1911 Recommendations?

[Chewie]

There is a blued version of this pistol at INGC.

Badger Creek has multiple Standards in stock from 1295 (blued) to 1595 for the colored case 1911's. I picked up a HPX a few months ago and absolutely love it. Accurate, smooth shooting and reliable.

 

[armalitesheepdog]

I'm almost embarrassed to say I have never fired the Standard 1911 I have. Its just the plain blued version but its just too purdy. I'm going to though. I'm just working up to it.....lol

 

[Firehawk]

I know this thread will probably just make me dizzy, but I’m going to put it out there anyway.

I’m not a 1911 guy, don’t own a single one. So of course, after shooting probably 30 different guns over the past few years between my dad’s and mine, my son says that his favorite gun is a 1911 chambered in .45 ACP.

I would like to buy him one as a college graduation gift, but am looking to stay in the $1000-1500 range. What’s the best bang for the buck in that range? Looking to INGO for some help!

There’s a lot of really good suggestions here. But there are so many options for the 1911 it seems almost endless. I’d talk to him a bit more about what specifically he liked about the 1911s he’s shot. Grips, sights, front strap checkering or smooth, slide serrations, light rail, color and finish? The options can make a big difference on how someone feels about a gun. Of course a lot of that can be changed on whatever you get but it’d be a lot easier to start with something close to what he knows he likes. But also any quality 1911 passed down from Dad will be treasured.

 

[wcd]

Badger Creek has multiple Standards in stock from 1295 (blued) to 1595 for the colored case 1911's. I picked up a HPX a few months ago and absolutely love it. Accurate, smooth shooting and reliable.
View attachment 292630

HPX?

 

[bcannon]

If your price is set in stone, I would go with a Standard Manufacturing, DW, or a Springfield offering (my personal preference in that order). I personally would stay away from a Colt, unless its a early offering, as their quality definitely is not what it once was. Make sure, what ever you choose, it has a checkered front strap, for better grip, and doesn't have a external extractor, to stay true to JMBs design.

It sounds like your son is a good kid and hasn't caused you any issues, especially with not squandering your investment in him with his college education. That in itself warrants a great graduation gift, in my opinion, like a Les Baer, Wilson Combat, Ed Brown, or a AllenM custom. Your son has completed a great feat and will only do this once so don't cheap out on him now. Give him a true heirloom piece.

 

[Chewie]

HPX?

Yes sir! One of their offerings, just as pictured.

 

[wcd]

Yes sir! One of their offerings, just as pictured.

Acronym for anything?

 

[indyblue]

Also might take a look at Indiana Gun Club https://indianagunclub.org/

As I understand they are a great place to check out 1911's.

That's where I picked up my SA TRP. Satisfied customer.

 

[profjeremy]

Genuinely appreciate all of the great feedback, it’s given me a lot to think about and I knew that INGO would come through with plenty of ideas for me! I purposely asked this question well in advance of my son’s graduation date because I figured that I would get a lot of ideas to consider and would probably need to save more money than I intended! Very thankful for this community and the collective knowledge that I can draw upon… you guys are great!

 

[Chewie]

Acronym for anything?

High Performance Xtreme (if I remember corectly).
An example, 7 rounds 15 yds, just my 2 hands. The 2 on the lower left were all on me. Happy camper here, excellent fit, finish, and trigger.

 

[Chewie]

I'm almost embarrassed to say I have never fired the Standard 1911 I have. Its just the plain blued version but its just too purdy. I'm going to though. I'm just working up to it.....lol

Work faster, you won't regret it at all! I really liked the blued version as well, hard choice but the matt finish won out for me (doesn't show finger prints).

 

[Hopper]

I'm also a fan of Indiana Gun Club. Super good fellas in there and with a focus on long guns/shotties, they have a surprisingly impressive inventory of S&W revolvers and 1911s. They often keep some good stock of DWs, my personal favorites. And they've taken too much of my $$ for it!

 

[wcd]

High Performance Xtreme (if I remember corectly).
An example, 7 rounds 15 yds, just my 2 hands. The 2 on the lower left were all on me. Happy camper here, excellent fit, finish, and trigger.
View attachment 292705

Perhaps 4-5 pound trigger pull? That is one of the things I like about the STI trigger is smooth but not too light for daily use.

 

[Chewie]

Perhaps 4-5 pound trigger pull? That is one of the things I like about the STI trigger is smooth but not too light for daily use.

My finger isn't calibrated and I don't have a pull gage but that sounds about right. Not to light (but definitely not heavy), smooth pull, crisp break, and fairly short reset. Feels better than my kimbers, sa garrison, or my Ria tac ten. Can't compare to any other 1911 mfg's. For a little more $$ it is leaps and bounds above my kimbers (sold my kimber custom to help cover the cost).

 

[Bluedragon]

If you like Springfield Armory I would suggest looking for a TRP. They are very nice 1911's with all the bells, whistles, and with a tight slide to frame fit that makes you think it's "custom." They also have a national match fitted barrel and bushing, but i think all SA's come that way now.

 

[Bassat]

I stopped being a 1911 fan the first time I fired a G21-4; it holds twice the ammo, is half the weight, and is way easier to shoot well. If I had to buy a 1911 today, it would be a Tisas or Rock Island full size, whichever was cheaper. It would be a range/plinking gun.

 

[Bluedragon]

I stopped being a 1911 fan the first time I fired a G21-4; it holds twice the ammo, is half the weight, and is way easier to shoot well. If I had to buy a 1911 today, it would be a Tisas or Rock Island full size, whichever was cheaper. It would be a range/plinking gun.

Tisas just released a new usgi clone that has a real parked finish with the correct magwell and ejection port. They also went to the later war era spur hammer. I especially like that they also have all forged parts now and the new guns also have U.S property stamps for added realism. The placement of the serial number and import mark is goofy now though.

 

[TheGhostRider]

Dan Wesson Valor .45
Above your stated budget but, it is a heirloom quality pistol.
Shoots lights out.
One of my main reasons for choosing this particular pistol… the slide and it’s cuts!
Traditional! No billboard!
The trigger while not conventional in appearance is great.

 

[Bassat]

Dan Wesson Valor .45
Above your stated budget but, it is a heirloom quality pistol.
Shoots lights out.
One of my main reasons for choosing this particular pistol… the slide and it’s cuts!
Traditional! No billboard!
The trigger while not conventional in appearance is great.

View attachment 293413 View attachment 293414

Simply gorgeous! I wish I could afford one.

 

[profjeremy]

Ok, I ended up getting a little more info from my son while I was looking for a 1911 for myself (INGO says I have to carry one on September 1st)... he likes the two tone look of the Springfield Ronin! I saw there’s a Kimber Custom II Two Tone as well, but what other two tone 1911s are some favorites out there?