1911

Nope, a Springfield. They make both 70 and 80 series 1911s, and I'm generally anti-80-series because there's just no need for lawyer-features on any firearm, so I was just making it clear which variety I was suggesting.

Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, a bone stock Springfield will (in almost all cases) be a better and more reliable pistol than a new Colt. Sad but true. And I like Colt pistols...

Both are great base pistols, and (IME) Springfields are the 2nd most common base gun for custom builds (2nd only to Colts, and very few people I know run stock modern Colts these days) - which says a lot I think.

Where on the website does it designate 70 and 80 series? I only see the 8 models listed under 1911 Handguns.
 
Saving $2000 is not like saving $800 or $1000. Not if I want one before my new born or 3 year graduates college. I do appreciate the help and input. I know we're all passionate about our guns and knives. I'd just like the most bang for MY buck

Springfield Loaded / Kimber Custom 2 / Colt series 70

Used Baers and Browns do pop up on gun forums in the $1500 range now and then.
 
I have two 1911s, a Kimber Eclipse Custom II and a Sig GSR. Both are fine shooting pistols, no mods. The Kimber is slimmer and lighter than the GSR. Although, the GSR, with a thicker grip, has better handling, IMHO. I prefer to carry the Kimber with a IWB rig in the small of my back. It rides nice. Both shoot smooth with tight grouping at 30 feet. The Kimber Custom II and the Sig GSR have stainless frames and slides, a plus for carrying in subtropic environment.


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Where on the website does it designate 70 and 80 series? I only see the 8 models listed under 1911 Handguns.

disregard that, I was wrong/mis-remembering.

upon review *none* of the Springfield's have the 80-series features.

don't know what I was thinking some did, but they don't.

after looking around on the website (it had been a while), I'd take a hard look at the any one of the Loaded models, with fixed sights.

I like this one.
 
disregard that, I was wrong/mis-remembering.

upon review *none* of the Springfield's have the 80-series features.

don't know what I was thinking some did, but they don't.

after looking around on the website (it had been a while), I'd take a hard look at the any one of the Loaded models, with fixed sights.

I like this one.

I was looking at that one too. I can't decide between blue or stainless though.
 
I was looking at that one too. I can't decide between blue or stainless though.

I really prefer Stainless, especially for a non-carry pistol. Like Satin/DC INFI, when it gets scratched up (and it will) - just have it re-beadblasted and it's back to looking great. And aside from looks, I like a heavier pistol - they shoot better IMO, less muzzle flip and all.
 
While I really like stainless 1911s, there is not much better than a well used/ loved blued 1911
 
I have several .45s and love them all, but my Springfield "Loaded" is the one that gets the most use. This one is wearin' "Raasco" grips and it's hangin' with two of it's best buddies....:D
 

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I like Colts. A basic Government Model or Commander would be suitable for the purposes you describe. If you decide to go up-market later, they make an excellent starting point for a custom piece.
 
Here's my Para GI Expert 1911 with Busse grips along with my Satin Jack "Embrace the Suck".


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Nope, a Springfield. They make both 70 and 80 series 1911s, and I'm generally anti-80-series because there's just no need for lawyer-features on any firearm, so I was just making it clear which variety I was suggesting.

Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, a bone stock Springfield will (in almost all cases) be a better and more reliable pistol than a new Colt. Sad but true. And I like Colt pistols...

Both are great base pistols, and (IME) Springfields are the 2nd most common base gun for custom builds (2nd only to Colts, and very few people I know run stock modern Colts these days) - which says a lot I think.

Just trivia Downtown, but I lost interest in Springfield years ago. They were all made in Brazil, then they starting "making" them in the US, but a large percentage of the materials going into the guns were still being made in Brazil.....even their top end models had Brazilian parts from what I could find out. I'd almost rather have a Taurus for half the price if it's going to be a Brazilian gun. Every Springfield I have seen on the shelves lately are made in Brazil......

I like Kimbers but I'm not sure where they are getting their parts these days. Smith and Wesson used to make the forgings for Kimber and when Smith decided to come out with their own line of 1911's, Kimber had to look for another source.

It would be awesome if a spreadsheet could be made of where parts actually come from, what parts are forged, cast, MIM, etc., for the masses of 1911's being offered these days. I looked on the Wilson site and it is silent on their parts being forged, but someone said all their parts are forged......

As far as the Series 80 vs. 70 debate, I'm with you on the basis of lawyers (hate the S&W lawyer/liberal/litigation hole) but functionally, I can't tell much difference. It almost boils down to the individual gun. I tested side by side one day a Wilson, a Les Baer, an Ed Brown and a Kimber....the lowest priced Kimber had the best trigger letoff and reset.
 
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i love the 1911 so i even bought the llama mini ones in 22 and 380 there are 2 springfields and one 38 super 70 series

let the good times roll

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and the new grips for the one that i upgraded with some of the goodies trigger beavertail hammer night sights
 
I tested side by side one day a Wilson, a Les Baer, an Ed Brown and a Kimber....the lowest priced Kimber had the best trigger letoff and reset.


funny you say that. My kimber stainless II has one of the finest triggers I have ever felt on a 1911. I have seen lots of bad recent reviews of kimber but mine haas been great. Stainless, external extractor, and a kimber. According to the internet the gun should not function, but my experience has been great.
 
I guess I will throw my .02 worth out there.

My dad has a Springfield "loaded" 1911.
Mom shoots a Kimber Ultra CDP II.
I currently have a Taurus.
I had a Springfield GI model.

The GI model I sold after putting 50 rounds through it. I hated it. I would definately get one with a few options on it (extended beavertail etc) (Hence the Taurus) But with that said, I bought the Taurus used, and the extractor wasnt working properly. (Whether that was due to the previous owner dropping cartridges in the barrel, and not using the mag to feed ammo, or if it was the kimber mag that "popped" the shell up too early, and not letting the extractor pick it up.....) Anyway, I have a Wilson extractor in it now, and it shoots great. About 500 rounds now and no more issues. Some Taurus parts are not interchangeable with "Colt" parts etc.
The Springfield is a good gun, but can be fussy with ammo.
The Kimber is SWEET. It will shoot any ammo, and flawlessly. It also has the best trigger.
When I made my latest purchase, it was down to the Taurus and a used Kimber.
I opted for the Taurus though becasue I wanted something more affordable just to shoot at the range. The Taurus also comes with a TON of options for the money. Is there MIM parts in it, you bet. Any problems? Some will say so. Esp. on the the internet :D
I didnt care for the plastic grips on the Taurus, but those are easily swapped out also.
My life does not currently depend on it, (I hope anyway) and they all go bang when the trigger is pulled. Theres alot of varying opinions, but I thought I would just throw one more out there ;) YMMV
Good luck choosing! Its alot of fun!!!!!

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