Seeking hands on opinions for 1911

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Redeyes

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I'm looking to buy a good 1911 but the ones I'm interested in are rarely stocked locally. I will likely have to buy one online which means I'm not going to have the opportunity to hold the firearm before buying it. I'm hoping there are some people here who have owned these models to advise me on the fit and finish.

I started off looking for a Dan Wesson Specialist Commander in stainless finish, but i can't seem to find any stock in Canada so I started looking into the Springfield TRP Operator. I know both are great 1911's and the Dan Wesson reviewers say that their fit and finish is awesome.

Is the Springfield TRP Operator fit and finish comparable to the DW Specialist Commander?

I know both models are not exactly the same and the TRP is larger than the Specialist, but my question is more around the fit and finish.

Yes, there are better 1911's out there, but the price of the TRP and Specialist Commander are close to my budget. If you have any recommendations for another maker that also excels in fit and finish, please let me know. I don't mind spending a little more, but not too much more. I would prefer to have a rail even though I'll never use it. I just like the way it looks.

More than anything, I would love to know what the nutz community feels about these two 1911's.
 
If it's your first 1911, just get a new Norinco. These days their fit, finish, accuracy, and reliability, is barely noticeable from the top enders.
If you don't believe me, check them out, side by side.
 
Checkout Al Flathery’s website. He has Les Baer for a little more than Dan Wesson’s offering. Better product in my opinion but hey it’s your money. Good luck.
 
Yes the Norinco can be OK. If you want something that has caught your eye nothing else will do and you will just end up wasting money on a re-buy.
Had a nice Norinco but it did not make feel as good as when I fondled and shot a Smith and Wesson. Yep it is all in my head, but its my head and my money.
If you buy a good one you can sell for good money. Keep looking till you see what the heart wants.
 
if you're looking for a commander in stainless, check out dlask. they are 9mm which is great because you can easily find 10rd mags, besides 45 is outdated

Their commanders are build kits, but they'll assemble it for you if you want, plus there are options you can choose from like fibre front sights, magwell, ambi safety, enhanced mag release.

They are beautiful units and have the best fit i've seen in a 1911, plus it's canadian made. best handgun i own for sure
 
trebor2880 said:
If it's your first 1911, just get a new Norinco. These days their fit, finish, accuracy, and reliability, is barely noticeable from the top enders.
If you don't believe me, check them out, side by side.
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Yes, this will be my first 1911 and I hear what you are saying about accuracy and reliability. I'll check out the Norinco's as you have suggested. With that said, I've been dreaming about the Wilson Combat for a long time so it will be difficult for me to let go of that dream. Regardless, I'm sure I'll end up with more than one 1911 so I'll likely end up with a Norinco anyways.
 
johnl said:
Checkout Al Flathery’s website. He has Les Baer for a little more than Dan Wesson’s offering. Better product in my opinion but hey it’s your money. Good luck.
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Thanks for the advice. Les Baer is also on my list to look at but I haven't seen one with a rail. But for a Les Baer, I would be ok without a rail. I'm checking out Flathery's site now. Thanks.
 
VICIOUS said:
Yes the Norinco can be OK. If you want something that has caught your eye nothing else will do and you will just end up wasting money on a re-buy.
Had a nice Norinco but it did not make feel as good as when I fondled and shot a Smith and Wesson. Yep it is all in my head, but its my head and my money.
If you buy a good one you can sell for good money. Keep looking till you see what the heart wants.
Click to expand...

LOL. Yes, that's exactly how I feel. The only 1911, that has made me feel like I want besides the DW, is the TRP. I just wish i could hold it in my hand before buying.
 
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ColinD said:
if you're looking for a commander in stainless, check out dlask. they are 9mm which is great because you can easily find 10rd mags, besides 45 is outdated

Their commanders are build kits, but they'll assemble it for you if you want, plus there are options you can choose from like fibre front sights, magwell, ambi safety, enhanced mag release.

They are beautiful units and have the best fit i've seen in a 1911, plus it's canadian made. best handgun i own for sure
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice. I'm checking their website now.
 
If you want a 1911, I would seriously look at the used market first. Lots of low mileage 1911s on the used market and they tend to be priced accordingly. New ones depreciate like cars, particularly mid to high end models. If you don't see what you want, you could always try a want to buy ad.

Of the 2 you are interested in, I'd take the Dan Wesson for sure.
 
gdawg said:
If you want a 1911, I would seriously look at the used market first. Lots of low mileage 1911s on the used market and they tend to be priced accordingly. New ones depreciate like cars, particularly mid to high end models. If you don't see what you want, you could always try a want to buy ad.

Of the 2 you are interested in, I'd take the Dan Wesson for sure.
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Thanks for the info. I'm a little hesitant to buy from the used market. Not because I care if it's used, but I've just heard too many stories about deals that have gone bad. Besides, I'm such a noob, I can't see the Equipment Exchange forums yet!

But as I'm getting advice from you guys... I might be leaning towards the Dan Wesson or a Les Baer.
 
Buy what you want.

I've been into 1911's for a long time. You know what you want, go for it! :cool:

Post some pics when you get 'er. And a range report when you get a test run on 'er the first time.

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NAA.
 
in all honesty, I haven't met a 1911 I didn't like.
i'd go with dan Wesson over springfield, but I'd go with Kimber over dan Wesson. its all subjective.
as stated, buy what you like, and shoot the snot out of it.
pictures too please :dancingbanana:
 
I tried the new Colt Trophy, the STI Rangemaster and now, I have a Dan Wesson PM-9, all in 9mm.
The DW is awesome in finish, fitting and trigger out of the box.
 
gdawg said:
If you want a 1911, I would seriously look at the used market first. Lots of low mileage 1911s on the used market and they tend to be priced accordingly. New ones depreciate like cars, particularly mid to high end models. If you don't see what you want, you could always try a want to buy ad.

Of the 2 you are interested in, I'd take the Dan Wesson for sure.
Click to expand...

This is very true. There was a dan Specialist not fired for $1300. I was literally 5 mins to late in messaging the guy before it sold
 
I have a sw1911 e series. Amazing. I have 1911 colt competition that is also good but disappointed it does not have checkering on the front strap. You should look at the smith and wesson 1911 performance center model. I am actively looking for one.

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That SW looks nice. I haven't looked at the SW performance center yet so I'll definitely check it out. At this point, I'm struggling with inventory in Canada.

Has anybody here ever imported a firearm from US? Is the process difficult?
 
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