Im looking to buy a nice 1911 in a few weeks, thanks to old uncle sam giving me back a few dollars i gave him. I dont really know too much about them. My budget is around 1200-1300 and I have looked at a Kimber Raptor II for 1200 and a used Colt Lightweight Goverment for 800. I really like the checkered front strap on the Kimber, so i guess it would be nice if the pistol could have that and front cocking serrations. Any Suggestions on great 1911s. Thanks
Well, in your price range if you go used yu should be able to fins some nice Springfield TRP’s, and probably a Les Baer or two. Keep those on your list as well.
An Springfield MC Operator would be a good choice as well.
SA MC Operator
I have a SA Operator with work on it though and I would take that thing with me anywhere in the world, that’s how much I’ve shot it and how reliable it is.
With that said though, I had it tuned for reliability etc etc…
I have an older Kimber Tactical which I love but I don’t like Kimber’s latest quality control. I would go with a Springfield Operator in your price range.
I’d go with one of these
SA MC Operator / TRP
Colt Rail Gun / XSE
Used Baer Thunder Ranch Special
Thanks for all the great suggestions guys, so whats up with Kimber?
With that amount of cash, you certainly have a lot of options…way more than I had (which is why I’m rocking an RIA). I have heard a lot of mixed opinions on Kimber as of late, but do not have any experience with them myself.
Personally, I’ve go 2 Kimbers and they’ve been great. Had 2 others before that I’ve sold off and upgraded in to what I have now.
If youre looking for a 5", I’ve got one- a Kimber Desert Warrior hat I’ve been very happy with. I carry a 4" Pro TLE thats had some custom work on it. That Warrior/Desert Warrior from Kimber I’d good because it’s a series 70 pistol. The Warriors run about $1000 or so on the used market (around $1200 new I believe), so its in your price range. I’d say go used because once you fire it once, they’re all used… 
But seriously if you but oe for around a grand, then you’d have money left over to run a bunch of ammo through it to check function and also get comfortable with it. Plus you can use those left over funds for any accessories.
Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.
In that price range you can get a basic Fusion. I have two and they are good pistols.
+1 on all three of these
I also second a used Baer. The only issue I have with them are the barrel bushings. The one I have is so tight that I need to use the barrel to knock it out the slide. I also have to tap it in with my bushing wrench to get it back in. Otherwise very reliable and accurate.
I had good and bad luck with Colt. I have a Special Combat that is just as accurate and reliable as the Baer. The trigger could be better but it’s as good as it can get since it’s a series 80. But that pistol is slightly outside of your price range. I also had a Gold Cup Trophy that I sent back twice again series 80. The first time was for a loose front sight. The second time when I had hammer follow and the gun going full auto.
I’m not trying to start a thread war but I don’t like the new Kimber II series. If possible, try to get a series one Kimber and then replace all the MIM parts with proper steel parts.
I again recommend the Fusion pistol.
I just picked up a Springfield Armory Range Officer off of gunbroker for $725 and it is in my humble opinion, one of the best values out there in a 1911. The fit and finish are nothing short of stellar. A friend of mine works in QC at STI and agrees that the gun is put together very well. Tight slide to frame fit, precise barrel lock up. For competition I wanted a lighter trigger but for anything else, it’ll do just nicely right out of the box. Hope this helps.
I’ve been hearing great things about the new RO. Only drawback for me is the adjustable rear sight.
In your price range I would strongly recommend the Springfield TRP (tactical response trigger). It is a very well made gun and you could get one easy within your budget.
If you like used and are willing to shop around, a nice used Les Baer or Wilson might pop up at the upper end of your budget.
Im really liking the Springfield TRP, but i have been looking online and the cheapest one i have found so far is $1350, any idea where else to look?
If you’re current or retired LE, Mil or EMS you can get a nice deal on a S&W 1911. They are well worth their money and S&W will stand behind them with a lifetime warrantee.
S&W are nice,but I’d steer clear of the kimber.
Ditto here. I have a couple of S&W’s… love em. I have one of the 4" scad frames, what a gun, lite, easy carry, shoots flawless, tac driver, can’t think of a better gun for my purposes. Their 5" guns are knock out too… not sure if they are mil-spec though… 
but any of them will easily fit into your budget and leave you room for accessories… check out the SW web site… http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_757754_-1_757752_757751_image
Pricing will be on the higher end at their store, probably save a few bucks anywhere else… hope this helps,
I think the TRP offers a lot of pistol for the money, but recommend picking one up and holding it before buying. Personally I find the TRP front strap checkering sharp and uncomfortable.
A few months back I found a great deal on a new Springfield Armory PX9109L parkerized ‘Loaded’ with a ‘NM’ serial number indicating that it was fit and assembled in the US. From a reliability standpoint the pistol has been excellent, feeding HPs and FMJ without issue. Not all was perfect - the rear sight had an issue - but Springfield’s lifetime warranty took care of that. From a value standpoint, I couldn’t be happier. SA stands behind their product. The ‘Loaded’ models can vary in fit and quality though, and I’d carefully inspect before choosing one.
I owned a Smith and Wesson 1911 when they first came out, and kick myself for selling it. It was accurate and reliable, and Smith’s warranty and service are excellent. Were I looking at a current production S&W 1911s, I’d seriously consider the new Titanium Firing Pin model, which does away with the questionable Schwartz safety found in the other S&W 1911s.
Hilton Yam is considered one of the foremost 1911 authorities - if you haven’t, you might want to read his article on Choosing a 1911 for Duty Use over at 10-8.