I have a little nostalgia kicking in and have an itch for another 1911. Not sure why.
I had a newer production Colt Gold Cup NM that was tuned up. That was a REALLY nice looking pistol and accurate and reliable. I liked it, but it some way got away. I should not have let the Colt go. The smith that worked on that one is good but incredibly slow so am hesitant to do that again.
I've had a few Rugers and have one now with adjustable sights that is stock and nice and is accurate but I am wanting a step up from my existing Ruger, though it will stick around in that it makes a good general ranch pistol.
In the past, I had two Ed Browns, both Executive Targets, but I didn't think they shot any better than my Rugers or Colt and seemed less reliable so went down the road. I also had a Republic Forge commander length I picked up at Cabela's at a good price but it wasn't any more accurate than my Ruger and didn't shoot remotely close to the sights. I didn't like it enough to fiddle with it and get it to hit where aimed so sold it and got my money back.
I know where a clean used, new production (blue grip) stainless Gold Cup is at for a good price. I saw a lightly used Springfield TRP today for an attractive price. I've thought about a Wilson, but they're expensive and 1911s tend not to stick around at my place. Plus, the big Nazi Eagle is obnoxious and not what I want to see on the side of a gun.
What's a nice full-size 1911 these days that would be a step up from my Ruger? A Sig, Dan Wesson, Gold Cup with some tweaks or Springfield TRP? Is there an option I'm not thinking of?
Couple years ago I picked up a Colt Wiley Clapp - been very happy with it. 230gr ball - no issues. 230 grain HST as carry load - no issues. Has everything I want, beavertail, Novaks and checkered front strap. It came with VZ grips, not the factory ones but I replaced it with faux bone.
900 bucks, had less than a box shot through it when I bought it.
Dan Wessons are really nice and a great choice, but if choosing one manufacturer that feels like a true step up into the bespoke range, I’d go with Les Baer. There’s just something about a Baer that feels more 1911 than other 1911s, and must be held to appreciate.
What's a nice full-size 1911 these days that would be a step up from my Ruger? A Sig, Dan Wesson, Gold Cup with some tweaks or Springfield TRP? Is there an option I'm not thinking of?
You might consider “stepping up” your current Ruger by trading out some of its parts for aftermarket components (not necessarily new parts). 1911s are sorta like LEGOs. Here’s a couple of examples, to get your creative juices flowing:
This .45ACP CCO (stands for Colt Copy, Obviously) was put together using an inexpensive RIA Compact Sized stainless steel frame (the unwanted stubby stainless steel upper is now in my spare parts bin), a Les Baer Comanche slide from an earlier project (which I’d had Black Nitride treated in anticipation of this project) and an Ed Brown 4-1/4” stainless steel barrel (both the untreated slide and the match barrel had come from Brownells). The RIA frame rails were a bit oversized, and required a fair amount of valve grinding compound applied, along with a few hours of whacking the slide back and forth on the frame with a rubber mallet, to get the fit just right (scared the hell out of me, at first). But, the photo shows that the corrosion-resistant results were well worth the effort.
Much less work (and far less fearlessness [or reckless abandon]) was required in assembling this full sized 9mm Colt Frankenpistol: It started with a Colt stainless steel .38SUPER frame (didn’t much care for the original pistol and sold the upper), onto which I easily installed a blued Colt 9mm slide (left over from a blued Colt I’d just as easily converted to .45ACP and sold) and a 5” Bar-Sto 9mm stainless steel barrel. Other than the minor frame grinding needed for installation of the Smith & Alexander beavertail grip safety, no parts alteration was required; it simply assembled together as if originally made that way. An arched mainspring housing has been substituted since the photo.
By DIY, you could have the equivalent of a big name, high dollar pistol for less than a $1,000 cash outlay, beyond the cost of your original Ruger. And, you could even pop a vest button, or two, as you identify its maker. Plus, you could just as easily switch it back, if you change your mind later, unless you physically altered something, or sold the substituted parts, of course, then maybe install those parts on a different frame. Man, this stuff is fun!
