1911 opinions needed, I may have the bug, HELP

[yqtszhj]

I may have the 1911 bug. I'm on gun restriction by the wife but being the good husband that I try to be, she had a good birthday recently. So there may be a new firearm in my future this year.

That being said since her birthday was GOOD, I am limited on funds I want to spend for a possible 1911. My 2 questions: :confused:

1. I have been looking at the 1911 types including the Auto-Ordnance 1911PKZSE. It looks like a very nice basic gun. Does anyone have one and how do you like it? how has it performed?

2. Should I get a RIA 1911 or other import with some upgrades or would I be disappointed? If anyone has had issues with one of their imports what have they ran into.

FYI, this will be mostly a fun, hobbie, range gun, but I figure if I needed money one day and had to sell some of my stock the AO might provide a better return than a RIA or Taurus.

Opinions please. Thanks.

[O'Dell]

I may have the 1911 bug. I'm on gun restriction by the wife but being the good husband that I try to be, she had a good birthday recently. So there may be a new firearm in my future this year.

That being said since her birthday was GOOD, I am limited on funds I want to spend for a possible 1911. My 2 questions: :confused:

1. I have been looking at the 1911 types including the Auto-Ordnance 1911PKZSE. It looks like a very nice basic gun. Does anyone have one and how do you like it? how has it performed?

2. Should I get a RIA 1911 or other import with some upgrades or would I be disappointed? If anyone has had issues with one of their imports what have they ran into.

FYI, this will be mostly a fun, hobbie, range gun, but I figure if I needed money one day and had to sell some of my stock the AO might provide a better return than a RIA or Taurus.

Opinions please. Thanks.

I'm not a 1911 expert as I bought my first in 30+ years in September, but I can give my experience. I bought a SIG 1911 C3 in Sept. - It has been perfect for about 500 rounds. Then I bought a 3.5 inch Citadel in Nov. It had a few extraction issue early, but I sent it back and an extractor adjustment seemed to have fixed it. I sold it because I just don't like black guns. Just after Christmas I bought a loaded Springfield SS Ultra Compact and a full sized Rock Island nickel plated Tactical. Both have run flawlessly for about 300 rounds including many rounds of HP's. In other words the less than $500 RI has worked just as well as the expensive SIG and Springfield. I understand that RI has excellent CS also.

[yqtszhj]

Thanks O'dell. I looked at the RIA first and it was easily in the price range. I looked at the full size springfield in stainless (I like Stainless) today at a local sporting store but it was a bit more.

I looked at that RIA nickel tactical like you have and it is nice then ran across a Auto-ordnance plain jane for about the same price. The RIA is PI made so I was wondering about durability there (but the wife is from there and she has held up pretty well:)) but the AO is american made by kahr no less. The RIA tactical may give a little more for your money though. Just lots of questions to ponder...... Thanks

[Bawanna]

What kind of numbers are the AO's running now days? Lots of good options out there.

[yqtszhj]

I saw a basic AO for right around 500. i did run across a picture of the stainless verson. Looks really nice but it seems they are rare. I dont know what that would run.

[Bawanna]

I've never seen a stainless one. 500 seems like a pretty decent price. A few upgrades as you go along and it would be a darn nice gun. I think they are pretty decent right out of the box but I'm pretty easy to please.

[kyletx1911]

i own 3 rias 2 fs and 1 4in all are tack drivers two i i got used
both less than 375.00 those have more than 4.5k in them and no probs
the nickel i just and need to break in

[yqtszhj]

i own 3 rias 2 fs and 1 4in all are tack drivers two i i got used
both less than 375.00 those have more than 4.5k in them and no probs
the nickel i just and need to break in

Thanks. I appreciate that information. Nothing better than first hand experience. I'm still thinking about it all day and dreaming about it all night long (does that mean I need help :der:? If so someone give me a referal please to their shrink, or maybe even better their favorite gun auction site :D)

[Bawanna]

I don't think theres any saving you pal. You done been bit hard. You might just as well step up and get one, don't think it'll get any better. Probably only get worse the longer you wait.

[yqtszhj]

I actually picked up the phone and called my local gun and pawn today because I know he had both that I am looking at a couple of weeks ago and I could go over there and "feel them out." Darn, he and all of his goods are at an out of town gun show today and won't be back in until Monday. I guess that gives me 2 more days to wait.

On a side note I'm only getting looks from the wife, not dirty looks, so I think I'll assume that's a positive sign for now.

[Mr Presto]

I am in the same boat, I have the 1911 fever.:) Been doing my RRP (reading, researching, pricing) on some. I can't decide if I would rather go for the authentic look like the Springfield GI, RIA and AO Kahr or for target style with better sights and extras. Since I have to save for one it gives me time to decide.

