Your favorite 1911?

[A-Zo]

I'd have to side with Kimber personally. I love their guns. I first got my hands on one over a buddies cabin. He has a Custom TLE II Stainless. It was very impressive, and ever since I first fired it, I fell in love. Not to say I can put it above Colt, but I've never had the pleasure of shooting one. I've also seen some nice Sig 1911's, and I wouldn't mind owning one, but Kimber is still my preference.

Also, I've been looking into the new Dan Wesson's. They have a great trigger action and are very smooth. Most of them come with some high quality mags too.

What are your opinions?

[A-Zo]

Sorry, I could only fit 4 different poll options. I left out Sig, Taurus, Ruger, Smith & Wesson, etc... Add to the thread if you chose one of those. Thanks.

[Kahr]

I voted for Kimber mainly because it is the only 1911 pattern pistol I own.

[Pistolenschutze]

I'm a traditionalist, I like the Colts . . . as long as they were built at least 20 years ago.

[AngelDeville]

I'm partial to Colts but I wouldn't turn my nose up at a nice SA, and the Dan Wesson at the store has got me drooling, excellent fit and finish...

Para's are OK but the double stack and DA models aren't my cup of tea.

Not too impressed with Kimbers.

[pickenup]

While I am a fan of most SIGs, a friend tried out one of the new SIG 1911 this year, for shooting competition. Would NOT run consistently. Sent it back to the factory 3 times. Finally dumped it. He has a Wilson now.

The Colts that I have/ have had, have pretty much been rattle traps, and shoot accordingly. Another friend used a Gold Cup this last year. While pretty tight, and shoots well, parts were falling off it.

Tried out a S&W at the range, it was ok........not as accurate as I like, kept the Crimson Trace grips, and it went down the road.

I used a Les Baer for competition this year. Was completely satisfied with it's performance, so I guess that would be my favorite 1911.

[Pistolenschutze]

Pick, just curious: What do you think of the older Colts? I agree, the newer ones are crap, but once-upon-a-time Colt built some pretty darn good 1911 pattern pistols I think. I have both a Combat Commander and a Gold Cup that are well over 20 years old and both function flawlessly and shoot accurately.

[pickenup]

Originally Posted by Pistolenschutze

Pick, just curious: What do you think of the older Colts? I agree, the newer ones are crap, but once-upon-a-time Colt built some pretty darn good 1911 pattern pistols I think. I have both a Combat Commander and a Gold Cup that are well over 20 years old and both function flawlessly and shoot accurately.

For years, I would not buy a "run of the mill" Colt 1911, reason being, is that every one I shot was a shot-out rattle trap, that couldn't hardly put 2 bullets on the same target at 15 feet. Throw a can on the ground, and it may, or may not, get hit with the first magazine. Granted, I didn't shoot every one out there, but I pretty much had wrote them off by that time.

Then, I was able to shoot a REAL Colt. A friend of mine (who happens to be a machinist, and a gunsmith) let me shoot his Gold Cup. He had taken the time to put some work into this firearm. He put springs in, stoned some parts, and tuned his ammo. What a PLEASURE to shoot. Figure 8s on the target, with the first mag. A little patients and it's one jagged hole with all 7 rounds.

Ok, I was hooked, I had to have a 1911. I was looking for a Gold Cup when the deal for the Les Baer fell in my lap. Couldn't pass it up. I would not hesitate to get an older Gold Cup, or a Commander like you have, but I still don't care for the older "run of the mill" or the newer ones.

I do still have one older one, I took the frame and stuck it under a Mech-Tech, to make it a pistol caliber carbine, for one of the matches we shoot. For that purpose, it works great. I never plan on putting the slide back on that gun.

[Pistolenschutze]

The Gold Cup I have did indeed require a little TLC to make it reach its potential, Pick. For one thing, I changed out the recoil spring for a heavier one, put in a recoil buffer, and replaced other springs to match. I prefer to shoot mostly full-power hardball ammo in my Colts instead of light loaded leads.

[berto64]

After a long search I recently found a nice series 70 Colt 1911A1. I LOVE IT! Sorry about the shouting but it was well worth the wait.

So far I've only put about 100 rds downrange with it but my bulk ammo orders came and I'm ready to hit the range with all of my 1911's again.

