Shopping for a 1911

[AZ Mark]

Hi,

I'm thinking about getting a 1911. I'm posting in this particular forum because it looks like Charles Daly makes one I can afford and my local dealer sells them. I'm also thinking of Springfield, but I don't know if they're worth the extra money. Anyway, I've never owned a 1911. I would want it to serve as my main all-around sidearm. I have a small farm and need to shoot the occasional rattler, and there's always the possibility of having to exterminate a coyote or even a mountain lion. The most actual use it would get would be at the range.

Can you folks give me any advice? I need something that's pretty reliable and is capable of hitting the heart/lung area on a coyote from 25 yards or more. I think I might like a compact model just for more comfortable carry.

[John]

Your requirements are somewhat contradictory. Short models tend to be less accurate at large distances than longer ones, or at least that's the rule of thumb. So if you are thinking of hitting targets at 25 yards or more, I would suggest a long, 5" barrel one.

Between Charles Daly and Springfield, I would definitely suggest Springfield.

[harleydog]

I would prefer the commander size 1911. They provide a full size grip and are a little lighter to carry but still give a nice sight picture and 25 yards is well within its ability.

[pat86323]

for lions and coyotes, i would seriously suggest that you look into a magnum revolver, Nothing against the 1911 as i truly do love the things. I would much rather tangle with a lion with a 357 then a 45. And a 357 or a 44 will really reach out and touch something. If you are really undecided on what do to give me a pm as i dont really live all that far away and we can go out and you can test fire some of mine. Shoot a 44 a 357 and a 45 and decide whats best for your current situation. Then buy whichever that is....then buy a few 1911's

[AZ Mark]

for lions and coyotes, i would seriously suggest that you look into a magnum revolver, Nothing against the 1911 as i truly do love the things. I would much rather tangle with a lion with a 357 then a 45. And a 357 or a 44 will really reach out and touch something. If you are really undecided on what do to give me a pm as i dont really live all that far away and we can go out and you can test fire some of mine. Shoot a 44 a 357 and a 45 and decide whats best for your current situation. Then buy whichever that is....then buy a few 1911's
I already have a GP100. I load 3 shotshells for snakes and 3 magnum HPs for mammal-type critters. The shotshells do a number on rattlesnakes. Haven't needed to shoot anything bigger yet.

[pat86323]

thats what i would carry around where you are running into lions and coyotes. I wouldnt carry my 45 out in the woods like that personally. The magnum cartridges just have so much more reach on them.

[AZ Mark]

Your requirements are somewhat contradictory. Short models tend to be less accurate at large distances than longer ones, or at least that's the rule of thumb. So if you are thinking of hitting targets at 25 yards or more, I would suggest a long, 5" barrel one.

Between Charles Daly and Springfield, I would definitely suggest Springfield.
Why the Springfield, exactly? I looked at one on Saturday, and the sights are almost nonexistent. I've seen much better fixed sights on a Taurus snubbie.

[gottripletsNC]

You can get the springer with any type of sights that you want, from what I understand the CDs will come with basically only one type. The Mil Spec from springfield is a little more than the base GI and has taller sights. I personally have to GIs with the standard sights, and have no problems with them at all.

[John]

Why the Springfield, exactly? I looked at one on Saturday, and the sights are almost nonexistent. I've seen much better fixed sights on a Taurus snubbie.
You were obviously looking at the Springfield GI.

Start moving up the ladder a bit. The Mil-Spec model is (my opinion) the best gun for the buck right now. Decent sights, decent gun metal and a nice gun. Or you can go to the Loaded models where you get much more bells and whistles, at higher price of course.

[BigEd]

AZ Mark,

For a farm carry gun, I would buy a Ruger Blackhawk in .357. Accurate, Adjustable sight, comfortable to carry, solid reliablity, lots of ammo choices. You can find good used ones at reasonable prices.

Then use the rest of you money to buy Rock Island 1911. Far and away the best buy in a 1911 on the market today. I am yet to find an unhappy Rock owner. :)

[Hunter]

AZ Mark,

For a farm carry gun, I would buy a Ruger Blackhawk in .357. Accurate, Adjustable sight, comfortable to carry, solid reliablity, lots of ammo choices. You can find good used ones at reasonable prices.