[rjmcw9]

I have had, RIA, Springfields, Colts and just recently a Taurus PT1911 in stainless. The Taurus was well under $600 which gives every other pistol a run for its money, especially in stainless. Having said that, if you do run into problems, you just can't beat Springfield's customer service. I have had to use them twice on different pistols and what was returned to me was quite remarkable, always doing more than what was needed. 1911's are a hard choice for the 1st one. Just be aware, it probably will not be your last one. :D

[wyntrout]

A few months ago I was at the range and the guy next to me and I chatted a bit about our .45's. I had my PM45 and he his AO GI Spec 1911. We swapped guns and I loaded 5 of my rounds of factory FMJ and and fired at the 7-yard target, a pie plate. The first two shots weren't real close to the point of aim, but I had jerked the trigger. I settled down and the next 3 were inside 1 1/2"... a nice little triangle. Oh, and the recoil... it was like shooting my K9... surprisingly light with the heavier gun.

THAT got me thinking about a 1911. I went with the Mil-Spec for economy and with the 4" and rounded mainspring housing. I have a full-sized S&W 645 that is just humongous and wanted something in between the PM45 and the Smith. With 8+1 loaded, the Springfield Champion weighs almost 44 ounces, which is about 2 ounces less than the S&W weighs.

There's a lot of choice out there and something for everyone's price range. I knew that I wasn't going to like the sights on mine, but I'll find something that fits me and have a range gun and another home defense option.

Wynn:yo:

[O'Dell]

Hi Wynn. I didn't think I would bit I miss that 4586 that was stolen, D/A trigger and all, but I do. I got mine in one of Bud's blow-out sales for $279 last summer. It was a police trade-in and with a little work with Scotch brite pads and 2000 sandpaper, it looked and functioned like new. If I ever run across one of those old 2nd or 3rd gen S&W semi's again, I'm gonna jump all over it. I'd really like to have a 4566 [DA/SA] this time, but I'd take what I could find.

[yqtszhj]

I made the move. Got to handle a couple of the 1911's at a local place. After checking out everything, price, availability, etc..., and the wife accepting that we were going to have a new member to the collection, I placed my online order this afternoon for a RIA 1911A1 .45 parkerized. The goods are on the way to my LGS.

Based on everything I read telling me this will be my first of many 1911's (shhhhh... Don't tell the wife :behindsofa: ) I figure this will let me know what I like and want on my future one. Now I'm like a kid waiting for Christmas.


Once I get it I'll try to post some PICS and the the "RANGE REPORT :cool:" after the first outing.

Thanks to everyone for the input and info.

Bawanna was right. I needed to just go ahead and buy because the longer I waited the worse it got. It was the best therapy. I had been holding all that in for 3 weeks now. All mushy inside now :D.

[O'Dell]

If it works like my Rock, you won't be disappointed. Congrats on pulling the trigger.

[Bawanna]

Happy new Rock to you! Guess now when we say you Rock, it could have multiple meanings.

So now the dreaded wait begins. Gosh darn we all go thru this waiting with each other, horrible time.

I'm gonna ask my wife if I can have one too since your wife let you have one. It's never ever worked for me before in the 313 times I've attempted it but it never hurts to keep trying. Think positive.

314, here goes.

[yqtszhj]

Happy new Rock to you! Guess now when we say you Rock, it could have multiple meanings.

So now the dreaded wait begins. Gosh darn we all go thru this waiting with each other, horrible time.

I'm gonna ask my wife if I can have one too since your wife let you have one. It's never ever worked for me before in the 313 times I've attempted it but it never hurts to keep trying. Think positive.

314, here goes.

If your wife needs me to confirm that my wife went along with it just let me know. Better not let her talk to mine though, because when mine says the part about "he wasn't gonna shut up until he got it anyway" that might ruin it for you. :D

[wyntrout]

Hi Wynn. I didn't think I would bit I miss that 4586 that was stolen, D/A trigger and all, but I do. I got mine in one of Bud's blow-out sales for $279 last summer. It was a police trade-in and with a little work with Scotch brite pads and 2000 sandpaper, it looked and functioned like new. If I ever run across one of those old 2nd or 3rd gen S&W semi's again, I'm gonna jump all over it. I'd really like to have a 4566 [DA/SA] this time, but I'd take what I could find.

Those were all gone when I looked there back then. Another inexpensive .45 is nice to have around. I have a 645 and I had a 4506. I needed to get rid of one and it had to be the 4506 because it looked close to new and the 645 was a bit modified. Its night sights died several years ago and when I got it in 1994, I had to remove the front sight and reduce the front sight base, drill a new pin hole, and filed a heck of a lot off the bottom of the sight before replacing it. I then used some epoxy to soften the sharp parts of the sight base and insure retention. I lucked out in that the sights were right on horizontally, a great improvement over 9" low at 15 yards or so. The rear sight is adjustable for windage.

