I went through the same process last year.
Ended up getting a 5" Kimber on here at a good deal.

Now I'm looking for a Commander length. Nothing against the standard GI 5", but just now wanting something else.

What do you want the gun for? Carry, range gun, HD gun,...?

 

I love my Colt Commander. Especially if you think full size is a bit heavy. Commander size is a bit heavier, but about the same physical size as my G17. It has a very nice feel and balance to it. I have not fired the smaller, officer sized 1911's, but I would think that the recoil would start to become bothersome, and accuracy would suffer if you plan to shoot it often. Also, as I understand it, once you go smaller than commander size, reliability issues are more likely to arise.

my $0.02

 

Any of the above brands should be great guns. I have a Springfield Armory and love it. Pretty much try to look at them and decide which features you want and which appeals to you most. As long as you stick to those quality brands, it comes down to what you like, price, and the features you want. What are you planning on using it for? If it's target, competition, etc..., the full-size (5 inch) are probably the best choice. If it's for concealed carry (not sure if it's your first handgun or not) a single action may not be the best choice, although many people do carry and use the smaller versions for that purpose.

 

I'm an Old School, "plain vanilla" guy.

I love my box-stock Rock Island Armory 1911.

Lots of "sexier" guns out there, for sure, better finish, better trigger perhaps, but my RIA runs 100%, shoots better than I, and didn't break the bank. The slug flys the same from it as it does from a $1200 Kimber.

To paraphrase my favorite AK quote: "Kimber(Para, SA, Colt) is Prom Queen. RIA is Biker Chick!".

:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

 

This weekend I was reading the August issue of Combat Handguns and there was an article about Cylinder & Slide's Trident 1911.
Bill Laughridge stated in that article that he uses a Springfield GI 1911 as his base pistol for these custom guns, because he believes they are superior to other entry level 1911s in quality and price.

FYI FWIW

 

Thanks for the info. I am looking for something to carry and also to shoot.

 

+1 on the Rock Island. A "tactical" model will set you back $440 or so, and you'll be surprised at how much you like it. For a first 1911 (one that you can cut your teeth on -- to include scratching, when you practice field stripping it ), you really (really) can't beat it.

 

BTW, I went out with a buddy a couple of weeks ago. He has a Kimber Warrior. After shooting my RIA and his Kimber, neither of us could justify the 2x price of the Kimber.

 

"Kimber(Para, SA, Colt) is Prom Queen. RIA is Biker Chick!".

LOL, I like this quote.

 

My RIA tactical ROCKS! It is the perfect starter 1911 and also a good 1911 to learn modifications on. Mine has had at least 1k rounds through it and runs like a tops as long as you dont use those super cheap chinese knock off mags.

 

There are lots of good ones out there. Buy a reputable one and you'll more than likely be hooked for life. I've got a couple of Springers in 5" that I love(Mil-Spec and Loaded). Neither have given me any problems. I recently bought a Kimber .22 LR conversion so now I can enjoy the best of both worlds via John M. Browning's genius 1911 style.

 

What's your budget? The RIA's are nice starter guns which won't break the bank, however if you have the ability to spend more why not get a gun with all the bells and whistles. I have a Kimber TLE up for sale at a price point that is WAY under what you'd expect to pay for one new.

If you're like most folks you'll eventually upgrade your 1911 as you WILL be bitten by the bug to buy more

 

My ideal is less than 1100 for a new and no more than about 800 for a used one.

 

To me.
Best gun for under $500... ria
Best gun for under $750... Para Gi Expert
Best gun for under $1,000... SA Loaded

Kimbers are nice, but I think overpriced for what they are. Any 1911 with a price tag of over $1200 needs to be either a true semi-custom or custom. Kimber just mass produces stuff and calls it custom because they add some of what traditionally is considered custom work to a 1911 to their basic gun.

If you're looking on the higher end of things Fusion makes some great guns in the 1300-2300 range.

 

RIA, would be a great first choice, I have heard that they are built on surplus Colt machinery, if I am wrong on that someone on here please correct me.

The Taurus PT1911 would also be worth serious consideration.

 

Hard to beat a Dan Wesson, but it is out of the price range you have mentioned. I have had good results from Kimber, Para, Colt, and Springfield. I have not tried the RIA, but read good thinks about them all the time.

 

My ideal is less than 1100 for a new and no more than about 800 for a used one.

I guess you could afford pretty much any common 1911 for that. Question is, have you fondled one, and shot it? If not, and you have the opportunity to try a few before you buy 'em, go that route. Otherwise (to my mind) it makes sense to buy something inexpensive (yet still recommended) and see what you think. Why shell out $1,000 only to find that you really don't like the way a 1911 feels in your hand (or whatever)? If you don't like it, are you more apt to find a buyer for a used $1,000 gun or a $400 gun?

My $0.02.

 

For just under a grand I'd go for a Colt Delta Elite. I've got a serious hankering for one.

 

You can get a Colt 1991 pretty cheap too.

 

Ok. To clear up some questions for more help.

I have shot a Kimber. However thought it was pretty heavy to me. I tried the Custom Classic a couple of months ago my friend had. This 1911 shot like a dream. But I think for me I need to stay with a 4in or maybe even a 3in. I went to ShootersExpress in belmont and carolina sporting arms in charlotte to try a few hands on them. But the best experience that I have had with looking at Kimbers was at Eagle Guns in Concord. Dustin over there has always been really helpful.

So basically I am thinking that I might need to start out buy purchasing a inexpensive 1911 to see how much I would like it. Idealy I would like to find a 4in. If someone knows anyone or a place that might have a good deal on a used one please let me know.

Thanks,
Travis

 

I have been very pleased with my Taurus PT1911. I bought it from a forum member. It's a lot of gun for the money. I've never been a Taurus fan, but they got this one right.

I had a Kimber Eclipse and it turned me off because it stove-piped or failed to feed no matter which magazine I tried. I was using 230 grain ball ammo. I have to admit that I'm very intrigued by their Ultra series pistols.

Personally I feel that you will always get you money back out of a Colt if you decide to sell.

 

check the Metro Arms American Classic.......great reviews and ½ the price of what some of the others go for.

 

You might want to read this thread before going with the smaller 1911's.
http://www.carolinashootersforum.com/showthread.php?t=77004

If a standard 5 inch 1911 is too heavy, and you want a 4 inch maybe you should look at something else.

for 45 consider the sig 220 carry, XDCompact in 4 inch. They are both nice and you don't need to worry about taking off the safety when in a hurry.

For a commander size, I think a used stainless colt commander 1911 is a good buy and runs around $650 or so. The weight helps control recoil and with alloy frames you need to watch your mags.

 

Does Anyone has experience with the Smith&Wesson 1911s?

Are they good 1911s?

Thanks,
Travis

 

check the Metro Arms American Classic.......great reviews and ½ the price of what some of the others go for.

I have a Metro Arms American Classic Commander and it is a good gun, now. It fits me perfectly and is more accurate than I am. Not bad for a $450 1911.

The reason for the , now comment is because it stopped firing after 34 rounds. After a trip to 1911Tuner, it shot another 2 then stopped again. Since it was purchased new, I decided to send it to the warranty center Metro Arms recommended (Reynerson's in Louisiana). Turn around was good and the gun shoots great (new sear and disconnect did the trick). The gunsmith put 50 rounds through her and I put another 200 the day I got her back and accuracy and reliability have been very good. Hopefully mine was a Monday morning or Friday afternoon gun and not representative of their Commanders in general.