Which Stainless 1911? - Page 2 - The Firearms Forum

Shooter45 · 02-07-2011, 04:15 PM

It's hard to go wrong with STI. I own a Spartan and have nothing but good to say about it. Not stainless but I really don't like stainless 1911's.

Also, look closely at the Kimber Custom Target 1911. Those can be had in Stainless if that's what you want.

The only S&W 1911 I was really impressed with came from their custom shop.

Helix_FR · 02-07-2011, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mesinge2

I forgot about STI!!

What is the best stainless STI 5" single stack model?

USPSA model is by far the best single stack I've handled (its two tone) but the sentenial premier is the all stainless model. Like DD said most are two tone. Now I swear I've seen a Guardian in all stainless but it does not show as a option. It may have been a aftermarket plated frame.

mesinge2 · 02-07-2011, 04:56 PM

I like the STI but a $2300 price tag might be pushing it:

Attachment 43651

Helix_FR · 02-07-2011, 05:03 PM

don't go off the web site for pricing always. Yeah its steep but my god they are good guns.

312shooter · 02-08-2011, 12:46 AM

Have to go Springfield myself, too many good products, service, history and people to go anywere else...IMHO

Helix_FR · 02-08-2011, 09:07 AM

From what I understand STI will hard chrome any of their guns at a additional cost, so that may be an option.

dragman · 02-08-2011, 10:19 AM

1911= Colt!!! I have all kinds and under $2000 you have Dan Wesson, Kimber, and Colt. Those are the ones I love. If you wanna spend some real money buy a NightHawk custom or a Wilson Combat.

DGG! · 02-09-2011, 04:14 PM

Having had to send back two brand new Para pxt14-45's, made especially for Marines stationed in Afghanistan, I would avoid them. The customer service is miserable and the pistols are unreliable, IMHO. It took almost four months to get them back from Para and they replaced numerous parts. These were brand new in the box guns shooting commercial 230gr FMJ rounds.

I would suggest checking out the H&K USP 45. It is a modified 1911 design with a very strong and reliable action, and very accurate. Handles +P+ all day long!

http://www.the-armory.com/shopsite_s...e/html/hk.html

Please shoot one before you make your choice. Buying a gun that needs hundreds of expensive rounds of ammo for breakin shooting and a trip to the gunsmith to cleanup all the mistakes from the factory is not my idea of a pistol worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. If the Para's shot as good as they look I'd be buying more instead of selling the ones I did buy.

http://hk-pistol.com/reviews/0-USP-EXPERT.aspx

ivarr · 02-10-2011, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragman

If you wanna spend some real money buy a NightHawk custom or a Wilson Combat.

i'd HAVE to add Ed Brown to that list

mesinge2 · 02-18-2011, 08:18 PM

Well, I ordered the Dan Wesson a few days ago and went to pick it up today only to find a surprise. There was a series of large circular gouges in the right side of the slide. The culprit was the grip screw. It was apparently loose in the box and wedged between the slide and the box and rubbing the whole time. Well, I sent it back and then the store owner (a good friend) said wait up I just got something in you might like instead. And he took out this:

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Its a Kimber Custom TLE II. Its the same as the custom stainless II but comes with grip strap checkering and night sights. I already replaced the mag with a Wilson Combat and the grips with Double Diamond Checkered Walnut. It may not be the one I ordered but I am still quite happy. A range report will follow. BTW, never owned a Kimber; I am assuming it is +P safe.

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BETH · 02-18-2011, 08:55 PM

Wow very nice don't forget range report

Helix_FR · 02-18-2011, 09:22 PM

[QUOTE=mesinge2;716667] BTW, never owned a Kimber; I am assuming it is +P safe.

NO, they are not. I don't see the point either but I have seen several Kimbers with cracked frames right at the face were the barrel lug meets it. All from+P and Kimber will not honor the repair/replace.

BTW, I think the TLE's are the best looking that Kimber produces. Well done. Dan Wessons are really nice but the TLE line is great too.

jacksonco · 02-18-2011, 09:39 PM

Nice looking Kimber. The walnut grips really make it look sharp.

mesinge2 · 02-18-2011, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helix_FR

NO, they are not. I don't see the point either but I have seen several Kimbers with cracked frames right at the face were the barrel lug meets it. All from+P and Kimber will not honor the repair/replace.

BTW, I think the TLE's are the best looking that Kimber produces. Well done. Dan Wessons are really nice but the TLE line is great too.