I've had two Dan Wesson's and both were prime examples of how a 1911 should be made.
But like you, 1911's don't stick around much at my house so since both of my DW's were 9mm's I sold them and made money on them. I still have one in God's caliber and it will stick around if only to prevent me from having to buy another one...
I'm a Dan Wesson fan, own PM9 and PM45, both are shooters, best semi-custom 1911 you can buy before leaping into the true customs. A steel plate shooting buddy owns 7 DW's the oldest has 40K rounds down the tube still as tight as the day he bought it.
I have a little nostalgia kicking in and have an itch for another 1911. Not sure why.
I had a newer production Colt Gold Cup NM that was tuned up. That was a REALLY nice looking pistol and accurate and reliable. I liked it, but it some way got away. I should not have let the Colt go. The smith that worked on that one is good but incredibly slow so am hesitant to do that again.
I've had a few Rugers and have one now with adjustable sights that is stock and nice and is accurate but I am wanting a step up from my existing Ruger, though it will stick around in that it makes a good general ranch pistol.
In the past, I had two Ed Browns, both Executive Targets, but I didn't think they shot any better than my Rugers or Colt and seemed less reliable so went down the road. I also had a Republic Forge commander length I picked up at Cabela's at a good price but it wasn't any more accurate than my Ruger and didn't shoot remotely close to the sights. I didn't like it enough to fiddle with it and get it to hit where aimed so sold it and got my money back.
I know where a clean used, new production (blue grip) stainless Gold Cup is at for a good price. I saw a lightly used Springfield TRP today for an attractive price. I've thought about a Wilson, but they're expensive and 1911s tend not to stick around at my place. Plus, the big Nazi Eagle is obnoxious and not what I want to see on the side of a gun.
What's a nice full-size 1911 these days that would be a step up from my Ruger? A Sig, Dan Wesson, Gold Cup with some tweaks or Springfield TRP? Is there an option I'm not thinking of?
I'd give that Springfield TRP a close look if the price is right. Look at it close, SA, IMO can turn out some really good ones and also a few that QC must have been off that day. A few of the ones I have were acquired cheap from guys that couldn't get them to run.
I've traded off 3 1911 type pistols, a AMT hardballer that was absolutely terrible and 2 Sigs that were unreliable on extraction.
Couple years ago I picked up a Colt Wiley Clapp - been very happy with it. 230gr ball - no issues. 230 grain HST as carry load - no issues. Has everything I want, beavertail, Novaks and checkered front strap. It came with VZ grips, not the factory ones but I replaced it with faux bone.
900 bucks, had less than a box shot through it when I bought it.
That holster is cool!
Who makes it, may I ask?
DON’T BE TOO PROUD OF THIS TECHNOLOGICAL TERROR YOU’VE CONSTRUCTED. THE ABILITY TO DESTROY A PLANET IS INSIGNIFICANT NEXT TO THE POWER OF THE FORCE.
A couple years ago, Turnbull Custom was making a gun, the Model 1911 "Black Army" ... basically a 1911 manufactured to WW I specs with Turnbull quality and precision. I ordered one. I LOVE THAT PISTOL. I fired my first 1911 in the Army in 1974, and this Turnbull pistol brings back many fond memories, and shoots 230 grain ball to point of aim with zero malfunctions. They are out of production but if you can find one that would be on my short list.
Couple years ago I picked up a Colt Wiley Clapp - been very happy with it. 230gr ball - no issues. 230 grain HST as carry load - no issues. Has everything I want, beavertail, Novaks and checkered front strap. It came with VZ grips, not the factory ones but I replaced it with faux bone.
900 bucks, had less than a box shot through it when I bought it.
In the fall here, I'm in a black/red plaid flannel like 95% of the time. Otherwise big hoodies. I figured the black/red kydex would help sorta camouflage any inadvertent exposure. They have a pile of different offerings.
I find them pretty comfortable, haven't broken or busted it yet. Solid retention.
I am quickly becoming another fan. I have only had the Guardian a couple weeks and have only put a couple dozen rounds through it so far.
