I currently own a fair amount of firearms, but I am still building my collection. My next purchase will be a 1911. I want something that looks good and shoots good. I will never use it as a carry gun. I would also like it under $1,500.00. It will mainly serve as a range and conversation piece ...You know "Yeah I have a 1911."

Currently I have been looking at Kimber, Colt, Springfield-Armory, and Taurus

What would you recommend? Pics?

 

I'm currently looking at Kimber. They have quality stuff and lots of models to choose from.

 

The two tone is a Pro CDP II with a 4 in barrel and the other is a stainless Ultra Carry II. Love both and the only thing that comes close is a Wilson Combat or Les Baer but get your wallet ready for those !!!

 

Kimber all the way ... I carry a Kimber Tactical series 4in barrel, the most reliable hand gun i own.

 

Les Baer Customs are awesome.

 

just purchased a bottom of the line springfield armory 4" (guns on a student budget what can i say) but i'm completely happy with it. that said, if i had the money i would go for a kimber. at least for a carry gun. otherwise a full size 5" from any of the manufacturers listed should be perfectly capable of the uses you listed, the 3" 1911s have the reputation of jamming, just my understanding.

 

go with the kimber. i just got to shoot my cousin's desert warrior and i loved it. he's had nothing but good things to say about it and he's one seriously picky bastard. i've got several other friends with kimbers and they all love them. i'm not big on short arms, but i'll be getting one eventually and it'll likely be a kimber as well

 

I've owned Colt, Kimber, and Taurus.

I had a Kimber CDP II. Awesome little gun after I returned it to Kimber to fix the extracting issue it was having. Not a hiccup after that. Sold it a couple years ago.

My Colt doesn't really count since it is an unfired 1952 Full Size in the original box and cosmoline.

My Taurus full-size is outstanding. I bought it for $500 and it hasn't jammed once in a couple thousand rounds (I clean it of course). Great value for the money.

An Ed Brown is next on my list, but I need to save up for it. For $1500 I would buy an used Colt Commander and have a competent smith work it over

 

I've got an Ultra Carry II that took a long time to break in, but shoots like a dream now.

In the end, the best gov't model is the one you take to the range on a regular basis. Then again, I look at all firearms as tools and I don't own anything I can't shoot.

My .02 worth only, your mileage may vary.

 

With that budget new the best you'll get is Kimber. I've had/carried a custom CDP II (5" barrel) for 3 years now. I don't have a real pic with me but here is an ultra (3" barrel). If you are using it at the range go for a 5" barrel. Have fun, there is a reason why the 1911 is called "America's gun". I can't say enough good things about Mr. Browning's design.