You sure?

After I asked the question I looked up the answer on Kimber's FAQ page:

Quote:

+P ammo manufactured to SAAMI specs is fine to use as a defensive round or for occasional range use only. Our pistols are rated to handle +P ammo. However, we do not recommend a steady diet of them, as they are rough on the pistol and will accelerate the wear on the gun and may shorten the life of the recoil spring.

Source: http://www.kimberamerica.com/faq

Helix_FR · 02-18-2011, 10:40 PM

Yeah I know that they state that but here is the deal. IF you shoot any +P in that gun they don't say it won't damage it, they state that a steady diet can damage it. It's their excuse for not covering it under warranty if something does happen. So say you go out for the first time and shoot 10 rounds of +P. Unfortunately your one of the lucky ones that develops frame damage. How much is too much? Was that 10 rounds too much of a steady diet? You and I would say no but That's gonna be their excuse for not fixing it, guarantee. By stating that they are basically nulling any damage coverage. Don't risk it. Too pretty of a gun, to vague of a statement. I've seen 3 last year, all the same problem, Kimber replaced 0 frames.

1911 man · 02-19-2011, 12:50 AM

If you are going with an expensive model I would seriously consider the dan wesson or a kimber both are outstanding

Teejay9 · 02-19-2011, 02:17 PM

Helix, I own a Springfield Mil Spec and it doesn't have allen headed screws. It's fit and finish are as good as my '42 Colt Military. Maybe I haven't stripped it down far enough, but it's all standard as far as I can see. TJ

mesinge2 · 03-12-2011, 12:48 PM

Finally posted a Range Report - http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/show...637#post725637

berto64 · 03-12-2011, 01:48 PM

As some of you know, I like OLD guns and my favs are my Randalls.

They are beautiful and accurate. Sorry, no photos.

View Poll Results: Which Stainless 1911?
Dan Wesson	5	19.23%
Smith & Wesson	4	15.38%
Para USA	3	11.54%
Something else, but what?	14	53.85%
Voters: 26. You may not vote on this poll

02-07-2011, 04:15 PM	#26
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,789	Re: Which Stainless 1911? It's hard to go wrong with STI. I own a Spartan and have nothing but good to say about it. Not stainless but I really don't like stainless 1911's. Also, look closely at the Kimber Custom Target 1911. Those can be had in Stainless if that's what you want. The only S&W 1911 I was really impressed with came from their custom shop.

02-07-2011, 04:56 PM	#28
mesinge2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 539	Re: Which Stainless 1911? I like the STI but a $2300 price tag might be pushing it: Attachment 43651 __________________ NRA Certified Instructor "A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercise. I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind ... Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks." 1785, Thomas Jefferson. Last edited by mesinge2; 02-23-2011 at 07:17 PM..

02-07-2011, 05:03 PM	#29
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,669	Re: Which Stainless 1911? don't go off the web site for pricing always. Yeah its steep but my god they are good guns. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com

02-08-2011, 12:46 AM	#30
312shooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 1,158	Re: Which Stainless 1911? Have to go Springfield myself, too many good products, service, history and people to go anywere else...IMHO __________________ "Democracy is based on citizenship- perhaps the greatest gift the United States has given to the world- Power is vested in the people themselves, and government flows from the people" James M Henslin

02-08-2011, 09:07 AM	#31
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,669	Re: Which Stainless 1911? From what I understand STI will hard chrome any of their guns at a additional cost, so that may be an option. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com

02-08-2011, 10:19 AM	#32
dragman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: PA Posts: 201	Re: Which Stainless 1911? 1911= Colt!!! I have all kinds and under $2000 you have Dan Wesson, Kimber, and Colt. Those are the ones I love. If you wanna spend some real money buy a NightHawk custom or a Wilson Combat.

02-09-2011, 04:14 PM	#33
DGG! V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 160	Having had to send back two brand new Para pxt14-45's, made especially for Marines stationed in Afghanistan, I would avoid them. The customer service is miserable and the pistols are unreliable, IMHO. It took almost four months to get them back from Para and they replaced numerous parts. These were brand new in the box guns shooting commercial 230gr FMJ rounds. I would suggest checking out the H&K USP 45. It is a modified 1911 design with a very strong and reliable action, and very accurate. Handles +P+ all day long! http://www.the-armory.com/shopsite_s...e/html/hk.html Please shoot one before you make your choice. Buying a gun that needs hundreds of expensive rounds of ammo for breakin shooting and a trip to the gunsmith to cleanup all the mistakes from the factory is not my idea of a pistol worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. If the Para's shot as good as they look I'd be buying more instead of selling the ones I did buy. http://hk-pistol.com/reviews/0-USP-EXPERT.aspx Last edited by DGG!; 03-14-2011 at 02:22 PM..

