Is 1911 worth the cost?

[rm9792]

Thanks, I couldnt remenber the other phillipines models and Citadel was one of them. I have a safe full of Springers and Kimbers and can attest to their quality. Kimber is definitely out of his range though.

[jeeperbryan]

Ouch-$700 or more for a Taurus anything?

Have you actually seen, held, or shot a Taurus 1911? I don't own one (heck I don't any Taurii) but have seen, held and shot a PT1911 and it was pretty nice. It cost my friend $600 and had as many features as my Kimber. Also, unlike the majority of manufacturers, Taurus actually has the guts to think out of the box and produce some unique guns at an affordable price. 1911 9mm, Judge, TCP, Slim.

[jeeperbryan]

blah

[jeeperbryan]

Colt - the standard against which all others are measured.

I have to respectfully clarify. This should state "Colt - the standard against which all others were measured."

The 1911 evolved. Colt disappeared. Now they're back and finding they're in a different world. Front slide serrations, upswept beavertails, all kinds of checkering, skeletonized stuff, picatanny rails, micarta, night sights. Seems Colt is just now starting to get caught up with the rest of the pack; evident based on the newer models they've been releasing. I love Colts, because I prefer the original. And I love the older Colts from a time when all the bells & whistles weren't around. But sadly they're no longer the standard.

[glbedd53]

Colt has had ups and downs over the years (a lot of years) just like every other brand. I have been reading and hearing about problems with Kimbers lately. I can't think of a gun maker that I haven't heard quality or reliability issues with.

[jeeperbryan]

Colt has had ups and downs over the years (a lot of years) just like every other brand. I have been reading and hearing about problems with Kimbers lately. I can't think of a gun maker that I haven't heard quality or reliability issues with.

Seems like they're really starting to turn around. I'm really liking some of the new models they're coming out with. They even got a good looking website up and running.

I kind of wish Kimber would slow down on the number of models they spitting out. It's a bit overwhelming. Honestly, I think Springfield Armory has the best mix of 1911's. I can get a Springfield 1911 for $500 or I can get one for $2000.

[glbedd53]

Same here, seems like Springfields reviews are better than anyone right now.

[OldCannon]

Have you actually seen, held, or shot a Taurus 1911? I don't own one (heck I don't any Taurii) but have seen, held and shot a PT1911 and it was pretty nice. It cost my friend $600 and had as many features as my Kimber. Also, unlike the majority of manufacturers, Taurus actually has the guts to think out of the box and produce some unique guns at an affordable price. 1911 9mm, Judge, TCP, Slim.

I picked up a new Taurus DuoTone PT1911 from Cabelas for $560, it's an awesome pistol and was very accurate out of the box. I intend to use it for IDPA matches, but I'll stick to my Glocks for carry.

[Dragonfighter]

I have a 1911 (Colt) that has been heavily customized for competition. It is what my uncle used to compete with. Due to the customizations it does not lend itself to carry but it is a joy at the range. My wife who does not like my Glock but has top qualify with, loves the 1911 and can usually hold about a 4" group at 25. I do a little better

I love the capacity, the ruggedness and deploy-ability of my G-23. But as soon as I can justify the cost, I'm getting another 1911.

[The Annoyed Man]

That isn't a bad looking gun. Is that sub 500??? My son in law has a low budget and is looking for a nice 1911 in the sub 600 range.

Thank you kindly. I believe you can pick them up NIB for $400 via Sarco International - or the GI-style for $350.

I will pass that along to him. Thanks for the help and thanks to the original poster for bringing up this topic. This forum has a neat way of being helpful at times. Actually...it happens a whole lot of times.

I saw the RIA Tactical model at the Ft Worth gun show a couple of weeks ago, and both my son and I were very impressed for its price point. I recall the price as being around $450. The only objection I have to it is that it doesn't come with night sights. AndyC has alluded to the fact in other posts of his that the RIA dovetail cut for the front sight is non-standard. Thus, none of the aftermarket night sights will fit it.

Somewhere, Andy posted a thread about how he finagled an aftermarket night sight to fit the front dovetail of his RIA, and it does work, although it does look on close inspection to be a little cobby - with which I am sure he would agree - but it isn't really noticeable from more than a few inches away. But if what you're looking for is a combat pistol for under $500, and you want a 1911 platform, that Tactical model bears looking at.

[paadams]

Same here, seems like Springfields reviews are better than anyone right now.

I just spent a few minutes looking at Springfields website, and they have some very nice looking 1911s on there. I will definitely give them a very close look when I go to buy one.

[The Annoyed Man]

Same here, seems like Springfields reviews are better than anyone right now.

I just spent a few minutes looking at Springfields website, and they have some very nice looking 1911s on there. I will definitely give them a very close look when I go to buy one.

For the money, a Springfield Loaded Parkerized is very hard to beat.

[glbedd53]

I think they lost there luster before the 80's, mid 80's anyway. I bought my stainless Officers Model in 85 and lookin back I'm surprised I bought it. Carters had to bring out 3 of them before we could find one that even looked acceptable. Not as many choices then I guess so I bought it. Sure enough, it wouldn't feed anything but FMJ's. A $20.00 ramp job and it gobbles up anything and everything now. I think they are much better now. The Defenders look good to me. I want one. If everything else is equal, I'll buy the Colt just because it says Colt on the side.

[WildBill]

Colt - the standard against which all others are measured.

I have to respectfully clarify. This should state "Colt - the standard against which all others were measured."

That's a more accurate way of putting it

Colts are good quality but they lost a lot of their lustre since the 80s and they went into a real downward spiral - I guess the MBAs were running the place and pretty much ignored the demands of the market. This monolithic silence allowed the rise of the big-name custom builders ie Baer, Wilson, etc, and decent mainstream brands with great custom options such as Springfield Armory.

Colt still haven't regained the legendary status of their original Mark IV Series 70 - despite their reintroduction of the Series 70 line.

There is still hope. I hope. I hope they start making revolvers again and raise the standard.