Need opinions on many 1911's!

NorthernPF

NorthernPF

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Hey Guys & Gal's!

Well, with my purchase of a first handgun almost on my door step, I came upon a small problem.

I was looking at getting the SIG 220 Elite Stainless but have recently found out that they climbed ~$340.......before taxes.:bangHead::jerkit:

So now I find myself looking at the possibility of maybe getting a 1911 but I've read good things and bad things about all of them. I can't trust reviews on the internet from magazines because they get the gun for Free...of course they'll like it!

Ideally, I'd like to get opinions from you guys about them. I wanna hear the good, the bad and the downright ugly so I can decide wether I start seriously looking at the 1911's or do I just suck it up and pay the extra for the SIG.

Here are some of the 1911 Models that I inquired to CGN supporting dealers about.
- Springfield Armory Loaded
- Springfield Armory TRP
- Springfield Armory Operator
- Para-Ordnance PX14-45 Limited
- STI Trojan 5.0
- Kimber TLE/RLII

Any info would be GREATLY appreciated.
 
I've been listening to a lot of opinion here for the last few years, here is some of what I've heard: Springfield- warranty iffy in Canada, otherwise largely Brazillian parts mean they aren't what they once were. Para- poor durability of the finish and God help you if something breaks. STI- no real issues and if you do have an issue Freedom Ventures is the distributor and has a great reputation. Kimber, no major issues but quality control can be up and down and many parts are MIM-not bad if done correctly but hard to spot issues until something goes. I'm sure the boosters of each brand will be here shortly, if it were my money of those you listed I'd go with STI, one you didn't list was Smith and Wesson, same price range and worth a look.
 
By the looks of your list, I'd say they are all decent models of 1911s. As far as warranty etc. go with any of them - it's a 1911, so parts abound.
Have you fired a 1911 before? The P220 and 1911s are very different animals, so you may consider trying one before you buy.
I have 'issues' with the 1911 grip safety and still manage to own 3 of them.
Good luck with your purchase:cheers:
 
I'd say for a first handgun purchase if ya want a 45 get a Norinco, spend the cash you save on ammo and learn how to shoot it. The best way to learn to shoot is put as many thru the pipe as you can afford. You can grab a tricked out nork for under $400 shipped from Canada Ammo. Sure the triggers aren't perfect but it's a great place to start, maybe down the road get a trigger job or even better learn how to do it yourself. I've got 2 norks a Government and a police. Love them both sharp edges and all. My great shootin bud took his to the range today and a dude with a beautiful Kimber said "I want one of these!" I don't think you'll be dissapointed.
Just my 2 cents wellcome to the addiction.:dancingbanana:
 
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A Norinco Government model 1911 happened to be my very first handgun purchase. I liked it and had lots of fun with her, but decided to step up to an STI Spartan one day....and WOW....The very best value in a 1911 in my opinion. Yes, it cost almost exactly twice as much as the Nork, but you get one hell of a nice 1911 that's worth every penny. Beautiful crisp trigger, adjustable sights, and I never had a single stoppage with her, where my Norinco hiccuped every 3 mags or so.....My 2-cents at least....Trojans and the others you mentioned are awesome pistols as well, but the Spartan is your best bang for your buck as they say.
 
There are some good used Colts out there for not too bad money. STI is another good option. Smith and Wesson is nice if you like external extractor.
 
For quality and peace of mind - STI.
You can also get base 1911 from DLask that are of very good quality.

Persanally, I don't see myself getting a .45 gun, no seasons to; got 9mm and .40 ones and they serve my needs.
 
The Loaded, TRP and Operator lines from Springfield are fantastic. My first full sized 1911 was a Parkerized loaded and now I have a MC Operator and they have been very reliable and accurate and the fit and finish is superb.

I'd make your decision based on calling around and seeing whats instock and at what price.
 
As noted...before you buy anything...try them if you can.
The SIG and 1911 platforms are quite different.........
 
I'd go STI or Kimber if I was starting out in the 1911 game and was going to go for something on the higher end. But watch the EE. There are some great 1911's out there.

Personally, and it's only a personal preference, I'd avoid anything with the Series 80 type firing pin block safety system in it.

Just my .02......

2007-10-27_091302_1aCoffee.gif
 
I've had Colt, Kimber & STI for 1911s.

Did not like the STI at all, the bluing wasn't impressive and the STIppling was aweful. Traded it.

My Colt was nice. Nice finish outside, a bit rough inside. Sold it.

Still have the Kimber. Excellent fit and finish both outside & in. Extremely accurate. Very nice bluing and highly polish slide & frame flats.
 
I pick up my first 1911 tomorrow, a dan wesson pointman seven after months of research. I can't say much about it so far since i have only handled it in the shop but very impressive fit and finish. my alternative at the same price range was the sti trojan but i think i'll be happy with my pick.
 
From your list I would pick a Springfield Armory TRP, but I than again I don't see myself spending that kinda money on one gun...I have a Taurus 1911 staunless and pretty happy with it; it's a great gun for the money!
 
mlebler said:
A Norinco Government model 1911 happened to be my very first handgun purchase. I liked it and had lots of fun with her, but decided to step up to an STI Spartan one day....and WOW....The very best value in a 1911 in my opinion. Yes, it cost almost exactly twice as much as the Nork, but you get one hell of a nice 1911 that's worth every penny. Beautiful crisp trigger, adjustable sights, and I never had a single stoppage with her, where my Norinco hiccuped every 3 mags or so.....My 2-cents at least....Trojans and the others you mentioned are awesome pistols as well, but the Spartan is your best bang for your buck as they say.
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+2 on the sti, best value out there right now!
 
NorthernPF said:
Hey Guys & Gal's!

Well, with my purchase of a first handgun almost on my door step, I came upon a small problem.

I was looking at getting the SIG 220 Elite Stainless but have recently found out that they climbed ~$340.......before taxes.:bangHead::jerkit:

So now I find myself looking at the possibility of maybe getting a 1911 but I've read good things and bad things about all of them. I can't trust reviews on the internet from magazines because they get the gun for Free...of course they'll like it!

Ideally, I'd like to get opinions from you guys about them. I wanna hear the good, the bad and the downright ugly so I can decide wether I start seriously looking at the 1911's or do I just suck it up and pay the extra for the SIG.

Here are some of the 1911 Models that I inquired to CGN supporting dealers about.
- Springfield Armory Loaded
- Springfield Armory TRP
- Springfield Armory Operator
- Para-Ordnance PX14-45 Limited
- STI Trojan 5.0
- Kimber TLE/RLII

Any info would be GREATLY appreciated.
Click to expand...
Of the guns you listed:

1) TRP and Operator would cost more than P220 Elite Stainless
2) Para is crap
3) STI Trojan would be my choice (better build quality than Kimber and SA Loaded, at a similar price)

Another 1911 that you might want to consider is S&W. Along with STI, they make the best mid-priced 1911s IMO.
 
i Recently bought myself my first 1911 because i have always loved them. I bought an STI spartan because it was in my price range. Although i love the STI i wish i had been able to afford the Kimber TLE/RLII or Kimber Warrior. If you aren't worried about a rail the spartan is a great buy, although i wish it had front strap stippling.
 
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