Higher End 1911 options/ Mass Compliant

Mass-diver said:
Do you own a 1911 now? I've had decent luck with smith 1911s, but my buddy just got a total lemon (4.25, steel, ported) from the performance center. Thing won't run, after getting back it from repairs, the extractor literally broke off. Unreal! I'd watch the classifieds for a springer (my choice), a Dan Wesson, a colt etc.
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This is still yet another anecdotal confirmation of what's wrong in Springfield right now. I'd avoid anything made by S&W currently, maybe going back as far as 3-4 years. I couldn't tell you what to buy as I have a vintage Colt that I am the original owner (purchased 1985) recently (within the past year) customized by Greg Derr.

I'd echo the sentiments of others. I'd buy something used "not on the list" from a private party or and please don't laugh at me look at getting a Ruger or Remington, both are great baseline 1911's, my personal preference is Ruger, but nothing wrong with the R1, and sending it to a reputable gunsmith and having it customized to your specs. You might also want to look at Sig. Their QC isn't what it used to be but still better than S&W. Dan Wessons are good 1911s based on all second hand information I have received from sources I respect although I have no personal experience with these pistols.

I think your concerns about carrying a full size 1911 back and forth to the range are unfounded unless you have some kind of physical disability which precludes it. Truth is a lighter framed 1911 is less pleasant to shoot and is only exacerbated if you are at all recoil sensitive.
 
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Definately S&W E series if your talking right off the line, and MA compliant. They are also easy to find. Or upgrade a cheaper version.
 
Thank you all for the input. I understand the whole buying a used gun, I have bought 3 used guns off here and not all were on THE LIST. Its just I didn't find any used 1911's on here I like. I looked on Gunbroker but you cant ship a gun to a dealer if its not on THE LIST. Am I wrong here? Where else should I be looking for used 1911's? I'm leaning DW now. Looks like Four season stocks a bunch and even Les baer but they dont have a rounded bobtail that I could find forsale. The bobtail is a personal preference, I just like the look!

I have carried my full size 1911 but I'm a bigger guy and it was very uncomfortable... I also felt like I was carrying a sign that said "Hey look, Im carrying a massive pistol"!
 
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I wouldn't call S&W 1911s high end, not even the Performance Center guns. And I typically don't like what the Performance Center does to their 1911s.

For high end semi-custom single-stack 1911s, I would look at Ed Brown and Wilson Combat, but they aren't on the list. You will see the them occasionally in the classifieds here on NES, but they are rare and, of course, the price is high. Another route is to get a Caspian frame and have a gunsmith like Greg Derr or Lou at Business End Customs build your 1911 the way you want it built.

For a double stack 1911, I would go with either STI or SVI. Both have guns on the list.
 
ryanmlt1 said:
Thank you all for the input. I understand the whole buying a used gun, I have bought 3 used guns off here and not all were on THE LIST. Its just I didn't find any used 1911's on here I like. I looked on Gunbroker but you cant ship a gun to a dealer if its not on THE LIST. Am I wrong here? Where else should I be looking for used 1911's? I'm leaning DW now. Looks like Four season stocks a bunch and even Les baer but they dont have a rounded bobtail that I could find forsale. The bobtail is a personal preference, I just like the look!

I have carried my full size 1911 but I'm a bigger guy and it was very uncomfortable... I also felt like I was carrying a sign that said "Hey look, Im carrying a massive pistol"!
Click to expand...

If you like the look, you like the look. The bobtail gives it a very S&W M39 look, but if you like the purchase of he bobtail, the same or similar feel can be achieved by simply using an arched main spring housing on a regular 1911. I'm not getting what the difference in massive is though. A govt has a 5 inch barrel, a traditional commander size 4.25, some makers it's now 4. In terms of width all 1911's are pretty narrow compared to polyguns and say a Sig P229. Now I'm 5'7" on a good day and I've not had a problem carrying a full size govt model CCW so it's a bit hard for me and perhaps a few others to relate. YMMV I guess. I would think a big guy would have no problems especially OWB especially but you and only you know your own requirements.
 
mark056 said:
If you like the look, you like the look. The bobtail gives it a very S&W M39 look, but if you like the purchase of he bobtail, the same or similar feel can be achieved by simply using an arched main spring housing on a regular 1911. I'm not getting what the difference in massive is though. A govt has a 5 inch barrel, a traditional commander size 4.25, some makers it's now 4. In terms of width all 1911's are pretty narrow compared to polyguns and say a Sig P229. Now I'm 5'7" on a good day and I've not had a problem carrying a full size govt model CCW so it's a bit hard for me and perhaps a few others to relate. YMMV I guess. I would think a big guy would have no problems especially OWB especially but you and only you know your own requirements.
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What I'm saying is I'm fat and it digs into my love handles. 6' 1"/ 290. Fat guy probelms... I could carry one but that's what I have my Shield for.
 

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