Opinions on 1911's

fatcpa · Mar 5, 2011

I guess I wasn't as clear with my post as I should have been. I appreciate the suggestions but I'm not exactly a newby with a 1911. When I said I didn't shoot too well I meant that my old eyes weren't what they used to be. I have the mechanics down fairly well and can hold a respectable group. I know how to run a 1911. I was hoping for some feedback on the specifics of why you do or don't like a particular gun. In your opinion (from personal experience) , why is the Springfield better than the Kimber? Is there an inferior part or design flaw that makes one gun unrealiable? Does Springfield have better quality control than Kimber? Like I said, I would like some feedback from guys that do magic with the pistols.

Dr_Mitch · Mar 5, 2011

I bought a Smith and Wesson 1911 from a guy on here, and it's great. I mention this because the brand hasn't been represented in the thread. It comes with custom features as stock: forward cocking serrations and both sets cut in the Browning Hi-Power style (which is highly desirable), an extended safety lever, fit beaver-tail grip safety, front strap vertically serrated, mainspring housing checker cut, ring hammer, tight slide to frame fit, tight lock-up with zero play in the lug mesh, but the trigger is too loose for my liking, standard as a generic fighting trigger. Groups very well, even in the midst of an adrenaline rush. The price on a new one is very good, and I would recommend it. Especially with the SW warranty. The only negative is I'm not a fan of the Series 80 type of 1911.

Cinaet · Mar 5, 2011

fatcpa said:
When I said I didn't shoot too well I meant that my old eyes weren't what they used to be.

You and me both brother! Nowadays I need that white dot out in front or I completely lose the sight picture.

Jerryinokc · Mar 5, 2011

CPA, here is my 2 cents....

I have two Kimbers and have about 1,500 down both. They're okay, but in my opinion (MY opinion based on experience), they aren't what I would define as overly reliable (1 to 2 Fails in 500 rounds).

I have one pre-80's Colt Combat Commander. Love it. A very solid and dependable shooter.

I have one Para P-14-45. I'm having issues with getting the mags seated because I wanted a Dawson Magwell on it. Key issue? READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE MAGWELL! The Para seems to be a good shooter, but...

I then bought an STI Trojan. Seriously, without any hesitation, the STI is the smoothest, best-made pistol I've ever had the pleasure to handle. I like it so much I bought my GF a Trojan in 9mm. She absolutely loves it and can drive tacks with it, as can I with the 45 version.

Contact Ingi at Brazo's if you want to look at some. The STI is, again in my opinion, a most excellent platform.

Enjoy the disease...there is no cure.

surjimmy · Mar 5, 2011

I have and have had several High End 1911's. Yost, Behlert, Ed Brown, Les Baer and many others. The reason I stated that is so you will put more value in what I am going to say. For under $500 you can get one of the best shooting 1911's out there. Buy you a Rock Island Tactical, the factory mag is junk but once I put in a Wilson mag....I could not get the thing to jam, ate everything I fed it. At 15 yards 1 ragged hole.

RedTape · Mar 6, 2011

fatcpa said:
I guess I wasn't as clear with my post as I should have been. I appreciate the suggestions but I'm not exactly a newby with a 1911. When I said I didn't shoot too well I meant that my old eyes weren't what they used to be. I have the mechanics down fairly well and can hold a respectable group. I know how to run a 1911. I was hoping for some feedback on the specifics of why you do or don't like a particular gun. In your opinion (from personal experience) , why is the Springfield better than the Kimber? Is there an inferior part or design flaw that makes one gun unrealiable? Does Springfield have better quality control than Kimber? Like I said, I would like some feedback from guys that do magic with the pistols.

I rate Springfield higher than Kimber because of quality control/CS. Everyone can put out a lemon, but Springfield builds a great gun AND they have probably the best customer service in the business. If there is a problem they'll take care of you...or if you just want to upgrade you can send it in to the custom shop, which makes some of the best 1911s out there. Basically Springfield offers everything...entry level guns to custom builds all with great CS.

My brother-in-law recently picked up a Kimber. He's had 4-5 malfunctions with factory ammo. There's a problem with the fitting of the slide stop which after researching is not that uncommon with the Kimber. We'll get it fixed but it's still annoying for something like that on a gun that cost over $1000. Not saying Kimber makes a bad gun, but I don't think they pay as much attention to fitting. For the price of the Kimber, you can spend a little more for a really nice semi-custom like the Les Baer.

I'd also agree with the comment about the RIA Tactical. Its a great entry level gun if you're on a budget. Reliable and plenty accurate, but not as refined or smooth as the more expensive choices.

Jeff Freeman · Mar 7, 2011

Look into Ed Brown, then come buy one from me! (H&H Gun Sales)

huskres · Mar 7, 2011

I have always heard great things about STI 1911's.

2tothechest · Mar 7, 2011

I have a Kimber Team Match. It is extremly reliable. I have literally shot thousands of rounds through it and it is very accurate. I have heard a lot of people say bad things about Kimber, but mine has been great. I bought an STI Sentinal 9mm recently. I was not happy with the factory trigger, but the gun shoots well and feels smoother than most. I haven't had the chance to shoot it much.

Opinions on 1911's

fatcpa

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Dr_Mitch

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Cinaet

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Jerryinokc

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surjimmy

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RedTape

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Jeff Freeman

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huskres

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2tothechest

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