Best 1911 variant?

TGTIW · 10-29-2008, 10:05 AM

I went shooting last week and after going through all my ammunition, I decided to rent a something. They wouldn't let me have the MP5, apparently you have to have a certain number of visits before they let you have anything automatic, so I ended up with a Kimber Gold Match. I've never shot a 1911 before, and to be honest, I always thought of them as "old man" guns. I suppose I'm a bit of a techno snob.
All I can say is wow. It really surprised me with how easy it was to shoot, and how accurate it was. It really put the shooting I was doing with my HK to shame.

So, generally what's considered the best 1911 version?

tabs · 10-29-2008, 10:58 AM

There are a lot of semi-custom 1911 makers. Brown, Wilson and Les Baer all readily come to mind. Puts your money down and pick the one you like the best and spend up to about 4K. These guys approximate the old time Colt and S&W stuff.

Springfield Armory does make some really nice tricked out 1911s in the $1500 range. Can we say Brazil as that is where the parts are made.

Other than that ya gota go to "back in the day" type stuff. When men were men and the quality SHOWED.

The Colt National Match Gold Cups...were the last of the best of Colt. Out of the box they would shoot. These guns were made in the 1960's. One NIB would be about $1600 today.

It was during the mid 70's that American gun making took a steep decline in quality, due to increased wages (Unions) and aging equipment. While some like S&W and Winchester recovered eventually , Colt relied on its military business and other than its flagship products didn't really recover.

Also one can look at the Military National Match pistols that were assembled for the Military Match teams....in the 1960's..they were essentially rebuilt WW2 1911s that are rock solid and can shoot. one today $2200 to $2700 as New.

Now if ya want the cream Del la cream of Colt 1911's then there is NOTHING like a PRE WW2 Colt 1911 National Match...they were finished and fitted the old fashioned way....with hand work. Can you say $8000.00

I will try and refrain from pushing you down the stairs with your "TECHNO SNOB" status. However there are MANY PEOPLE who consider the 1900 to 1915 period of gun making as to turning out the BEST QUALITY EVER. Guns were finished by hand and they were done right or it didn't leave the factory. It was said at S&W that if an employees work did not pass quality control, he had to stay on his OWN time and make it right. The fit and finish on the old stuff is 2nd to NONE.

After WW1 quality declined just a bit, but was still there. After WW2 quality again declined a bit but held until around 1970. They were always cutting costs and it showed.

A perfect example of the decline in quality is the Winchester mdl 1894. Before WW2 the sides of the Lever were polished eliminating the milling marks after WW2 they stopped polishing the sides and the milling marks could be seen. That is the almost unobservable type of decline in quality that went on.

So the latest and greatest ain't always the best.

id10t · 10-29-2008, 11:11 AM

We've got a Wilson customized Colt in the shop at the moment. Personally, I'm really happy with my $350 Rock Island. I'll spend the price difference (figure 2-3k for a fully tricked and customed colt) on mags and ammo... Maybe I'll splurge and buy a second RIA as a spare, in case all those rumors of sub-quality parts, etc. come true. But then, I know of one guy who has over 12k rounds through one RIA, so I'm not too worried about that...

911boost · 911boost's Garage

Wilson's are nice.

Tabs has some good points.

I have never had a problem with my Custom Shop Kimber....

futuresoptions · 10-29-2008, 11:22 AM

There is a alot of reasons this gun remains so popular...

I have a custom Caspian in 10mm... and its little brother is a Browning Hi power in .40 S&W...

onewhippedpuppy · 10-29-2008, 01:03 PM

I shot all the high-tech guns prior to my first purchase, along with a Springfield 1911. There was no comparison. My relatively cheap Springfield Mil-Spec 1911 isn't anything fancy, but it's more accurate than I am. They are quite simply a wonderful gun to shoot.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I stole my Springfield Mil-Spec for $275 delivered minus the barrel. It's now a semi-race gun and I have maybe $600 total into it now, which includes full refinishing in Robar's NP3.