38 Super Auto, shooting the Saeco 383 140 gr truncated cone over 6 gr Power Pistol at 1185 fps. Brass lands 6 ft to my left and a couple feet to the rear.
I have not even printed a group yet. Just put a few mags through it for function test. Tomorrow it goes in for trigger work. 4.5# now, will be 2 3/4 to 3#. And new sights. It came with tritium, I find them hard to pick up in bright light or pitch black.
People who choose to brew up their own storms bitch loudest about the rain.
That would be boring. There's only so much space for guns and sometimes a purge is needed. Very rarely do I miss one if I choose to sell. The Gold Cup I do miss. I'm happy the Ed Browns and Republic forge have been replaced with other stuff.
What's a nice full-size 1911 these days that would be a step up from my Ruger? A Sig, Dan Wesson, Gold Cup with some tweaks or Springfield TRP? Is there an option I'm not thinking of?
You might consider “stepping up” your current Ruger by trading out some of its parts for aftermarket components (not necessarily new parts). 1911s are sorta like LEGOs. Here’s a couple of examples, to get your creative juices flowing:
This .45ACP CCO (stands for Colt Copy, Obviously) was put together using an inexpensive RIA Compact Sized stainless steel frame (the unwanted stubby stainless steel upper is now in my spare parts bin), a Les Baer Comanche slide from an earlier project (which I’d had Black Nitride treated in anticipation of this project) and an Ed Brown 4-1/4” stainless steel barrel (both the untreated slide and the match barrel had come from Brownells). The RIA frame rails were a bit oversized, and required a fair amount of valve grinding compound applied, along with a few hours of whacking the slide back and forth on the frame with a rubber mallet, to get the fit just right (scared the hell out of me, at first). But, the photo shows that the corrosion-resistant results were well worth the effort.
Much less work (and far less fearlessness [or reckless abandon]) was required in assembling this full sized 9mm Colt Frankenpistol: It started with a Colt stainless steel .38SUPER frame (didn’t much care for the original pistol and sold the upper), onto which I easily installed a blued Colt 9mm slide (left over from a blued Colt I’d just as easily converted to .45ACP and sold) and a 5” Bar-Sto 9mm stainless steel barrel. Other than the minor frame grinding needed for installation of the Smith & Alexander beavertail grip safety, no parts alteration was required; it simply assembled together as if originally made that way. An arched mainspring housing has been substituted since the photo.
By DIY, you could have the equivalent of a big name, high dollar pistol for less than a $1,000 cash outlay, beyond the cost of your original Ruger. And, you could even pop a vest button, or two, as you identify its maker. Plus, you could just as easily switch it back, if you change your mind later, unless you physically altered something, or sold the substituted parts, of course, then maybe install those parts on a different frame. Man, this stuff is fun!
I'm kind of surprised at the response. Some really nice guns on this thread. I'm surprised at all the DWs. The gunshop that has the stainless Gold Cup also has one of the newer blued NM Gold Cup used. Maybe I will buy that and do may own customizing...
I'm kind of surprised at the response. Some really nice guns on this thread. I'm surprised at all the DWs. The gunshop that has the stainless Gold Cup also has one of the newer blued NM Gold Cup used. Maybe I will buy that and do may own customizing...
You’ll be way ahead with a DW valor or equal
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light Isaiah 9:2
Another Dan Wesson fan. I went to the LGS to buy a new Colt and found the used DW next it. No comparison. The DW was priced $200 over the Colt. It is a great handgun.
Dan Wessons are really nice and a great choice, but if choosing one manufacturer that feels like a true step up into the bespoke range, I’d go with Les Baer. There’s just something about a Baer that feels more 1911 than other 1911s, and must be held to appreciate.
^^^THIS^^^
You won’t buy a better 1911 for the money a Les Baer costs. Buy once, cry once. 😬
Not that there’s anything wrong with the Dan Wesson 1911’s. They make some really nice pistols.
Colt would probably be my last choice of current production 1911’s, with their recent buyout by CZ.
"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!"
