1911.....but which one?

[CDR]

OK guys, I'm in the market for a new 1911.  I've been looking at some nice quality brands for several months but am having a hard time deciding.  I like Wilson Combat, Nighthawk Custom and considering a Smith and Wesson Performance Center 1911 for less dollars.  I'm also wondering if a Colt Series 70 or 80 government model is worth considering, perhaps the Gunsite model.  A Les Baer Thunder Ranch also looks like a good option.  Anyone have experience with any of these or have any recommendations besides these options?  Obviously a Wayne Novak or Cylinder and Slide custom option would be tops on my list, but a bit too expensive for my blood.  It will be a range and target gun for the most part.  Post-purchase customer service is important to me which is the only reason I haven't included Ed Brown on my list.  I have heard and read some disappointing service issues with Mr. Brown, which is a shame as his products appear to be among the best.  I've excluded Kimber from my list of considerations for the same reason.

Naturally, Michael's Bruce Gray Sigarms 1911 is the Holy Grail, but as only one of us will be fortunate enough to win that prize, I will have to set my sights somewhat lower...........sigh.

Thanks much.

[ponyexpress]

A guy I shoot with has a Les Baer and it's been one of the most reliable 1911's I've seen. He also normally shoots lead semi wadcutters through it. I should mention he is very insistent about using  Tripp magazines in his gun.

[Rock44]

I have heard nothing but good things about S&W 1911's.I have an older kimber which I gutted out and put the best of the best parts and springs in it.shoots great,I would never part with it.all the ones you mentioned are all top quality as you already know.

[DonWorsham]

OK guys, I'm in the market for a new 1911. 

I've enjoyed my Wilson Combat CQB Compact over the years. It is the best shooting gun I own. Customer service has been great (although meeting one of the reps at the Nationals and happening to get him on the phone didn't hurt). I wouldn't put that much money on another gun however. I would buy something in the $400-500 dollar range and slick it up/replace parts as desired. I would look at Taurus before I made a decision.

[Michael Bane]

PICKS OF THE LITTER

1) S&W GUNSITE .45 ACP Scandium frame
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=45928&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15709&isFirearm=Y

2) Sig Sauer Revolution C3 .45 ACP Alloy frame
http://www.sigarms.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=25&productid=165

3) STI Trojan .45 ACP
http://www.stiguns.com/

4) Kimber Team Match
http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/goldmatch/teammatch.php

Best EL CHEAPO 1911s:

1) STI Spartan
http://www.stiguns.com/

2) Taurus PT1911
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=59&category=Pistol

3) Auto Ordnance 1911SE
http://www.auto-ordnance.com/ao_1911se_f.html

I'd be happy with any of those guns...

Michael B

[Sponsor]

[2Late45]

Sorry about your disdain for Kimber, but you owe it to yourself to check-out Springfield.  The" Loaded" .45 acp is a pretty good starting point for a range/target gun.   The truely sad part of this subjuect is, that any hand-gun in this price range should need customer support.  Let alone poor customer support.

[CAMO]

Well I'm on a pretty tite buget so I just bought a Taurus PT 1911. Just seen too many good things about it to pass it up. I get to pick it up on Mon after work and I'm going strait to the range to try it out.
CAMO.

[CDR]

Gentlemen,

Thank you all for some great suggestions.  You've actually made my choice harder, but that's good.  Your alternatives are excellent with the added advantage of keeping my wallet a bit fuller...

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello.  I have had excellent luck with the STI Trojan and STI Legacy.

Best.

[HBMan]

+1 on Smith & Wesson. I have a basic target model that hasn't missed a beat and shoots lights out.It has crowded into my list of top 1911's by sheer performance.

I am a Colt man first when it comes to 1911's but the 80 series guns I have had weren't anything to write home about accuracy wise. Bought a series 70 repro a couple of years ago that is a fantastic pistol, great fit and finish with plenty of accuracy.

For basic 1911s I feel it would be hard to get more bang for your buck than these two.

HBMan