[JoeBob]

I want to buy a 1911 to shoot, not a collector. Can anyone advise which is the best shooter? I really like the looks of the "Colt - Gold Cup Trophy", Stainless Steel (05070X) but can't find a review or any feedback on whether it's worth the money. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
JoeBob

[matt g]

What do the Gold Cups sell for? I know you can pick up a Kimber Custom II for around $700, new. I really like my Compact II.

My best advice would be to go to an indoor range that rents guns and shoot as many pistols as you can that fall within your price range. See what fits you best and who's action you like.

EDIT: I just looked up the price on the Gold Cup. For that price, you can buy a really nice, tricked out Kimber.

[OFADAN]

Want a shooter huh? The Gold Cup used to be the "top" 1911 in its day...but the year's have taken its toll on Colt and that model. Today there are much better guns for the same price or in many cases for less.

You didn't mention your budget. If you want a shooter but you're not overly concerned about concealed carry then the Les Baer Preimer II is an excellent choice - you don't need the 1/2" guarantee because that pistol will shoot far better than you can hold...but for a couple hunderd bucks more you can get the guarantee. You'll most definately turn a few heads at the range with that pistol as well.

Very reliable, solid built and really not that much more than a custom Kimber or SA or other production gun. The gun is extremely tight and will take at least 1500 to 2000 rounds to break in.

Most people don't know this...but Baer guns are built totally different than anyone elses guns and they're is a reason they command a higher price - the way they build them is considerable more expensive and harder on tooling than the conventional route everyone else takes. But these guns are true in their structure and that is the reason the can be so reliable yet tight. As you probably know a tight 1911 is going to shoot more accurately.

If you want something for conceal carry or serious defense then I'd look at a different model Les Baer or something else.

[JoeBob]

After much research (on the internet), I bought a "Dan Wesson Pointman 7".
It's in the mail so I haven't fired it yet. Sombody tell me I didn't make a mistake. I wasn't cheap, but has a lot of custom features.

[Doctor K]

HUGE difference between a Les Baer and a DW. Good luck.

Doc

[BBet]

By OFADAN

Most people don't know this...but Baer guns are built totally different than anyone elses guns and they're is a reason they command a higher price - the way they build them is considerable more expensive and harder on tooling than the conventional route everyone else takes. But these guns are true in their structure and that is the reason the can be so reliable yet tight. As you probably know a tight 1911 is going to shoot more accurately.

Sorry to disagree on a couple of points here.

First please let us know just how and why Baer's 1911's are different to anyone else's ... having owned more than one I agree they're good semi-custom guns and they sure are tight, but different?

Second, a tight slide to frame fit has very little to do with accuracy - it's much more barrel to slide (bushing if used) fit.

Just as a matter of interest I did sell my Baers but kept my Springfield TGO-1. For me (and it IS just my opnion) it's a much better finished pistol than the 'average' Baer (mine were blued and the finish was pretty thin and soft), I don't need hands like a vice to rack the slide and it's a full custom gun ... as in all handfitted.

To be fair to JoeBob the OP - congratulations on your purchase. I know a lot of shooters who are very happy and well satisfied with their DW's. There is a diference between a DW and a Baer - but of course when comparing price for price there ought to be. I doubt you'll be unhappy with your DW and can always spend a bit of your saved money on ammunition and practice and maybe still have some cash left over to do a few 'good' upgrades should you feel the urge or the need to tinker.

One 1911 is never enough ... or two ... or three

Best to everyone, BBet.

[stogie25]

I recently acquired a 1911 Gold cup. It shoots well, and is comfortable to carry. It is very accurate. No regrets.

I get the same performance out of my Glock 21 at half the price.

[crgivens]

any of the Springfield armory line -loaded - trp -tgo --- fit and finish is great and mine shoots better than i do --- spend the extra money on good shooting lessons and ammo ...if you cant hit the target it does not matter how good your gun is!

[jeepejeep]

My buddy has a Kimber (not sure of the model) and it's amazingly accurate, has all the bells and whistles you'd want on a carry gun and wasn't that expensive. I think he spent around $450 for it. Very nice gun for the money.

[DoubleAction]

Originally Posted by JoeBob

I want to buy a 1911 to shoot, not a collector. Can anyone advise which is the best shooter? I really like the looks of the "Colt - Gold Cup Trophy", Stainless Steel (05070X) but can't find a review or any feedback on whether it's worth the money. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
JoeBob

I bought a Trophy Model 05070X, with the Bomar rear sight, around six years ago. I paid $859. for mine. The Pistol shoots very good; I love mine. The first thing I done to mine was install a Wilson Grip safety and Dlask Trigger. Since the Gold Cups have the wide trigger shoes, the Dlask is offered in the Gold Cup width.