Best 1911 in the $1,000 Range?

[HMCS(FMF)Ret.]

That's fine if you don't agree with me on MIM, I've broken MIM parts, and seen enough of them break so I'll pass, again especially in that price range.

You're showing some ignorance on DW models. It's no secret that the old DW's that went for $1000 all day were a far cry from what you see now, especially when you consider a Valor or Specialist. We are talking upgrades from non-proprietary sights, beefed up small parts, better fitting, and better finishes. In reference to a comparison to a TRP again, you have a more "customized" gun.... which may be wasted to those that don't know any better. Guys that probably never detail strip their guns and shoot 50 rds every few months just won't notice a difference. Again, better sights (10-8), better parts (EB safety, beefed up SS, etc ) better finishes, higher undercuts, beveling, flush cuts etc. All of these features show a better fit and finish from older DW's AND current TRPs.

Now someone that thinks owning a Bear is a "snob" again is being cliché and showing some ignorance of the upper tier 1911s. Baers are rough.....rougher than Dan Wessons.....with a worse finish. However they use great parts, barrels, frame and slides, and build them like tanks. You're shooting one 5K before it sets in. They are definitely a shooter's 1911 relative to anything near it's price.

Again, I like TRPs, they are great guns ~$1000 as most production 1911 don't touch them. However, I just have enough experience with different 1911s to know what's good for the money they are asking now.

How well do they shoot? That's really all I care about. It could be the ugliest gun in the world, but how well does it shoot. The DW and LB are purdy, but they are no better of a shooter than a TRP. The Les Baer is a great gun, but it never out shot my TRP. You can "customize" the hell out of a gun, but if doesn't out shoot a production gun....who cares. I buy a gun for how it shoots.

Oh, and I guarantee you that some "ignorant" BG "that doesn't know any better" wont have to detail strip my gun to know that it's a great shooter.

Webster's definition of a snob: One who has an offensive air of superiority in matters of knowledge or taste.

P.S. You can paint and polish a turd...but that won't make it a better turd.

 

[JD8]

A majority of differences I spoke of contribute to shootability and longevity, hopefully that's obvious. If not.... oh well. Most with experience tend to understand that you can get a higher grip with better undercuts, grip safeties, etc. Better and faster sight picture with certain sights, etc. Better parts and fitting equate to a 1911 lasting longer and again, those that shoot a bit will notice.

 

[Dr. HK]

I have had a S&W, Springfield, Kimber, and Ruger 1911s. From the 4 that I owned I would go with Kimber, Ruger, Springfield, then S&W. I really like the Ruger 1911 for the money, like someone else stated get a Ruger then with the rest of the money buy mags and ammo.

 

[HMCS(FMF)Ret.]

A majority of differences I spoke of contribute to shootability and longevity, hopefully that's obvious. If not.... oh well. Most with experience tend to understand that you can get a higher grip with better undercuts, grip safeties, etc. Better and faster sight picture with certain sights, etc. Better parts and fitting equate to a 1911 lasting longer and again, those that shoot a bit will notice.

LOL.....you crack me up. Hmmm....I shoot a bit...and I could care less. "Better parts"........really? If I can get better groups with a TRP over a DW, then why would so called "better parts" matter? I've never had a 1911 fall apart on me. I had Glock 21SF fall apart on me, got it fixed and got rid of it. Maybe its just you? But hey, I don't want to question your MANY years of experience.

 

[ber]

Springfield

 

[JD8]

LOL.....you crack me up. Hmmm....I shoot a bit...and I could care less. "Better parts"........really? If I can get better groups with a TRP over a DW, then why would so called "better parts" matter? I've never had a 1911 fall apart on me. I had Glock 21SF fall apart on me, got it fixed and got rid of it. Maybe its just you? But hey, I don't want to question your MANY years of experience.

Better parts and fitting probably won't matter to you because your TRP was a self described "safe queen"..... yes?? That's probably why what I'm saying is foreign to you.

You're worried about groups, I'm not. 1911s are inherently accurate and most will group better than their owners. I'm worried about how the gun performs after 5, 10, 20K+ rounds, how it fits in my hand, how good is the trigger, safties, and sights etc.

I really dunno why this difference upsets you so much. TRPs are great guns and I'm glad that they are fine for your needs and that you're happy paying inflated prices for them, or rather think they are worth it. Just consider that some may have different needs and or requirements and see better value in other brands.

