[Mdrums]

Mod's I searched the forum for answers but delete my post if you all are sick of newbies like me posting things like this.

OK, I just got started out with guns back in January. Since then I've taken some lessons, got my CCW, bought a Glock G27, wife bought a M&P 9c which I love more than my Glock, bought a Sig P226 9mm and now I want a 1911 to learn about it and have some range target fun.

I put a budget on myself of around $1000. I've been looking at 1911's at the gun show and a few local shops. Here is what I "think" I might want...in no particular order:

Kimber
Custom Target II
Custom TLE II
Gold Match
Tacticle Custom HDII (held this gun today)


Colt

Gold Cup Trophy 5870nm
XSE Government 1980xse

[Georgiahunter]

Step 1: Read about them
Step 2: Rent each one
Step 3: Shoot them
Step 4: Narrow down your choices
Step 5; Repeat steps 2-4 until you have a winner
Step 6: Buy the winner
Step 7: Enjoy

[Mdrums]

Georgia, problem is renting them....the range I'm a member of does not have any 1911's for rent and the other range has some no name cheap 1911.

I've been reading so much about them it's confusing...LOL. I'd like to buy a 1911 that is built here in the USA by a strong company that at least makes most of the parts of the gun they build. With in my $1000 (+ or - $200) seems like Colt and Kimber are the brands I should look at. Yes - No?

[Georgiahunter]

Originally Posted by Mdrums

Georgia, problem is renting them....the range I'm a member of does not have any 1911's for rent and the other range has some no name cheap 1911.

I've been reading so much about them it's confusing...LOL. I'd like to buy a 1911 that is built here in the USA by a strong company that at least makes most of the parts of the gun they build. With in my $1000 (+ or - $200) seems like Colt and Kimber are the brands I should look at. Yes - No?

I have only personally shot Kimbers. The custom ones are good solid guns are are a lot of fun to shoot. I know Colt has a great rep too though. Do you happen to know anyone who has one of the 1911s that would let you shoot one of them? You should pay for the ammo of course.

[Mdrums]

Only 1911 I've shot in my neighbors 2 doors up....a $3000 Wilson Combat! Obviously it was nice and made me look like a pro. However right now I'm not spending that much on a gun. I just bought a Sig P226 Navy and I also need to get a shot gun (home defence) soon too.

[g17frantz]

Originally Posted by Mdrums

Georgia, problem is renting them....the range I'm a member of does not have any 1911's for rent and the other range has some no name cheap 1911.

I've been reading so much about them it's confusing...LOL. I'd like to buy a 1911 that is built here in the USA by a strong company that at least makes most of the parts of the gun they build. With in my $1000 (+ or - $200) seems like Colt and Kimber are the brands I should look at. Yes - No?

Um......Sig 1911's are the bees knees.
For $1000 you will get one hell of a 1911....match grade trigger and bbl, hand fitted slide to frame, MIM free, lifetime warranty, front strap checkering......best bang for the buck chuck.

[gollygee]

I have a Kimber & a couple of Colts & have had no problems with any of them. If you've done a lot of research on them, then you've probably read a lot of complaints about Kimber's customer service & probably very few complaints about Colt. Kimber is loaded with MIM parts & while I have no problem with MIM parts per se, I believe the purpose of using them is to lower price, yet Kimber still asks premium prices for assembly line pistols. Colt has four MIM parts. Kimber says it takes 500 rounds to break their pistol in & they have a rep of not addressing feed problems until you do. Colt says if it don't feed correctly, right out of the box, it's broke & you should send it in.

After saying all that, I have another Colt & two Kimbers on my wish list! I'm partial to lightweight commander size 1911s so none of mine are on your list. I will say the Colt is at the top of mine.

[Mdrums]

G17 frantz...I didn't even think about the Sig 1911's. No MIM parts huh?

[2ndAmendmentFreedom]

I love my Colt "Rail Gun" (not crazy about the name but oh well!), it's basically an XSE with a pica tinny rail and National Match barrel. At first I wasn't crazy about the looks of the rail and the front serrations but I really like them now that I have it in person.
With a SureFire X300:


With a naked rail :

[KY1911]

I had always wanted one since I was a kid. Shot a little Colt. 38 and finally @ a year or so ago I got mine... a Kimber Ultra II TLE .45
I love mine...would do again but the thing is, now I want a 5" too Java. Yep... bit by the bug.

But here's what I did:
1. Research, Research, Research
2. Go to a gun shop and hold them, rack the slide, get a feel for it
3. Go back home and, yes... Research
4. Narrow down your preferences and go back to gun shop and feel again
5. Research again until you have a decision
6. Let them $ fly and then go enjoy!

Happy hunting!