Who makes the best 1911 .45ACP pistol (e.g. Colt, Springfield, Kimber, etc.)?

Question

I'm just wondering who makes the best 1911 pistol for the money? How are the Para-Ordance 1911's? What about the Springfield GI addition of the 1911A1? I've seen both of these priced between $500-600. Are they as good as the 1911's in the $1000 price range (e.g. Kimber, Colt)? I am actually considering a Para Ordance model. I like the parkerized finish over the stainless steal, it looks more military.

Answer 1

For my money, I prefer Colt. Down through the years I have owned at least 6 and have yet to have a problem. I have two right now, a Colt Gold Cup Trophy and a model 1911 series 80 with a full Combat Custom job..

My choice is based on reliability, accuracy and feel a Colt just feels right in my hand. The only other 45 that I would seriously consider would be a Wilson Combat 45, they have a couple of models that I like...

I carry for personal defense. Your reason to own a 45 may differ. Looks may be important to you, but I would think feel should be your greater concern, along with reliability if you intend to carry..

I would suggest, if you have not. Go to a large gun show and handle any handguns you are interested in. See how they feel, check out the sights make sure you like them..

To answer one of your main Q, is a $500-600 pistol as good as a $1,000 one. The answer to that is obvious, no, you pay for what you get.. The exceptions would be a collectable, or a brand new model that is still scarce etc!...

You ask some good questions, continue to do the same and you will not make a mistake "the first time"..

Answer 2

i own the GI .45, its alright. I am looking at the colt XSE right now. Most the reviews on both are pretty good, but you do get what you pay for. Be careful of kimbers, 1. buy the internal extractor models. 2. they depricate quickly. So if you get a kimber plan on keeping it, or losing half your money. Other than that, kimbers are great, they are highly accurate, and i have never seen one jam. I have had quite a few jams on my GI, in the begginning it wouldnt ever jam, after a couple thousand rounds it is starting to a little bit but not bad. If you are wanting accuracy dont go with the GI. The GI was built to be a commemorative/cheap type pistol, and it is not incredably accurate. Kimbers and Colt XSE's come with match grade barrels and tighter tolerances, these improve accuracy greatly.

As far as 1911's go, I would only buy kimber, colt or springfield. Stay away from anything else.

Answer 3

I ve owned Wilson, Colt, Sig, STI, S&W, Les Baer, Kimber, SA, Rem UMC Turnbull, and various other makers in an effort to find what I think is the best 1911 and I believe the Wilson guns, followed closely by my STI Rangemaster, are the best built guns available. I dearly love the fit and finish on my Turnbull Rem UMC 1911 but its a copy of an 1911 built in 1917. The Sig 1911s are well built and shoot very well as does the Kimber but they do not stand out as anything special. I m still looking for the "best" 1911 and its an excuse to purchase, swap, trade and generally enjoy the uniquely American 1911 45 ACP. Its what this old retired guy is doing with his kids inheritance ;). Uh, I also have a couple of Sig 220s and they shoot lights out.

Answer 4

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Kimber makes much nicer 1911's than Colt in the $1000. price range. Kimber's are far better finished, better fitted, and have more and better features. A couple of small examples: Except for a small number of their more expensive 1911's, Colt can't even be bothered to update their terrible, sharp edged, poorly fitted semi-beavertail that pinches and chafes your hand. I had one Colt who's slide stop notch was rapidly wearing to the point of not stopping the slide and locking it back. Some NIB Colt's look like they were assembled by a drunk 4 year old. Colt is behind the times...Are they junk? No, but they're completely average. No better. Kimber includes the features that people want, straight out of the box, no cuts or scrapes to your hands included...I've never seen a Kimber that looked like it was built by that drunk 4 year old.

Answer 5

STI's are great, Springfield Armory 1911-A1gives the most bang for the buck (can be built into a high quality custom a little at a time). Les Bauer and Bill Wilson are great in the custom pistol market. Colt and Kimber have both slackened in the quaility department (crying shame).

Answer 6

I have had Colt, Springfield, Para-Ordnance, Kimber, Sig and HK .45s over the years. As far as the 1911 style guns go, the Springfield is a great value. I had one of their "Loaded" guns with the military finish and loved it. Both the Springfield and Kimber come pretty well loaded with features. If you want to get a Para, the hi-cap ones are nice unless you have a small hand.

Answer 7

They are all good. Even Smith & Wesson now makes a good copy of the 1911.

Of the ones you mention I'd go with the para, not the classic 1911 but a double-action with maximum bullet capacity.

If I wanted a classic 1911, Terry Tussey of Tussey Custom in Nevada, makes the one I would buy. It is a retro-classic 1911 available in several finishes for 2 to 3 thousand. He makes his 1911s look like brand-new versions of the very early 1911s.

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Answer 8

Ive shot several different brands of 1911 pistols and the Kimber is by far my favorite, to me it had the best feel balance and easyest recoil. After shooting it i went out ant bought a Kimber custom II I absolutely love it. the only thing im thinking about doing is putting the tritium night sights on it. but if you want that from the factory get the Kimber custom II TLE.

Answer 9

I own a Rock Island 1911, purchased it two years ago.
paid 450.00, I shoot almost every Sunday about 100 rounds a day
At 25yds. i group close to 2 1/2 "
I only have 25 years of experience so am not the greatest shot, but i do ok
This 1911 is great for what i use it for, feels good in My hands and shoots straight

Answer 10

Best 1911