Gun Folk

[Bonzo]

thinking of purchasing a colt 1911 .45. Always was just a .22 guy want to get a big boy any suggestions, reasonable price ranges? TIA

[NITRO]

There was recently a thread with lots of 1911 info. I recommend Para USA's line of 1911, mine has been fantastic.

[Serk]

If you're price conscious and okay with one NOT made in the USA, check out the Taurus PT1911. It's basically a factory gun with a lot of the stuff people have customized on to it done from the factory...

If you're getting it as a defensive piece, I'd consider a Springfield Armory XD in .45 instead. I LOVE the 1911 design, but a lot has changed in the last 101 years...

[BigMacMT]

If you must have a 1911 & cost is an issue, I agree with Serk's recommendation. I have a friend that has one & loves it. If its a 45 ACP you want & cost is very important, you might look at the Taurus Millenium Pro PT-145. I have one & like it very much, very compact/concealble w/10 rds & costs ~$350? Check armslist.com

[donaldcc]

 
  not hijacking but post is for gun folk.

  more gun questions.  anyone have thoughts on glock 26 (9mm) or 27 (40cal).  both subcompacts that seem good for ccw.

[The Anvil]

 
  not hijacking but post is for gun folk.

  more gun questions.  anyone have thoughts on glock 26 (9mm) or 27 (40cal).  both subcompacts that seem good for ccw.

Just my personal opinion; don't buy a Gen3 or Gen4 Glock. Hate em. Uncomfortable and cheap. Gen2's are good guns if you don't mind the lack of a manual safety (I do).

And I'm going to also agree with Serk (IF you're talking about a carry gun). The 1911 was a great design in the year of our lord one thousand nine hundred and eleven but it's overly complicated and expensive. I've also never fired one that didn't fail at least once inside a couple boxes of ammo. That includes Colt, Kimber, Sig etc. Like the M1 Garand it was a great weapon in it's day but there are just better options these days. I'd also recommend something other than .45ACP. Like the 1911 it's out of date and there are better rounds out there. If our only choices were FMJ bullets than I would carry .45ACP but with modern bullet technology both the .40S&W and 9mm P outperform it.

Now, if it's something you're just going to take to the range then you won't find a nicer gun to shoot than the 1911. The added weight makes for mild recoil, they're comfortable to hold for range sessions and they point naturally. .45ACP also makes a nice range round and you can get surplus and steel cased Russian fairly inexpensively (though not nearly as cheap as 9mm P).

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

If you're price conscious and okay with one NOT made in the USA, check out the Taurus PT1911. It's basically a factory gun with a lot of the stuff people have customized on to it done from the factory...

If you're getting it as a defensive piece, I'd consider a Springfield Armory XD in .45 instead. I LOVE the 1911 design, but a lot has changed in the last 101 years...

Agree, I love my Para's but I couldn't have bought new ones, just too expensive. The Taurus got real good reviews and wasn't a lot of money.

[Chillerman]

If you're price conscious and okay with one NOT made in the USA, check out the Taurus PT1911. It's basically a factory gun with a lot of the stuff people have customized on to it done from the factory...

If you're getting it as a defensive piece, I'd consider a Springfield Armory XD in .45 instead. I LOVE the 1911 design, but a lot has changed in the last 101 years...

I have to say my Springfield Armory 45 XD is my favorite handgun! Lighter and more compact than a 1911.

[Master Blaster]

Having an original WW2 1911A1 and wanting another shooter to keep wear and tear off the original, I bought a LLama a few years ago.  It is about the size of a Commander but with a double stack mag.  Holds 10 rounds and has been excellent.   Was very reasonable priced, and  well made.   I carried a 1911 when in Viet Nam, when most of the pilots opted for 38s.  It may be an oldie, but its still a goodie.

[Chillerman]

Just my personal opinion; don't buy a Gen3 or Gen4 Glock. Hate em. Uncomfortable and cheap. Gen2's are good guns if you don't mind the lack of a manual safety (I do).

My Gen4 Glock 17 is the best 9mm I have owned, and I have owned a few!

[Patrick]

I like the Colt 1911,, especially the Gold Cup,, always have and probably always will.. When the chips are down this gun will come through,, which is a lot more than I can say for others.. I don't know a thing about any of the variants,, haven't had a need to..

[Bonzo]

I have a lot of LFO's in the family and I am familiar with their 9 mm and .40's. I like the Sig's,. Not really looking for a "Carry" piece, in NYS orange County Full Carry is a hard sell. I want a Colt 1911 just because I want one. I was just wondering about what to expect and some info on where the price ranges run. New is not neccesary.

[Jess from VA]

Go down to one or more big shops and handle as many new and used 1911A1s as you can (gun shows even better).  Ask questions.  Read. 

I think for new at a reasonable price you would be hard pressed to beat a Taurus. 

