We spent the weekend with some friends at their cabin last weekend and they brought a pile a guns with them to shoot at their range. A couple of them were 45 autos, both of which I shot along with a nice Kimber 10mm.

I was impressed with both the 10mm and 45 and told my wife she should shoot them, which she did. She wasn't that thrilled with the 10mm but really liked the 45 and now she wants one for herself.

The 2 pistols were a Springfield and the other was a Colt. Are there some other brands out there that are comparable to these 2?

I assume you mean 1911 type "45 autos". There are tons of such pistols available and it basically boils down to which features you want at what price. Assuming $1000 and under there are several likely candidates. Many here like the relatively new Ruger offering. It can be had for about $700 or less right now. Taurus IMO, makes a good 1911 which is loaded with features. It is possibly slightly higher than the Ruger. Rock Island is the latest incarnation of the Armsport Phillipine-made 1911 which has been around for years. Most agree they are decent pistols for bargain prices. $500 or less for a base model. The Springfield and Colt brands can be had in several incarnations for at or under the specified price. I'd probably go with a Springfield Mil-Spec for her.

I've had a springfield since the late 80's. Except for a bonehead move by me (squib on the first shot of a double tap that trashed the barrel but never hurt me or the rest of the gun)the gun has never faltered. I've got a Norinco that a co-worker sold me for a too good to resist price that digests everything fed it and shoots as good as I'm capable of. Rock Island Arsenal, made in the Philipines have a reputation as good shooters. They may not be as durable as the Springfield but I don't think that's a proven yet.

Rock Island are good basic solid guns.

Para Ordnance makes some nice ones also.

Colt, always great.
Springfields are good.

I also like the new Ruger models that are very reasonable for the options you get.

You can do a lot worse that a Springfield Range Officer.

You are correct Ethan, I am referring to the 1911 type 45 autos.

I'd like to keep the cost under $800 but she has been eyeballing the Kimbers behind my back. lol

You didn't say what the purpose was. If daily carry, I'd recommend the Colt's LW Commander, followed by the S&W M1911PD which is their LW Commander. I have the latter, it's a great pistol and has served me very well, but I wish I would have bought the Colt.

If a full size, I think the S&W's are very good quality, lots of features, and a reasonable price. I also like the Colts. My full size is a Colt's and I'm very happy with it.

If she wants a Kimber, get her a Kimber.

I will, if that's what she wants. I'm simply looking for suggestions on other models.

Check out Palmetto State Armory
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/firearms/handguns.html

4+ years later, my wife still loves her Kimber 1911. She's a bit recoil shy, but she worked through it. Loving her gun, helped her want to practice. I'm glad I let her make her own decision. Here's a link with a couple pics:
https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...ll_my_wife_finally_crossed_o#Post5518498

And here's a 5-shot group from 25 feet:

Right on Wade, that is some good shooting by your wife. How does she like the shorter version? Mine loves the full size 5" and also loves shooting my Ruger NSBH 44 mag but it needs better grips.

That 'll do Donkey, that 'll do!!

The ONLY problem I have with Kimber is the fact that they remain in Yonkers, NY, implicitly agreeing with NY's gun laws and continuing to generate tax revenue (property and income taxes at various levels) to that socialist state.

Like a lot of women, she likes her "small" gun. It gives her the illusion that it's easier to wield. She has shot my all steel 5" 1911 and thinks it's too big and too heavy. I don't argue as long as she is carrying a gun.

What size .45 does she want? Full size? Commander, or?

^they do remain in NY, but perhaps they are there fighting the good fight. Would it be better if they cut and run? I support companies that move (like magpul and beretta) and companies that stay like Kimber. Now, if Kimber was actively giving to someone like the HSUS or whatever they are calling handgun control inc. these days, that's a different story. Just living and working in a liberal state doesn't make them a bad company.

Full size.

There's no shortage of good full size guns out there. Just comes down to budget and personal preferences. In addition to SA and Kimber, you might take a look at Dan Wesson, maybe S&W (they've got that external extractor thing down pretty good). There are some bargains to be had if you shop around. I think I saw an ad somewhere just the other day for new Colt GI guns for around $700. I haven't heard anything bad about Remington's entry, but haven't shot it personally.

Springfield Loaded or Range Officer, for around $800. My second choice would be the Ruger 1911 which can be had for around $700. Nothing wrong with the Para's or S&W 1911's either.
If I'm gonna spend what a new Colt costs, them I'm gonna spend a little more for a Kimber Custom Shop Model. I carry one every day, in a LW Commader Custom Shop Pro.

O

I would look hard at a Springfield they are a lot of 1911 for the money and I would take one over a Colt in a heart beat.

Have owned Colts in several sizes, mil surplus Remington Rand, Kimber and presently own a Ruger 5" 1911.

My all-time favorite; the Ruger!
It was purchased for personal protection.

I've modified it to include a shorter trigger to "fit" my hand better, and, if it has to set in a police evidence locker for several months, I'm not out that much cash.

I can hit better with this 1911 than any other I've owned.

Virgil B.

in my experience with my ex and daughters, if you get them what they want, so long as it is a decent gun, they are far more likely to use it....you pick out what you think they should have and it sits in the safe no matter how much "better" your choice for them is......

I've found that to be very true with the numerous women who have taken my CHL course.

I try to steer then in the right direction, of course, but when their husbands ask which brand to buy them, I usually suggest that they let their Wife make the final selection. And with a little guidance, most of them tend to choose very well, in my experience.

This. My fiance's Dad had a Kimber, so to her "1911" meant "Kimber." When the time came for me to buy her a 1911, I bought her a Kimber Eclipse. It's good to buy someone a gun they want and believe in, even if you may not agree with their reasons.

then get her one

I can't see feeding and supporting an enemy sworn to destroy you and that opposes everything you stand for. To Kimber, that would be the governments of NYC and NYS. Yet, they remain.

This isn't my wife's first pistol and I have no intention of choosing her pistol for her. We'll go down to Cabelas and a few other stores and she'll find one that she likes best.

By the way, in the $800 range, I would give the Ruger 1911 a hard look.

1911 is great....and I agree that it is the best for a .45 caliber frame. However, if you (or her) is not stuck on the 1911 system, you might want to look at the Taurus. It's not exspensive and my wife really loves hers. I lijke the single stack magazines.... but she prefers the double stack. It's simple....as she says, "safety off annd start shooting"
.

If you really love your wife and she's a keeper buy her a Wilson.

Then if he doesn't keep her he still has the Wilson...

Have her try a Commander size with a CNC laser grip. She might like it and she might not, but night sights are a big deal for me with a carry/defensive pistol. Nothin' good happens after midnite.

My wife has a Sig 220 with night sights. I put a Viridian laser/light on the rail. Not bulky and very handy. She likes my Kimber, too.

My daughter likes her M&P Compact in 45acp. No side safety. It's lighter than any of the above, though the 220's no heavyweight. Her M&P is snappy but darn accurate.