1911 Purchase
 

Greetings-

I am a newbie, so please excuse any questions that may sound ignorant / pathetic.

I know this question has been asked a few thousand times on most 1911 forums... But I'm having a very tough time making a decision and would like your expertise

I want to purchase a 1911 and can not decide on a brand.

So far, I've shot over 5 different 1911's and have managed to narrow my decision down to 3 brands. Springfield (I can't recall the model, it was a bare bone stainless model), kimber stainless 2, and the smith and Wesson stainless model (I believe this is a somewhat basic model with target sights).

I've shot a sig and a rock island armory and wasn't to excited with the feel of the pistol.

I live in California. My budget is in the 1000-1200 range.

The 1911 will primarily be used at the range, of course it would act as a self defense weapon of needed.

I've read a ton of mixed reviews about kimbers. Same with SW's Some experts love it, other can't stand the name!

I would like to know your thoughts / recommendations on the 3 brand.

Things that might matter to me are:

- Stainless - I definitely want an SS model
- Beaver tail
- Skeleton trigger
- trigger weight in the 4-5 lbs range
- Serrated grip sides (not sure if I'm using the right term, I'm referring to the serrations on the sides of the handle)
- Sights - I prefer target sight (not a deal breaker)
- Maintenance - something fairly straight forward for a newbie

I don't really care much for lights/laser add Ons

Your thoughts / opinions are highly appreciated

Best,

Ara

Once you decide you like the 'feel & balance', it comes down to quality, reliability & customer service from the manufacturer if needed. As you mentioned, you'll find love/hate info on just about any brand, but of the three you mention I'd guess Springfield gets less of the 'hate' reviews & just about everyone agrees that their service after the sale is top notch.

Of the three, I own a Kimber. By Kimber's thinking, it's just barely broken in with about 700 rounds through it, but it's been perfect from day one so I've had no personal experience with their service. I bought it because I wanted a pistol with a laser, it came with Crimson Trace laser grip & the LGS had one on the shelf at a price I could afford.

ARA,

It would be between the Springfield and the Kimber. But for me I tend to go more with the Springfield. Both are fine 1911s but I know for sure Springfield has a good product and good customer service. The Range Officer is a fine choice with the explanation and requirements you mentioned.

03

How is Kimber's CS?

What about the Ruger SR1911? I've heard it is one of the best bang for the buck 1911's out there.

I dont think the ruger 1911 is CA approved.

Springfield. Definitely Springfield over the other two. (or Colt) ;)

Springfield Loaded Target
Kimber Custom II Target

Those would be my choices.

For $1,000. - $1,200. get a Colt.

Springfield is a good pistol and they have an excellent warranty. I carry a Kimber Pro Carry II and it's a good pistol, but if I had your budget, I'd go with a Colt hands down.

+1

S&W's are pretty good shooters. Though some people have issues with the look and the external extractor. One could do worse.
If you can find one in your price range (even used), Dan Wesson is worth a look. I'm not certain about their availability in CA. I know they did have a few CA certified models at one time.

I presume you are referring to the colt model 80, O1991 model. correct?

If, so, that is a very nice pistol. I just haven't been able to locate one at any of gun shops in my area.