But there are often great used deals out there, if you are patient, do your homework, and rely on advice of people who know what they are talking about.  Many used pistols may only have been fired very little.  If a shop has used for sale, ask to shoot it... be willing to buy the ammo;   buy 185-230 gr JHPs to try the gun with (it's more expensive than 230gr ball, but will show if the gun will reliably shoot hollow points, some will only shoot ball reliably). 

[shooter64]

Just like Valks there is a forum for everything. Go to www.glocktalk.com. Read in the 1911 section and the Glock section for hours. Again, like Valks, these reviews are from people that have every brand on earth ever made.

[IamGCW]

Sig Ultra Compact 1911.  Shoots well, carries well, seems to like all ammo brands.  Around $800.  Kimbers are pretty nice also.

1911's are like oil and tires, many opinions.  Try to go shooting with someone that has one.  

www.1911Forum.com

[razor]

Bonzo, it sounds like you want a COLT 1911.  Well, the prices are all over the place, depending on if you are looking at a millitary version,or commercial version, pre or post WWII, or pre 1970.  Then there are size variations like the commander and the officers models.  So all that said, one of the early collector pieces could go for $15-20 thousand or more.    But a full size newer production version should be between $600 and $1500.  Just depends on what it is.

[Varmintmist]

IMHO,

The 1911 platform is still around because it works. Most of the failures are either user error (limp wristing) or folks buying 2000.00+ race guns (real tight machining)and shooting Winchester white box ammo. That said there is a little learning curve, that comes with wanting to use a firearm that isnt made for the lowest common denominator. If you hold one correctly, and it is common sense to do, then the saftey will be swept off with your thumb like it is a natural thing.

Stay away from the colts, price is to high and not rated great for what you pay. Have yet to hear a real good report. Taurus, do a little search on the web. IMHO their revolvers are ok.

If you are looking for a entry level 1911, a Springfield Armory milspec is a good way to go. No bells and whistles.

Kimbers are higher dollar but pretty good. You are getting into race gun terrtory though and you need to shoot them some for a break in.  You can go with a less frills Kimber, just has the stuff that makes things a little nicer, like a semi beavertail and a skeleton hammer.

[X Ring]

When you buy a Colt you are paying more for the name but if you have to have a Colt buy a 1991.  It is just a basic 1911A1.  I have 2 Kimbers, a Custom Series I and a TLE Series II.  The TLE has checkering on the front strap and night sights that the Custom doesn't and it also has the Series II firing pin safety.  I also have 2 STI 1911s.  A Trojan 5.0, 5.0 refers to barrel length, and the Range Master, a competition gun.  You don't really need a new gun.  You can find a used one in good shape and save some money.

Magazines are a different story.  I like Chip McCormick Power 8 mags.  I like them cause the floorplate slides off and they are easier to clean than traditional 1911 mags with a welded floorplate.

Marty

[KW]

Just curious, why is it you're set on a 45?

GLOCKS are some of the finest weapons made. . . . People who say otherwise 'maybe' have picked one up once and are now experts. Or, they ‘heard’ GLOCKS “explode.”  Google it yourself. It’s ridiculous. GLOCKS have become synonymous with quality amongst those who use and carry them.

I’ve attended the GLOCK armorer school twice.  GLOCKS are used by over 70% (based on total sales, not percentages) of all law enforcement agencies.  There’s a reason for that and it has very little to do with just price, which yes, is usually very good on group purchases explicitly to Law enforcement or Military entities. Having been directly involved in an Agency switch from wheel guns to semi-autos, I can TELL YOU that price WASN'T a consideration until the parameters of our Department needs were meant.

Go look at one, shoot it if you can, and decide for yourself. . .

FULL DISCLOSER: My service gun was a model 22 GLOCK and I own three (22, 23, and 27) all .40 calibers

[Crazy Miles]

I'm no expert, however,  I do gunsmithing, have a FFL and state Lic to sell. That being said, I have a nice collection of everything!      I train with the Rugers, (firearms trainer for LTC in Mass.) They hold up real good and bar none, the BEST HANDGUN for the MONEY spent!  Again for the money spent!    I haven't seen, held, fired the Ruger 1911. Hard to get them here in Massachusetts. I do want one.  Now as far as the Colts, they are my favorite 1911. I love them.  They do work and they been making them for a long time.  (to say the least)  They are well made with little or now tooling marks seen with taken apart. They do work peroid (to say the most). We could all debate who makes the best 1911. I have a few of them. This is the Colt that I want, but can't have it  because of the great state of MA. ( Mass laws suck)  You'll be happy with the Colt. Don't go cheap and get one all factory set up!    Colt   model 01070xse.  Now that folks, is a hard gun to beat!   

