[1911Fanatic]

My very first pistol is still one of my favorites. I carried it everywhere, shot competition, and it something I can give my wife to shoot without question… Colt Combat Commander in 9mm. I know,I know, the sights are too small and it only holds 9+1 but it was the first handgun I bought when I turned 21. Lots and lots of mags were needed for the old days of USPSA1

The new ones have Novak 3 dots. They are kinda big. White dots.

 

[Moparformances]

If you have not bought one yet why not get a piece of History, order a CMP

Surplus U.S. Army 1911 Information - Civilian Marksmanship Program

The latest on the CMP 1911 sales will be posted on this page, including ordering and grade information as well as availability.

thecmp.org

 

[gasmitty]

Six 1911s on board here, 4 of them in .45 ACP, 3 of which are Springfields. My first defensive carry gun was a basic Springfield 1911-A1, and when I could afford it I moved up to a TRP on advice of the Springfield Armory reps at the NRA convention. I used that in action pistol competition for 8 years, and it is one tough, reliable gun. The black, proprietary finish is very durable and only shows holster wear after thousands of draws from Kydex holsters. In over 10,000 rounds, the only parts replaced were recoil springs and one extractor. When I tripped over a nearly-new SA Trophy Match in stainless, I retired the TRP from competition duty but use it for recreation and occasional carry. The Trophy Match is every bit as rugged as the TRP, with the exception that the adjustable rear sight cracked (easily replaced) and the firing pin stop broke at around 12,000 rounds. That gun is now at about 16,000 rounds and going strong.

The other 1911s here are a Kimber Custom CDP II in .45, and a Colt Gold Cup Trophy in .38 Super. The Kimber is a fine gun, definitely a handful with full-power ammo due to its alloy frame, and frankly, I'm not a fan of the Swartz FP safety mechanism (other makers achieve the same drop safety with titanium firing pins). The Colt was an early retirement gift to myself since I just wanted both a Colt and a .38 Super.

The common denominator among my favorite 1911s is a checkered front strap. I'm not recoil sensitive, but when your hands are very cold or very slippery from sweat, the checkering on the front of the grip makes a noticeable difference in the ability to control the gun. The Range Officer didn't have the front strap checkering, and it's only a 9mm so control is less of an issue, but I have skateboard tape on the front strap because sweaty hands are standard issue here in the AZ desert at least 8 months of the year!

Random other comments re your 1911 selection: tritium night sights are good for about 4 years, so I'd elect for good sights that work for your eyes. The practical pistol competition has made me a big fan of fiber optic front sights, but that's a personal choice (a gold bead front sight is also surprisingly useful). For your price range I would absolutely expect a dovetailed (not staked) front sight to allow for easier future choices. Slide serrations where your hands can use them are worthwhile. The basic 1911 serrations at the back of the slide are fine, but front serrations can be handy IF they work for you. An ambidextrous safety is occasionally useful for me, but not a must-have. I'd expect some modest beveling of the magazine entrance, if not a duty-style mag well. Lastly, even the best 1911s in the $2K price range are still mass-produced, not hand-built. If there's a good 1911-smith in your area, I would invest $200-300 on reliability & trigger work to optimize your purchase.

Sorry for the lengthy ramble, good luck and happy shopping!

 

[Traxx]

Well, all this 1911 talk has me thinking that my current 1911s are getting lonely. Sigh, the things I do for my younguns.

 

[sgcardinal]

Well, all this 1911 talk has me thinking that my current 1911s are getting lonely. Sigh, the things I do for my younguns.

I'm pretty sure whatever I buy for my first won't be my last. Just like my lonely Ruger revolver - it's such a joy to shoot I know it won't be lonely much longer. Happy shopping and be sure to tell us what you get!

 

[1911Fanatic]

You could get an HK full-size

 

[Traxx]

If not a 1911 then a 92 or 226.
No rails or strikers or anything like that.
GO OG or go home.

 

[Moparformances]

You could get an HK full-size 45.

Love my USP for every day carry.. Probably not the right choice for every one but works great for me..

 

[1911Fanatic]

Never mind, I just saw you were looking for a 1911. You could get a nice Colt within your budget.

 

[sgcardinal]

Never mind, I just saw you were looking for a 1911. You could get a nice Colt within your budget.

ok, fine - I'll put an HK full-size on my list for after the 1911

 

[MitchSC]

I apologize if I missed someone posting there are a few Dan Wessons in your budget.

 

[bgavin]

My first and only 1911 is the Dan Wesson PM7 in 45ACP.

100% delighted

 

[sgcardinal]

I apologize if I missed someone posting there are a few Dan Wessons in your budget.

Yeah, I've been looking closely at those - they look right up my alley. Thanks!

 

[Grouchy]

I'm a Ruger 1911 fan, but I also have Colt, Dan Wesson, and Bul after sorting through Springfield, Rock Island, Remington and a few others, none of which were higher priced Wilsons, Baers, etc.

With a budget of $1500 I would buy another Bul Armory, but in 45 acp. They are the smoothest, tightest 1911 I've shot with an outstanding trigger. Kahr Arms imports Bul 1911s labeled as Magnum Research and Desert Eagle 1911 but they do not appear to have the fit of those labeled Bul.

You can order direct from the distributor in Miami with the pistol sent to your FFL. You may have a long wait. Occasionally one will pop up on Gunbroker, like the Commander version at the moment. It is over-priced but availability is limited. , so maybe another $300 isn't such a premium.

 

[LarryNBoise]

I'm a Ruger 1911 fan, but I also have Colt, Dan Wesson, and Bul after sorting through Springfield, Rock Island, Remington and a few others, none of which were higher priced Wilsons, Baers, etc.

With a budget of $1500 I would buy another Bul Armory, but in 45 acp. They are the smoothest, tightest 1911 I've shot with an outstanding trigger. Kahr Arms imports Bul 1911s labeled as Magnum Research and Desert Eagle 1911 but they do not appear to have the fit of those labeled Bul.
....

And that's no BUL! I have the Government Model..... best 1911 I have ever shot. Got mine used like new for $700 and change.