For starters you need to decide what is important to you in a 1911, how you plan on using it, and how much budget you have to spend on it. A 1911 that you plan on carrying every day may have different features than one you only want to use as a range or home defense gun etc...
Where to start
Where do you start when you're looking for a new 1911? I imagine it gets easier at some point, but I'm relatively new to the shooting world and even newer to the world of 1911s.
To give some perspective, I've had a couple Kimbers that I wasn't overly fond of. I've got a Wilson EDC X9, but from what I've read it doesn't feel like a 1911. I've got a Bul Armory 1911 that I really enjoy. I recently shot a Staccato C2 which was a lot of fun, so I'll probably look at getting one of those eventually, but that's a 2011 so not quite the same thing I imagine.
Are there certain brands or models I should be looking at? Brands I should definitely avoid? Features that are more desirable than others? I'm at a bit of a loss on where to begin the journey and any help is appreciated.
To give some perspective, I've had a couple Kimbers that I wasn't overly fond of. I've got a Wilson EDC X9, but from what I've read it doesn't feel like a 1911. I've got a Bul Armory 1911 that I really enjoy. I recently shot a Staccato C2 which was a lot of fun, so I'll probably look at getting one of those eventually, but that's a 2011 so not quite the same thing I imagine.
Are there certain brands or models I should be looking at? Brands I should definitely avoid? Features that are more desirable than others? I'm at a bit of a loss on where to begin the journey and any help is appreciated.
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
What, specifically, are you trying to achieve?
How much money do you want to spend?
How much money do you want to spend?
I guess I hadn't really considered carrying it, but that might be an interesting way to go. I was thinking probably a range gun with a 5" barrel maybe. As for budget, probably around $3000 or less if I find something that I like that's cheaperFor starters you need to decide what is important to you in a 1911, how you plan on using it, and how much budget you have to spend on it. A 1911 that you plan on carrying every day may have different features than one you only want to use as a range or home defense gun etc...
First and foremost, I'd like to have something that looks and feels like a real 1911. American made. Around $3000 or less if I can find it.What, specifically, are you trying to achieve?
How much money do you want to spend?
I start here and on Gunbroker. I then look at ACW, Baer, Nighthawk, STI, and Wilson.
I've been looking at Gunbroker for a while and here more recently. Until recently I didn't even realize that there was a classified section here.I start here and on Gunbroker. I then look at ACW, Baer, Nighthawk, STI, and Wilson.
Any reason for those particular brands vs. others? For example, I'd never heard of Guncrafter industries until I started frequenting this sight, but they seem to be fairly well thought of. Sorry, I'm just curious if there are any makers that you would rule out.
I own those I named; I do not own a Guncrafter due to their higher expense than those named.
If you're going to carry, I strongly suggest fixed sights. Or if you must have adjustable, go with something like the Dawson Adjustable sights which are far more robust than the normal BoMar style rear sights.I guess I hadn't really considered carrying it, but that might be an interesting way to go. I was thinking probably a range gun with a 5" barrel maybe. As for budget, probably around $3000 or less if I find something that I like that's cheaper
First and foremost, I'd like to have something that looks and feels like a real 1911. American made. Around $3000 or less if I can find it.
Okay, gotcha. I have no idea how much some of these cost, since I haven't looked into them because I didn't know they existed until very recently. They're probably not in my price range at this time, anyway. It's great to have the opinion and stamp of approval for the ones that you listed, though.I own those I named; I do not own a Guncrafter due to their higher expense than those named.
That's a perfect example of what I need to know/things that I wouldn't have thought about on my own. Thank you!If you're going to carry, I strongly suggest fixed sights. Or if you must have adjustable, go with something like the Dawson Adjustable sights which are far more robust than the normal BoMar style rear sights.
competed a lot of years and carried on and off dutyThat's a perfect example of what I need to know/things that I wouldn't have thought about on my own. Thank you!
AND DON'T FORGET IF YOU USE THE CLASSIFIEDSYou probably should start with a second job…because you won’t stop with just one 1911! 😄
View attachment 1197839
As a matter of fact, I am looking for a second job right now. So maybe a third job to fuel the addiction.You probably should start with a second job…because you won’t stop with just one 1911! 😄
Then I'll try to learn from your years of wisdom, since I don't have any.competed a lot of years and carried on and off duty
How so? As in get it before the other guy does or wait until the right gun comes along?AND DON'T FORGET IF YOU USE THE CLASSIFIEDS
$3000 will get you a fine 1911 here in the classifieds. There are many quality discounted used models to choose from.
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
1911 Firearm Addicts
A forum community dedicated to 1911 firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about other firearms, gun ownership, gun care, tactical firearms, small arms, optics, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
Series70
3608 Replies
Tarpon Hunter
1455 Replies
Uncle Bob
1141 Replies
Recommended Communities