Then use the rest of you money to buy Rock Island 1911. Far and away the best buy in a 1911 on the market today. I am yet to find an unhappy Rock owner. :)
I myself like the Ruger Blackhawk though I prefer it in .44 mag. Either way a solid wheelgun that you can count on.
As for the RIA being the best buy in a 1911 today I am not so sure about that. Though I have not heard bad things about them I do not think they would be a best buy. Just my opinion.

[AZ Mark]

Thanks for the feedback. I really wanted a Blackhawk anyway, but for some reason (probably the few extra dollars) I got a single six convertible. I still want a 1911. Can't help it. I've wanted one since I was a little kid. I think I'll get a 1911 and keep the GP100 for now. I really like it and it shoots great, I think. I'll get the Blackhawk later because I really like single action vs. double action. I can probably handload the .45 with shot capsules with enough powder to cycle the action (that should tear up a rattlesnake!) and keep a second magazine on me to take care of the cougars and/or coyotes. My wife talked me out of the .45 to begin with because she thought I just wanted to 'look cool'. The more I find out about the .45 ACP the more I think it's ideal against both 4-legged and 2-legged predators. And, I GET TO LOOK COOL, TOO!

[gqucool1911]

AZ Mark its great to look cool with your choice of guns. But that is not going to make you any more effective for your personal needs. Where you have already got a Ruger GP 100 you have already got a great .357 that will take hot loads if needed. It sounds like to me personally you just want a good excuse to go out and by a 1911!!! Nothing wrong with that and there have been alot of great suggestions made to you. My personal advice if you really want a 1911 go out and find a Sporting Goods Dealer that has a gun range see if they might have a selection of range guns that could meet your needs also if they have used guns alot of the range's will let you shoot them as well. This might be a small investment in some ammo but then you can really get the gun that suits you best from both feel and actual use!!! Plus there are some very effective .45 auto loads also. But your Ruger GP100 really can handle anything you come up agains as long as you do your part!!!!

[BigO]

AZ Mark for an around the ranch gun as gqucool1911 says your GP is about as good a gun as it gets . Like you said you haven't had to shoot anything bigger yet and if you do 3 .357's rounds are pretty hard to beat .

If you feel the need for more than 3 consider buying a Taurus 608 in .357 with an 8 shot cylinder .

As far as getting a 1911 goes well there are so many good choices out there it is confusing . To be totally honest if you want the best on the market out of the box go with Colt , it may or may not need a little tweaking to get it to feed the ammo you want to use but when it's all said and done you'll be a happy camper .

If you just can't wait to save up the extra cash for a Colt a Daly will do it just may be a little longer road to get it all settled in and running flawlessly , you may have need of the tech section of this website to get it right .

If you're a person who gets discouraged easily avoid the 1911 guns as even the best of brands can have issues that need to be resolved before they run 100% , and getting angry and flying off the handle at the manufacture wont make it any better , only trial and error and patience will get it fixed .

[AZ Mark]

AZ Mark for an around the ranch gun as gqucool1911 says your GP is about as good a gun as it gets . Like you said you haven't had to shoot anything bigger yet and if you do 3 .357's rounds are pretty hard to beat .

If you feel the need for more than 3 consider buying a Taurus 608 in .357 with an 8 shot cylinder .

As far as getting a 1911 goes well there are so many good choices out there it is confusing . To be totally honest if you want the best on the market out of the box go with Colt , it may or may not need a little tweaking to get it to feed the ammo you want to use but when it's all said and done you'll be a happy camper .

If you just can't wait to save up the extra cash for a Colt a Daly will do it just may be a little longer road to get it all settled in and running flawlessly , you may have need of the tech section of this website to get it right .

