So with all of the recommendations that are floating around, what is the best 1911 style pistol for $700 to $1k????

You won't get into the top end custom lines like Ed Brown, Wilson Combat or Les Baer for under $1500. But some models of all the others should be within that range depending on which mods and what kind of condition you want.

I had one of these I'm kind of kicking myself for selling. I stole it for $688 NIB delivered and then traded it even up for my Bushmaster M4 a year later. Gorgeous gun. Photos don't do it justice.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1225422422.jpg

If you look you should be able to find one of these close to the $1K mark. Since Kimber went back to the tried and true internal extractor, I have read great things. Mine was an external extractor slide gun (I have the Ultra CDP II) and I called them when it was FTF'ing every once in a while, which for a carry gun isn't a good thing. Their customer service was excellent, and they replaced the entire slide overnight at no cost.

Here is the Custom CDP II.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1225423829.jpg

Taking my DAD pistol shopping on Saturday.


I'll have my 15 year old teach him about why he should buy a 1911:cool:

Springfield Operator.

+1, I'll never be better than the capabilities of this one (sort of like my 911 :)). Colt Combat Commander (just a solid, well made pistol, no bells & whistles required) purchased in 1980 for $280: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1225452757.jpg

Yup. I'll have to become a much better shot for my Mil-Spec to be the limiting factor. It isn't pretty, but sure does shoot well. The only thing I wish for would be the beavertail grip safety, the stock version tends to chafe my hand after extended shooting. Someday I'll have one added.

Yeah, mine has the stock hammer and small grip safety. It needs a Commander hammer and a good, wide beavertail. I have huge meat hooks for hands. The web between my thumb and trigger finger rides up over the safety and gets snake bit by the hammer all the time. I have had a Commander hammer and beavertail sitting in my junk drawer for almost 20 years, so I guess it might not really bother me all that much...

i like my .40 cal browning high power. while not a 1911 model, it is certainly based on it. i've shot .45 1911's and like them, but i like my .40 better. i've shot the same browning in a 9mm and the browning .45. all very nice pistols.

My hands are small enough that I avoid the bite, but the extra support and better shape of the beavertail would be nice.

I've been bit by an older Colt before, once. Both of my .45's have nice beavertail safties.

Bill