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Thread: best 1911 for deployment

  1. #1
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    best 1911 for deployment

    Myself and a few friends were looking to get a 1911 for a friend being deployed to an unspecified Middle Eastern country. We were looking at the Nighthawk Enforcer (with recon fame for the light rail), or GRP Recon. We aren’t set on the Nighthawk brand and I would love to get recommendations.

  2. #2
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    1. If you're serious about a high-performing 1911, set a budget between $1,500 and $2,500.

    2. Go look at as many different guns as you can in that price range; especially those from Ed Brown, Springfield Armory and Wilson Combat.

    3. Recognize that, because they are rather expensive, most 1911 owners will have a favorite manufacturer, which will normally correspond to whatever model they bought/own.

    4. (See #3 above.) This means that most owners won't really be qualified to offer insights -- beyond the anecdotal -- into brands other than the one they chose, simply because of limited experience and exposure.

    What follows is merely my opinion:

    5. It is extremely difficult to beat Wilson Combat in a $2k class gun, both because of the pistol you'll get for the money, and the legendary support you will continue to enjoy after the sale.

    6. The basic CQB from Wilson's shoots better than a 95th-percentile shooter pretty much any day of the week, and good deals on used ones can often be found with a bit of patience. This model gets my vote for price : performance ratio; especially in a lightly-used example. It has everything that you need, and nothing that you don't.

    Disclaimer: I am a moderator on the Wilson Combat board at 1911Forum; however, there is a reason for this -- and I didn't accept the role until I had several years of WC ownership (various models) under my belt. Wilson's is the benchmark gun in this class.

    AC

  3. #3
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    Is this 1911 a gift for when he returns or to actually accompany him on his deployment? There are some very restrictive rules on personally owned firearms while deployed, meaning he probably won't be able to take it with him. Either way, you guys are awesome friends.

    Is this his first 1911? It might be a better option to buy a production 1911 from a reputable manufacturer, like Colt, rather than buying a semi-custom gun.

  4. #4
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    We've got to presume that this will be a "welcome home" gift, as there is a total prohibition on US military taking privately-owned firearms into a theater of operations, and similar restrictions in place on many private security contractors. It's also difficult to offer more specific recommendations when we don't know what the would-be owner's experience level might be (with handguns in general, and the 1911 in particular).

    If this is first and foremost a fighting gun for a seasoned professional, then I have already weighed in on a suitable selection. If this is to be a commemorative/friendship offering for someone who just happens to like guns, then T is right: a box stock Colt would more than meet the need, and could always serve as a great base gun for a custom project later.

    AC

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Army Chief View Post
    1. If you're serious about a high-performing 1911, set a budget between $1,500 and $2,500.

    2. Go look at as many different guns as you can in that price range; especially those from Ed Brown, Springfield Armory and Wilson Combat.

    3. Recognize that, because they are rather expensive, most 1911 owners will have a favorite manufacturer, which will normally correspond to whatever model they bought/own.

    4. (See #3 above.) This means that most owners won't really be qualified to offer insights -- beyond the anecdotal -- into brands other than the one they chose, simply because of limited experience and exposure.

    What follows is merely my opinion:

    5. It is extremely difficult to beat Wilson Combat in a $2k class gun, both because of the pistol you'll get for the money, and the legendary support you will continue to enjoy after the sale.

    6. The basic CQB from Wilson's shoots better than a 95th-percentile shooter pretty much any day of the week, and good deals on used ones can often be found with a bit of patience. This model gets my vote for price : performance ratio; especially in a lightly-used example. It has everything that you need, and nothing that you don't.


    Disclaimer: I am a moderator on the Wilson Combat board at 1911Forum; however, there is a reason for this -- and I didn't accept the role until I had several years of WC ownership (various models) under my belt. Wilson's is the benchmark gun in this class.

    AC

    This, completely.

  6. #6
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    AC's advice is spot on.

  7. #7
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    Amp's advice regarding AC's advice is spot on.

  8. #8
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    AC is 100% correct.

    There's a reason Wilson is where they are at with their proven products. I am not a Wilson owner but one day would really like to own a CQB.
    <------Be not affraid!

    "We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid." -Benjamin Franklin

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ned Christiansen View Post
    Amp's advice regarding AC's advice is spot on.
    This Christiansen guy, on the other hand, I dunno what he knows about 1911s..



    Budgeting and planning for 1911 purchase, imo, is incomplete without budgeting and planning for a purchase of appropriate quantity of quality magazines. Everyone has their own magic combos; I now use only Tripp mags or CMC bodies with Tripp upgraded (preferred option).

  10. #10
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    As others stated, AC's advice is spot on.

    Buying a Wilson CQB 5" with or without a railed dustcover is hitting the "Easy" button.

    There are also other very good choices, Nighthawk, Ed Brown, 10-8.

    Bare in mind that 1911's are more maintenence intensive than more modern designs, so I would HIGHLY recommend getting one that you don't absolutely need to carry a bushing wrench around with you to strip the pistol for cleaning, especially if your buddy is deployed to a sandy environment.
    Employee of colonialshooting.com

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