This based on a buddy’s experience on a new “Colt” / CZ AR-15.
"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!"
I'm kind of surprised at the response. Some really nice guns on this thread. I'm surprised at all the DWs. The gunshop that has the stainless Gold Cup also has one of the newer blued NM Gold Cup used. Maybe I will buy that and do may own customizing...
Gold Cups are over rated IMO.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
Agreed. But, it certainly was not always that way. They’re now simply playing off the old reputation, ‘cause they’re no longer the same quality target pistol. A Colt Gold Cup made in the early 1970s is truly a pistol worth having.
If you can afford a Wilson or a Nighthawk, then, IMHO, you will never regret it. The slides are like they are on ball bearings.
I'm not at all a Baer fan for lots of reasons, & for less money, you can get a Dan Wesson of whatever flavor you like, which, again IMHO is just as nice...................for the money, it's a fantastic piece & fitted & finished far better than any non-custom shop Colt of any flavor.
Springfield TRP is a decent gun as well, priced a little below a comparable DW Valor.
I have a DW Valor stainless 45 and it has been very reliable and accurate as this old man can shoot.
I have a friend who is a certified 1911 nut. He has owned Wilsons, Les Baer plus a good number of other generic brands of 1911's and he no longer owns anything but Dan Wesson 1911's.
You might consider “stepping up” your current Ruger by trading out some of its parts for aftermarket components (not necessarily new parts). 1911s are sorta like LEGOs. … By DIY, you could have the equivalent of a big name, high dollar pistol for less than a $1,000 cash outlay, beyond the cost of your original Ruger. [ ] Plus, you could just as easily switch it back, if you change your mind later, unless you physically altered something, or sold the substituted parts, of course, then maybe install those parts on a different frame. Man, this stuff is fun!
Originally Posted by DesertMuleDeer
I like what you've done there!
Originally Posted by DesertMuleDeer
The gunshop that has the stainless Gold Cup also has one of the newer blued NM Gold Cup used. Maybe I will buy that and do may own customizing...
Starting with any good 1911 frame, which had been made to correct specifications (the Colt people would certainly know what those are, and have the experience to make them happen), you can have multiple pistols, ranging from .22LR to .460 Rowland, and switch between them as you wish, simply by installing different parts on that one frame.
If I were going to purchase another Colt 1911 as the basis for a project gun, I’d buy an older, obviously used Colt Government Model (older Gold Cups cost much more and have different, more delicate guts), in order to avoid the potential flaws in newer guns caused by declining craftsmanship in recent times.
I've had a TRP since the late 1990s. It's been an amazing gun for me. I even carried it IWB for several years (after removing the extended mag well). Mine's the model with the black Armory Kote finish, which seems nearly indestructible, as the gun is still like-new in appearance, even after years of daily IWB carry. They also make a stainless model.
“It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.”
Another option is Turnbull Restorations. In addition to being the one of the best restoration guys around,they also make brand new 1911’s. Super accurate and the finish is second to none. They can build to order, but often have a few in stock.
This one is a WW1 spec gun.
They also can do them with CCH, elk grips, etc etc
Another option is Turnbull Restorations. In addition to being the one of the best restoration guys around,they also make brand new 1911’s. Super accurate and the finish is second to none. They can build to order, but often have a few in stock.
This one is a WW1 spec gun.
They also can do them with CCH, elk grips, etc etc
That would be cool as hell to own.
“It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.”
Another option is Turnbull Restorations. In addition to being the one of the best restoration guys around,they also make brand new 1911’s. Super accurate and the finish is second to none. They can build to order, but often have a few in stock. This one is a WW1 spec gun.
They also can do them with CCH, elk grips, etc etc
That would be cool as hell to own.
A perfect example of the astoundingly beautiful things one can acquire through the sufficient application of money.
Another option is Turnbull Restorations. In addition to being the one of the best restoration guys around,they also make brand new 1911’s. Super accurate and the finish is second to none. They can build to order, but often have a few in stock. This one is a WW1 spec gun.
