I have a tough decision to make regarding buying a new gun.

[Guest NashvegasMatt]

Ok guys. Here's the situation, I have around $1000-$1200 to spend on a new gun. I have been looking mainly in the Kimber, Springfield, and less expensive dan wesson's (rare). Here's my problem. I know that I want the barrel no longer than commander length, so 3", 4", and 4.25" are fine. Other than that, I am lost. Never having had owned this expensive of a gun, I don't know where to go from here. It's not like I can borrow them for a day either. My first pick is the Springfield Loaded Champion, which feels good in my hand, and is light weight. (33oz). The Kimber I was looking at was the ultra carry. I also liked the weight and feel. Am I missing something out there that I should be considering? any pointers or tips when making over a 1k purchase? Thanks in advance

[tercel89]

I'd go with springfield armory . I have had great luck with my plain jane mill-spec . And you'll still have money left over

[hkusp40cal]

If you don't mind alloy the Kimber CDP Pro is a nice pistol. Commander length barrel with full sized grip. Had one for a good while and sometimes wish I had kept it.

[Will Carry]

Whatever you do, do it quick. Before your car breaks down, or you washer or dryer bites the dust. Handgun money has been a life saver for me over the years. I'm still saving for that $1000 gun. A Smith and Wessom model 27 6".

[Guest NashvegasMatt]

Part of the problem is actually finding what I want to buy. I have held the two I'm interested in but haven't seen many others for sale. I went to the franklin shop,and quite a collection they have, but couldn't swallow the prices or lack of customer service. I, like everyone else, like a great selection. The shops around here have a good selection of polymer but as far as metal....it's been hit and miss in my travels. I wish I knew of somewhere that had a huge selection of 1911's in town. I love the outpost as much as the next guy, but to drive all the way out there which is almost 2 hrs for me, and possibly come up empty handed would get expensive in gas. I'd drive to G&L in green briar, I've heard they sometimes have a gem or two. Guess I maybe should post a WTB on the forum here.

[Motasyco]

Dan Wesson. You'll have no regrets.

[Guest NashvegasMatt]

Dan Wesson. You'll have no regrets.

which one? where can i buy one? and how much? This is really what I'm shooting for here... I need opinions, and with those opinions I need why people feel that way.

[gregintenn]

C_O_L_T.

[bubbadavis]

G&L in Greenbriar has a fair amount of metal guns. I've gotten a couple of 1911s from them over the years. One was a SA loaded (stainless) 4.25" 1911. If you know exactly what you want, call ahead and they'll let you know if they have it in stock.

Edited June 26, 2011 by bubbadavis
Bubba can't type

[graycrait]

I have only had 10 1911s and the one I have now is for recreation only. I have shot and have access to many 1911s, the same as many forum members do. I would pass on Kimber and SA Champions in 4". I would never go less than 4.25" and tend to think 5" is the way to go in 1911s, having had a couple of 4" 1911s and shot some "balky" less than 4" 1911s. JMB designed the 1911 as a 5" gun and time has held that if everything is sprung right a 4.25" works pretty well, but a well made 5" 1911 is generally pretty reliable. In your price range I would hold for a Colt. SA's are essentially Brazilian made guns, which is not a bad thing but it is a "thing." A serious 1911 shooter friend of mine who is a FED LEO 1911 carrier tells me to pass on Kimber, which his and others advice I follow to some extent. Look at the Series 70 and XSEs. Colt Pistols

[56FordGuy]

Part of the problem is actually finding what I want to buy.

Check out D&T Arms in Rivergate. Last time I was in, they had a pretty good selection of 1911s. They also stock some Kandros Custom 1911s. I'm not much of a 1911 guy, but they look pretty nice.

[Mechanic_X]

D&T had a super nice Springfield TRP. Used but unfired.

[Bubbas]

If you havnt looked in to STI you need to check them out.

