I’ve wanted a 1911 for the past 5 years or so. I’ve done some research, but there’s a wealth of choices out there. Many of you are considerably more knowledgeable than I am, so I’d like to hear your thoughts.
This would be a home defense, take it to the range to practice gun. I’m not looking to compete with it. I lean toward the utilitarian options when it comes to firearms.
Chambered in .45 ACP of course.
Most important question: what is your budget?
Do you want a turnkey firearm or will you be doing some light customization with grips, sights, etc?
Is an ambidextrous safety important to you?
I don’t really want to spend more than $1,500.
Light customization is fine. I usually have to modify the grips anyway. Most handgun grips feel too small in my hands.
Since I am left handed yes, an ambidextrous safety is preferable.
I like Kimbers the most so far. Gun with internal slide rails feel better to me.
I forgot you were left handed. It has been too long since we have been in regular communication.
Some Kimber models are very nice, and I don’t think you’d regret purchasing one if you found one that you loved. Have you looked at Dan Wesson 1911s? I have shot some fairly nice custom 1911s and I think the Wessons compare favorably. Their 2020 1911A2 is very nice, though you might need to have an ambi safety added by them to maintain the warranty. Even with the added expense, I expect you would be well under your $1500 limit. They do have some ambi models, but I forget which ones. Look for a Dan Wesson dealer in your area who can get Cosmetic Seconds from them. In general it is difficult to tell why they were rejected, and they tend to be significantly cheaper than the normal version.
I have a Springfield Range Officer that I got a few months before their lobbying scandal. It shoots well but doesn’t quite do it for me. I’m somewhere between adding thin VZ grips to slim it down and selling it with the rest of my .45acp ammo to free up space for a CZ75 variant.
I am not a 1911 expert but man a local store here had some gorgeous bob tailed Dan Wessons that are in that price range.
In the same vein, would anyone care to recommend a basic 1911 that is reliable and affordable? Something that would be good to recommend to new shooters that is reliable enough to use in self defense in a pinch?
Honestly, most of the big brands have good basic 1911s in the $500-$800 price range. Or they did. Not sure what the market is like at the moment. Used might be the way to go.
Below that, probably look at the stuff being imported from Turkey or the Phillipines. Most of it is fine.
Speaking of which, when (if) I get home I am thinking I’ll sell my 1911 and some other stuff I’ve lost interest in. I keep thinking my kids will appreciate ancient milsurp rifles when they are older, but the truth is that they probably aren’t going to care. It’s like my military dress uniform that I held onto for 3 years after getting out.
I don’t know Cassius, do your kids play Fallout? Because that’s big on romanticizing post apocalytic milsurp rifles.
i LOVE my dan wesson valor. they don’t make that model anymore.
My children are too little for video games, sadly.