Hey guys,

I just got into the sport and soon will be a proud owner of the G17 gen4. I tested my cousin's G17 and fell in love with it.  For a second gun I'm looking for a 1911. Not sure if the brand but I'm kinda leaning towards Kimber Stainless TLE and probably  get the .22 conversion kit in case my girlfriend wants to start shooting. Anyways what everyone's preference or experience with 1911. Just want to get as much info as possible on 1911s. Appreciate any info. Thanks.

The Kimber Stainless TLE II was my first handgun.  To be completely honest, if I could do it over again, I'd have gotten a blued one.  The stainless one wasn't what I thought it'd be.

The Kimber Stainless TLE II was my first handgun.  To be completely honest, if I could do it over again, I'd have gotten a blued one.  The stainless one wasn't what I thought it'd be.

Blued one?

Kimber Custom TLE II would be my pick if I had to do it over again.

RIA.  Never had a moment's regret with mine!

Blued one?

Blue Steel Finish

Springfield Armory 1911s rock!

RIA.  Never had a moment's regret with mine!

+1

Springfield Armory 1911s rock!

I don't have a 1911, but I am hoping that my first will be a SA TRP Stainless or maybe the Armory Kote model. 

The stainless one wasn't what I thought it'd be.

Care to expand on that? 

I have had my satin nickel Colt Series 70 for decades now, would like a second full size 1911 and tend toward stainless unless I am swayed otherwise.

Care to expand on that? 

I have had my satin nickel Colt Series 70 for decades now, would like a second full size 1911 and tend toward stainless unless I am swayed otherwise.

Idk.  The finish wasn't as rust-resistant as I expected.  I kind of wanted something flashy, but the stainless finish wasn't as shiny as I thought it to be either.  I had to leave my guns behind for a year (Uncle Sam gave me involuntary orders), and when I got back, it had a bunch of rust spots.  It's now kind of a beater 1911 now, and not as much of a queen that I made it to be before.

Great resource on the net here.

http://forums.1911forum.com/

I have 2 Kimbers and a Les Baer. Love all of them in a different way.

+1 on the Les Baer. It was worth the price and I've took it with me to the National Matches at Camp Perry and the Pacific Fleet Matches at Camp Pendleton.

I also picked up a Springfield Armory 1911A1 with a NM stamped frame from JC. I use it as a training gun for new shooters.

Kimber Stainless TLE and probably  get the .22 conversion kit in case my girlfriend wants to start shooting.

I'd consider getting something like a Ruger 22/45 instead of the Conversion, it has the same grip angle and approximate controls as the 1911.

Okay, now it's between two kimbers.  The Custom CDP II and the Stainless TLE II. Decisions....decisions......

Just picked up this Springfield RO last month.  It's my first 1911.  I spent a lot of time on the 1911forum and talking with others about what to get, and for the price, this gun is one hell of a value.  Taking it out to Kokohead, it ran like a champ.  No FTFs or ejection issues.  The sight set is black on black, but this is a range gun for now, so that doesn't bother me one bit.  I didn't need front cocking serrations or front strap checkering, nor an ambi safety.  These things are important for some people, but to me their not a big deal for a range gun.  The parkerized finish is a classic look in my opinion, and the only thing I've done to this gun, is change out the grips.  Coming from shooting M&Ps, this gun is a dream.  The trigger is so crisp and the balance of the gun is fantastic.  Don't get me wrong, I love my M&Ps, but a 1911 is just in another class.  I considered a Kimber, but a lot of people seem to feel the quality is not like what it used to be.  I thought about a Springfield Loaded (same finish, night sights, cocking serrations, ambi safety), but was more interested in the fit and finish of the RO.  If I had the funds, I would have probably gone with a TRP.  For $800, this gun is a deal.

Sorry for the long post, but I just wanted to share my first 1911 experience.  Think about what you're going to use it for and how much you're willing to spend. These things can be costly, especially if you're planning to customize it!  Good luck!



 

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Just picked up this Springfield RO last month.  It's my first 1911.  I spent a lot of time on the 1911forum and talking with others about what to get, and for the price, this gun is one hell of a value.  Taking it out to Kokohead, it ran like a champ.  No FTFs or ejection issues.  The sight set is black on black, but this is a range gun for now, so that doesn't bother me one bit.  I didn't need front cocking serrations or front strap checkering, nor an ambi safety.  These things are important for some people, but to me their not a big deal for a range gun.  The parkerized finish is a classic look in my opinion, and the only thing I've done to this gun, is change out the grips.  Coming from shooting M&Ps, this gun is a dream.  The trigger is so crisp and the balance of the gun is fantastic.  Don't get me wrong, I love my M&Ps, but a 1911 is just in another class.  I considered a Kimber, but a lot of people seem to feel the quality is not like what it used to be.  I thought about a Springfield Loaded (same finish, night sights, cocking serrations, ambi safety), but was more interested in the fit and finish of the RO.  If I had the funds, I would have probably gone with a TRP.  For $800, this gun is a deal.

Sorry for the long post, but I just wanted to share my first 1911 experience.  Think about what you're going to use it for and how much you're willing to spend. These things can be costly, especially if you're planning to customize it!  Good luck!

Very nice. There is something about yours that just says simplicity with elegance...... like the girl next door.......who looks like Mila Kunis.....er...okay that was too much...

Love my Colt.

My RIA would double-tap the first time I took it out.  Cured that problem by polishing up the disconnector and three-leaf spring bearing surfaces.  The disconnector, which is an investment casting,  had burrs on it around the mold parting line.

Runs fine now.  I put an arched mainspring housing and a Crimson Trace laser on it and it's now my standard winter carry gun.

Winter.  You know, when the snow flies.

Carry gun.  You know, when you get permission from the authorities to exercise a fundamental individual civil right to carry a gun around with you at all times.

Terry, 230RN