So, what is the best 1911 handgun?

[JulesMaximus]

I’m looking to purchase one but I want a full-size government model. Something reliable and traditional looking. Leaning toward a Springfield Armory custom model.

Any recommendations?

 

[shortylickens]

Oh shit.......

 

[sdifox]

Ask Madoka

 

[glenn1]

Sig SP2022 or FNX9 is the best M1911.

 

[mdram]

the ruger gets good reviews, and their cs is one of the best in the business if you have issues

note:i am a ruger fanboy

 

[deadlyapp]

This is a very subjective request I'd say. Really there is almost zero difference between the low end models and high end models other than the amount of handwork done to make them fit and finish much better. Even the Springfields have a range from mid all the way up to full blown match grade.

Do you know you like 1911s? What are you planning on using it for? How often will you use it? Will you carry it?

If it's just going to be a paper puncher and not a primary defense gun (home or carry) then getting a lower grade one and working on it over time might be a good option. The biggest issue I've seen with 1911's is mis-feeds or failure to cycle. Mis-feeds can be fixed by a good polish/re-work to the feed ramp and good magazines and failure to cycle you can use better ammo, polish the rails, ejector, etc. Other things are mostly "nice to haves" like polished trigger, lightened hammer, different grips, high end sights, beavertail, etc.

I've had a range of different 1911s and they've all had their quirks, so saving your money and spending it on ammo is my best recommendation.

 

[MrBailey]

<unlurk>

I have an FNX-9. Love it. I got it at the beginning of the year and have put a tad over a 1,000 rounds through it. Not a single failure or misfeed. Trigger feel is on par for both double and single actions.

<re-lurk>

 

[Elganja]

Kimber, I have not been impressed with my SS 1911 (it seemingly always has feed issues in the cold)

 

[NesuD]

If you want the real deal go with the Colt Government model. It doesn't get any more traditional and reliable than that.

 

[gill77]

Government model you say?

http://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/1911-information/

Just informational. Owned one at one time.

Lots of folks love their 1911's. Others get frustrated if they are a little finicky.

My Kimbers serve me well. They have had throat and trigger work.

Good luck.

 

[rchunter]

Mine is just a normal “stock” colt combat commander.

I haven’t really shot it much lately.

 

[clamum]

I'm no 1911 expert (I just have a Springfield Range Officer and I haven't that it for *too* long) but I think you're gonna get a lot of different opinions (which will probably set off arguments lol, though maybe not here) and people will go back-and-forth on just about any particular detail. Ultimately I think any of the "big name" companies will make a fine pistol and it's up to what really strikes your fancy from their offerings.

I didn't really want a Series 80 gun (I dunno, really I think Series 80 is fine now) cause I was worried it might not have a good trigger pull but that came from reading on the Internet and users thinking that you couldn't get a good trigger pull with a Series 80 gun. I actually handled the Remington R1 (Series 80) and pulled the trigger and it was not much different than my Range Officer. I should've gotten the R1 actually cause it had a threaded barrel. DOH!

Anyway, I'd just browse through the models from Springfield, Les Baer, Kimber, SIG, Dan Wesson, etc and see what most appeals to you. Look at each detail and if you want it (i.e. again, I should've paid more attention when I got mine, I do not care for the rear sights at all and they're not an easily swappable kind).

 

[PISTON1246]

I have read bad reviews on the Rock Island Armory 1911s.

I think the Springfield Range Officer is a good value choice for USA made. The Mil-Spec I hear has a less comfortable grip safety after shooting many shots.

 

[BarkingGhostar]

Define best? This is highly subjective.

 

[DigDog]

Do 2011s count?
That would be a 9mm in a 1911 frame.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Do 2011s count?
That would be a 9mm in a 1911 frame.

Nope, no 9mm. Has to be .45 ACP.

I have a series 80 Colt Officers model. I’ve had a number of upgrades done to it over the years and it is a reliable gun but it is a difficult gun to shoot accurately and consistently with that short barrel.

