Need help choosing a 1911

[tnshooter]

Season's greetings to all the wonderful people here!!

I have a serious 1911 itch that I need to get taken care of, so I thought I would ask the best group of people on the web for assistance.:D

I am going to be purchasing another 1911 very soon, and I would like your thoughts/suggestions on what to get.

I currently own a SA 1911 RO, which I totally love. It's my only 1911 as of right now, and because I love it so much I want to get a smaller version to put in my EDC rotation. There are way too many 1911's out there for me to be familiar with, and it would literally take forever to research them all so here's my criteria:

It must have a barrel length NO GREATER THAN 4.25" for concealability purposes (if I wanted to carry a 5" I'd just carry my RO)

Price is not really a concern, however, I don't really want to spend more than $1000 - $1200 roughly. Less than that would be great, but I won't go much higher than that.

It must have all the features that comes with quality 1911's, like the grip safety, manual safety, and so forth. I have seen some that come without certain features just to cut down on cost, which is fine for some people, but I'm not one of those.

So here's the thing...please give me your honest suggestions on what to get, and why you would go with that particular weapon.

Thanks everyone....
Rick

[MW surveyor]

All I can say is good luck in your search and make sure that you get a shiny one! LOL

[Thunder71]

Springfield Armory EMP

[getsome]

Give the new S&W E series a look...Very nice gun, great customer service and right in your price range....IMHO it's one of the nicest 1911 pistols on the market without going to a custom piece like a Les Baer or Ed Brown pistol which are truly works of art but are priced accordlingly like $2500.00 or so...good luck with your decision...

[Longitude Zero]

You might take a look at the specials being offered at Para Ordnance.

[jeepster09]

I really like my Para Ordnance CCO with 4 1/4" barrell and officer short style grip. It is one of my favorite carry models.

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv276/jeepster09/IMG_1171.jpg

[O'Dell]

I have four "compact" 1911's, a SIG C3, Kimber UC II, STI Escort, and a Combat Master. The SIG is my favorite pistol and has a 4.25 inch barrel. The STI needed a trip back to the factory, the Kimber had a substandard mag, and the Combat Master has required some tuning. The SIG C3's [I've had two] were perfect right out of the box, and although all work now, the SIG's are just a pleasure to shoot. I bought my latest one earlier this year for under $800 with night sights.

[JFootin]

In a really carry-able 1911, I like the Para Slim Hawg. One of the best bargains out there with a ton of custom features standard is the Taurus 1911. I've read some good reports on it. I'm not sure if they make a shorter barrel one yet, though. But if your budget is generous, the S&W Scandium frame bob tail is a gorgeous gun.

[jocko]

that Para LDA trigger is simple awesome.

[WMD]

Interesting.... No one has mentioned the Kimber. Is that due to the price limitation?

[O'Dell]

Interesting.... No one has mentioned the Kimber. Is that due to the price limitation?

My Kimber [message 7] was within his price range, but IMO, isn't the gun the SIG is.

[CJB]

So many nice affordable 1911's out there right now... hard to choose.

[kramm]

Take a look at Dan Wesson CCO or Guardian.
CCO in picture.

http://kahrtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4959&stc=1&d=1323920814

[TriggerMan]

Season's greetings to all the wonderful people here!!

I have a serious 1911 itch that I need to get taken care of, so I thought I would ask the best group of people on the web for assistance.:D

I am going to be purchasing another 1911 very soon, and I would like your thoughts/suggestions on what to get.

I currently own a SA 1911 RO, which I totally love. It's my only 1911 as of right now, and because I love it so much I want to get a smaller version to put in my EDC rotation. There are way too many 1911's out there for me to be familiar with, and it would literally take forever to research them all so here's my criteria:

It must have a barrel length NO GREATER THAN 4.25" for concealability purposes (if I wanted to carry a 5" I'd just carry my RO)

Price is not really a concern, however, I don't really want to spend more than $1000 - $1200 roughly. Less than that would be great, but I won't go much higher than that.

It must have all the features that comes with quality 1911's, like the grip safety, manual safety, and so forth. I have seen some that come without certain features just to cut down on cost, which is fine for some people, but I'm not one of those.

So here's the thing...please give me your honest suggestions on what to get, and why you would go with that particular weapon.

Thanks everyone....
RickAs O'Dell has told you already, the SIG RCS is a superb gun. It has the Sig Anti Snag treatment, night sights and match grade components. I also have a Dan Wesson CBOB (full size grip and heavier). The Sig gives away nothing to the DW except looks. The DW slide is tighter and it might show up at 25 yard target practice. You'll need to be a top 10% shooter to get the benefit.

The SIG is one of my carry guns. Solid reliability, shorter grip and a 4.5# trigger.

I also like the EMP in 9mm and the .45 ACP S&W 1911SC E series but have not shot either. Still in the fondling stages with the EMP. My LGS has one at $1140. The SIG RCS is the best value in your price range.

[Foggy]

You simply can't go wrong with the Dan Wesson CCO for all the right things you are looking for. It's just a tiny bit more than your preferance of price range but you won't be disappointed. Do your research and you'll see what I mean. I own one now after doing tons a research and I could not be happier with my decision. It comes out of the box more like a 3000 dollar custom and I can honestly say it's the only production handgun I've ever seen that really needs nothing. Nothing at all. Just shoot it and enjoy. Each to his own though. Good luck with your decision ...

