Colt 1911 gurus...what's a good clone?

[Danny_Ocean]

I've been looking at vintage Colt 1911's, but I ain't gonna pay the price they're asking. Anyone have opinions as to which clones are decent quality? I've ruled out Llama, but what about Kimber, Dan Wesson, Para-Ordnance? They all look similar in quality to the un-trained eye, but each manufacturer claims theirs is better. Whatever brand I purchase, I will keep it for a long time, so I would like the best. This will be a hip gun.

On a side note...anyone have one of these? I'd also like a concealed weapon...this looks nice!

[scottmandue]

Turners the the Kimber 45 on sale right now.

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

Turners the the Kimber 45 on sale right now.

Shorthand for.... Is "Turners" a retailer? Internet?

Edit: Found it. Thanks.

[scottmandue]

Sorry, you sig says southwest so I presumed you had heard of them, they are a chain of sporting goods stores that sells mostly guns and fishing stuff, AFAIK they are only in California.

http://www.turners.com/

[stomachmonkey]

http://www.turners.com/shop/gundetail.php?id=2648

[many944s]

If you are looking for "budget" frames as starters to modify, I would recommend the Charles Daly or Rock Island Armory 1911s.

Both are great frames for modification.

Hope it helps!
Nick

[scottmandue]

Back at you!

[Danny_Ocean]

Not looking for budget. Looking for high(er) quality. I'm probably not going to do any heavy mods. Maybe a custom trigger and hammer...grips. Someone at a gun shop mentioned parts (all?) of the Rock Island guns are manuf. in the Phillipines? Not sure about Charles Daly, though.

Originally Posted by many944s

If you are looking for "budget" frames as starters to modify, I would recommend the Charles Daly or Rock Island Armory 1911s.

Both are great frames for modification.

Hope it helps!
Nick

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by Danny_Ocean

Not looking for budget. Looking for high(er) quality. I'm probably not going to do any heavy mods. Maybe a custom trigger and hammer...grips. Someone at a gun shop mentioned parts (all?) of the Rock Island guns are manuf. in the Phillipines? Not sure about Charles Daly, though.

Kimber makes one of the best quality mass-produced 1911's out there. For slightly more "custom" variants, I'd look at Ed Brown, Wilson, Nighthawk, STI, SVI/Infinity, & our own Dane Burns. Just keep in mind the cost of "high quality" rises sharply in the 1911 world.

[tabs]

Take a look at Ed Brown 1911s...that what I want...a Custom Classic.

http://www.edbrown.com/

Took my Colt National Match out today and shot it, what a dream. That gun is so tight...

[jt1]

Para Ordnance Limiteds are nice pieces. I've been very satisfied with mine. You need to check out which grip size suits you best, PA's are double stack mags and the grip is pretty wide. The Kimbers are nice, and single stacks are thinner and carry a little easier.

John

[Shuie]

This one is hardly stock, but I'd rather have the pony on the slide every time

[Seahawk]

I'm still waiting for my Dad to part with his vintage Colt Commander, which he bought before going to Korea, and later Vietnam. We wear each other out who needs it more

Non-vintage, and a shooter, hard to go wrong with any of the good manufacturers. I have a Kimber and it has been excellent.

jt1 is on the button concerning grip size.

Go rent a variety at a range and shoot until you're happy.

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by Shuie

This one is hardly stock, but I'd rather have the pony on the slide every time

Very nice piece.

Your statement, however, is the root of my internal debate. When I look at other brands, they all claim "improvements" of this or that over the Colt... yet Colt is right up there in price. Not trying to start a Colt vs. Clones war, but what's the real deal? I'm smart enough to not believe every advertisement I read.

[BGCarrera32]

http://www.springfield-armory.com

[rouxroux]

+1 on Kimber
...........or.............

www.clarkcustomguns.com

will build any flavor you want up to full-race.
I live less than 5 miles from their shop. Like having the RUF shop in your neighborhood.

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by BGCarrera32

http://www.springfield-armory.com

They are on my "not totally U.S. made" list:

The company imports the Croatian XD pistol series, and manufactures M1911 clones (largely built with Brazilian components, including frames), M1 Garands, and the M14-based M1A Rifle series.

[Shuie]

Originally Posted by Danny_Ocean

Very nice piece.

Your statement, however, is the root of my internal debate. When I look at other brands, they all claim "improvements" of this or that over the Colt... yet Colt is right up there in price. Not trying to start a Colt vs. Clones war, but what's the real deal? I'm smart enough to not believe every advertisement I read.

Don't worry, Im not interested in a Colt vs. clones thread either, that's not my intent. I've been where your at. The best advice I can give is as follows: Go for the Pony.

Seriously, unless CA law prevents you from doing so, buy a recent 70 series reissue. If you cant do that, buy a used worked over full house job from a known smith and enjoy.

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by Shuie

Don't worry, Im not interested in a Colt vs. clones thread either, that's not my intent. I've been where your at. The best advice I can give is as follows: Go for the Pony.

Seriously, unless CA law prevents you from doing so, buy a recent 70 series reissue. If you cant do that, buy a used worked over full house job from a known smith and enjoy.

OK. I'll give 'em a closer look. I live between FL & NM, so no gun restrictions.

[id10t]

I love my Rock Island 2500 rounds, 4 jams all in the first 100 rounds. Only thing I'd change would be to spend the extra and get the "tactical" model - but mostly for the sites. Otherwise, my GI is fine. Or the shop I help with computer stuff has a Ballester Molina in at the moment... just like a 1911, but no grip safety.