This will be a gun that I use for poking holes in paper targets at the range mostly but I want it to be accurate and reliable. I’ll probably just use Wilson mags with whatever gun I get regardless of manufacture as they’re the best.

 

[DigDog]

Nope, no 9mm. Has to be .45 ACP.

Im asking because people are raving about the STI 2011.

Again, .45 for tradition, or for power?

Afaik the classic 1911s are now more of a platform for estetic work rather than function. Those who want a powerful round tend to go with 10mm, 9mm +p, 357 SIG, or even ... you know. *that* round.

So if you want a 1911 because 1911s are beautiful ... well, there's no giving advice on beauty.

 

[dabuddha]

the ruger gets good reviews, and their cs is one of the best in the business if you have issues

note:i am a ruger fanboy

I absolutely love my SR 1911. All I've done to "modify" it is I replaced the grips with custom wood ones.

 

[kage69]

I'd recommend one of the med-grade models from either Springfield or Kimber. I've heard good things about Paras, but I prefer my 1911s single action.

 

[deadlyapp]

Nope, no 9mm. Has to be .45 ACP.

I have a series 80 Colt Officers model. I’ve had a number of upgrades done to it over the years and it is a reliable gun but it is a difficult gun to shoot accurately and consistently with that short barrel.

This will be a gun that I use for poking holes in paper targets at the range mostly but I want it to be accurate and reliable. I’ll probably just use Wilson mags with whatever gun I get regardless of manufacture as they’re the best.

I'd go with a mid range Springfield then, Kimber, or Wilson if your budget affords it. Or if you want accuracy you can always go with an AMT hardballer longslide if you can find one still I miss mine some days.

 

[PISTON1246]

Im asking because people are raving about the STI 2011.

Again, .45 for tradition, or for power?

Afaik the classic 1911s are now more of a platform for estetic work rather than function. Those who want a powerful round tend to go with 10mm, 9mm +p, 357 SIG, or even ... you know. *that* round.

So if you want a 1911 because 1911s are beautiful ... well, there's no giving advice on beauty.

Define "power".

The muzzle energy and velocity on 9mm,10mm, and .357sig is rated higher in some mathematics.

There is an old report I can no longer find that reports that calibers of hollowpoints that are smaller than .45 and weigh less than 200grs had an increased tendancy to "fail to penetrated deep enough" (especially when hitting bone) to kill someone. There is a cases where someone shot six shots of .357 magnum to the chest and an attacker continued to assault their victim.

9mm has a history of requiring more rounds than .45ACP to bring down enemy combatants. More rounds and potentially no increase in the number of kills per reload.

If I had only one round left in the chamber, I would be more confident in 230gr .45 FMJ, than the rounds you mentioned.

 

[DigDog]

Uh ok.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Im asking because people are raving about the STI 2011.

Again, .45 for tradition, or for power?

Afaik the classic 1911s are now more of a platform for estetic work rather than function. Those who want a powerful round tend to go with 10mm, 9mm +p, 357 SIG, or even ... you know. *that* round.

So if you want a 1911 because 1911s are beautiful ... well, there's no giving advice on beauty.

Good luck finding 10mm ammo. Plus, it’s expensive. I have a couple .44 magnums and a friend of mine recommended I shoot .44 special through it but that round is even more difficult to find and costs more than .44 magnum ammo.

I have a few .45 ACP handguns so I would rather stick to that caliber. One of my .45 ACP guns is a Sig P220 Equinox which I enjoy shooting but I’ve always wanted a full-size government model. Just want to make sure I get one that is reliable and accurate. That is really my only criteria.

 

[PliotronX]

Just inside sensibly priced? Dan Wesson. Mission to mars priced? Wayne Novak Custom Colt.

 

[Jerem]

You're stuck with what's on the roster unless you are exempt or can find what you want private party. Best on roster is a Les Baer.

edit: Honorable mention: Wilson Combat, Knighthawk Custom