Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Request Advice on 1911 Purchase

Hi guys, I have a S&W M&P 9mm but I have been thinking about adding a 1911 45ACP to my collection. Been looking at these two guns and was wondering if anyone had thoughts to share. FWIW, I think I want a "commander" sized model as a balance between weight, balance, accuracy, and carry comfort. I'd like one that is mostly black, weighs around 30 pounds and my price range is up to about $1,200 if it's really nice.

Colt Lightweight Commander:
http://www.colt.com/Catalog/Pistols/Lightweight-Commander

Kimber Tactical Pro II:
http://www.kimberamerica.com/tactical-pro-ii?___SID=U

I have not shot either of these yet and am still at the spec'ing stage and looking for advice before I go try a couple out.

Thanks,
Rob

Colt out of those two. rugers are great also.

The Sig 1911 Fastback Nightmare Carry would be one to consider if you want to tote it around.

I have a 5" Colt, a 4" Kimber all steel, and a 4.25" Ruger lightweight. They're all good pistols, but if buying a lightweight commander-size right now I'd probably go with a Colt.

Thanks guys,

The Colt is the cheapest one that I've looked at for $840 also.

Dang! That's pretty heavy!

LOL. I see the steel guns up around the 36-40 ounce area. I assume the lightweight ones use alloy frames like aluminum to cut weight. When I'm just shooting at the range for an hour, I don't really care, and in some ways, I like the heavier guns because they're steadier. I assume if I started carrying one, the extra 6-10 ounces would be a big deal after a few hours? But I don't know, because I don't carry mine yet. What do you guys think, I assume an all steel gun is more durable and reliable. Is the slightly lighter weight worth considering for carry comfort?

I think you will really like the Colt. I much prefer it to the steel commander and I do prefer the standard recoil spring setup.

I may be biased, but I have large hands and a double-stack 1911 just feels better to me. These two should be in your price range:

Para P14 Limited
Wilson KZ-45 - if you can find one...

Colt Lightweight Commander without a doubt.

I do have a Para 14-45 Canadian that has been modified a lot and while I dearly love it, the rascal is very heavy to carry when loaded with 15 .45ACP.

I haven't been involved with 1911's much in the last 20-25 years and wondered if those much more knowledgeable than me would add to the OP's search the Ruger LW Commander ??

CDNN Sports has full size Colt's on sale for $749.00 and a full size Springfield Armory Mil. Spec model for $599.00. They are not Commanders, though.

Find the S&W 1911 Scandium Commander. Hella great pistol.

Yeah I am looking at that too but I saw on other posts that it has a unique extractor and the trigger I think is a slightly different design so I didn't know what I thought about that. I think the one I was looking at was the "E-series" model that had that alloy you mentioned. Some people have argued that the alloy models won't last as long as steel guns. But honestly, I'm the kind of guy that will go to the gun range and shoot about 50 live rounds once or twice a month to maintain proficiency. Now, if I find that parcel I want out in the county to build on...that may change

Yes they are! I wouldn't hesitate at all to carry one! Huntsman22 seems to really love his.

This is the one of those I was looking at:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/sw1911sc-e-series-round-butt-scandium-frame

Buds has it for $1120

This is a picture of a couple of my 1911s and it shows my Colt Delta Elite and my Colt XSE Lightweight Commander in 45 ACP. Both have been flawless from the date that I got them. Get the Colt. You won't regret it.

I was looking at the black models because they look stealthier but if I would be using it as a CCW would you just recommend looking at the stainless versions? I assume the cleaning maintenance on those would be easier.

Buy it.

Stainless will still rust. Just a lot less likely to rust than the blued ones.