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A Good 1911 9mm under $1500

6K views 25 replies 20 participants last post by  Mifune326 
#1 ·
So the more I learn the less I know.
Just want to get a Solid 9mm 1911 (Commander). ,not so easy as I thought

Kimber - series 80 & lots of mim parts ( have Kimber 45 older model have it for years )
Springfield - aside from politics , lots of mim parts (made in Brazil??)
Colt - Quality control slipping plus mim parts
Step up some
Dan Wesson - Duty coat caution ! Only use FP-10 ! WTH , SS Beware ! Galling issues
(To be honest have a duty coat and just got a SS. )

Ed Brown , Wilson , night hawk & other customs get too $$ Are they the only option for "Good " Quality.

Didn't mention Ruger SR1911. Looking into them guess it's the same issue loaded with mim parts
 
#2 ·
don't sweat the MIM parts; Ive put thousands of rounds through guns with such and yet to have a show stopping breakdown. Replace them over time as you wish. Besides, odds are, you won't be buying enough ammo in today's environment to even think about stoppages due to breaks.

In order of preference, to get a 9mm Commander-sized gun you could bet on out of the box with 200 rounds as proof it worked:

Springfield
Colt
Ruger

I put a known 3,000 through a Ruger lightweight in 9mm, the man who bought it from me has fired that many more - I know because he gives me his brass. He has replaced the recoil spring at 5,000 and kept on shooting. Plans on new sights "some day".

To expand briefly:
Springfield - any model.
Colt - preferably a Clapp model as they often have better sights
Ruger - pick one.

but that's just my view. i've owned all three, would take any of them again. Awaiting delivery on a Colt Combat Commander in 9mm dating from the 80s.
 
#9 ·
From what I've been reading mim parts have come a long way..

I'm really wondering how "tight" a 1911 should be. A little play probably allows for more forgiveness but may sacrifice a little accuracy ?
How did John Browning design the original ?
Browning designed my 2 favorite firearms , pure Genius !
 
#12 ·
I'm with you, Wesson or Colt and spend the money on having a smith install an EGW ignition system, Wilson or Chen Magwell and you are good to go, if you have money left over replace the safety and slide stop -my choice is EGW or Wilson BP, if you don't have the cash right now shoot it until you do.
 
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#15 ·
Springfield RO Operator. Under 1k but mine would not run from factory. Had to go back and when returned it is a great 1911. Glock like reliable and it has replaced my STI Trojan as my gamer gun.
Once used to the effect of the rail out front flip is nearly gone.
 
#16 ·
LOL! Every time I see a post about DW's galling and "only use FP-10" I have to smile to myself about the effectiveness of the Internet quarterbacks in the www universe.

Just to be clear.
1. Dan Wesson 1911's won't gall if you oil them well. Maybe one in 10,000, but I think that's a pretty good batting average considering the same stats for other guns under $1,500.
2. If you can afford/find/stand FP-109 just use Mobil 1 synth from you nearest Advance Autio and you'll be good.
 
#17 ·
I’d be way less concerned with MIM and more concerned about finding one that runs in that caliber. In the past couple of years I’ve sold these 1911s in 9mm that wouldn't run reliably:

Dan Wesson Valor, Colt Combat Unit, Colt Competition, Fusion, RIA.

Kept the Springfield. Swapped 9lb recoil spring for 10lb. So far so good.
 
#24 ·
springfields haven't had anything to do with the Imbel plant in Brazil for years. And there were many nicely priced champions , at least pre covid scare. Don't own one but if it doesn't run, springfield had legendary CS.

I owned a kimber pro carry in 9 that ran like a swiss watch. Also same result with a Colt commander. Lot of good options. Good luck
 
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