Let's talk guns-I think I need a 1911 ;)

[bmilla35]

Holy responses! Thanks everybody. I'm going to do my best to as many as possible. Still no word on the FUSIONS? Is no one familiar with them?

While I'd love to get a Nighthawk or Ed Wilson, it seems as though they're just wayyyy too much. I would be willing to go a tad over 2k, but holy cow

I really enjoy the Dan Wesson Valor. Full size or the bob tail both really great guns. Fit and finish is fantastic!

For 2K you can find a very gently used Brown?

I definitely wouldn't mind buying used (albeit gently). I'm a sucker for a good deal

I'm looking hard at the new Springfield Armory Range officer in 9mm.

I'll be sure to look into it. Any particular reasons why?

A 1911 is a must own for everyone in my opinion. I started my 1911 Journey over a decade ago. I went the Kimber road and I own only 2 as of today. If I had to do over again I would go with a Wilson Combat CQB. It is a little higher than your price range but a nice choice for a lifetime weapon. Not to mention if you change your mind the resale value is there.

A lifetime weapon...I like it. That's exactly what I'm looking for.

The first gun I ever bought was a lightweight Commander in .38 Super. That was in 1973. 5 years ago, I used it to shoot 498 out of 500 to qualify for my Texas CHL. Get a 1911.

Lights out shooting there!

Everybody needs a 1911. I have at one point or another owned most of the brands out there. Favorites would have to be Wilson and Les Baer. That being said my Springfield TRP gets the most use. Just love the way she shoots.

Gartb

Thanks for your input, Garth. Are you not familar with Fusion?

I would go Dan Wesson, Colt, or Les Baer

View attachment 424650

I don't think I could go wrong with any of those names.

A 1911 is of course way better choice than a class ring. There are so many brands and models out there it is hard to pick. I like Nighthawks custom line but it is going to be over your budget. There are still plenty of semi custom in your price range. Springfield TRP, Dan Wesson, ED Brown series (usually will run more but some of his guns can be around $2200 for base models at least that I have seen, slightly used) Smith and Wesson Scandium frame and a plethora of Kimbers. Really there are a ton to look at, but I would go ahead and eliminate any under $1000 because you are wanting a more special one and have the budget. An option is to get a 1911 one that you want and have it custom cerakoted, that would make it unique. The Colt Marine USMC 1911 in FDE would be a great option as well and runs anywhere from $1700 and up.

Interesting you're the first person to mention Smith and Wesson. I heard they make some good 1911s. I have a Model 60 Pro (it was my first handgun purchase), and contemplated getting a matching(ish) 1911.

I planned on customizing it by getting a custom engraved nittany lion in the handle or something of the like?

Another vote for a Dan Wesson,

I do like the looks of Dan Wesson's guns, too. I especially like that they're now affiliated with CZ.

Springfield TRP. Its got everything you want and nothing you don't. (1911 on the left) There's a Kimber warrior on the right with the rail.

Both beauties. Thanks for sharing and offering your input.

I agree

I've owned several 1911's but my favorite is my Les Baer Custom Carry. Here it is with close to 2500 rounds through it and a lot of carry and training time. Starting to look good I think.

More beauties, guys!

I have two Colts, one SIG, one Nighthawk, and three Dan Wessons.

SIG makes a good gun.

Nighthawk makes a fantastic gun, but at twice the price of a Dan Wesson.

In the price range you mention, I think that Dan Wesson is unbeatable. I have a Valor, a Heritage, and a CCO. If I ever buy another 1911, it will likely be a DW Razorback 10mm.
Also, in my opinion, the Heritage is every bit as good as the Valor. Unless front strap checkering and thin grips means a lot to you, the Heritage is the much better buy.

I will never spend another cent on a Colt. Some say that they have got their act straightened out. I hope so and wish them well. My experience is with a 1970's and a 1980's era gun and has left me with a distinct, (maybe unfair) bias against Colt.

Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

[ausher]

I think fusion has a sub forum over at 1911forum.com you can read up on them there. I wanted to build a 1911 with their frame and slide one day....

 

[bmilla35]

My idea of a $2,000 1911 is a used Glock and a trio of Battle Mistress'........

Don't get me wrong, they are nice guns (to look at) but what do they really buy you over a $400 Glock, M&P, etc?

Seriously, you can buy a tier one military grade rifle for less than $2,000.......

