View Poll Results: Best 1911
Colt
44
17.74%
Nighthawk
8
3.23%
Ed Brown
11
4.44%
Wilson Combat
25
10.08%
Kimber
63
25.40%
Springfield Armory
55
22.18%
Para Ordance
4
1.61%
S&W
4
1.61%
Les Baer
11
4.44%
Other
23
9.27%
Voters: 248. You may not vote on this poll
Best 1911?
JK Newbie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Kansas Ciy, MO
WOW!!! That's a pretty bold statement. 1911's are finicky guns that need lots of TLC to keep functioning. You can't let dirt, lint, etc build up in them like a glock and still expect it to function. Most production 1911's need some fine tuning to make them reliable for self defense. I shoot 20,000 plus rounds through my 1911's, 2011, and Glock's in a year for USPSA practice and matches, SWAT training, and as one of my department's firearm's instructors. I am also a 1911 armorer. I spend a fair amount of time "behind my gun's" shooting on a weekly basis, and tuning officer's 1911's. All 1911's need a break in period. So here is my take on Kimber....They make a fine gun. Some of their lines are better than others. As I stated before, stay away from Kimber's series 80 guns, the schwartz firing pin safety is not reliable. Kimber, as a company, blew up fast. Their product was in high demand, so they needed to increase production. In doing so their quality control took a dump.
So ever been to Front Sight, I'm headed there this spring for a friends 40th Birthday party he's a lifetime member. Lucky Mev
JK Newbie
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: AZ
When I lived in AZ I spent some time at Gunsight and I recently took the advanced sniper/observer course through Countermeasures Tactical Institute. I am hoping to give my 1911 a workout at Thunder Ranch this summer. Clint is a 1911 master.Back on topic....I gave it some more though and out of the three custom builders guns I have shot (Wilson, Nighthawk, and Les Baer), and if I had unlimited funds I would spend it with Les Baer. Smoothest functioning most accurate pistol I have ever shot
Last edited by gonetoshoot; Jan 12, 2009 at 11:38 AM.
JK Freak
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 815
Likes: 1
From: Hampden, MA
The Springfield Armory in Illinois is actually called Springfield, Inc. They are generally known by Springfield Armory as well. The Springfield Armory I was thinking of and talking about was the 200+ year old place that built muskets and rifles such as the 1903 Springfield and M1. Those were built in Mass from the Springfield Armory.
But the gun maker, Springfield Armory, is out of Geneseo, Illinois. Except for the name, there is no connection between the two. S&W is still in Springfield, so you must have ment to say- "buy a S&W."
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: little elm, tx
Strange, Springfield Armory in your backyard? I have a Springfield Champion 1911 and the frame is stamped "Brazil". I customized it myself a few years ago. Fitted a match bushing, full length guide rod, Wilson combat trigger and hammer, Ed Brown beavertail, Wilson extended slide release and safety, flat mainspring housing, polished the ramp, and made my grips from birdseye maple. As long as I use good mags, one of the best guns I've got. Been qualifying with it since 1996.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: little elm, tx
A part is like a bushing, pin or safety catch. The Brazil and Croatia stampings are on the frame of the gun. The frame in not a part, its the heart of the gun. In other words, "Made in Brazil" or "Made in Croatia", Headquarter's USA. Getting more and more common these days. Some Sigs have the slide made in USA and the frame in Germany. It's considered a gun made in Germany. The slide is what is serial numbered. You can buy a slide mail order. You can only buy a frame through a licensed dealer. Don't think this means anything to the original post, just clarifying.
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
From: frisco, tx
thanks for all the input. i'm finishing grad school in Dec. 09 and i've decided that i'm going to reward myself with a nice 1911. i'm seriously looking at Wilson Combat, Ed Brown, and Nighthawk. i'm not sure if i can bring myself to drop $2500-3000 when the time comes eventhough it's still less than 1 semester of tuition 
i'm still considering a Colt or Kimber if someone can convince me that the extra $1000 for a custom pistol isn't worth the money.
i'm still considering a Colt or Kimber if someone can convince me that the extra $1000 for a custom pistol isn't worth the money.