02-18-2011, 08:18 PM	#35
mesinge2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 539	Re: Which Stainless 1911? Well, I ordered the Dan Wesson a few days ago and went to pick it up today only to find a surprise. There was a series of large circular gouges in the right side of the slide. The culprit was the grip screw. It was apparently loose in the box and wedged between the slide and the box and rubbing the whole time. Well, I sent it back and then the store owner (a good friend) said wait up I just got something in you might like instead. And he took out this: Its a Kimber Custom TLE II. Its the same as the custom stainless II but comes with grip strap checkering and night sights. I already replaced the mag with a Wilson Combat and the grips with Double Diamond Checkered Walnut. It may not be the one I ordered but I am still quite happy. A range report will follow. BTW, never owned a Kimber; I am assuming it is +P safe. __________________ NRA Certified Instructor "A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercise. I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind ... Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks." 1785, Thomas Jefferson. Last edited by mesinge2; 02-18-2011 at 08:21 PM..

02-18-2011, 08:55 PM	#36
BETH Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: naugatuck,Ct. Contributor Posts: 6,686	Re: Which Stainless 1911? Wow very nice don't forget range report

02-18-2011, 09:22 PM	#37
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,669	Re: Which Stainless 1911? [QUOTE=mesinge2;716667] BTW, never owned a Kimber; I am assuming it is +P safe. NO, they are not. I don't see the point either but I have seen several Kimbers with cracked frames right at the face were the barrel lug meets it. All from+P and Kimber will not honor the repair/replace. BTW, I think the TLE's are the best looking that Kimber produces. Well done. Dan Wessons are really nice but the TLE line is great too. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com Last edited by Helix_FR; 02-18-2011 at 09:30 PM..

02-18-2011, 09:39 PM	#38
jacksonco Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jackson County West Virginia Posts: 2,237	Re: Which Stainless 1911? Nice looking Kimber. The walnut grips really make it look sharp.

02-18-2011, 10:40 PM	#40
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,669	Re: Which Stainless 1911? Yeah I know that they state that but here is the deal. IF you shoot any +P in that gun they don't say it won't damage it, they state that a steady diet can damage it. It's their excuse for not covering it under warranty if something does happen. So say you go out for the first time and shoot 10 rounds of +P. Unfortunately your one of the lucky ones that develops frame damage. How much is too much? Was that 10 rounds too much of a steady diet? You and I would say no but That's gonna be their excuse for not fixing it, guarantee. By stating that they are basically nulling any damage coverage. Don't risk it. Too pretty of a gun, to vague of a statement. I've seen 3 last year, all the same problem, Kimber replaced 0 frames. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com Last edited by Helix_FR; 02-18-2011 at 10:41 PM..

02-19-2011, 12:50 AM	#41
1911 man V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 64	Re: Which Stainless 1911? If you are going with an expensive model I would seriously consider the dan wesson or a kimber both are outstanding

02-19-2011, 02:17 PM	#42
Teejay9 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Southwest Corner of the US, "Where no stinking fence will stop us!!" Posts: 1,257	Re: Which Stainless 1911? Helix, I own a Springfield Mil Spec and it doesn't have allen headed screws. It's fit and finish are as good as my '42 Colt Military. Maybe I haven't stripped it down far enough, but it's all standard as far as I can see. TJ __________________ A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have". Thomas Jefferson

03-12-2011, 12:48 PM	#43
mesinge2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 539	Re: Which Stainless 1911? Finally posted a Range Report - http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/show...637#post725637 __________________ NRA Certified Instructor "A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercise. I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind ... Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks." 1785, Thomas Jefferson.

03-12-2011, 01:48 PM	#44
berto64 VMBB Admin Staff Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Owyhee County, Idaho Contributor Posts: 7,394	Re: Which Stainless 1911? As some of you know, I like OLD guns and my favs are my Randalls. They are beautiful and accurate. Sorry, no photos. __________________ Be who you are & say what you will, Those that matter won't mind and those that mind don't matter. I'm a bitter clinger, One Nation Under God.