I'm in the market to buy my first 1911. Looking for a 5". Who makes a better one, Kimber or Colt?
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First 1911
- Thread starter Bizkitjmd1
- Start date
I don't think anyone can really answer that question.
Better in what way?
Form, function, appearance, innovations, resale value?
This is a real matter of opinion & personall preference that could turn into an interesting debate.
Also alot here are from Mass where Kimbers are'nt as common.
Better in what way?
Form, function, appearance, innovations, resale value?
This is a real matter of opinion & personall preference that could turn into an interesting debate.
Also alot here are from Mass where Kimbers are'nt as common.
I won;t get either, Colt you pay to much for the name and Kimber uses their customers for quality control. I'd look at STI for a proper 1911, Then springfield. Then S&W
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I asked a local gunsmith that works on and tricks out a lot of 1911's his opinion because I'm looking for one for myself for entry level competition. His answer was, in a nutshell, "I'd stay away from any 1911 thats not a Colt, Springfield Armory, Kimber ,S&W , SIG, or STI." Take that for what it is...an opinion. I do respect his opinion though so I'll listen to it.
I went to Riley's looking for a Remington 1911R1, but they were out, so I went over to Manchester Firing Line and the guy did everything he could to convince me NOT to buy a 1911.
They had some sub 500 dollar Romanian import I wouldn't take as a gift, no 1911R1's in stock, but Jim did not speak highly of them, so my next choice was a Springfield Armory and I am still pondering if I am going to get it. They didn't have much in new 1911's IMHO.
Have you considered a Remsport? They have been offering some deals on frames and slides IIRC
They had some sub 500 dollar Romanian import I wouldn't take as a gift, no 1911R1's in stock, but Jim did not speak highly of them, so my next choice was a Springfield Armory and I am still pondering if I am going to get it. They didn't have much in new 1911's IMHO.
Have you considered a Remsport? They have been offering some deals on frames and slides IIRC
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40 caliber
NES Member
I bought a 1911 sig (sig reconditioned = 1 year warranty) from MFL. it was a $1100 gun for $599. (not much more than the $500 no name guns) I love this thing! tack driver from the first shot! I am a glock guy but this thing in 45 caliber could end up changing my screen name ![[laugh]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/012.gif "Laugh [laugh]")
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...the guy did everything he could to convince me NOT to buy a 1911...
1911s are an old (but great) design. They go bang every time if you feed them 230 hardball out of 7 or 8 round magazines - and that is where the problems start. Virgil Tripp and Sandy Strayer (smart guys) addressed these problems and the SV/STI 2011 platform resulted - great competition or self-defense pistols, but they cost a lot of money. What it comes down to is what you're going to do with the pistol: If you want a reliable self-defense pistol, buy a modern design; Glock, Sig, S&W, HK, SA - pick one. If you're willing to accept ammo limitations buy a 5" or 4 1/4" 1911 from any of the major manufactures. Me? I love STI/SV's and shoot them in various competitions - but next to the bed, you'd find a Glock.
1911s are an old (but great) design. They go bang every time if you feed them 230 hardball out of 7 or 8 round magazines - and that is where the problems start. Virgil Tripp and Sandy Strayer (smart guys) addressed these problems and the SV/STI 2011 platform resulted - great competition or self-defense pistols, but they cost a lot of money. What it comes down to is what you're going to do with the pistol: If you want a reliable self-defense pistol, buy a modern design; Glock, Sig, S&W, HK, SA - pick one. If you're willing to accept ammo limitations buy a 5" or 4 1/4" 1911 from any of the major manufactures. Me? I love STI/SV's and shoot them in various competitions - but next to the bed, you'd find a Glock.
What I was going to do with it was put it in the safe and take it out to fondle it once in a while.
seriously.
My Dad had one when I was a child, a once in a while he would take his cleaning kit out and clean his service revolver a Model 10 smith, and his Colt Detectives Special, his K-17 S&W .22LR revolver, and this old monstrosity of a 1911 that I never found out much about. This would have been in the 1960's and my Dad passed in 1992, and I never found any of his guns after he died, and I turned that house upside down and sideways.
It is a nostalgia purchase, just something I want to have just for old times sake, not something I'd shoot more than once, and I stopped carrying a gun outside of the house years ago so it is truly just a gun I've always wanted just for the sake of having one to look at.
AS for what is beside the bed and in a few other places, always a Glock, or a J frame revolver.
seriously.
My Dad had one when I was a child, a once in a while he would take his cleaning kit out and clean his service revolver a Model 10 smith, and his Colt Detectives Special, his K-17 S&W .22LR revolver, and this old monstrosity of a 1911 that I never found out much about. This would have been in the 1960's and my Dad passed in 1992, and I never found any of his guns after he died, and I turned that house upside down and sideways.
It is a nostalgia purchase, just something I want to have just for old times sake, not something I'd shoot more than once, and I stopped carrying a gun outside of the house years ago so it is truly just a gun I've always wanted just for the sake of having one to look at.
AS for what is beside the bed and in a few other places, always a Glock, or a J frame revolver.
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Mass-diver
NES Member
You don't carry, you use a J-frame revolved for HD, and you think modern 1911s only work with hardball with the exception of one model? I like glocks as well, but there really there are plenty of high quality modern 1911 that are acceptable choices for self defense - espically for people who like single stack .45s with incredible triggers.
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Even the less expensive 1911s can be made pretty reliable by a good gunsmith. I was given an AMT Hardballer and it barely fed ball. I brought it to my gunsmith, he tossed the magazine, swapped it out for a Wilson Combat, cleaned up the feed ramp, and tweaked my extractor. The gun feeds like a champ now. I can feed ball, JHP, and SWC no problem. I like it so much that I'm looking for a real nice 1911 now
I didn't comment on the ammo for the 1911, someone else did.
I've had a J Frame for 30 years now, old habits die hard, same reason I like Glocks, functional fixation. I don't like change what can I say.
I'm still going to try to find a Remington 1911R1, or maybe a Springfield or Smith if the price hits me right.
Unless you intend to really get into match shooting, and/or have money to burn, I suggest either a Star BM 9mm compact, or a used Charles Daly, fully tricked out 1911, The Star should be under $250, the CD under $450. If you are going to shoot 10,000 rds per year at the matches, spending an extra $300 for a used Spld won't matter to you. The ammo alone will cost you $2000
I just bought my first 1911 a couple days ago...a new Kahr made AO 1911A1. I will have a nice 1911 one day...but I loved the look of this gun, the price is right, and its made in the USA (about a 15 minute drive from my house!) I'll admit I was hesitant based on some reports of past quality issues, but mine has great fit/finish and shot great out of the box (put 100 rounds through it). I really love the milspec look of this gun, and won't need to trust my life to it (thats what the M&P is for).
I also bought one the other day. Mine shot great out of the box too and was at a solid price. I would rather spend the money on additional ammo. I say that now but I am sure it won't be my last 1911.
Curtis
Rob Boudrie
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Where would you fit SVI on that spectrum?
There is a considerable difference between these brands, particularly in single stack. If you're choosing between the two (and you won't be looking at SVI if cost is an issue), ask a few questions:
- What grade steel?
- If the frame made in the US or imported prior to final work?
- Is the frame cast, forged or machined from bar stock?
- Do you have any cast or MIM parts in the gun?
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