SgtToadette 59 Posted March 1, 2013 Now that my AR is more or less in my grasp and I can finish it at my leisure, I'm looking at what my next firearm purchase will be. I had originally intended for it to be a shotgun, but in thinking about it, I realized how useless it would be (for me). I'd like to open up my IDPA options and at the same time have a pretty target gun. So here's the criteria I'm looking for in a 1911: Things I need: Chambered in .45 ACP Stainless finish Full size frame and 5" barrel Reputable manufacturer/track record Night sights Things I don't want: Rails Fancy competition accessories (mag well mods, ported barrels, etc.) Front serrations I want this gun to be as much about form as function, so I'm being pretty picky. I'd like to spend less than $1500 with a hard price cap of $2000. There's so many options for 1911s out there and I'm getting a bit lost, so any information about 1911s you want to add I will especially appreciate. Thanks guys! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mcm308 0 Posted March 1, 2013 Take a peek at the Kimber gold match.. Molon Labe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hook23 0 Posted March 1, 2013 I'd check out the Kimber. The Custom II Stainless TLE II has everything you mentioned with a price tag of $1211.00. Made in the USA and great quality super reliable gun. I have the rail version & love it. LAPD SWAT uses this as their carry side arm! Check it out, http://www.kimberamerica.com/1911/custom-ii/stainless-tle-ii Good luck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alowerlevel 77 Posted March 1, 2013 Dan wesson should have a couple that fit what you want http://www.cz-usa.com/products/by-brand/dan-wesson/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SgtToadette 59 Posted March 1, 2013 I'd check out the Kimber. The Custom II Stainless TLE II has everything you mentioned with a price tag of $1211.00. Made in the USA and great quality super reliable gun. I have the rail version & love it. LAPD SWAT uses this as their carry side arm! Check it out, http://www.kimberame...tainless-tle-ii Good luck Only thing I'm bummed about is the front serrations. I want my gun to be as clean as possible. Also, I've heard mixed things about Kimbers and their use of MIM parts? Are these just erroneous criticisms akin to criticism of American Sigs? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SgtToadette 59 Posted March 1, 2013 Dan wesson should have a couple that fit what you want http://www.cz-usa.co...and/dan-wesson/ I've been drooling over Dan Wessons but I can't seem to find them anywhere. I'm doing the research on what make/model I have now. When I decide what I want I'll really start saving for it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatty 241 Posted March 1, 2013 What makes a Dan Wesson, say Heritage model, superior to others in the same price range? Whats the difference in build and quality versus something like a SA TRP? Would a benched dan wesson out-shoot a benched TRP or anything similar at 25 yards? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Old Dog 19 Posted March 1, 2013 Take a look at the new S&W 1911. I had the E series 5". Mine worked 100% with everything I threw at it. Beautiful gun with all the mods I like in a 1911 out of the box. Simply gorgeous to look at too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BullzeyeNJ 104 Posted March 1, 2013 If you can wait then get a les Baer premier 2 with all the options you want. Probably take you 6 months. Off the shelf I would look at Dan Wesson. Never owned one but heard they are well built. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steve_G 51 Posted March 1, 2013 If you can be flexible about the front serrations take a look at a Springfield TRP. Excellent 1911 priced around 1400 to 1500. Also the S&W Pro Series is another solid choice. I have both and wouldn't trade either. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bully 749 Posted March 1, 2013 http://www.fusionfirearms.com/ Bob was the president of Dan Wesson. Lead times are usually double whatever is quoted, but he makes a real pretty gun in my opinion. I have a kit from them. Real nice machine work. C Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mag1 0 Posted March 1, 2013 What makes a Dan Wesson, say Heritage model, superior to others in the same price range? Whats the difference in build and quality versus something like a SA TRP? Would a benched dan wesson out-shoot a benched TRP or anything similar at 25 yards? Fit, finish, customer service, and MIM. Go on 1911forum and read the reviews. If you can find one, get 1, especially in that price range. Or, get a used Ed Brown. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimmyAGR 54 Posted March 1, 2013 Dan wesson should have a couple that fit what you want http://www.cz-usa.co...and/dan-wesson/ I'll second the Dan Wesson. I have an STI, a Springfield GI and a DW Valor. The Valor is my favorite handgun. You are welcome to try mine out. The fit and finish are close to a custom gun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tunaman 558 Posted March 1, 2013 I would seriously look at the Sig 1911. They have all the bells and whistles stock...match grade barrel, match hammer and sear, trigger, and crowned barrel. I just picked up a Sig XO in Stainless for 799. Check them out. