. I think Questar may still have a couple for sale at around 1350 CAD.

sig_sauer_1911_pow_mia_1.jpg
 
I did a lot of research before buying my first 1911. Here is a detailed post that still applies, but ignore the pricing because we Canucks get gouged: http://www.1911addicts.com/showthread.php?511-Buyer-s-guide-for-all-you-1911-addicts

If you're looking to spend in the neighborhood of $1,000 and above (based on your S&W1911 comment), you might want to consider others like the Sig (which I chose), Kimber Custom II, and of course, the Colt in nearly the same price range.

In the Remington range, the Ruger seems to be a better deal because it's entirely American made and has a forged slide (Remington is all cast and parts sourced from who knows where).

If you're not looking to spend much, you might want to look at the Norinco. I'm still very much interested in getting a base Norinco and then modifying it. Unlike all other 1911s under a grand Canadian, the Norc is fully forged, out of some of the strongest steel known too, but its finish is reportedly hit and miss (as you'd expect for a forged $350 1911). Still, I would take the small gamble and see one in person, then buy it.
 
less than $1000 in .45 its the ruger hands down. looks really nice and feels good to.

over $1000 is a whole new ball game with alot more options that come down to personal preference
 
A while back, after deciding to get back into a little semi-formal big bore/centrefire paper punching I started looking at 45's. The first was acquired from the family and estate of a shooting buddy that passed away. A S&W model 4506.

IMG_1169.jpg


Then, :)I acquired a customized Colt 1911 that had been done up by another old friend for his own use. In addition to being an avid shooter, he was also a gunsmith.

GeorgeColt45ACP.jpg


Then, last but far from least, from a friend down island in Victoria, I very recently acquired a VERY NICE Kimber Custom Shop Super Match II:D.

45ACPKimberSuperMatchII.jpg


;)Retirement allows me time to play with a variety of 'toys'. Out of all the 45s I've had or have, the Kimber has to be the smoothest by far:D!!
 
Shnitzl said:
so is S&W performance shop a good buy?
I might be able to get Kimber, not 100% sure.
Click to expand...

I would say NO. S&W 1911's are more expensive than some other 1911's, not sure if they are any better than others at $1000. Perf Center pistols start at $1500 US+... I have a Sig 1911 Match Elite on the way for $999 (sale price/was $1170). I think the "E-Series" is just a different grip, not much else to do with the pistol. Maybe someone else owns one and will chime in.
This is what the Performance Shop says for upgrades to their 1911's:

Performance Center
Special Features: Performance Center Action Job, 3.5-4 lb. trigger pull, throated barrel, precision Crowned Muzzle, Polished Feed Ramp, Briley Spherical Barrel Bushing, 30-Lines Per Inch Checkering, Ambidextrous Frame Safety, Slide Ported Lighting Cuts
ALL BACKED BY OUR SMITH & WESSON LIFETIME SERVICE POLICY.

But if you want a Performance Center S&W 1911, go for it if it's what you want. I'm sure they are great pistols, but there might be more value for the money out there.
 
I also recommend looking at STI. The STI Trojan and Spartan stack up against 1911 2-3x their price point. The STI Spartan is IMO still the best sub $1000 1911 based on features and custom hand fitting.
 
For a 1911 I don't think there is a better value than the STI Trojan.

I own 2 Sig 1911s and 2 STI 1911s... The Sigs now all have STI ignition parts (from Freedom Ventures, and only because I can't get EGW). While the Sig is not a bad gun overall, it's internal parts are just not high end. While STI may not be the best stuff out there, it's better than Sig stock and readily available in Canada via FV.
 
1riot1ranger said:
For a 1911 I don't think there is a better value than the STI Trojan.

I own 2 Sig 1911s and 2 STI 1911s... The Sigs now all have STI ignition parts (from Freedom Ventures, and only because I can't get EGW). While the Sig is not a bad gun overall, it's internal parts are just not high end. While STI may not be the best stuff out there, it's better than Sig stock and readily available in Canada via FV.
Click to expand...

Did STI stop using cast Asian parts for the Trojan's frame and slide, as well as plastic bits here and there, including a plastic trigger? What's inside the Sig that isn't "high end"?
 
applebook said:
Did STI stop using cast Asian parts for the Trojan's frame and slide, as well as plastic bits here and there, including a plastic trigger? What's inside the Sig that isn't "high end"?
Click to expand...

They have never used castings. They are CNC machined from billet and so far as I know, always have been. I wouldn't exactly call the trigger plastic either, though it is a polymer. It's very durable and ergonomic, and probably lasts longer than aluminum. The trigger stirrup is stainless.

Durability? Under anything like normal use the gun will probably last longer than you will.

Trust me; the Trojan is a LOT of gun for the money.

Edit: I guess I was saying Trojan and thinking Sentry. Trojan frames are indeed castings; Sentry's are forgings. Still: I doubt you could wear it out in a lifetime.
 
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STI is certainly a good choice - mostly because of the service available.
However the frame is cast on Trojan and for the purists - the gun looks ugly (which may or may not bother You).
I guess that to learn the platform Norinco may be the best option for You though.
1911 may require a bit more knowledge than some, other, most modern pistols out there.
Going expensive right away, may not be in your best interest.
I would also point out that many of the gunsmith (I'm talking South of the border) like to work on the Springfields.
There is a good reason for that.
 
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