I know this may come off as crazy to some of you nuts, but I am currently happy with my knife collection and polymer pistol (FNS, not Glock )

I considered getting a nice rifle (other considerations included a wicked edge knife sharpening system, metal detector, big bore level action rifle), but really like the appeal of a 1911 and think it would best accomplish what I want with the purchase: pay tribute to my hard work in college, and offer some fun while i'm at it!!

TRP is the highest dollar one I've owned. It's really nice, but my customized mil spec gets carried and used most. I really want a Baer one day. ATTACH]424679[/ATTACH]

Oh one day...who knows what my safe will be carrying.

for the $$ I would say go Dan Wesson, or if you like to tinker get a Spingfield Range Officer as a great foundation & then customize it exactly the way you want it

Not a bad idea....thanks!

Really like a 1911's trigger but do like the mag capacity. Would like to try one of STI's 1911 style 2011's with double stack mags.

A cop I work with just got a Para 1911 that's double stacked and he loves it.

You can get an Ed Brown for $2,250+-. In that price range that's what I'd do. If you could do 3k then get a Wilson, no doubt.

3K is just too much :/

I used to have several 1911's by Colt, Springfield, and Kimber, and they were all very nice; however, I found myself not carrying them very often (even the aluminum frame lightweights). I ended up selling off the entire collection, and now I stick to my polymers - XD's, M&P's, Glocks, and a couple PF-9's. I know they are not nearly as pretty to look at, but at least they get used and carried every day. But, hey, that's just me - whatever works for you is what you should go with.

I know what you mean. That isn't what this purchase is all about, though. Like I said, my FNS and Model 60 Pro get carried a lot when I'm out and about. This gun is going to be primarily for show.

My hands down favorite every day carry is also a Dan Wesson. The Cbob.


I love my Desert Eagle, it's a great gun for the money. Love my Remington R1 but haven't had a chance to shoot it yet.

Prettttyyyyyy stuff

Hey man you can spend a lot more on a 1911 than you can sell it for. Buy a basic classic for your first one and you'll not lose anything if you decide to change it up. That's why I like Colt.

Resale value is that poor for 1911s? Even for customs or semi-customs?

Although I would love to get a wilson or night hawk, I am starting my 1911 collection
with colt's here are my first .45 series 70's repro; and colt custom .38 super with m.o.p
grips.

Wow is that mop nice!

Love my Sig, great gun for the price.

Good looking Sig. I agree, they do seem like a good option for the price.

+1. Bought my Nighthawk used for $1900 when they were $2300 new. Now the same model sells for $3000 new and probably about $2500 used. I've used it for about 4 years and made $600 (if I sold it).

Consider yourself lucky!

Kimber, S&W, Ruger, SIG are the best of the more expensive 1911's. For closer to $2k I would recommend a Wilson or Baer, or have a custom gun made for you. Springfield has a good reputation but I'm more interested in the other brands I've listed. If I had unlimited funds I would get an Ed Brown, not gonna happen for me though.

Custom would be cool, IF I can do it close to 2k.

I just got a Ruger SR1911 Commander. IMO it is the best out there for what they are selling for right now. I have had a few Colts and Kimbers. The Ruger's features and fit are just as good. I did hear that Ruger may be raising the price on them very soon.

Don't over look the ruger sr1911 it's a great gun and you would have cash left over for extra mags,holster,ammo, and a busse or kin atleast

I'm hearing a lot of good things about the SR1911. It'll definitely be on my list.

View attachment 424705View attachment 424706

Iv'e got a Nighthawk Custom T3 that's ultra reliable and way more accurate than i'll ever be!

If you're selling it for around 2k, let me know!!!!

 

[bmilla35]

I think fusion has a sub forum over at 1911forum.com you can read up on them there. I wanted to build a 1911 with their frame and slide one day....

I think I stumbled upon that, but it seemed pretty weak sauce. Maybe I was missing something or have to create an account to really see stuff. I'll check it out again. Thanks!

 

[Garth Reckner]

I have heard good things about Fusion but I must admit I have never held one. Everything I have heard and read about them has been very positive.

Garth

 

[therealmrjones]

Not custom, but I love it with all my heart. Bet you can't guess where i got the grips!

 

[sitka]

Those Dan Wessons are beautiful, and I have heard good things about Nighthawks. I have a Colt Officers in stainless and a bare bones Springfield customized with trigger job, accuracy bushing, lowered and ported and slide tightened with a bobbed hammer. Had it so long I had to rebarrel it. Shoots 185 gr hollow points like a dream. Won my share of steel matches with it.
Trust your gut, your'e gonna love one.

 

[u812]

Not custom, but I love it with all my heart. Bet you can't guess where i got the grips!