I'm with Pistol, 230gr. Ball ammo

[Pistolenschutze]

Originally Posted by berto64

I'm with Pistol, 230gr. Ball ammo

That was the round JMB intended for the pistol, Berto. I've always felt he knew what he was doing. I do use 230 grain Hydra Shoks when I load the Colts for defensive use though. They work just fine through both of my 1911 pistols.

[Bruce FLinch]

I'll place my two Para Ordnance 1911's @ the top of the incomplete poll.

Didn't even know Dan Wesson made a 1911.

[Pistolenschutze]

Originally Posted by Bruce FLinch

Didn't even know Dan Wesson made a 1911.

Everybody seems to be getting into the 1911 act these days, Bruce. It's interesting to note that the .45 ACP in 1911 pattern pistols is primarily an American phenomenon. Neither the caliber nor the pistol is very popular in Europe.

[Shooter45]

I own all listed except the Dan Wesson and I wasn't too impressed with the copy I shot. Although my daily carry is a highly customized Colt, my favorite of those listed is Kimber.

My actual favorite is my Les Baer Premier II.

[Pistolenschutze]

Originally Posted by Shooter45

I own all listed except the Dan Wesson and I wasn't too impressed with the copy I shot. Although my daily carry is a highly customized Colt, my favorite of those listed is Kimber.

My actual favorite is my Les Baer Premier II.

Shooter, let me put you on the spot for a moment. There's no doubt that custom-made 1911 pattern pistols, Baer, Wilson, Kimber, and the like, do offer some advantages in terms of accuracy and functionality. My question though, is whether they truly justify the much, much higher cost connected with them. For competition shooting, I can see why that would be very important, but for self-defense or common practice shooting, is it worth the extra cost?

[Chuck B]

I'm very happy with my Springfield...but if money were no object I'd get a Wilson.

Chuck B

[s+w1911]

Well I only have 1 1911. It is a smith and wesson full size stainless. I trust it with my life, so I guess it gets my vote.

She's all stock other than a trip to an excellent gunsmith. After a facial, massage, and a little talking to, she is happy and makes me happy by doing exactly what I tell her to do without having to slap her around

Yes she is a little big, could lose some weight, but she is always down my pants.
Oh, and she doesn't mind my wife sleeping on the other side of her.
My wife keeps fireing her, but she keeps coming back for more.


Life is good, so if it ain't broke, don't send it to the gunsmith..

[Warpaint]

I own three 1911's. Two Kimber Custom classic targets and a Charles Daly. I would put the Charles Daly up against the Kimbers anyday and venture to say it would come close to outshooting the kimbers on a regular basis. IMHO

[Smokin Guns]

I have had a few...I only have one now...Springfield...It bee's good 'nuff!...

[Pistolenschutze]

I'm waiting until a new model comes out to buy another 1911. I heard they plan to call it the "Eleven O'Glock."

:::::::ducking:::::::

[Crpdeth]

I have a series 80 Colt...Had I known more about them at the time I would have saved my pennies and bought something better, but I have fit the barrel/bushing and polished a few internals along with puttering around with handloads until I found what she likes and I am ultimately "content for now" with her...

My next 1911 will be a Wilson


Crpdeth

[AngelDeville]

Do I get to vote twice now?

[berto64]

Angel,

If that's the case, I get to vote 12 times. lol

[Warpaint]

Originally Posted by Pistolenschutze

I'm waiting until a new model comes out to buy another 1911. I heard they plan to call it the "Eleven O'Glock."

:::::::ducking:::::::

I can't believe I read this! I can't believe you wrote it, Pistol!!!! Still, on the sick and twisted side it is kind of funny.

[Shooter45]

Shooter, let me put you on the spot for a moment. There's no doubt that custom-made 1911 pattern pistols, Baer, Wilson, Kimber, and the like, do offer some advantages in terms of accuracy and functionality. My question though, is whether they truly justify the much, much higher cost connected with them. For competition shooting, I can see why that would be very important, but for self-defense or common practice shooting, is it worth the extra cost?
__________________

Since all my 1911's are custom guns, I may be the wrong one to ask. But, since you did, Yes. And for the obvious reasons. Would I ever use a stock 1911 for personal carry ? After break in and reliability work, Yes.

I must trust what I carry to be comfortable with the weapon. If it shoots 600 rounds, during break in, without any kind of failure, it can go in my holster.

Confused yet ???