[Jess from VA]

I concur (sorta) on Glock.  Reliability is tops, I'm just not a fan of striker guns with a safety on the trigger only (excluding internal).  But the full size .45 G21 with double stack mag is just too big for my hands.  I have read the newest G21 4th Gen is better, but still too big a grip for me.  If I got a Glock it would be a 9 or 40 midsize.  But I'd probably get a Springfield XDm first.

[flcjr]

Lots of opinions so hears mine. I love glocks own several great guns. I also have a few 1911's find some one that would maybe let you shoot both. If you were around here I would let you shoot mine. If cost is an issue springfield makes a few less expensive 1911's about the same price as the xd
and all are good weapons.

[Bonzo]

Thank you all for the info and opinions, very insightful and helpful! I really do not need a protection weapon, I want one more for the historical and wow factoe of the weapon. I talked to an old associate and co worker of mine who retired some years ago and is a plank member of the local gun club.he has three, all very nice, he told me one was set up for competative "Pin Shooting" He does his own re loading and we talked abot an hour on the subject! I am going to meet him durin the week and he is going to let me check out his weapons. He also has a .22 caliper training version! Boy does he know a lot about this weapon, ammo and history! he was telling me how he has the perfect "light load" for the weapon so he does not get so much wear and tera on his wrist and hands. I am looking foward to us getting together because anothe co worker John who is a Korean Conflict Marine vetran is going to meet us. This fellow was an orphan in Greece in WWII and a wonderful man. What a mix we are. a Retired Naval vetran, very conservative, a non active duty Marine (self described)again very conservative and me, the law and order , 2nd amendment advocate liberal (again self described) 57 year old "kid". I have to say only in America, can we have tis kind of mix. I love it.

[The Anvil]

Just curious, why is it you're set on a 45?

GLOCKS are some of the finest weapons made. . . . People who say otherwise 'maybe' have picked one up once and are now experts. Or, they ‘heard’ GLOCKS “explode.”  Google it yourself. It’s ridiculous. GLOCKS have become synonymous with quality amongst those who use and carry them.

I’ve attended the GLOCK armorer school twice.  GLOCKS are used by over 70% (based on total sales, not percentages) of all law enforcement agencies.  There’s a reason for that and it has very little to do with just price, which yes, is usually very good on group purchases explicitly to Law enforcement or Military entities. Having been directly involved in an Agency switch from wheel guns to semi-autos, I can TELL YOU that price WASN'T a consideration until the parameters of our Department needs were meant.

Go look at one, shoot it if you can, and decide for yourself. . .

FULL DISCLOSER: My service gun was a model 22 GLOCK and I own three (22, 23, and 27) all .40 calibers

I have thousands of rounds through every generation of Glock. The Gen3's and 4's are cheap. Poor fit, extra flashing around the mold seams leaving cuts in your hand (yes it's easily fixed with an X-acto knife and a little sandpaper but you should not have to do that) and cruddy triggers. The decline in the trigger quality really surprised me because in the Gen1's and 2's that was the weapon's strength. No longer. I will say that they've been pretty reliable in terms of function.


I've also got to disagree with the idea that you pay for the Colt name. I bought my Colt AR brand new in the box for well under 1000 dollars. As with 1911's Colt AR's are considered THE brand to own by many gun enthusiasts. The reason for this is not because of the name, it's because of the fact that Colt's QA standards are so high. When you buy a Colt AR you know that the bolt carrier has been mag-particle checked after firing, that all the staking is done properly, the trigger is going to break where it's supposed to and you know that you can shoot steel-cased Russian ammunition without breaking extractors... a 650 dollar AR? Maybe, maybe not. You can also pay one hell of a lot more than what Colt has out there in a Daniel Defense or a LaRue and though both of those companies have great reputations for quality they are not household names like Colt.

Could I have bought an AR for less money? Sure. But the price difference is not that significant (about 250 bucks for a really bare-bones Bushmaster) and the difference in quality very well might be. The 1911's are no different. Taurus makes a decent 1911 and if I were in the market for one that I was just going to kick around then I'd certainly consider it. But if you ever get a chance to take a Taurus apart right next to a Colt and contrast/compare the machining then I urge you to do so. There IS a difference.

Colt's are also made in America. That used to count for something.

[czuch]

A friend with a gun is  better than a friend with a wife.
If you ask nicely, he may let you shoot his gun.

[PAVALKER]

Don't have a 1911, but I have considered getting one on occasion.  However, I do have two .45's.  One is a Ruger KP90 (Stainless .45) similar in style and operation to my other P Series Rugers (mainly the KP89) built like a tank, very reliable and accurate.  The other, a Taurus Stainless 455 (.45 ACP Revolver).   While I probably wouldn't consider using my P90 or a 1911 as a CCW (due to size and bulk), I would with the Taurus 455.  I guess I have yet to get caught up into the 1911 and beaver tail styling or something.....maybe one day I will.