If you're a person who gets discouraged easily avoid the 1911 guns as even the best of brands can have issues that need to be resolved before they run 100% , and getting angry and flying off the handle at the manufacture wont make it any better , only trial and error and patience will get it fixed .
You're absolutely right. When I got the GP, I knew exactly what I was doing. Nothing that lives in SE Arizona is too big for a .357. Funny thing, though; I agonized over the GP vs. a Blackhawk and got the GP because I figured a DA revolver would give me a quicker follow-up shot if I needed it. Now I find out that I really prefer shooting it single-action. Go figure.

And yes, I want an excuse to get a 1911. Here's my rationale so far: My Ruger is a 6-inch barrel model, so it's a little long in some circumstances and gets in the way. I'm pretty sure that even a full-size 1911 is a couple inches shorter. Also, I'm telling myself that with a 1911 I can more easily set it up for night shooting. I can't even find night sights for the GP100, much less anything else. Most of the big animals are more active at night.

[BigO]

You're absolutely right. When I got the GP, I knew exactly what I was doing. Nothing that lives in SE Arizona is too big for a .357. Funny thing, though; I agonized over the GP vs. a Blackhawk and got the GP because I figured a DA revolver would give me a quicker follow-up shot if I needed it. Now I find out that I really prefer shooting it single-action. Go figure.

And yes, I want an excuse to get a 1911. Here's my rationale so far: My Ruger is a 6-inch barrel model, so it's a little long in some circumstances and gets in the way. I'm pretty sure that even a full-size 1911 is a couple inches shorter. Also, I'm telling myself that with a 1911 I can more easily set it up for night shooting. I can't even find night sights for the GP100, much less anything else. Most of the big animals are more active at night.

I have a link that might help you out with the Ruger sight situation , Williams makes a Fiber optic sight that is made for the GP 100 , now while not a true night sight they are pretty bright as long as you're not a situation of near complete darkness . Take a look and see what you think .

http://www.williamsgunsight.com/gunsights/pistol.htm

[Click Click Boom]

If you are looking for a 1911 to do tripple duty. (Range, 4 legs. 2 legs) I would go with a 1911 Chambered in 10mm. The stronger loads for 10mm are up to the task of taking down the types of animals you listed. 10mm is also a very flat shooting round and lends itself well to target shooting. I do prefer .45acp for 2 legged predators that are at a close range. I feel the 10mm is better for animals where penatration is more important than expansion as well as 2 leg animals that are father than a few rooms away. The cross sectional density of a heavy grain 10mm bullet lends itself well to wild cats/coyotes/boar. Just my opinion and I know there is .45 super. I just prefer the 10mm for the types of things you want your 1911 to do. You can get Dan Wesson RZ-10s for about $850 with some of the on line sellers. A Dan Wesson RZ-10 and some Doubble Tap ammo should suit you just fine.

[gqucool1911]

AZ, Click Click Boom really has made a good suggestion, if you need more power but still want a 1911. Plus if down the road you want something alittle milder you can convert your 10mm back and forth between a .40 S&W & 10mm with the proper parts. Plus you can go with the .45 Super and still shoot .45acps in it as well. So there are more choice's to get confused over!!! :confused: :D :D

[Click Click Boom]

Im not trying to get into a 10mm vs. .45 debate. Its a silly one. Each has its pros and cons. But for his stated desired uses for a 1911 pistol I would take 10mm/.40 over .45 Super/.45ACP. 10mm is easyer to get (online) than .45 super. I dont load my own ammo or have the desire to. If you reload its easy to get anything. With a 10mm 1911 you can swap barrels for 10mm/.40cal/9x25 Dillon/357 SIG. 9x25 is a fun round and Doubble Tap has factory ammo for it.

BTW- You can just load down the 10mm to .40 cal levels. You can get a 10mm round to move as fast as a .40 with less pressure (and felt recoil). Thats if you dont want to have another barrel fitted.

[pa_guns]

Hi

Here's one *opinion* about how to line it up. These are all 5" barrel pistols.

Here's what I would look at:

$350 or so = RIA
$550 = Springfield Mil Spec package with the three dot sights
$750 to $1000 = SW 1911 or a Colt. (different options)

Needless to say the more you spend the more pistol you get. It's hopeless to try to compare a pistol to one that costs twice as much. The more expensive one will always have more features. You can't just go out and throw money around expecting to get something good. However you will need to pay for more features.