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Juddster 3 Posted March 1, 2013 Springfield 1911 TRP Tactical. Stainless no rail. Excellent gun for the money. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatty 241 Posted March 1, 2013 I would seriously look at the Sig 1911. They have all the bells and whistles stock...match grade barrel, match hammer and sear, trigger, and crowned barrel. I just picked up a Sig XO in Stainless for 799. Check them out. Hows that sig running? Have you run into any issues? A few videos on youtube got me concerned about FTFs on earlier sig 1911s Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joe Dirt 3 Posted March 1, 2013 Sig 1911 is great. No problems with mine at all. Also my Kimber custom II. Damm good Hand guns for the money. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueLineFish 615 Posted March 1, 2013 I saw a beautiful ruger 1911 stainless with ivory custom grips at Caso's the other day. I want it but all my permits are accounted for already Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatty 241 Posted March 1, 2013 BLF - casos should pay you for advertising haha. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Howard 538 Posted March 1, 2013 I'd check out the Kimber. The Custom II Stainless TLE II has everything you mentioned with a price tag of $1211.00. Made in the USA and great quality super reliable gun. I have the rail version & love it. LAPD SWAT uses this as their carry side arm! Check it out, http://www.kimberame...tainless-tle-ii Good luck How does that compare to the Kimber Custom Target II ? I just came back from the range having rented that gun and am in shock at how well I was able to shoot with it. Now I want one, and am wondering if that is what to get or a different one. I liked the size and weight, but really would love something in nice shiny stainless. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SgtToadette 59 Posted March 1, 2013 Thanks everybody for the suggestions. Keep 'em coming! I like what I see from Fusion so far. Les Baers are nice too, but seem out of my price range. Still trying to soak in all the information here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sixtytwo327 14 Posted March 1, 2013 I saw a beautiful ruger 1911 stainless with ivory custom grips at Caso's the other day. I want it but all my permits are accounted for already I saw that gun, the sr with the ivory grips and all the gold engraving on the slide... it was gorgeous. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueLineFish 615 Posted March 1, 2013 I saw that gun, the sr with the ivory grips and all the gold engraving on the slide... it was gorgeous. Yes..beautiful pistol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Combat Auto 174 Posted March 2, 2013 I have the Kimber Team Match II...Extreemly accurate - you likely have to go custom (wilson, bear, etc.) to get more accuracy (and pay much more)...Team match is a disticive frosted stainless pistol - right at your max price point...And if you don't get it in 45 - I will not speak with you anymore ;-). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bully 749 Posted March 3, 2013 As a FWIW, I have a 9mm Kimber and a .45 Colt. I am finishing up my Fusion kit build. My Kiimber is stoopid accurate. It's so well built that it makes me look like I know what I'm doing. My Colt is beautiful. The .45 round is a joy to shoot. However, it's a GI gun so the sights, by modern standards, suck. My Fusion kit is super well built. I will have it back from Alchemy Customs in the next little bit. I will let you know how she runs then. The Fusion complete guns get good reviews for the money. I love that they don't rollmark the slide. I hate billboard slides (I bought the Kimber before my aesthetics were developed completely). Their customer service is pretty good from what I hear. Do a ton of research before you buy. C Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spartiati 63 Posted March 6, 2013 How does that compare to the Kimber Custom Target II ? I just came back from the range having rented that gun and am in shock at how well I was able to shoot with it. Now I want one, and am wondering if that is what to get or a different one. I liked the size and weight, but really would love something in nice shiny stainless. Take a look at the Kimber Raptor. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vlad G 345 Posted March 6, 2013 For $2000 .. get a custom gun built exactly to your specs. You might have to wait longer but you'll probably get what you want. Give Springfield custom shop or S&W custom shop or even Kimber a call and tell them what you want exactly and ask how long it will take. I'm with you on disliking front serrations but you kinda have to get a custom gun nowdays to not have the "custom" feature. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
notmetoo 41 Posted March 6, 2013 My vote is for the Dan Wesson. I have a CBOB and it's a fantastic gun. Kimbers are a close second, especially the Raptor. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites