Looking to add a 5" barrel 45acp (preferably a 1911) to my collection. Have a Kimber 3" and a heavily used Sig P220. Both are outstanding pistols, the Sig showing signs of age and use. The selection would be a home defense and range gun. Weight nor concealment is an issue.
Have narrowed down to 3 choices with a budget between $850-$1100. Would entertain other choices folks might recommend and why. Want some personal eye appeal, mostly flawless function or best you can find for the budget.
First choice is a Sig 1911: They seem to have the bugs worked out of earlier FTF problems. The stainless target model looks good. Adjustable rear sight is nice. Around $900.
Second choice is a Kimber Custom Stainless TLE/RL: Also attractive. Like the front grip etched but doesn't have adjustable rear sight. A few reviews say you can get a lemon. Breaks the budget at around $1150.
Third choice is a Para Ordnance Elite Stainless: Has good eye appeal to me, simple design, and comes in around $850. Reviews are a little concerning. Mostly deal with function issues - FTF and FTE.
I would appreciate folks weighing in who have experiences with any of these 3 choices. Good and bad.
Thanks
I have no experience with SIG, but have an opinion. Like Colt, you pay 500 for the gun and another 500 for the name.
I do have a Kimber, and love the heck out of it. It's a Pro, which is a Commander-size, not Government-size. While it is a great gun, it was overpriced when I bought it, and I doubt the "overpricedness" of Kimbers has changed any in the ten years I've had this one.
Know nothing about Para.
I'd recommend a Springfield.
My 1911 are Government-size, Commander-size and Officer's-size. They run the gamut from box-stock 1911 to pretty-near race-ready, to target guns. 45, 40, 9mm and 22. Colt, Springfield, AMT and Kimber. And an Auto Ordnance top-half. Bought my first one in 1980.
So I'd say I've got a little experience with 'em. Ain't the most knowledgeable 1911 guy, but not a nooby either.
I only have two Kimber's and the Raptor sucked from the get go, and CS banged heads with me for a year.
It's not a 5"......so it doesn't count.(?)
I have a Sig 1911T that's OK, but I think it should be more accurate than it is.
I have a DE 1911G that's not too bad. A Citadel, Taurus B1, Bersa Classic, S&W, etc.
and of course some older Colt's [and 1 new one....blah]
I have a 6 month old Tisas 1911-A1 that's pretty sweet, and others, but not to be
mistaken, by any means......of even coming close to Double D.....and his expertise
when you speak 1911.......he is the one to ask.....and listen to.
But,
I have a handful of Rock Islands.......full and compacts.......and short of comparing
them to my older Colts.....they kick ALL the other's behinds !!!!
I second Alpo's Springfield choice.
I compared a Para Ordnance 1911 with a Springfield at a Gander Mountain store.
Para was sloppy for the indicated price.
Springfield was priced a little lower with much better fit & finish. The IMBEL made Springfield frame & slide are both forged.
Slide to frame is very tight & FCG is quite audible & crisp.
My first birthday after we got married, my wife bought me a .45 Gold Cup Match, engraved, and all that. I / we, took it back the next day and I chose another, smaller 9mm. I am way to small to carry a full size .45. Secondly, it was way to expensive for her to be buying. Size matters.
Thanks to you all for the good info so far.
I'm glad to see Double D indicates the Sig is a good choice. My well worn Sig P220 is quite frankly the best shooting pistol I have. It looks like it has been dragged through the desert for a summer. I take excellent care of my guns but this p220 has that funky look in the metal like termites eating on wood. Replaced the recoil spring lately but now needs service to look at replacing the firing pin and springs.
The Sig target 1911 probably will have one of the best triggers right out of the box according to reviews.
As a couple suggested, I will research the Springfield a little closer.
Yes, I want a 5" barrel at minimum for a range/home defense gun.
Take a look at the CZ97B. If you have medium to large hands the gun has a feel in the hand like no other. It mimics the feel of the CZ75 renown for it Ergo's. Plus it has CZ quality beyond its price tag. They are very accurate, very reliable, and have an all steel frame for durability. I have one plus the Witness clone and both are superb 45ACP guns. They are more tactical than target, though, based mostly on the feel of the trigger not the inherent accuracy.
OP GilaDan is wanting a top notch 1911.
He is not yet ready for the CZ97B.
Here are a few of my old 45's;
Since I only have experience with Metro Arms & Springfield 1911 handguns, I can only comment on the better of the two which is the IMBEL framed Springfield.
I've shot both the sig and kimber and think both are overpriced for what you get. Don't know anything about the Para, but reviews I've read are not very impressive. My choice for a 1911 in your budget would be the Springfield first or STI second. Next to a Les Baer the Springfield is the most accurate and best put together 1911 I've shot. If you have not done so I suggest you handle each one. The grips on the sig were too wide (fat) for my taste and the gun just did not feel good in hand. The slide on the Kimber felt loose compared to the springfield. If you rack the slide on both you can tell the difference. The Springfield was much tighter and the trigger felt better.
I have Sigs, STI, S&W, RI, Amer classic, several Colts, High standard, Springfield and a dozen others. In the price range he is looking for I still say Sig...
If it were me, I would buy what ever I wanted based on looks, and function. If there are any problems with the gun, well, that's what gunsmiths are for, and we have plenty of them that are really good. And please, folks, you can easily conceal just about any size hand gun, if you really want to. I carry a 1911A1 clone all the time, 24/7, 365.
Myles, you and I have carried full size 1911s for years. Its a piece of cake with the right gear. Many people just cant or wont do it. It has nothing to do with a persons size. Its all about gear and garb. Many people just starting out cant get use to a firearm on their side at all no matter what size it is. I recommend that everyone go buy a thick belt and a good quality holster. Trying to save money in that area will make carrying difficult no matter what you carry.
Thanks again for the good input. I finally heard from my eldest son, he is so independent! He is becoming a top notch gunsmith. Has a very nice mill and tools. I was surprised at his opinion. He has 3 Kimbers and likes them all. He has built several 1911's starting with a RI lower. He is good on Sig's but recommended a Springfield 1911, Loaded, with or w/o adjustable sights (something that can be added). He thinks for the money invested the Springfield would be the most likely to have a good trigger, accuracy, and good function. It's hard to go against his recommendation but the Sig has such a pull on me. In 'The Day', it was so much easier with less choices.
The Ruger was mentioned in passing, but worth further consideration.
I have Sig 220s and love them all, esp my West German "experienced" Sig. So I think I have a sense for the feel of durability which you might be looking for.
I shot a Ruger SR1911 this past wkend at the LGS/range, and was smitten. Marvelous function, very crisp and consistant trigger, and for me probably the most accurate piece I have fired. It is going to be my next piece. In the $700 range. If you haven't played with Ruger, you may be in for a surprise.
The thicker, the better George. But remember, with a belt that is 1 1/2" wide, it will just barely get thru the belt loops on most pants. Start adding thickness, and things get tighter! So buy a belt that is as wide, and thick, as you can get thru your belt loops. I have found that Dress Pants have smaller belt loops than jeans.
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