What you get as you move up the list:

1) Better / easier to see sights
2) Better / easier to hold grip safeties
3) Nicer finish
4) Accuracy
5) Choice of blue or stainless steel
6) Better set up trigger (but not lower trigger pull)

The most interesting thing that is missing from the list is reliability. From what I have seen all of the pistols on the list are reliable shooting 230 grain FMJ factory ammo. On any of them putting a few hundred rounds through the pistol is still a good idea, but they all seem to work right out of the box.

Stick to the 1911 for targets and self defense. Large game animals are better taken care of with something a bit heavier.

Bob

[AZ Mark]

Hi

Here's one *opinion* about how to line it up. These are all 5" barrel pistols.

Here's what I would look at:

$350 or so = RIA
$550 = Springfield Mil Spec package with the three dot sights
$750 to $1000 = SW 1911 or a Colt. (different options)

Needless to say the more you spend the more pistol you get. It's hopeless to try to compare a pistol to one that costs twice as much. The more expensive one will always have more features. You can't just go out and throw money around expecting to get something good. However you will need to pay for more features.

What you get as you move up the list:

1) Better / easier to see sights
2) Better / easier to hold grip safeties
3) Nicer finish
4) Accuracy
5) Choice of blue or stainless steel
6) Better set up trigger (but not lower trigger pull)

The most interesting thing that is missing from the list is reliability. From what I have seen all of the pistols on the list are reliable shooting 230 grain FMJ factory ammo. On any of them putting a few hundred rounds through the pistol is still a good idea, but they all seem to work right out of the box.

Stick to the 1911 for targets and self defense. Large game animals are better taken care of with something a bit heavier.

Bob

I had thought this particular thread was dead...glad it's not. I like to hear what you guys have to say. I don't know about the 10mm...I'm pretty sure that a .45 ACP is plenty for animals that aren't likely to top 100 lbs. One thing I have learned is that no matter what brand you get, a 1911 will just never be perfectly reliable. Nothing is. I figure if a 1911 is good enough for cops and soldiers, it's good enough for me.

I think sights are going to be pretty important to me, especially since the real threats we're talking about come around mainly at night. I'm not sure how I'll address the whole night shooting thing. In the meanwhile, I'm leaning towards the RIA (or CD to get some goodies) or a SA mil-spec. The finish is not all that important. I do need reasonable accuracy at 25 yds. I was also considering a Ruger P345, but the only range report I've seen didn't show it to be very accurate.

[Click Click Boom]

A 1911 in 10mm makes a good small to medium game hunting pistol. Its great for deer and hogs. Some of the tuffer loadings aproch 41 mag levels. When it comes to smaller animals it is a flatter shooting longer range round.

Again I like .45acp better for up close and personal needs. But if you want a 1911 to do multiple tasks then the 10mm in a good compromise. I have more 1911s in 10mm/40 than I do in .45.

In the sub $1000 mark Taurus makes a good .45acp 1911 for $599ish MSRP. You can get them blued or SS and the store price is more like $450. I have heard good things about them.

[AZ Mark]

A 1911 in 10mm makes a good small to medium game hunting pistol. Its great for deer and hogs. Some of the tuffer loadings aproch 41 mag levels. When it comes to smaller animals it is a flatter shooting longer range round.

Again I like .45acp better for up close and personal needs. But if you want a 1911 to do multiple tasks then the 10mm in a good compromise. I have more 1911s in 10mm/40 than I do in .45.

In the sub $1000 mark Taurus makes a good .45acp 1911 for $599ish MSRP. You can get them blued or SS and the store price is more like $450. I have heard good things about them.

Honestly, I've never even thought about a 10mm. Never even looked into ammo cost, ballistics or anything. I wonder what kind of reception the round is getting in the law enforcement and military arena.

[pa_guns]

Hi

From the posts in the forum, the customer support on the RIA's seems to be quite a bit better than the support on the CD's.

Bob