What is the best non-customized 1911 style .45 caliber handgun in the marketplace today.?

Answer 1

Kimber (obviously) spends a lot on advertising. They make good guns, but I've had to repair a couple of friends brand new KImbers (simple fixes -- deburring the slide). Kimber loses points with me for lack of quality control on these guns. I wonder how many of these Guns-and-ammo readers actually put stock in their reviews. I wonder how many of the respondant own a 45acp much less more than one. I own 5. My favorite is a used AMT -- any semi-auto you buy used you can expect to replace the recoil spring. and the 45acp is cheap to replace parts, and they are easy to find.

AMT made all their 1911a1 45acp's out of stainless steel ( no rust), and their longslide has a 7 inch barrel -- very fun, instead of the 5" standard barrel.

But they are out of business :( new?

Look at Kimber, Springfield, (duh) Colt. Don't overlook any gun in good condition though. Also, a good magazine can improve accuracy.

You can check :
www.Gunbroker.com and www.auctionarms.com
and look for 45 acp. The 45 is made by many different manufacturers
good luck,

Answer 2

Bound's hubby here:

I personally like the product line offered by Springfield Armory. While I have an older Colt, I also have a Trophy Match which is superior to the Colt. Springfield Armory offers many models of 1911, that will fit any wallet size. I am looking at retirement and relocating to a right to carry state and I am looking at one of the Springfield Armory "MIL-SPEC 1911"s. While with the Army I carried a 1911 more than an M-16 or an M-14. I am proficient with it and confident with it. There are other 1911s on the market, Kimbers and Para-Ordinance plus the custom shop guns have good reputations.You can't go wrong with virtually any 1911, or parts kits (Essex Arms). Good luck with your choice.

Answer 3

Kimber would certainly be near the top. Wilson makes a fine product as well.

Springfield Armory and Rock Island Armory offer respectable quality .45s made in Asia for some attractive prices. Some would consider an import heresy, but they ain't bad.

Read the Wikipedia article for some history and interesting info:

Answer 4

It's generally a matter of opinion, but for my money, Kimber makes the best factory 1911's. Springfield Armory comes in close second.

Answer 5

Don't know what this has to do with politics, unless you're planning to buy before Ted Kennedy, Charles Schumer, Dianne Feinstien, Barbara Boxer, and Hillary Clinton outlaw all legal firearms in this country. Take a look at the new Taurus PT1911, and remember that Taurus of Brazil is the firm that offered to arm our airline pilots for FREE after 9/11. A good neighbor, even though we didn't take them up on the offer.

Answer 6

Did you check out the new Taurus PT1911? American Rifleman featured it in the August 2006 issue. It has many of the bells and whissles of a custom job Or a kimber at 1/2 the price. Heinie sights, checkered frame, Beavertail grip safety, beveled mag well, etc. for $600.

Answer 7

if you are looking for a basic, like original style 1911, then i would go with springfield armory's mil-spec and GI .45 line. If you want a more updated one, go with the Springfield Loaded or Kimber Custom.

Answer 8

The Springfield 1911 A-1. It's also my carry weapon

Answer 9

I own a Kimber and love it. I would also be happy with Springfield or Rock River or Colt. I do happen to have a preference for the full sized 5 inch barrel however.

Answer 10

Kimber makes the best 1911. Others make comparisons.

http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/