Milu · 10-29-2008, 02:11 PM

The problem I have with the older guns is that I like shooters, not rare collectables to appreciate on display. I'm a little dubious about old time metallurgy so I prefer something a little more modern. However, I must agree with Tabs about old time quality even if I'd be nervous about shooting most of the old pieces.

My own choice of 45 is the Detonics scoremaster.

targa911S · 10-29-2008, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BSiple

Wilson's are nice.

Tabs has some good points.

I have never had a problem with my Custom Shop Kimber....

Oh Yeah, Tabs knows his Colts.

targa911S · 10-29-2008, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milu

The problem I have with the older guns is that I like shooters, not rare collectables to appreciate on display. I'm a little dubious about old time metallurgy so I prefer something a little more modern. However, I must agree with Tabs about old time quality even if I'd be nervous about shooting most of the old pieces.

My own choice of 45 is the Detonics scoremaster.

I have no reservations about shooting any of my old colt autos, none at all. My carry is a 1908 .380 that was made in 27. Goes bang every time. I DO have them inspected though for sure.

Seahawk · 10-29-2008, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milu

My own choice of 45 is the Detonics scoremaster.

This site slays me...I always feel I'm about a tick behind. I've never heard of a Detronics. Is this it?:

Anything more to share with the unwashed.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Sig makes a beautiful 1911 clone. I've never shot it (yet), but I'll try to get my hands on one soon!

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by azasadny

Sig makes a beautiful 1911 clone. I've never shot it (yet), but I'll try to get my hands on one soon!

I've heard these have Caspian frames. The GSR Revolution ain't cheap. SIG's classic line is what they're good at and probably all I'll buy from them.

Milu · 10-29-2008, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seahawk

This site slays me...I always feel I'm about a tick behind. I've never heard of a Detronics. Is this it?:

Anything more to share with the unwashed.

Yes, mine is identical. They were famous for their compact 45s as well as the 451 D mag round. They went out of business a few years ago, but I'm sure I've read that they were going back into production.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Isn't it called Dectonics, or is that another gun maker?

Eric Coffey · 10-29-2008, 04:42 PM

Nighthawk Customs seem to be gaining popularity. They are an offshoot of former Wilson guys. Not cheap, but the quality/workmanship is top notch, and they don't skimp on parts (Caspian frames & slides, etc.). Haven't shot one yet, but have held/inspected/drooled over a few different variants at Scottsdale Gun Club (their largest dealer), and am now jonesing for one!

911boost · 911boost's Garage

I also have a Para Ordinance Nite Tac double stack 45. Besides being easy to shoot cause it ways a ton, if you really need to stop something, 15 rounds of 45 should do it. I really need to post a pic, as it a USAF Pararescue Special Edition, comemorating a tour one fo the Units did here recently in the Middle East...(I have a budy based out of AK that is a member of the unit).

Bill

tabs · 02:25 AM

DETONICS...of Seattle went outa biz in the late 80's were resureccted by a TEXAS firm, were sold and resold again... Today the co is located in Ill.

gunlover05 · 10-30-2008, 05:04 PM

consider Dan Wesson....many people rave about them. Very tight, accurate, no/few mim (metal injection molded) parts, and great customer service...get the Valor model, if you can find one... spend some time here:

http://forums.1911forum.com/

Jeff Higgins · 10-30-2008, 05:18 PM

A couple of shooting buddies worked at the old Detonics outfit in Factoria. I think it's the dog pound now. Too bad really; these guys showed up with some nice guns every now and then.

My mil-spec Springfield, purchased in the '80's for a whopping $350 brand new, shoots with any $4k custom job I have ever seen. It's every bit as accurate and every bit as reliable. What it most certainly is not, however, is as ergonomically or aesthetically pleasing. It ain't nearly as pretty, and it has sharp edges that will bite you. Other than that, it is functionally equivalent in every way.

There is no doubt that there are some very nice 1911's out there. Worth the money? It depends on what you are after. If you want a show piece to be proud of, with "ooh and ahhh" appeal galore, by all means spend the big bucks. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, and you will likely wind up with an heirloom to pass down through the family. Just don't ever kid yourself into thinking it will shoot any better or defend your life any better than a basic, run of the mill, mil spec gun from a reputable manufacturer.