Talk to me about 1911s - which brand/model?

[alf]

The post above is the guns I own, others here are the ones I've had in the past.

Ruger 45 LW Night Watchman

Wilson Combat S/S Protector

Springfield Armory 9mm EMP

Colt 45 LW Commander

Colt 10mm Delta Gold Cup

Colt 45 Custom Combat

Sig 1911-22

 

[gkgeiger]

Not really a 1911 Guru, but I am an enthusiast, and lean towards Ruger.

My 45 ACP plinking pistol is a regular 5" SR1911 that I had the slide cut for a red dot.

I also have another 45 Ruger SR1911 Commander topped with Tru-Glo sights.

My CCW gun is a 9mm Ruger LW Commander with Tru-Glo sights, which also has a 2nd barrel in 38 Super.

My fun gun in 9mm is a 5" Springfield Armory Prodigy.

Who did you use for the slide milling? Thanks in advance.

 

[ShtrRdy]

I'm a recovering 1911 addict and fortunately have been able to not buy one for several years. Since you're a Glock guy you may not want to spend much time with the 1911 because the grip angle is noticeably different. If you still want to satisfy the curiosity I'd suggest something from Springfield Armory. You'll want to decide the cartridge and barrel length. I'd go for a 5" in 9mm.

Here's an example:

1911 Loaded Target 9mm Handgun - Stainless, California Compliant - Springfield Armory

www.springfield-armory.com

 

[alf]

Who did you use for the slide milling? Thanks in advance.

Slide Optics Cuts » Firearm Customization And Manufacturing

We offer several firearm slide optics cuts. Choose between Standard cut, Combat cut, or Race cut. All GunCuts slides have the option to have an optic cut added.

www.guncuts.com

 

[GetReal]

I got two (2) Bul Armory, if that tells you anything ( $18 - 2200 ea). Technically, 1 I found used for $990

Also a Sig P211.

All are "2011" 9mm caliber.

Got a Chet Whistle "2211" in. 22 rimfire coming.

 

[Minshooter]

Don't really have one.

If money is no issue, my rank of the boutique 1911's is:
1. Nighthawk Custom
2. Les Baer Custom (with the 1-1/2" 50 yd option)
3. Novak's 45 Shop (Also #1 if you want a Hi-Power)
3. Wilson Combat
4. Staccato -if you want a double stack
I consider Colt's inferior in every way to the above and many others, but some have to have the Horsie...
That said, I paid $400 out the door (Black Friday Sale) for a new Rock Island (Armscor) 1911A1-FS. Of course, it's not nearly as smoothly refined in fit and finish, but not that bad either, and with just about every added feature that you'd have spent well over a thousand to add a few decades ago. It groups around 2-2-1/2" at 25 yds, close enough for most shooters, while my Les Baer will essentially chew out the same bullet hole.
If spending the big money:
Optic cuts have become almost mandatory in today's custom market, but you might be (like me) Old School, who prefers the clean lines and looks of irons, while admitting that optics are the wave of the future.

 

[358WCF]

There was a Springfield Range Officer in the classified last week at a good price. Maybe it's still there?

 

[JFrank]

You can still get a great pistol that’s worthy of handing down to a family member for a reasonable price.

Colt Gold Cup National Match 1911 45 Auto (ACP) Blued Pistol - 8+1 Rounds

Colt Gold Cup National Match 1911 45 Auto (ACP) Blued Pistol - 8+1 Rounds -The first Colt Gold Cup pistol was introduced in the late 1950s to give competitive shooters a gun to take directly from the dealers showcase to the firing line. Colt Gold Cup pistols have been used to compete in local...

www.sportsmans.com

 

[Thepng]

I’ve heard that even the cheaper import 1911’s are pretty good these days. Makes me wonder if it’s possible to buy a new 1911 that isn’t decent?

I enjoy my Springfield Armory Garrison that I got used for like $600. Nothing fancy/bling about it, but I’ve put about a thousand rounds through it with flawless performance. More accurate than the shooter, and I haven’t found a round that it won’t cycle yet including light semi-wadcutter target loads. I mounted a red dot with an adapter plate, and that has been rock solid so far. Red dot is slightly higher above the barrel compared to a purpose built optics slide, but I haven’t had any issues with it.

 

[Tangent]

I had a Colt Series 70 that never did feed reliably. I just didn't get on with it. Probably sacrilege in this thread but I traded it in for a Glock 23C. This was back in the 90's and I got a lot of stick for my plastic gun, until it started winning. Not one feeding issue.

 

[GetReal]

the original, Colt.

Only Colt I would buy would be a U.S G I original issued service pistol. WW2 or prior. And then mostly for its historical value.

