Help choosing a 1911

[cpoth]

I am in the market for a 1911. I definitely want a 5" slide version, I would like a rail but don't need one.

I am considering brands like Colt, Kimber, Sig, and Springfield and possibly Dan Wesson.

I own several .45 ACP handguns including 2 Sig P220s, a HK USPc, and a Glock 21 so please don't try to talk me into one of these. Also I am not at all interested in a 1911 that is chambered in anything other than .45 ACP.

Which of those brands do you prefer? What other suggestions can you make? Initially the Springfield lightweight operator caught my eye, as well as the Kimber custom II.

I would like to keep the price range around $1,000 +/- $200.

Thanks

[Shawn.L]

Springfield TRP, hands down
you can find one used in that range and they are prob the best bang for the buck in semi-custom guns going right now.

Here:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...s_id/411542085

[littlebr4d]

Springfield TRP, hands down
you can find one used in that range and they are prob the best bang for the buck in semi-custom guns going right now.

Here:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...s_id/411542085

I'd have to agree with this.

[rwb1500]

I'd have to agree with this.

Three times.





Although, I do like Dan Wessons.

[ChamberedRound]

If you don't want to spend the money for a TRP, you can do what I did, and go with the Lightweight Operator:

http://forum.pafoa.org/general-2/484...-operator.html



It's lighter, still has a rail, has a match grade barrel, and costs less than the TRP by a few hundred bucks. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of a TRP, but it's never let me down.

[thundrr1]

Ditto on the TRP. You will might find a used railed on on GunBroker in that price range. For sure you will find a TRP non railed for that. TRP,,,, you won't be disappointed.

[Shawn.L]

on the lightweight, shoot one first. Im not a fan of how they handle, and Im not sure on the Springfield but I know there are concerns with how well the frame will hold up long term and hard use on some models. Im also not sure about if you can do any "body work" on the alloy frames like you can with a good quality steel frame. I may be wrong here, but I would look into it, and def shoot one.

IMO part of the goodness of the 1911 is how the gun handles, and all steel is what makes that happen. Ive never had a problem with the weight of the gun carrying so long as I use good quality holster and gun belt.

[cpoth]

Thanks guys for all the quick insightful responses. I'd like to ask a follow-up question. I want to know how much of a benefit it is to have the TRP vs the MC operator or LW operator.

Shawn had stated that the lightweight may have some long term reliability issues which made me appreciate an all steel frame. I think that is the direction I would like to go with it.

Thanks again.

[Shawn.L]

The TRP will generally have more quality componenets and will be made right here in the US and come through Springfields custom shop where it will have some pieces fit by hand.
The MC Operator will be a product of Brazil IIRC.

They are different not just because of what options they have.

[Rainier42]

Certainly what others have mentioned are good, although I would recommend going to some of the 1911 specific forums and reading all the comments (is what I did). With this, I have a Dan Wesson Valor and it is an amazing firearm. Accurate, great feel, and durable.