Basic, Reliable 1911 Suggestions

[Wraith]

I've been looking for a while now for a plain jane 1911 that is dead reliable which is my main concern. I'll be using this gun mainly for self defense as well as IDPA and IPSC. I could care less about a rail. I was thinking that I could go with a basic Kimber Custom II, replace the sights with either 10-8 or Warren tactical sights and have about the gun I was thinking about. Anyone want to offer some suggestions for guns that might fit the bill? I don't want this to turn into a brand name flame war, just what your experiences have been. I'm hoping to keep the gun under $1000 but sometimes I know that's not possible.

[markm]

Kimber is as good of a roll of the dice as any. I've seen Kimbers give their owners a lot of grief in various pistol classes, but Many Kimber owners have really reliable ones too.

Production 1911s are always a gamble. You might get a great one, or you might get at turd.

[ReaperAZ]

I've had nothing but good luck with Springfield Armory in the past. Owned 2 Loaded models and shot the crap out of them with no issues. Also tried a Smith & Wesson for a bit as well. Sold all my 1911's and am looking to get back into them again. Think I may try the Kimber line next.

[Wraith]

I've had nothing but good luck with Springfield Armory in the past. Owned 2 Loaded models and shot the crap out of them with no issues. Also tried a Smith & Wesson for a bit as well. Sold all my 1911's and am looking to get back into them again. Think I may try the Kimber line next.

I had a couple Kimbers and had very good luck with them. I ended up selling them because I was more into Glocks and I'm coming full circle basically. I've got a Glock 19 and I shoot the crap out of it and love it for concealed carry. I've basically been trying to simplify when it comes to the number of guns I have. For carry and competition a S&W 642, Glock 19 and 1911 should have me covered. For long guns a couple of ARs, two shotguns and a .308 bolt gun have me covered for home defense and hunting. I used to get in the mode of buying every gun I could but now I've definitely stepped back from that and think it's time to master what I have and spend the rest of the money on training and replacement parts should I ever break anything.

[ReaperAZ]

It's really funny you say that. I too was in a phase of buying for the sake of owning them. I "thinned" out my collection to the basics of what I need and use. I'm kicking myself in the arse for getting rid of my 1911's so as you said, full circle, I'm going back to them. I really like my M&P so that's not going anywhere I may ad an M&P 45 soon as well. But I miss the 1911! Never owned or even shot a Kimber but I really like the Desert Warrior so we'll see what Santa brings in a few months.

[condition 1]

You might take a look at the "NRM" colts I have two, comander XSE & 80 series govt. good fit & finnish, they start around $700.00 it would make a good starting platform.

[Wraith]

You might take a look at the "NRM" colts I have two, comander XSE & 80 series govt. good fit & finnish, they start around $700.00 it would make a good starting platform.

I haven't even thought about Colt so I'll certainly take a look and see what I come up with. I should have also mentioned it was the government model I'm looking at. Anyone have anything good to say about Para Ordnance (single or double stack)?

[citadelshooter]

I haven't even thought about Colt so I'll certainly take a look and see what I come up with. I should have also mentioned it was the government model I'm looking at. Anyone have anything good to say about Para Ordnance (single or double stack)?

Wraith, it depends on what you want when buying a 1911. I have own several myself, sold them, rebought, etc, etc. Matter of fact sold a old Norinco Custom gun to purchase a G19 which I then sold and now have another.

All that to say, here is my advise, BUY WHAT YOU WANY FIRST. A Kimber in my opinion is the ticket. Just get a Series 1 or a newer one without the external extractor. Another option is to buy a Mil Spec SA 1911. It has decent hardball type sights and decent parts. Most importantly though, buy all the features you want on the gun first instead of going back and going custom. If you do, get a beater Colt or SA and strip it down and start over.

Concerning Paras. Ok in my experience. They small parts suck however and stay FAR FAR FAR away from the LDA action.


CB

[Paulinski]

I had great luck with STI Trojan.

I changed was Ed Brown MSH (replaced the polymer one), Greider Precision Trigger (I didn't like the look of STI Trigger) and VZ Grips.

Reliable / accurate 1911.

[markm]

I was tempted by the STI trojan as well. But the cast frame was a deal breaker for me.