[drvsafe]

I've been trying to decide on what budget 1911 to buy for over a month. I was at my LGS today going over options, I saw the colt 1991, Springfield mil spec, a ruger and a few of the Filipino models, all under$800. Truthfully I feel like I'm just buying a "1911" not the 1911 I really want. After telling that to the guy helping me out he asked me to take a look at something different and showed me a stoeger cougar in .45. No it's not a 1911 but it chambered in .45 and quite badda$$. He suggested to consider this or the same in 40 s&w and save up for the 1911 I really want.
Good advice? What's the concensus on the stoeger cougar in either 40 or .45??

[Sonic82]

It's a Beretta in nearly every way. One of the best especially for the money. Solid choice.

[drvsafe]

That I'm aware of. I'm just looking for a good range gun in .45. I just feel that another 3.5" or so barrel is not going to fit that bill as well as a full sized 1911 would.
Is the cougar a better buy than an entry level 1911 though? Or is it just one of those personal choices that one has to make.

[Babyfacenelson]

A cougar imo, is better than an entry level 1911 yes.
But if you want a 1911 because it's a 1911 than even an entry level will be better than nothing.
If, like you said, you are looking for a nice new 45 range gun the cougar is a solid well made gun.
You would do well going either direction

[warrior_oh58d]

I've owned a Beretta Cougar in .40 for quite a few years now and it's been a fantastic pistol for me. I've used it as a duty gun while working armed security before becoming a police officer. As such it is the only handgun I've had that I've shot a perfect score with to qualify, the glock 23 that's my current duty gun is a close second. The cougar has an interesting rotating barrel system that is supposed to reduce the recoil. The sights are replaceable with good night sights and all the beretta parts are interchangeable. It has been a reliable friend of mine for a long time and god willing more to come.

[DoyleTheDog]

My buddy has the Cougar in 40s&w and that pistol is a tack driver. Never had any malfunctions of any kind.

[03Armory]

Originally Posted by drvsafe

I've been trying to decide on what budget 1911 to buy for over a month. I was at my LGS today going over options, I saw the colt 1991, Springfield mil spec, a ruger and a few of the Filipino models, all under$800. Truthfully I feel like I'm just buying a "1911" not the 1911 I really want. After telling that to the guy helping me out he asked me to take a look at something different and showed me a stoeger cougar in .45. No it's not a 1911 but it chambered in .45 and quite badda$$. He suggested to consider this or the same in 40 s&w and save up for the 1911 I really want.
Good advice? What's the concensus on the stoeger cougar in either 40 or .45??

I had the same issue years ago and bought a Sig P220 instead of a 1911. A year and a half after the Sig purchase guess what I did?.. I sold the Sig and used the cash to buy a 1911. I now own two 1911s.
Stoeger Cougars are very excellent guns. My next purchase may be a Beretta PX4 in 40 (they are like the same). If you buy the cougar you can always sell it for a 1911 or keep it and buy a 1911. Either way its win win cause they are both great pistols

[drvsafe]

I ended up with a SIG 1911 Nitron finish. Ingot a TacPac for $750, 3 mags and the SIG paddle holster. Sold the holster for $28 so that knocked my cost down to $722. Not too bad.

I felt I want a full size gun for the range. It was a great decision. The gun shoots great and the quality, well it's a SIG, no need to say more.

I will definitely keep the cougar on my short list for the near future. But for now I have to save up so I can buy some .45 ammo!