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I want to get a 1911 this weekend. I am thinking either a Taurus or a Springfield Milspec 3". Which do you think?

This will be my first 1911.

Springer!

Either will do you well. I would prefer the Springer just because I don't care for the large lettering on the Taurus. Just my .02

Seversl gun places I have stopped at lately are really pushing the Taurus. They do look good. I have a Springfield Mil already. My fund is filling back up so I just might opt for one of those Taurus. One place I stopped had a 3" Ruger GP100 too that I was eye-massaging.

Anygun

Taurus is getting a good reputation on their quality and their Customer Service. I have one of their Ultra-Lites .38 Special for a BUG.

Springfield is probably the best customer service there is. Sometimes their shipped guns have a few problems, but there is no problem to send it back and they will fix it no questions asked and they will pay the freight both ways!

They have EXCELLENT turn around time as well.

But do I want a 3" for my first 1911? I am starting to think no.

And from the answers here, it sounds like either one would be a good place to start with a 1911.

I would suggest for your first 1911 you should stick with a full sized or at least a Commander sized pistol.

You will eventually buy a Officers ACP or a 3" sized pistol as the 1911 bug never ends once you start.

I think you won't know until you get a 3" - and a 4" - and a 5". Be sure and try 3 1/2", too! Sorry for a "smart" answer, but I'm working my way through this problem and I don't have a good answer yet. I do think you'll carry a 3" more readily than another. Good luck!

chewy555 wrote:But do I want a 3" for my first 1911? I am starting to think no.

And from the answers here, it sounds like either one would be a good place to start with a 1911.

IMHO if it isn't a 5" .45 then it isn't a 1911. That's why I say get a 5" 1911 for your first gun. There are fewer problems with the original design than in some of the smaller guns. The Taurus would be an excellent choice.

I think it depends on whether or not you are going to carry.

Personally, two things would steer me away from the Taurus. The oversize lettering, and the fact that Springfield's customer service is reputed to be second to none.

PhilR.

Springfield Armory because it doesn't have the firing pin block.

KinnyLee wrote:Springfield Armory because it doesn't have the firing pin block.

I'm not a 1911 fan so my vote probably shouldn't carry any weight. I try to buy American.

What is the the firing pin block, and why is it bad?

5" Springer!

Good point......forgot about that......

For those that do not know, Springfield uses a heavier firing pin spring and lighter firing pin that makes it practically impossible for the gun to fire unless it is hit by the hammer. Thus eliminates the need for a firing pin safety such as Colt's Series 80 or Kimber's Swartz type.

For those that decide to go with either Colt or Kimber,.....you might be interested to know that Colt's Series 80 firing pin safety works off the trigger and can affect trigger pull.

Kimber's Swartz firing pin safety works off the grip and thus does not affect the trigger in any way.

I'd go with a Springfield, either 4" or 5". Excellent basic gun, can be modified however you want it, and not terribly expensive. I've handled a couple Tauruses, and they're nice, but I just like Springfield.