They also can do them with CCH, elk grips, etc etc
That would be cool as hell to own.
A perfect example of the astoundingly beautiful things one can acquire through the sufficient application of money.
Turnbull can be less expensive than Wilson and some of the others mentioned
Another option is Turnbull Restorations. In addition to being the one of the best restoration guys around,they also make brand new 1911’s. Super accurate and the finish is second to none. They can build to order, but often have a few in stock. [ ] They also can do them with CCH, elk grips, etc etc
Originally Posted by Exchipy
A perfect example of the astoundingly beautiful things one can acquire through the sufficient application of money.
Originally Posted by hikerbum
Turnbull can be less expensive than Wilson and some of the others mentioned
That’s sorta like saying Lamborghini can be less expensive than Ferrari. Much depends on the grade and options selected.
I still say DIY is the most cost-effective way to get the working 1911 that will serve you best, rather than spending big money for an exquisite example of artistic finery that will likely spend most its time hidden in the safe, out of fear that it might otherwise acquire some tiny evidence of use (That’s no proper way to enjoy owning a “real” gun.).
I have personally experienced the consuming fear which accompanies owning something truly special. For one year during my premarital life, I owned, drove and reveled in the world class performance of a 1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal, a mechanically fuel injected 2.5 liter V8, high performance sport coupe. Montreals were quite rare in the U.S. at the time (like maybe 8 of them [Dean Martin was said to have had one then, and Jay Leno has one now]). I bought mine from its previous owner (a general contractor, and a former neighbor of mine when I was a kid, it turned out) while I had him stopped in a paved turnout, on the main highway through the Santa Cruz Mountains, for not having a left side mirror on his car. I knew exactly what that car was before I stopped it (which was why I picked a safe paved turnout for the stop). When the owner told me he had grown bored with his Alfa, I immediately jumped at the chance. That purchase cleaned out both my savings and my modest inheritance from my paternal grandfather’s estate.
Before too long (but well after I’d installed the required left side mirror, of course), it got to where I became afraid to drive it much, for fear that some incompetent old lady would take out a fender. As that particular Alfa Romeo model was not legally importable into the U.S. (don’t ask how mine got in), spare parts were nearly impossible to get. So, rather than continue to take the risk, I sold it to an Alfa Romeo racing team mechanic at the Laguna Seca Raceway for a thousand dollars more than I had paid for it (the one and only time I ever made money selling a car of mine). I do not in any way regret having bought it. Nor, do I regret having sold it, either, because I would have only been its prisoner, if I’d kept it long term.
It’s very much the same with artsy-fartsy guns of high value, isn’t it?
How about a full-fledged match grade 45 acp "hardball" gun? I have one I would sell for $980 shipped to a lower 48 FFL, from my Maine FFL.
It was built by Angus Arms (Wiscassett, ME). Owner Gus ("Angus") Norcross is a master pistolsmith, not a local "bubba smith.". He gave my Springfield Armory 1911 MILSPEC (NM s/n frame prefix, meaning forged, machined, and finished in the USA) the full "hardball" configuration build up. Fitted Kart match barrel and bushing, 4# trigger, adjustable great sight, fitted oversized pins, new springs, ILS lock system removed replace with "standard" spring/trigger post, + more. 3" @50 guarantee with match 230 grain FMJ ammo. It would definitely be a "step up" from your Ruger 1911.
I have less than 100 rounds fired through it. Rotator cuff shoulder surgery abruptly ended my bullseye pistol shooting career. I've hung on to it for a bit, but I think it's time to sell it. Feels great in the hand when the slide is worked. He also built a full wadgun for me, and it also shot great (sold it). PM if interested.
Another option is Turnbull Restorations. In addition to being the one of the best restoration guys around,they also make brand new 1911’s. Super accurate and the finish is second to none. They can build to order, but often have a few in stock. [ ] They also can do them with CCH, elk grips, etc etc
Originally Posted by Exchipy
A perfect example of the astoundingly beautiful things one can acquire through the sufficient application of money.
