First 1911?

[Kornbread01]

Even though I trained & kept qualified with a WW2 era 1911 still being used in the 1960's & have owned several since, I don't consider myself an "expert", just experienced. My response may be back-asswards but for a newbee to 1911's I wouldn't rule out one of the lower end, less expensive models or even a good old used one. This would provide a good learning venue , could always be modified upwards , may reveal that "Hey! I don't really like the 1911 so much." & if it turns into a permanent love affair , as with a LOT of us, you can always save up, & buy a super-doper model, based upon experiences with the plain model.

 

[chopper duke]

Yep, if your willing to go over 1200+ for a 1911 your choices definitely open up and a Wilson is the caddy of 1911's!

Where can you find a $1200 Wilson?

 

[GHO05T]

Even though I trained & kept qualified with a WW2 era 1911 still being used in the 1960's & have owned several since, I don't consider myself an "expert", just experienced. My response may be back-asswards but for a newbee to 1911's I wouldn't rule out one of the lower end, less expensive models or even a good old used one. This would provide a good learning venue , could always be modified upwards , may reveal that "Hey! I don't really like the 1911 so much." & if it turns into a permanent love affair , as with a LOT of us, you can always save up, & buy a super-doper model, based upon experiences with the plain model.

Very sound advice. And coming from an experienced 1911 user, it's appreciated. But that's where part of the issue lies for me lol.

I want the first one to be middle of the road, but it seems to be that the line between "inexpensive" and "really nice" is thin when considering the quality of the make of the firearm. I could most certainly be totally wrong for thinking that way, but I've always found you get what you pay for. I'd hate to get a lower end 1911 and decide I don't like it just because of the lack of quality and time put into the model. The suggestion of buying used for the first one isn't a bad idea, and one I should probably look into more. I just fear getting ripped off, as I'm new to the 1911.

Definitely appreciate this post though. I think I WILL look into some of the RIA and Remington models, just for the hell of it. And maybe check out a few used ones if I can find em in my local shops.

-GHO05T

 

[Retread]

I've owned Colt, Springfield, S&W and Sig. Current one is the Sig. It is my favorite.

Things I like in a 1911 are fine frontstrap checkering, relieved under trigger guard, Novak style night sights. Good fit of parts and clean machining. Beavertail with pad. I think all the modern guns have big ejection ports. Extractor is your choice, as are whether or not they use MIM parts. I do not like guide rods, rubber grips, oversize levers or ambidextrous safeties. I like a clean rollmark and machining. I prefer coated stainless.

Someday I would like a Les Baer or Wilson Combat.

 

[tmoore912]

A Springfield Loaded would be a great 1911 to start with and then have plenty of money for a quality holster and mag pouch, Wilson mags and enough .45 ACP ammo to have some good shooting sessions under your belt.

It's no fun to buy a new 1911 if you can't afford to buy plenty of ammo to shoot it.

 

[hunts4food]

The SA Loaded should give you everything you need for a sub $1000.00 1911. If you ever had a problem Springfield has some of the best customer service. The TRP's are nice but the Loaded's are plenty good enough. I've fired many rounds thru my Loadeds with no issues. With that said I still prefer my Les Baer, but it's a little more than 2 Loaded's.

 

[Retread]

The SA Loaded should give you everything you need for a sub $1000.00 1911. If you ever had a problem Springfield has some of the best customer service. The TRP's are nice but the Loaded's are plenty good enough. I've fired many rounds thru my Loadeds with no issues. With that said I still prefer my Les Baer, but it's a little more than 2 Loaded's.

Pictures dad nabb it!
Especially the LB.

 

[hunts4food]

Pictures dad nabb it!
Especially the LB.

It ain't no safe queen though.

 

[Retread]

Cool.

 

[GHO05T]

It's no fun to buy a new 1911 if you can't afford to buy plenty of ammo to shoot it.

lol Duly noted. I'd imagine that'd suck pretty bad...