I have almost always shot DAO semi-autos. (I have a Ruger P-85 that's essentially single-action after teh first shot or if I cock it, but, well, that's a Ruger P-85, so accuracy isn't it's best attribute.)

I recently had the chance to shoot a pal’s S&W 1911 and have to admit that I’m smitten. (With the gun, that is.) I get the sense that the lighter trigger pull of single-action made me a much more accurate shot, thought it could have just been one of those days where I couldn't miss. (I had a real tight grouping - much better than with an XD-9 or even my Ruger Mark III, which I'm usually pretty good with.)

With that hopeful thought in mind, I’m looking to find a decent 1911 of my very own. I’d like to spend as little as is necessary to get a decent one, but I also understand the difference between something being cheap and something being a good value.

I know that there are a billion options, and that one man’s favorite gun is another’s piece of crap. I also know that until you try something you can't tell if it's good for you. With that being understood, I’d welcome any feedback any of you might have: models you like; models you don’t like; models you think are a particularly good value for the price; models you’d stay far away from; whether you think a caliber other than .45 is a good choice (all my other semi-autos are or have been 9 mm); anything else you can think of.

Obviously the web offers limitless research sources but I have come to appreciate and be very comfortable relying upon the information that’s been shared on this particular forum, so that’s why I’m seeing what you all think.

So, who's first?

You have to look at the Taurus.

I'm kinda partial to the Springfield Armory 1911, but that's probably just because it's what I have.

Are you looking for a range gun or something you can carry or both?

I have an older springfield 1911-A1. I love it! It's a 5" gun and a little big for Concealed Carry, but is a great IDPA gun.

I also have a Colt Combat Commander. It would my ideal CCW gun if I felt comfortable with locked & cocked.

So try a 5", a 4.25" (Commander size) or 4" (Officer size) and see what feels best. I personally like the 4.25" myself. I would not go for a 3" .45 myself.

I haven't shot, but am intrigued by the SW PD guns. I'm guessing $600 - $800 will get you a decent 1911.

My 2-cents.

Range only. I have a Kahr I use for carry.

Not to be picky, but the officer size is a 3.5" bbl with a cut down frame, the 3" with a cut down frame is (depending on Manufacturer) either a Defender (Colt), Ultra (Kimber), or Micro Compact (SA).

The 4" guns with a full size frame are the Pro size (Kimber, Wilson) or Champion (SA). With an officer size frame they become the CCO (Colt) or Compact (Kimber).

I am sure there are other names for the various sized 1911's

As to the original question I second the nomination for the Taurus, it seems like a great economical option.

Welcome to the dark side.

frankly, with what I would presume from your line of work as a modest deep pocket to dig in, I would suggest a production rock river or les baer or the like, A Smith is going to run about a grand, and they are darn good. for $1500-1700 or so, you can find a nighthawk, or a LB or RRA that has the modest bells and whistles, but is really hand tuned, and will work like a dream. The gunsite special is a premier carry gun that shoots like a target gun, runs about 1650 or so street price and you will have the best of both worlds. I just shot a buddies new LB concept 1 which is LB's base gun which he paid 1400 for out the door, and that gun shot a 1 inch 25 yard group with two mags, sitting with my hands on the bench.

Otherwise for just target shooting, look for a nice national match or goldcup Colt's. same prices for NIB to less for used. Al's in WBL often has a few in that are in top notch shape.

Sadly, my wife and kids have done a very effective job of digging out whatever I have managed to put into my pocket which, by the way, is an awful lot less than lawyers used to make.

Stop at GunStop and look at the Taurus PT1911. It gets VERY high marks for a sub-$500 gun!

so do a couple of DWI's for cash, and get the les baer......



(kidding)


Although I do know a bankruptcy atty who calls me from time to time to give him valuations on guns that are all the guy has to pay his bill.

"hmmmm, I'll take your kid's pot bust if you find me an "el presidente" in .38 super. otherwise, you better buy him a lot of KY"

mnlitig8r,I won't be the first to offer information but I will be the first to offer the chance to shoot two more 1911's. All you need to do is pay the second shooter fee at Bills south and I'll provide a Springfield EMP and a Springfield Micro Compact and the ammunition to give these a good test.
Contact me and we can set something up.
Bud

Good choice and my personal preference.

Marc,

YOU NEED this gun, first read why first here....


http://thelawdogfiles.blogspot.com/2006 ... -guns.html

Then see the gun here.....It's only a couple of Beemer payments.....

I'm a little fickle about the SA 1911A1 like BlackEagl. And I would definitely take up the offer of MNBud for the test run. Andrew has a terrific suggestion with the Taurus, you'll need to give that a test run also. There are many good 1911A1 mfg's out there, the fun is in picking one out. And hey if you put a dent in the kids college fund you can walk away with the Les Baer or one of the other high end customs.

Let me put the proper spin on this for you

And hey if you put a dent in the kids college fund you are simply reallocating funds and investing to increase their inheritance.