Oh, I forgot to try the 645 DA while at the range with the other .45's.

Wynn:)

[O'Dell]

Those were all gone when I looked there back then. Another inexpensive .45 is nice to have around. I have a 645 and I had a 4506. I needed to get rid of one and it had to be the 4506 because it looked close to new and the 645 was a bit modified. Its night sights died several years ago and when I got it in 1994, I had to remove the front sight and reduce the front sight base, drill a new pin hole, and filed a heck of a lot off the bottom of the sight before replacing it. I then used some epoxy to soften the sharp parts of the sight base and insure retention. I lucked out in that the sights were right on horizontally, a great improvement over 9" low at 15 yards or so. The rear sight is adjustable for windage.

Oh, I forgot to try the 645 DA while at the range with the other .45's.

Wynn:)

Too bad I wasn't around when you sold the 4506. We could have met somewhere around Cordele. :)

[wyntrout]

I sold it and my SS Interarms PPK/S to the same guy with all kinds of holsters... around 10 years ago at one of our garage sales... I sold most of my guns, especially the long ones.

Wynn:)

[wyntrout]

10-2-1998 for $900. Still have the faded thermal FAX copy of the check.

Wynn:)

[Bawanna]

Now my #1 son is smitten for a 1911 of his own! He's looking them all over trying to decide a lot of the same things we've already discussed here. Weather to go basic mil spec and build or get a little upgraded with a few bells and whistles.
He has more money than me so he has a much larger pool to swim in looking.
I pointed out the Range Officer, the MRI and the Rocks. He's semi leaning towards a stainless so if he does any changing he might not have to refinish.

Sure a lot of choices out there now days. A literal smorgasbord of 1911's to sort through.

[jocko]

you have owned Para's great one, would u recommend a Para 45 to him and why and why not.

[Bawanna]

I still own 3. I've only owned the LDA's and I'd have no reservations recommending them to him, in fact if he decides to go with a LDA I may offer him one of mine. I hate to part with guns but it would still be in the house.
I've not owned any of the Single Action Para's but I think they are pretty nice also. As tough and reliable as any of the others.
Hes very safe and does well with the indexed finger so he should do fine with the 1911 system. The LDA would give him a little more cushion like it did for me. Have to wait and see what he really is thinking which can change from one minute to the next just like most guys gun shopping.

[Bawanna]

Anyone have any first hand experience with Taurus's version of the 1911. My son was looking at them last night and they got alot of top end features at a very reasonable price.

I've not heard any bad reports on them but lately haven't heard much either way.

He was liking the MRI but thinks he wants stainless. I pointed him at the range officer but don't see a stainless version of that either.

His wheels are turning. We have a gun show this weekend so guess we'll be looking at 1911's. Not a bad thing. Nice to go with a mission. I just have to deal with the jealousy. A kid shouldn't have more money than his dad, there should be a rule or something about that.

[TucsonMTB]

I don't own one, but know several people who either have one (because it worked well right out of the box) or are former owners (because theirs did NOT work right out of the box and customer support was no help).

The guys that have them still are absolutely delighted.

The guys who sold theirs or returned them (to, surprise, Cabelas!) would never take another chance.

Human nature, I guess. The Phoenix Cabelas does NOT ordinarily accept returns, but after they could not get Taurus to fix Rick's gun, they decided a happy (good) customer was better than losing his business. Smart fellas. :)

[Bawanna]

Thats the way Taurus was years ago. Either you got a really good one or a real junker. I thought they had become much more consistent and in the better quality level.

I don't like the sound of the poor customer service and shall duely note that part.

Guess we'll browse our local gun show this weekend and see what blows his dress up. Don't worry, I'll get pictures. Might be like a Marilyn Monroe collector photo.

[O'Dell]

My experience with Taurus is about a year old, but I wasn't impressed. I bought a 24/7 Pro c 45 and it ran fine, still does. Then I got a PT745 which wouldn't work at all. Six weeks in Miami didn't help so I sold it. Unless they come up with a super gun that is reliable, I doubt that I'll buy another.

[kyletx1911]

Thats the way Taurus was years ago. Either you got a really good one or a real junker. I thought they had become much more consistent and in the better quality level.

I don't like the sound of the poor customer service and shall duely note that part.

Guess we'll browse our local gun show this weekend and see what blows his dress up. Don't worry, I'll get pictures. Might be like a Marilyn Monroe collector photo.dont forget the pumps