[TNWNGR]

When it come's to 1911's I'm biased toward Colt Series 70 model's, Goverment and Combat Commander. I do own a SA 1911 that I like a lot, but it's not a Colt. I will not buy a Kimber or a Para Ordinance of any kind. That said I am waiting to see Ruger's new model and I have been pleased with the fit, finish and overall service of the Remington's I've encountered. You will find that the LW Commander is a much nicer carry pistol than the Combat Commander or Goverment Model, but is more challanging to shoot as well with service ammunition.

[Il Duce]

Avoid Kimber. You can get a Dan Wesson for that price and I would say GnL is your best bet on that BUT if you can't I would look for a TRP. If you plan on carrying this gun a 5" is not much heavier and is no harder to conceal than a smaller model and are more reliable. If you can't find what you are looking for pick up RIA and take a drive to Hero Gear and let Jeff customize that gun to your liking. That way you have a gun that is built to you.

[Lumber_Jack]

I have a Kimber Eclipse Pro that I carry everyday. I don't know why people recommend you not go below 4.25". There are plenty of good ones that have proven reliable.

With that said I would go look, fondle, and drool till you find what you want. I bought a TRP brand new for $1175 this past winter and it's been an awesome gun. My advice also would be look at gently used guns, your money may go a lot further that way.

If I had the money my next 1911 would be a Dan Wesson with duty coat finish. FWIW

[MarkInNashville]

You said you that a Commander length was ok... why limit yourself, go the whole hawg and get a Commander - there was a series 70 for sale on the board a while back (may still be there but I rather doubt it). Personally I have a series 80 Colt, great gun and never a minutes problem out of it!

[MarkInNashville]

Ok guys. Here's the situation, I have around $1000-$1200 to spend on a new gun. I have been looking mainly in the Kimber, Springfield, and less expensive dan wesson's (rare). Here's my problem. I know that I want the barrel no longer than commander length, so 3", 4", and 4.25" are fine. Other than that, I am lost. Never having had owned this expensive of a gun, I don't know where to go from here. It's not like I can borrow them for a day either. My first pick is the Springfield Loaded Champion, which feels good in my hand, and is light weight. (33oz). The Kimber I was looking at was the ultra carry. I also liked the weight and feel. Am I missing something out there that I should be considering? any pointers or tips when making over a 1k purchase? Thanks in advance

You said you that a Commander length was ok... why limit yourself, go the whole hawg and get a Commander! There was a series 70 for sale on the board a while back (may still be there for all I know but I rather doubt it). Personally I have a series 80 Colt, great gun and never a minutes problem out of it!

I live in Nashville too and your welcome to shoot mine, if you'd like. Just PM me if you want to.

[gregintenn]

I have a Rock Island I'm very pleased with. I can't honestly imagine a $1000 1911 I'd prefer to shoot, and I've shot some nice ones. Why not give one a try, save your money, and trade up later if it isn't what you want.

[Guest tbone]

I have a full size S&W 1911 for a few years that I have been VERY pleased with. I suggest you give them a look also. Have you thought of searching Gunbroker, or another online site? I buy most of my guns this way and have never regretted it. You can also find some deals out there.

[eapking]

The only DW Commander or CCO length at that price will be used.

[Guest Larry]

For your money which I did the same yrs back I bought an STI Trojan 5", I love it, they are hard to beat.

[Guest NashvegasMatt]

i guess I'm at a loss. I should just drive everywhere and look around. I am ok with the commander, but the full size is not my cup of tea. I had a commander sized 1911 already and enjoyed, I'm just looking to upgrade on what I know.

[Guest NashvegasMatt]

Check out D&T Arms in Rivergate. Last time I was in, they had a pretty good selection of 1911s. They also stock some Kandros Custom 1911s. I'm not much of a 1911 guy, but they look pretty nice.

and you think this is do-able in the price range I listed on page one?

[Il Duce]

Those Kandros Customs are about 2x the price you are looking at and to be honest after looking at them I don't think they're worth the price. I would much rather have a Barr, Brown, Wilson, or Nighthawk.