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!

Take a peek at the Kimber gold match..

 

Molon Labe

 

 

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

Dan wesson should have a couple that fit what you want http://www.cz-usa.com/products/by-brand/dan-wesson/

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Springfield 1911 TRP Tactical. Stainless no rail. Excellent gun for the money.

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

Sig 1911 is great. No problems with mine at all. Also my Kimber custom II. Damm good Hand guns for the money.

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

BLF - casos should pay you for advertising haha.

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.

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.

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.

 

 

I saw that gun, the sr with the ivory grips and all the gold engraving on the slide... it was gorgeous.

 

Yes..beautiful pistol

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 ;-).

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

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.

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.

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.