A Taurus PT1911 was my first 1911. It was a so so shooter, but I will say this: I now have a TRP Operator, and it’s light years ahead of the Taurus. Its definitely more money, but I can’t imagine shooting a Taurus again and not hating it.
A gun store guy told me 1911’s started to come alive around 1000 dollars. Sounds like he might have been right. Appreciate all the perspectives. This thread has made me very reluctant to get one of these unless I can find it at a serious discount.
There is some truth to that, but there are still turds in the $1k+ range. Do your research and buy with caution.
These are pics if two different Tauri.
In the 1911 realm, there’s turds at all price points. Seen some “custom” guns that couldn’t run a mag through without a problem. Buying from known trusted entities with solid CS should there be an issue, is a must.
I had pictures of a third that were almost as bad but I lost those ones. Two different guns owned by two different people I know.
While no one is lemon free I’ve never seen crap like this before.
These were both unaltered guns from the factory.
Springfield
Were they all taurus’s?
FWIW & FYI: Approx. 7-8yrs ago, I paid $850. for my Beautiful SS COLT Comander .45ACP…
I’ve had Thousands and thousands of rounds of all different types through the pipe, without any issue at all… it’s my EDC.
From what I’ve seen, you can still snag one of these for close to the same price!
I’ve got a Custom Caspian, $2000. price range and yes, feels smoother, slide feels like there is roller bearings in there and has a better trigger as one would/should expect…
but it’s my COLT that is always on me and or very close at hand 24/7!
Do yourself a favor and save up alittle more and get the better sidearm.
Peace Jeff
Those were all pics of two Taurus 1911s. I’ve seen other samples of PT1911s of the same “quality” but never had the means to tear them apart and take pics.
That information is appreciated, and may be actionable. I’m looking now at the S&W E series basic model since it seems that they are available again.
“on paper” the E series seems like an excellent value, but they did have some teething problems when first introduced. Been a while since i read up on them (not being a 1911 shooter any more) and hopefully prior issues I had read about via Yam et al have been cleared up.
I have never seen one in a store, just some performance center items. It certainly does seem like a good value as long as it performs well. I’m going to find out.
Colt has cut prices recently. They are more affordable now than ever. Take a look at Buds gun shop online for prices. I’d be looking at an XSE or just a straight up O1991.
Isn’t that like buying a Saturn now that Colt bankrupt?
Colt may get new ownership and the bond holders are going to take a haircut, but I’d be very surprised to see them shut down altogether. The brand is way too valuable.
People here are still buying 6920s…
So, we’re expecting a strong resurgence focusing on quality and tradition. That plus a new Python and I’m in.
Colt to Saturn is pretty far off even if they do go completely out of business (unlikely). A few well-respected smiths and shooters have said that Colt’s current 1911s are the best they’ve ever been. Both they and SA still refuse to give me a FS 9mm with rail and Novak style sights though. But, while I try to understand the whole “buy a cheap one to figure out what you want later,” I simply cannot wrap my head around it. If it’s that shitty it may sour your opinion on the entire platform or you wouldn’t even know what you should look for. I’d rather figure out what I want as best as possible and then go with something great that fits the bill. Worst case, sell it and put the money towards a better version. If you buy a good gun from a good company and take reasonable care of it, you won’t lose too much.
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I don’t think people are recommending to ‘buy a cheap one’ to figure out what they want. From what I’m hearing the advice leans towards buying a basic, no-frills but high quality, reliable model from a proven manufacturer. From this fully functional, essential platform, you are able to familiarize yourself with the classic features of the 1911 and then decide what you want to change.
How about a good used Colt or Springfield if you are looking to keep the price down to what a new Taraus 1911?