 

[HMCS(FMF)Ret.]

Better parts and fitting probably won't matter to you because your TRP was a self described "safe queen"..... yes?? That's probably why what I'm saying is foreign to you.

You're worried about groups, I'm not. 1911s are inherently accurate and most will group better than their owners. I'm worried about how the gun performs after 5, 10, 20K+ rounds, how it fits in my hand, how good is the trigger, safties, and sights etc.

I really dunno why this difference upsets you so much. TRPs are great guns and I'm glad that they are fine for your needs and that you're happy paying inflated prices for them, or rather think they are worth it. Just consider that some may have different needs and or requirements and see better value in other brands.

Got mine for a GREAT price...sold it for a good price.

I have shot and owned MANY guns, and never had to worry about them falling apart. But you're right I would never put 10,000-20,000 rounds thru a gun, no matter how good it is. I'd buy another. Heck I have a hard time just choosing what I'm going to shoot when I go to the range. Every gun I own is a favorite of mine.

 

[Boehlertaught]

Springfield

Hey ber... One word replies simply are not acceptable after the multi-word reports previous. GMThunder & HMCS, you've both got great ideas and I like both of your opinions. Oh, that's the chance for both of you to attack me now. My wife calls that action, redirection. I've got not doubt the OP has learned alot from the two of you. Truth to all of this is the 1911's the two of you mention are all great. I own so many 1911's I've lost count but there's no doubt that there is a place for all Springfields, DW's and LB's. Bill Laughrige at Cylinder & Slide claims the Springfield is the best donor pistol to use for customs. LB has a great reputation too. Many folks use his 1911's for fun, CCW and competion. I agree, they appear to be good 1911's for high round count...but GMThunder your numbers could be a bit low cause you know a serious competitor could shoot 30K+ rounds easily in a year. It would not surprise me if the LB's would go 200-300K rounds with only good maintenance. Same for a Springer though. As for DW, some of the finest 1911's I own. I'm not as fond of the DW's put into the market a just before CZ purchased DW though. The original DW's and the current DW's seem to be the best. In summary, there's little doubt a Springer is a great pistol for the money. With a little customizing it can be an outstandning 1911. DW's are good as they are as are LB's. Not sure why you would want to use a DW or LB as a custom donor but you could. Adding an option for the OP. Speaking of new 1911 prices, most Springers can be had for $1000 or so...yes the TRP's are more since I've seen them go as high as $1400. DW's, before the scare, are in the $1200-1500 range. LB's are in the high teens. The new option for the OP is this, save even a little longer and go for an Ed Brown or a Wilson...At least $2000 to $3500 (or more). No doubt I'll start another debate here but I think most of you will agree that EB or Wilson can take the quality 1911 issue to a higher level than most other folks. If you want the ultimate 1911, mortgage your house and get a Yost-Bonitz, Heirloom Precision, etc.

 

[ripnbst]

Or do what I said two pages ago and get into a NIB Range Officer for under $800

With the booty left over buy dope and beer(mags and ammo BHD reference).

It's the path i am choosing after nearly buying an LB or Fusion Firearms pistol.

I don't expect to be disappointed

I will probably add a Smith & Alexander magwell, VZ Op II's, and a FO front sight and call it good for a time enough 'til I shoot it enough I know what I want to have worked on.

 

[JD8]

I agree, they appear to be good 1911's for high round count...but GMThunder your numbers could be a bit low cause you know a serious competitor could shoot 30K+ rounds easily in a year

True, not the norm but that's why I said 20K+ for sure. There's a marine over on 1911forums that has a highly detailed round count with pics of his Baer going past 30K I believe. I think Eric Fuson had 80K+ through his Wilson in a year and a half? He said the gun still had accuracy but wouldn't make PF so Wilson fit another barrel. The original ignition components were fine and everything else. Don't see many production guns doing that as most sears and barrels aren't expected to live that long.

Springfield, Colts, Norincos all make great base guns, it's just a matter of how much a rollmark means to you.

Oh and I will say that DW's and Baers, while they don't need much can offer some base for custom features. Severns takes DWs and squeezes .8in groups @ 25yds out of them.

He also has several detailed write ups on the differences between several models on 1911forums. Just in case someone doesn't want to throw a gun away after 10K rounds.