1911's

[picksbigwagon]

Okay, I know it is not a hunting handgun but I have been thinking for a while now about a new handgun. I have always liked the balance and feel of the 1911. I know the sky is the limit when it comes to customizing these things, kind of like the EBR in my safe , but what is a good middle of the road (400-500 bucks) manufacturer of a model 1911. I am looking for personal experience with some of these manu. like springfield, rock island, kimber, taurus, etc.... and which ones to steer clear of.

Thanks

[mechanictim]

I shot a Kimber for years with no problems. They come from the factory with a lot of the aftermarket upgrades already installed. The accuracy was better than most custom 1911's. The basic Colt 1991 is a good shooter as is the Springfield.

For your price range you would probably find a used gun that is a good platform for upgrading and customizing. Most new 1911's from a good company are going to be priced from $650 on up. If you plan on shooting more than a box of ammo a month during the warmer months, buy a quality gun and save some money by reloading.

While the 1911 is not mentioned very often as a hunting weapon I have shot a pair of coyotes and one mangy fox from a blind with my Kimber using a decoy at ranges upto 30 yards.

Though not legal for deer in Minnesota, if you go south to Iowa and get drawn for the late muzzloader season you can use the 45acp in a handgun for deer hunting.

[irvingdog]

It's the design that makes them great. There are few lemon manufacturers out there, but a few exist. Stay with Kimber, S&W or for value, the Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec, and you'll have yourself a great gun.

[Polar Bear]

A subject close to my heart. For around 450 bucks you can get a fully loaded Taurus PT1911. These come direct from the factory with an amazing amount of custom touches. Everyone who has written about them is very impressed.

I'd point you to "The Firing Line" HSOforum and go to their 1911 forum. These guns are so popular my local dealer is told he has a 2 to 3 month wait on future orders. I've got my order in and patiently waiting.

I want to be clear on one thing though: If you have the 1500 to 2 grand to customize a Mil-Spec you will love it. But if you don't have the cash, get the Taurus for one third of the price and still get most of the custom features. For less than 500 bucks you can't touch a Kimber with the same features:

TAURUS 1911'S ARE HOT-RODDED WITH MANY CUSTOM FEATURES SUCH AS A POLISHED FEED RAMP, LOWERED EJECTION PORT, AMBIDEXTROUS SAFETY, A BEAVERTAIL MEMORY PAD GRIP SAFETY, CUSTOM GRIP PANELS, VENTILATED TRIGGER AND HEINIES' STRAIGHT EIGHT 2-DOT SIGHTS.

[picksbigwagon]

I called the company today to see if their PT 1911 was able to accept other parts such as a .22 conversion kit. never really got a an answer, more of a mumble stumble, do you happen to know if I could get a kimber conversion kit and put it on a taurus 1911?

[Polar Bear]

Sorry, don't know anything about .22 conversions. I'm sure the guys on The Firing Line forums would know. Those guys are impressive, and not afraid to share what they know.