Looking to buy my first one. which one do you recommend ?
I don’t really want to start with a $3K custom 
what about Colt Gvt or SA mil spec ?
open to suggestions of course.
thanks
Given those two options, I would go with the SA and just modify to suit your needs and desires after you shoot it enough to know what it is you want and like out of your 1911 .
SA MC Operator or SA FBI Pro CRG w/ Light Rail.
Your done w/ either purchase and they will be every bit as good as you need to be.
HTH…
Knowledge of intended purpose and future plans for the pistol would be helpful.
Your own initial choices are good choices for a variety of reasons. Both are generally reliable, of decent build quality and get you an experience with original platform. If I hadn’t bought a series 70 Colt, I wouldn’t have been able to realize that I couldn’t use originally-spec-d 1911s. By definition, though, this implies that you’d have a chance to compare with differently spec-d 1911s. Between the two, Colt is my preference, although I’d want to inspect a pistol in person. Obviously, you can have them built into whatever you want later.
I second HOPLOETHOS’ recommendations if you want a better contemporarily-spec-d out of box 1911.
Another good unit, in my opinion, is older, pre-series II, Kimber. If I saw a good specimen at decent price, I’d buy it outright even though I am not looking for additional 1911 at this point.
SA makes a great 1911. I know I have one… Dont overlook S&W’s 1911’s
mainly target shooting/ shooting classes on the move and self defense. Pretty much what you expect from a reliable gun.
If it involves carry/SD, I think you’d be best served getting Colt of SA mil-spec, shooting it some, and then having it looked at +/- worked over by a competent gunsmith.
If you go higher-end right away, you can get a feature set that you may end up not liking. Additionally, higher-end doesn’t necessarily guarantee better reliability.
I’d suggest a Kimber Warrior - has everything you need!
I have been thinking about picking up a Sig 1911. They seem pretty nice.
Take a look at the Les Baer Concept Series for a lot of configuration choices in the < $2k range. The Wilson CQB is also worth a look. It’s worth it to spend a little more on a 1911 for quality = reliability if this is the route you want to go. Both of these brands offer high-quality turnkey 1911 choices.
I’m looking around $1K max for a reliable 1911. I’m hoping I don’t need to spend $2K to get a reliable gun
Impact, you can certainly get reliable 1911 for under $1K. You’d have to prove it to yourself by shooting few hundred rounds, but, in my experience with Colt, sample of 1, reliable 1911 can be had out of box.
It is ergos that I personally have problems with it. I don’t know of any sub-$1K 1911 that would meet my needs from reliability AND ergonomics standpoint.
However, since ergo requirements are highly individual, you might be able to find you’d like.
Re Kimber Warrior: it is indeed attractive option specs-wise. My personal experience with current Kimbers, sample of 2, that chambers are tight and require reaming. Larry Vickers didn’t have kind words for Warrior, but he didn’t say how many bad ones he’d seen. You may want to contact board member Ed L. or search his posts in regards to this pistol.
Good luck with your search.
i’ll give the same advice the same time i see this…
if you are patient, you can get a used semi-custom gun for the same as you can get a new “bells and whistles” kimber, colt, or SA, and you will get a better gun…
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Most semi-custom makes (baer, wilson, brown, etc.) will honor service on a gun regardless of changes in ownership
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personally I would never, ever buy another kimber…thats a long story…
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if you are convinced you want a mass produced gun, the SA and S&W guns are both great, and IMHO you will get more “features” on a base colt…
BUT
you can find used Les Baers, sometimes an older Wilson, RRA, what have you for in the $1100-1300 range…that is barely more scratch than you will pay for a new SA Marine Corps Operator or TRP, and it is a MUCH better gun…
you really can’t appreciate the difference in quality until you own one…but its there, and significant
so thats my advice…be patient, and you will find a used Baer TRS or Wilson or something for under $1400…and you will be very happy
trio: that’s a good idea. thanks.
thanks brother…
I remembered something else…
Fusion Firearms is a new company by Bob Serva, the original owner/founder of Dan Wesson, which was eventually sold to CZ…
thats essentially a custom gun for a semi custom price…I am having Bob build me my ideal 1911, and its running me under $1900…
BUT
the best part is, if you go to gunbroker, Bob himself list “seconds” and “rejects” over there for significantly reduced prices…
for example, a mar in the stainless finish? $400 off the price
one gun had a MSH pin hole that was cut too big, so it had to have a bigger pin…literally $500 off the asking price
most of the issues that cause a reject I couldn’t even see…and you are getting a gun with a lifetime warranty for a freaking steal…
i don’t see any “seconds” over there right now…
but here is an example of his work…
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=112241448
I don’t own a Fusion but I have purchased a couple of their frames for building on. If the rest of the gun is anything like the frame quality then I would have no issues recommending them to someone. Really nice stuff.
I have a Dan Wesson Bobtail that was built when Bob Serva owned the company and it has been an excellent gun so far. They have the Valor which is a really nice pistol: http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=86
I would also suggest looking at the used market for a good 1911. I see a lot of good used Les Baer TRS’s on the market in the $1300 range or Wilson CQB’s in the $1500 range.
For less then $1K, a Springfield Loaded would not be a bad place to start. Good entry level gun and if you have any issues they have excellent customer service.
found locally a used Les Baer TR special for $1400 ( 1200 rounds), good price ? thanks
That’s a fair price. You could probably get them down another $50-100.
Does it have the original box, papers, etc?
I don’t think I would shy away from the STI entry version either. It’s called the Spartan and it is basically a Dan Wesson (CZ version) but with all STI parts installed by them and backed by their company!!
Very reasonable!!!
I personally enjoy the Kimbers I own. Most of their line runs in the price range you’re looking. With most Kimbers, you get a lot of bells and whistles on a production pistol. Good luck on your search.