[gb6491]

...I currently own a SA 1911 RO, which I totally love. It's my only 1911 as of right now, and because I love it so much I want to get a smaller version to put in my EDC rotation.....
RickI've been down that road myself. Years back, the smaller version was a Colt Combat Commander; now, it's an Officer's ACP (either one can be found in excellent used condition well within your price range). I like my 1911's to be of the all steel variety, so even the the OACP is a hefty little gun. To tell the truth, I rarely carry it anymore, preferring to tote my CW45 in it's stead.
http://oi54.tinypic.com/faap3k.jpg
Regards,
Greg

[Avenger]

Just curious, but is a 4 1/4" barrel as small as you are wanting to go or are you looking at 3" barrels as well?

Of course, that would present you with more options to consider.

Good luck with the search. I see a 1911 in my future as well.

[tnshooter]

I knew going in to this that there would be a lot of differing opinions out there, and that's why I started this thread...to get as many opinions as I could from everyone. That being said, I am not going to zero in on any one gun just yet.

To answer Avenger's question...I have considered the 3" barrel 1911's and they are definitely not ruled out at this point, so go ahead and suggest away.

The real problem I have is that there are just soooo many 1911's out there of varying sizes, and configurations that I don't know where to begin the quest....

Thanks to all that have posted so far, I really appreciate your input. At this point I'm not going to make any comments on what I like so far, but a couple of you have already hit on a couple of the ones that I've been considering. Once Christmas has passed I will make my final decision and go out and get one...and of course, let everyone know what I'm getting. Until then...keep them suggestions coming!!

[Barth]

I knew going in to this that there would be a lot of differing opinions out there, and that's why I started this thread...to get as many opinions as I could from everyone. That being said, I am not going to zero in on any one gun just yet.

To answer Avenger's question...I have considered the 3" barrel 1911's and they are definitely not ruled out at this point, so go ahead and suggest away.

The real problem I have is that there are just soooo many 1911's out there of varying sizes, and configurations that I don't know where to begin the quest....

Thanks to all that have posted so far, I really appreciate your input. At this point I'm not going to make any comments on what I like so far, but a couple of you have already hit on a couple of the ones that I've been considering. Once Christmas has passed I will make my final decision and go out and get one...and of course, let everyone know what I'm getting. Until then...keep them suggestions coming!!

Springfield Loaded
http://www.themarksman.net/item_photos/large/Springfield_Loaded_Micro_Compact___45_ACP_716.jpgh ttp://www.digital-ink.net/photos/1911A1.jpg

[gunmut]

I really like my Sig (officers grip and 4.25" barrel)

I also like my Springfield Champion lwt loaded.

Both around the $1000. mark.

[dshideler]

I second the Springfield EMP. I don't own a 1911 but when I go to buy one it will be the EMP. That's a beautiful gun.

[jeepster09]

Just curious, but is a 4 1/4" barrel as small as you are wanting to go or are you looking at 3" barrels as well?

Of course, that would present you with more options to consider.

Good luck with the search. I see a 1911 in my future as well.

I have both sizes the 4 1/4 and the 3 and the 4 1/4 shoots better and balances better. I prefer the 4 1/4 to all of my 1911's.

[Avenger]

I have both sizes the 4 1/4 and the 3 and the 4 1/4 shoots better and balances better. I prefer the 4 1/4 to all of my 1911's.

How does the 4 1/4 conceal carry as compared to a PM/CM 9/40 or the like? I know there is a caliber difference there, but if you had a 4 1/4" 1911 in 9mm, how does the conceal-ability factor compare?

Personally, I am looking at a 3" in because that would obviously be closest in dimension to the CM9 I currently carry IWB. But if a 4 1/4" gives me a better shot and wouldn't severely alter the way I currently carry, I would consider that size.

Like tnshooter said, there are a lot of different possibilities within the platform. :confused:

[jeepster09]

It is bigger and not for pocket, but with good holster I have no problems. I alternate between my j-frame and my 4 1/4" 1911.

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv276/jeepster09/IMG_1224.jpg



http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv276/jeepster09/IMG_1222.jpg

[jeepster09]

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv276/jeepster09/IMG_1262.jpg

[Barth]

http://www.tactical-life.com/online/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/dan-wesson.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/cx4man/DSCF0087.jpg
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/5523/mydanwessons52710.jpg
http://vriptech.com/ptcbob_1.jpg


I too have been thinking 1911.
$1000/$1200 Springfield Loaded looks like the way to go.
Thing is $300 more and you go to the next tier in handguns.
With ammo, holsters and range time - that’s nothing.
Five years from now wouldn't you really rather have a DW Valor?

I would...

[Dirt doc]

I have 2 1911's that fit your specs, a Kimber ultra crimson carry II and a SA Champion lwt loaded. Both have great triggers and both are accurate and reliable. The Kimber was to be my winter carry option but my PM9 is so nice to carry I haven't bothered getting a good holster for the Kimber yet. I will just not yet. My excuse for the Champion is to carry it during our late muzzy deer season. A pistol is OK but must have a 4" barrel. I'll use it for the intended purpose but the reason I bought was I wanted it.

Dirt doc

[Avenger]

It is bigger and not for pocket, but with good holster I have no problems. I alternate between my j-frame and my 4 1/4" 1911.

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv276/jeepster09/IMG_1224.jpg



http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv276/jeepster09/IMG_1222.jpg

Couple of nice looking setups!