[john]

                          " I want a Colt 1911 just because I want one "
                                 you can't go wrong                    

[IamGCW]

Just curious, why is it you're set on a 45?

GLOCKS are some of the finest weapons made. . . . People who say otherwise 'maybe' have picked one up once and are now experts. Or, they ‘heard’ GLOCKS “explode.”  Google it yourself. It’s ridiculous. GLOCKS have become synonymous with quality amongst those who use and carry them.

I’ve attended the GLOCK armorer school twice.  GLOCKS are used by over 70% (based on total sales, not percentages) of all law enforcement agencies.  There’s a reason for that and it has very little to do with just price, which yes, is usually very good on group purchases explicitly to Law enforcement or Military entities. Having been directly involved in an Agency switch from wheel guns to semi-autos, I can TELL YOU that price WASN'T a consideration until the parameters of our Department needs were meant.

Go look at one, shoot it if you can, and decide for yourself. . .

FULL DISCLOSER: My service gun was a model 22 GLOCK and I own three (22, 23, and 27) all .40 calibers

Glocks do explode.  Google shows many examples.  Sometimes it is the ammo.
http://www.wtov9.com/news/news/pistol-explodes-in-deputys-hand/nJKcF/

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_5_20/88598_Glock_Explodes_in_hand.html

Had a Glock once, NEVER again.  Mis-fire like crazy.  Factory said loose grip, hard primers, etc.  My Smith, Colt, Ruger, Sig, HK, Tarus, or Beretta's never had that issue.  I also hated the trigger safety "button".  It shot straight if it went off.  That was the only gun I have ever sold.  They have a colt like following much like Harley's. 

[KW]

I don't have a dog in the fight concerning GLOCKS, other than I like them a great deal, but I should have been COMPLETE in my previous statement. This group will catch any and every "mistake" even innocent ones by ommision. 

GLOCKS have partially supported chamber which means, in simple terms, part of the shell casing is 'exposed' when fired and is not supported by the barrel sleeve (There are some other guns that are designed like this as well, but I'm not versed on them and can't list them.) As a result, GLOCK insist only high quality manufactured shells be used. It’s clearly stated in the ALL paperwork and in notices sent to Department’s when purchasing them. It’s also made clear in the Armorer school. Yet, ‘people being people’ (as well as gun experts!) there will always be someone who knows more than the designers of the gun and will try and shoot “their” loads thru the gun.  According to GLOCK in every single instance of an “exploding” GLOCK it was the direct result of improper ammo being used. They have that fact thoroughly documented, but I don’t work for GLOCK, so if someone desires too, they can check for themselves. The fact remains; GLOCKs have been "vetted" "tested" and "tried" perhaps more than any other handgun in history. Millions and millions of rounds have been fired through them, many in the line of duty.

As to reliability, quality, durability . . . etc..etc. . . opinions are like armpits; everyone has two and they both stink. (including my own!) Frankly, when I read someone saying they're poor guns I just move onto the next post becasue I know, for whatever reason, the opinion is personal and not based on facts. Which is fine. . . .  just don't pretend to be an "expert."

One note; all three of my GLOCKS are Gen II.  I have had Gen III and IV in my hand, but never shot one. So, I can’t speak about them other to say they’re. . . . you know. .  GLOCKS!

To the original poster; if you’re ONLY criteria are the ‘wow’ factor and collectability than the answer is easy; 1911 Colt. End of discussion. 

[shooter64]

It has always seemed strange to me about firearm technology. 1911 pistols are still around today and even the more "modern" pistols are just a variant of the 1911 design. Even rifles: Look at a 1903 springfield 30-06 or 1917 Enfield from WW1. There is not much difference between a new bolt action rifle or new semi auto pistol and those from the past. Compare that to a 1911, 1903, 1917 or whatever to other technology. Look at a 1917 car or airplane compared to today's technology. There has basically been no advances in firearms compared to other technology. We should be shooting lasers for stun or kill etc by now by comparison.

[Patrick]

" I want a Colt 1911 just because I want one "

That kinda says it all to me.. The man wants a Colt,, I don't blame him,, its the first, foremost and still the best.. I wouldn't consider trying to change his mind.. That gun will be passed down thru generations of his family..

When it comes to semi-autos I like Colt and Walther.. My good friend and cousin is a die-hard Glock guy,, maybe its a generational thing.. He'll never convince me to get one of those things and I'll never convince him to get a real gun.. 

[9Ball]

I have a lot of LFO's in the family and I am familiar with their 9 mm and .40's. I like the Sig's,. Not really looking for a "Carry" piece, in NYS orange County Full Carry is a hard sell. I want a Colt 1911 just because I want one. I was just wondering about what to expect and some info on where the price ranges run. New is not neccesary.

Take a look through gunbroker or gunsamerica websites for prices...this will give you an idea of what they are selling for.

Good luck...