I am really wanting a set of black and tan for mine. Called the shop to see if they had a set laying around but never heard back.

 

[Sethrotull]

I love my Kimbers. I think for the price they can't be beat, of course I bought mine years ago when they first came out. Got my Kimber Custom for under $500. I have heard the new ones have some quality issues. If I had some money to spend there have been some great options stated. Find yourself an older used Kimber!



And I love my new Del Fatti!

 

[The Shadow]

BM .... you might want to consider a Colt 1911 XSE Gov't Model .45 acp similar to the one I have in attached photo. This pistol was produced a few years ago after Colt replaced all their old CNC machines with new ones, consequently the fit n' finish and closer tolerances make it a real bargain at around $1k. Now you have another $1k you can put into hand engraving the frame & slide giving you a beautiful, yet functional full size 1911. I also attached a sample of a hand engraved Colt 1911 for you to contemplate.

the Shadow

 

[Morgo]

Les Baer Monolith Heavyweight in .38 Super

Sti also make some great user 1911's.

IMO though 1911's are plentiful, why not look at something not seen as often like an original ex Swiss military Sig P210

 

[Bullcarver]

Dan Wesson Les Baer WILSON Ed Brown

Any one of the above and you'll be a Happy Hog.

 

[shunsui]

I think we have a winner here.

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[fishface5]

I do have a friend who has several 1911s and he put together a Fusion from one of their kits and says it is amazingly acurte and reliable. Very cost-effective if you like to tinker a bit yourself. Regarding resale, the less you shoot a high-end gun the more it retains its value, so if you want to shoot it a lot that may make a difference for you. Are there any good ranges where you can rent several 1911s to get a feel for the differences? My 1911 is a butt-ugly Springfield GI model which I have totally customized myself over 15 years, and which I shoot better than any Kimber/SIG/Nighthawk I have been able to try except for an old Kimber Gold Match rental at a range which was like a freaking laser.

 

[BePrepared]

Okay, considering all the GORGEOUS 1911s in this thread, I'm going to be somewhat unpopular with this post.

I personally gave up ALL my 1911s when i finished modding my glock 22.

Once I put in the upgraded, all steel trigger, with over travel and pre travel adjustments, and got the trigger pull down to 3.5#, it shot just as smoothly as my Kimbers, but the recoil was lower, the followup shots were faster and the capacity is a major improvement.

All that said, if you're in love with 1911s, I personally love Sig and Dan Wesson weapons

 

[Lycosa]

I love the Glock pistol also but grab a stock Colt Government 1911 or Combat Commander.

 

[Warbow150]

Wilson Combat CQB, if we're talking the $2-$2.5k range. I've had one for about 14 years. (Paid around $1,400.00 for it new back then. Gun prices, go figure.) Best pistol I've ever owned, and I've owned quite a few. The Armor Tuff finally needed to be replaced so I sent it to Robar for their NP3+ a couple years ago. The NP3+ is a great finish as well, in my opinion.

 

[Father & Son Traditional Sharpening]

This gun is going to be primarily for show.

Mmm, I love me some BBQ guns......

 

[1whobuys]

I've owned them all, I never leave the house without my Ed Brown Cobra..this one is full sized with the Ed Brown Bob Tail…1 of 2 ever made that I know of.
The Brown is many years old and he's been out with me every time I leave the house, never been cleaned up, she just wears nice.

I had a Wilson Super Grade and I traded it off…It felt "Stiff" compared to the Browns, I missed it so I ordered this one to replace it.
Just got it, the fit and finish is great..hope it shoots as well to…always wanted a 6" gun

I also ordered a 5" Stainless SuperGrade with the extreme melt down…I'll carry it too in another year or so when it's made

That being said, for $2000 I would go on Gun Broker and start going to the Gun Shows and get an Ed Brown..this one is dirty and never misses a target. (most of which are moving in a fence row)
It is my go to gun.
I like Stainless but the two-tone Cobra Carry is super sexy up close.
I see two-tones go in the $1700 range

I also noticed that you seem to like the guns with a "Bob Tail" That BTW, is called an "Ed Brown Bob Tail" Get an original and forgo the Kimber, Springfeild, what ever crap…

Pay and cry once and never look back.
My 2nd choice would be a newer Wilson, the new Wilsons are as good as the older Wilson SuperGrades

 

[1whobuys]

why not look at something not seen as often like an original ex Swiss military Sig P210

Because used Sig P210's sell for $3500 bucks…Super Sweet Gun tho