|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 96
Campfire Greenhorn
|
OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 96 |
I'm looking for an entry to mid-level 1911 that will handle both target loads and hardball. Adjustable sights are a must. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Doug
"It's faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, and more money." Tom T. Hall
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,444
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,444 |
IMHO with over 25 years shooting and working on them Springfield is still the best entry priced gun but I would save my money and by a dan Wesson. Not a fan of Kimbers for many reasons regarding durability on their 1911s.
Good luck
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 3,402
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 3,402 |
Might not be so easy getting one that will shoot powder puff and full power loads without at least swapping some springs.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 96
Campfire Greenhorn
|
OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 96 |
What do you think of the Ruger SR1911 target or competition variations?
"It's faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, and more money." Tom T. Hall
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,506
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,506 |
Take a look at the Rock Island Armory 1911s. You might be surprised at the variety, the quality, the prices and the lifetime warranty.
Every day’s an adventure.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 17,262
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 17,262 |
What do you think of the Ruger SR1911 target or competition variations? No problem with my Ruger. g
"I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man." Thomas Jefferson
GeoW, The "Unwoke" ...Let's go Brandon!
"A Well Regulated Militia" Life Member
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,204
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,204 |
Not a gun writer, obviously...
But, I’ve got a Springfield Range officer. It handles my soft hand loads loads just fine, 200 grain semi flat point cast bullets. Also runs good with various factory ammo, ball or hollow points. Adjustable target sights, but if you want night or combat sights you could always swap. The thing I love about this pistol is that it is tight, reliable and very accurate. It’s the standard 1911 design with barrel bushing. No special tools to field strip. All steel frame. Just a classic, 1911 that is built well and shoots great. Got mine at Academy several years ago from Academy for $799.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 69,184
Campfire Kahuna
|
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 69,184 |
Hard to beat a Springfield Range Officer Model 1911 for an entry level 1911 with adjustable sights.
I wouldn’t be afraid to by the Ruger, either.
Last edited by chlinstructor; 04/04/20.
"Allways speak the truth and you will never have to remember what you said before..." Sam Houston Texans, "We say Grace, We Say Mam, If You Don't Like it, We Don't Give a Damn!"
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,396
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,396 |
Not a gun writer, obviously...
But, I’ve got a Springfield Range officer. It handles my soft hand loads loads just fine, 200 grain semi flat point cast bullets. Also runs good with various factory ammo, ball or hollow points. Adjustable target sights, but if you want night or combat sights you could always swap. The thing I love about this pistol is that it is tight, reliable and very accurate. It’s the standard 1911 design with barrel bushing. No special tools to field strip. All steel frame. Just a classic, 1911 that is built well and shoots great. Got mine at Academy several years ago from Academy for $799. What he said. Just got done running about 500 jacketed rounds thru mine. Not a hiccup 185 HPs thru 230 FMJ. It shoots better than I do. Now I can start messing around with cast loads for practice.
Sacred cows make good burgers when you know what temperature to cook them at.-Rev. Billy
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,234
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,234 |
Using the proper magazine has a lot to do with how the gun feeds different types of ammo. Using magazines with a dimpled steel follower fed semi-wadcutters where my Wilson 47D mags would not. The Wilsons work fine with HPs and FMJs.
Let's Go Brandon! FJB
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,201
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,201 |
Except for the adjustable sights, the Colt competition model ticks all the boxes and comes with excellent Novak sights and VZ grips. I have never found a 1911 to need adjustable sights, although I did have one I needed to swap out front sights to get zeroed. Unless you are playing with dramatically different weights or charges, most fixed sight 1911’s put 230gr ball equivalent right on the money.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,222
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,222 |
I still have fixed sights on mine. A Springfield standard government model. Wore down the factory trigger so put in a Cylinder and Slide trigger/parts kit. Did IDPA for a couple of years. eventually had to put in a new barrel and another trigger/ hammer/ parts kit. Lots of ball and lots of cast have been through it. I have carried it for CCW but I mostly carry my SIG P220-1 these days. I need to get out for some more gov't model time soon. It has a better feel than most 45s I own. It can be carried concealed and used for hunting. Try the Springfield Gov't or an RO. Have fun and Be Well, Rustyzipper.
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy. Its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. Winston Churchill.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,885
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,885 |
Buying the best entry level 1911 is like buying the best entry level AR, lots of choices. I carried a Springfield Loaded on duty for about 12 years and all I did to it was put a Novak tritium front and rear sight on it, a S&A mag well and a crisp 4 lb trigger. Would of been 3 lbs. but department policy said nothing under 4 lbs. I liked it because I could hit with it and it went bang when I pressed the trigger. What more could a guy expect from a fighting hand gun ?
The Range Officer sounds like a good choice.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,652
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,652 |
Seems like most think a 1911 is 45 only, And yes I have a 45 1911. but I also have 1911's in 38 Super and 9mm. If I am going to the range to practice 9 times out of 10 I will take a 38 Super or 9mm in either Colt or Dan Wesson
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 3,734
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 3,734 |
Taurus PT1911 or one of the Rock Islands.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 11,914
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 11,914 |
Rock island if not a colt.
Some of the others will work for a while but they seem to have more problems with wear.
The Kimber's that i have worked on seem to have problems with some factory loads hammering them to much.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,851
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,851 |
What do you think of the Ruger SR1911 target or competition variations? I’ve had very good results from the Ruger SR1911s. Specifically a 10mm all steel GM and a LWT Commander rechambered to 9x23. They are accurate and reliable. Very good value for the price.
Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty of give me death! P. Henry
Deus vult!
Rhodesians all now
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 17,170
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 17,170 |
Take a look at the Rock Island Armory 1911s. You might be surprised at the variety, the quality, the prices and the lifetime warranty. These work pretty good.
Randy NRA Patriot Life Benefactor
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 96
Campfire Greenhorn
|
OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 96 |
Thanks for all the input. The target load I'll be using to start with is the old Clark recommended load--H&G 130 185gr. with 3.9gr. of 700X
Doug
"It's faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, and more money." Tom T. Hall
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 338
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 338 |
I have only good things to say about the Ruger, great pistol.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 587
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 587 |
My Ruger has been outstanding. Accurate & reliable with a decent trigger. AS soon as it's safe to get out & about I'll buy another in 9 mm.
"not too grumpy"
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 16,129
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 16,129 |
I'm a fan......
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,974
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,974 |
There's a Ruger very similar to your top one aalf at the LGS, 670.00
Showed a lot of wear on the side of the grip safety tho.
Me
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,974
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,974 |
Yep - exact same one then. Was listed as TALO. Finish rubbing off on sides of the beavertail.
Me
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17,927
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17,927 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,697
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,697 |
A new Colt Gold Cup National Match. The finest Gold Cup Colt has ever built. Excellent, rugged adjustable sights, series 70 firing pin, superb quality. It'll fit your budget, too. Take it up a notch and have a tight bushing fitted and it'll be ready for national level competition. Triggers are very good, out of the box, on all the new Gold Cups I've tried. Comes with 2 recoil springs to shoot light SWC loads and hardball. And...it's a Colt. Bob
Last edited by RGK; 04/16/20.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,128
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,128 |
My stainless Ruger has not had a single misstep in about 800 rounds now. Great gun for the money
If you find yourself in a hole....quit digging
|
|
|
|
658 members (10gaugeman, 160user, 10ring1, 10gaugemag, 1badf350, 007FJ, 63 invisible),
3,389
guests, and
1,353
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,191,373
Posts18,469,350
Members73,931
|
Most Online11,491 Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|