So if my budget is about $1000 (I'd be happier spending $800, but could maybe go $1200 tops) and I wanted an all stainless 1911 what would you do?

Considerations:
1.) I'd go right after the Kimber Custom Stainless II, but I'm not convinced I should get a Kimber external extractor pistol. Though I think highly of Kimber and own 2 Ultra CDPs with internal extractors (my external extractor Ultra was eventually replaced by Kimber, and is one of those 2...). That would be almost perfect if not for the "tactical" extractor.

2.) I really want an ambi-safety, of course this could be added.

3.) Night sights and checkering and other goodies are nice to haves, but not a requirement.

4.) This will not be a carry pistol, range and home defense only.

5.) I think I need stainless because I live in the Pacific Northwest, have a waterfront home and spend a lot of time on the boat (and would want the pistol along). If you can talk me out of stainless, have a try!

Thanks in advance everyone...

P.S. One thought was a Springer, but I don't like the 2-piece bbl. (do you want to talk me out of that too?!). Also, I've heard of "timing" issues and "peened" components as a result.

Made in USA might carry a little weight too.

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I bought my Stainless II a couple months back and I love it. Not a single problem with it after 450 rounds and it does have ext. extractor. Got it for $759, so you can still have some dough left to customize with night sights and ambi-safety,and maybe a few other goodies with your budget. Pics of it are in the Kimber section here if you care....good luck with whatever brand/model you choose.

http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=8370

Don, Was that a "new" price, from a dealer or NIB from a web dealer...?

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I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.
It only takes a second to dial 911; it could take the rest of your life for help to arrive...
Posts are my opinion based on my experience; YMMV.

I'm thinking a Springer TRP.

Colt, then you know you got a 1911.

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Warmrain,


Yup,that was the new price from local dealer in San Jose,CA. Of course,that price doesn't include tax and reg. fees, but it's a pretty good price especially for being out in CA. I am sure you can it for a little less elsewhere if you're in another state. Shop around on gunbroker.com to get a feel for how much certain models should be.

That too!

If it was me, I'd "cherry pick" a nice stainless Colt Series 70 or 1991A1 (assuming I had several to choose from, I'd want to look at trigger, finish, and symmetry, and get the best example available), or failing that, get the SA TRP.

As it happens, I did get the TRP, and it's quite a good value IMNSHO. A few MIM parts, but nuthin' you can't live with or change out.

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Kimber Custom Stainless II!
Not one problem with any of my Kimber's external extractors.

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Colt, Springfield, S&W, or Kimber, all make stainless Government models for under $1000.

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