The rest of Colts are "Meh..."

 

[JFrank]

Tough crowd.. lol
I can only say that Colts are the 1911 by which others are judged, they also hold their value quite well.
At the pawn shop we would give more for a colt because we can sell them quicker than most others.

 

[Kings X]

Wanting to "test the water" on a 1911. The high dollar ones are really nice BUT a Taurus 1911 has all the bells and whistles for a whole lot less. I have a Clark 45 and had a couple other custom 22 and 40s.
Had the wants for a 9 so bought another Taraus. I keep being a "nice guy" and selling my buddies my 45 Taurus. Only downside is they don't have adjustable sights.

 

[kerdunk]

If money is no issue, my rank of the boutique 1911's is:
1. Nighthawk Custom
2. Les Baer Custom (with the 1-1/2" 50 yd option)
3. Novak's 45 Shop (Also #1 if you want a Hi-Power)
3. Wilson Combat
4. Staccato -if you want a double stack
I consider Colt's inferior in every way to the above and many others, but some have to have the Horsie...
That said, I paid $400 out the door (Black Friday Sale) for a new Rock Island (Armscor) 1911A1-FS. Of course, it's not nearly as smoothly refined in fit and finish, but not that bad either, and with just about every added feature that you'd have spent well over a thousand to add a few decades ago. It groups around 2-2-1/2" at 25 yds, close enough for most shooters, while my Les Baer will essentially chew out the same bullet hole.
If spending the big money:
Optic cuts have become almost mandatory in today's custom market, but you might be (like me) Old School, who prefers the clean lines and looks of irons, while admitting that optics are the wave of the future.

SOLD Thread 'Les Baer Premier II 1.5” Grp 3.5# Trigger'

Jan 17, 2026

This is a nearly new LB PII. I used the frame for my Nelson conversion, but have never put a round through the original barrel/slide. I only used the frame for a few months (purchased this past summer). So it is all in excellent shape. LB installed a 17# mainspring to accommodate the conversion, so I am including the original that he sent along with the gun.

This is a 1.5” group gun with a 3.5# trigger.

Test target, original documents, 2 magazines and box all included.

$2250 shipped Lower 48 from my FFL to your FFL. Checks and money orders are OK. I will just need 7-10 days for...

• kerdunk
• Replies: 6
• Forum: Guns, Actions, Stocks, & Barrels

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[snert]

Glock guy here too. Had to have a 1911. I bought an odd duck. Oriskany Arms #0089 to be exact. It was a full size 5 inch govnt model. blued nicely, beavertail, decent trigger, G10 Grips. I bought four high quality mags for it (can't recall right now but they were expensive and REALLY nice) and some Rosewood diamond grips. It ran like an ape with a match in hand and gasoline on his butt. I used 230 grain FMJ, HP and 185 HP thru it and it only bobbled once, with the factory poopy mag that came with it. It was decidedly inexpensive and really looked nice, ran well.
In the end I sold it when I was desperate for money when I HAD to move to care for my mother. I let it go with holster, mags, 500 bullets, 1000 brass, four boxes of factory ammo for about $750, back in 2017. Why?
Well, in the end I discovered that carrying it was like having a mother in law stay for a month. Heavy, underperforming for the weight, hard to hide well without it poking me in the ribs, and generally prickly all the time.
For a "duty gun" sized EDC, I went back to my cheap G22. Do I still want a 1911? Yes, but I think I would go with a Commander size with an aluminum frame and build it in 9MM. I can't say anything bad about the Oriskany. Except that the guy who bought it won't sell it back to me...

 

[r bose]

Take a look at Springfield Armory. They have a great selection at reasonable prices.

I bought a Springfield Armory, Range Officer when they first came out and am very pleased with it.

 

[std7mag]

@Sniper338

First thing you'll realize after shooting a 1911 is how nice the trigger is!
It'll make you think twice about going back to the Glock trigger.

I'm shooting/carry a Springfield Armory Champion. 4" barrel.

I load all my own ammo.

So I stick with 185gr bullets pushed around 950fps.
Slow enough to get on target for follow up shots.
Fast enough to ensure good expansion for hollow points.

 

[PhilC]

Not a big afficianado but added a Kimber Custom II 45ACP last year and it is superb.

 

[gkgeiger]

I bought a Springfield Armory, Range Officer when they first came out and am very pleased with it.

I did too, but like a lot of guns I’ve bought it’s gone. I now have a 9mm Ronin Commander.

 

[ISS]

I own two 1911's a 38 Super and a 45 acp. That said, I shoot my Sig P220 more. I bought a NIB Super Match here a couple years back. I just can't bring myself to shoot it, so it just sits here by the computer desk. I should probably sell it.

Rich