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I narrowed down my first 1911 between two... I think...
I'm looking to buy my first 1911. I think I have it down between two...
S&W 1911E Series
Kimber Pro Raptor (or maybe the Ultra Raptor II)
I really like the looks of the 1911E series, though some do not like the external ejector on a 1911... doesn't bother me. I love the looks of the Kimber Raptor series. I added the Ultra Raptor II as a possible choice because of the ease of conceal carry with it over a 5" gun. Realistically, neither would replace my G27 or Kahr PM9 as my carry guns. I may CC the 1911, but wouldn't be often.
I want to stay around the $1000 mark, but could go up to $1500.
Any other 1911s in that price range worth taking a look at? Thanks for the advice in advance.
Re: I narrowed down my first 1911 between two... I think...
You can buy the S&W E Series for under $1000 but the Kimber is gonna cost you $1500+ SS no doubt about that.
Both of them are great looking and made 1911s!!
Re: I narrowed down my first 1911 between two... I think...
If you are going to spend up to $1500. then consider Dan Wesson, one of the finest production 1911s for the money. Me, I like my 1911s simple/all business and without the bling.
Re: I narrowed down my first 1911 between two... I think...
I do not want to start a flame session with anyone but if you are willing to go to $1,500.00 then you should seriously consider a Dan Wesson Valor.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=257946905
These pistols are made from some of the best machined parts selected from manufacturers like Ed Brown, EGW, etc. There are no MIM parts. I love my valor.
Please read this review from the 1911 forum.
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthre...verns+shootout
Here is mine with some VZs, I would love to see these on a stainless pistol.
http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_1208.jpg
Whatever choice you make......enjoy!!!!!
Re: I narrowed down my first 1911 between two... I think...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Wilson Guy
+1 ... Have a Valor and it is a great 1911.
Re: I narrowed down my first 1911 between two... I think...
You may be able to find a Springfield TRP for $1,500 a well, or at least one of their higher end models.
Re: I narrowed down my first 1911 between two... I think...
Here is a quote from Severn's shootout of "high end" 1911s.
"Dan Wesson is likely the least well known or understood brand present in this shoot-out, and the Valor may well be the least well known pistol in this evaluation. For those unaware, DW is an small, American company based in upstate New York. The Dan Wesson revolver maker of old is long gone, and DW is now a modern 1911 maker (although they this year are re-releasing the Model 715 revo). Dan Wesson makes only a few thousand pistols annually, and in in this regard a “limited production” shop, just as with some of the other, perhaps better known manufacturers.
Dan Wesson distinguishes themselves from some other limited production shops in that they do not make all of their own parts. Rather, they employ several high quality, commercially available or aftermarket parts in the manufacture of their pistols. For example, most newer DW pistols use Ed Brown beavertail grip safeties and/or mainspring housings, Grieder or Ed Brown slide stops, EGW barrel bushings, and Wolff springs throughout, while the fire control group parts (hammer, sear, and disconnector), the thumb safety and mag release are Dan Wesson parts of very high quality, made from barstock. I have been known to wryly tell clients that “the worst quality part in a Dan Wesson is an Ed Brown part”, which is a statement having basis in fact. And...we all know that Ed Brown doesn't make junk parts! The following photos show some of the barstock parts, as well as the blending work done on a couple of them:
In direct contrast to the Baer philosophy of building guns, where-in oversize parts are painstakingly hand-fitted to one another, Dan Wesson has chosen an alternative philospohy, where-in many of the critical parts are precisely machined to very close tolerances, such that less hand-fitting is required for a precise, fit that is repeatable from pistol to pistol. I suppose you could call it an “old school” vs “high tech” approach, to some degree. Interesting in that both approaches yield very good results. The following shows a couple photos of the frame of the black Valor, where very clean, precise machining is evident:
Some notable written findings are as follows:
The Valor uses a forged stainless slide and frame, which are precisely machined and hand-lapped to a final fit. Slide to frame fit is exceptional, with this particular pistol exhibiting the most precise fit of any of the pistols tested. Vertical and lateral free-play between the two is visually essentially non-existent.
The pistol features no front cocking serrations, a conventional GI style guide rod assembly, and employs Heinie Straight-8 Ledge night sights and VZ grips made of G-10 material.
Unlike the previously-evaluated pistols, which use protective systems consisting of conventional bluing or coatings, the black Valor employs a high-tech, ferritic nitrocarburizing metal treatment, which simultaneously hardens and blackens the stainless steel. This type of treatment is quite popular in the firearms industry, at present, and is currently in use by several different manufacturers.
The Valor employs a “semi-drop in fit” stainless barrel, where-in the barrel hood and lower lugs exhibit evidence of hand fitting. No evidence of fitting is seen, however, in the barrel's upper, locking lug areas. The rear hood of the barrel was found to be very precisely fit, with a 0.001-0.002” clearance measured between the barrel hood and the slide.
Barrel to barrel bushing fit is excellent, as is the fit between the EGW bushing and the inside of the slide. Clearances between these parts is measured at 0.001” - 0.002”.
Trigger pull is the best of the factory pistols tested, with a very clean, crisp break, breaking consistently at 3.75 pounds. The quality of the hammer and sear contribute quite a bit to the quality of the trigger pull."
Re: I narrowed down my first 1911 between two... I think...
I agree with some others here. Dan Wessons are hard to beat for the money but are over your price range a tad bit. Ive had a couple of Guardians that were good and currently have a 9mm Vbob from thier custom shop. It has work on it by Chuck Rogers as well:
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/v...b/DWG014-1.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/v...bob/DWG029.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/v...bob/DWG028.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/v...bob/DWG015.jpg
Ive also owned 2 Kimber TLE model guns which are $800 range. Family members liked them so much they now have them lol. They have front strap checkering and night sights. I would get one of those and put in a Wilson Bullet Proof sear and call it good for under $1K.
ETA: I had a S&W Pro 9mm for a while. No problems with the extractor or anything. They seem to have done well with the design where others have failed.
Re: I narrowed down my first 1911 between two... I think...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JrFreak
Realistically, neither would replace my G27 or Kahr PM9 as my carry guns. I may CC the 1911, but wouldn't be often.
Maybe, maybe not. There is also a chance, regardless of what brand/model you decide on, in the 1911 platform, it won't be your last 1911.
Re: I narrowed down my first 1911 between two... I think...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Gun
Maybe, maybe not. There is also a chance, regardless of what brand/model you decide on, in the 1911 platform, it won't be your last 1911.
LOL, a real good chance, LOL