Originally Posted by hikerbum
Turnbull can be less expensive than Wilson and some of the others mentioned
That’s sorta like saying Lamborghini can be less expensive than Ferrari. Much depends on the grade and options selected.
I still say DIY is the most cost-effective way to get the working 1911 that will serve you best, rather than spending big money for an exquisite example of artistic finery that will likely spend most its time hidden in the safe, out of fear that it might otherwise acquire some tiny evidence of use (That’s no proper way to enjoy owning a “real” gun.).
I have personally experienced the consuming fear which accompanies owning something truly special. For one year during my premarital life, I owned, drove and reveled in the world class performance of an Alfa Romeo Montreal, a mechanically fuel injected 2.5 liter V8, high performance sport coupe, quite rare in the U.S. at the time (like maybe 8 of them [Dean Martin was said to have had one then, and Jay Leno has one now]). I bought from its previous owner (a general contractor and former neighbor as I was growing up, it turned out) while I had him stopped, in a paved turnout on a mountain highway, for not having a left side mirror on the car. I had known exactly what that car was before I’d stopped him (which was why I’d picked a safe paved turnout for the stop). When he told me he had grown bored with it, I immediately jumped at the chance. That purchase cleaned out my savings, plus my modest inheritance from my paternal grandfather’s estate. Before too long (but well after I’d installed the required side mirror, of course), it got to where I became afraid to drive it much, for fear that some incompetent old lady would take out a fender. As that particular Alfa Romeo model was not legally importable into the U.S. (don’t ask how it got in), spare parts were nearly impossible to get. So, rather than continue to take the risk, I sold it to an Alfa Romeo racing team mechanic at the Laguna Seca Raceway for a thousand dollars more than I had paid for it (the one and only time I ever made money selling a car of mine). I do not in any way regret having bought it. Nor, do I regret having sold it, either, because I would have only been its prisoner, if I’d kept it long term.
It’s very much the same with artsy-fartsy guns of high value, isn’t it?
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light Isaiah 9:2
A perfect example of the astoundingly beautiful things one can acquire through the sufficient application of money.
LOL. Yep.
“It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.”
I first met Doug Turnbull when he was running US Firearms Company many years ago. Heck of a nice guy and very knowledgeable, too. At that time, they put out some of the BEST SAA reproductions ever made, IMO. You can still fine one of those early USFA SAA models for a decent deal, every great once in a while. If you see one that’s even halfway reasonably priced, nowadays, my recommendation is BUY it. 👍🏻
Last edited by chlinstructor; 09/18/24.
"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!"
Dan Wessons are really nice and a great choice, but if choosing one manufacturer that feels like a true step up into the bespoke range, I’d go with Les Baer. There’s just something about a Baer that feels more 1911 than other 1911s, and must be held to appreciate.
^^^THIS^^^
You won’t buy a better 1911 for the money a Les Baer costs. Buy once, cry once. 😬
Not that there’s anything wrong with the Dan Wesson 1911’s. They make some really nice pistols.
Colt would probably be my last choice of current production 1911’s, with their recent buyout by CZ.
Owned a Baer and for half the money I prefer my Dan Wesson.
For me, Les Baer, hands down. I like the larger feel a lot & they outshoot everything else.
To each his own..................
Baer's used to be able to be had for considerably less than their current retail prices; those prices are more or less comparable to Wilson's & Nighthawk for similar guns.
And unless you buy the 1 1/2", 50 yd guarantee, I've never seen their standard guns shoot any better than other comparable guns............but Baer does build some specific target models that others don't.
Actually, except for serious Bullseye work, most good 1911's today are far better, accuracy wise, than ever before & most decent 1911 are pretty tight with pretty good barrels.
For all routine accuracy needs, short of a genuine 50 yd target grade gun, there's very little to be gained by having a 1911 "worked over" as some might think necessary.
There can be something to be gained, reliability wise, by going through a routine production guns & making sure a few critical items are as they should be.
For me, Les Baer, hands down. I like the larger feel a lot & they outshoot everything else.
Baer's used to be able to be had for considerably less than their current retail prices; those prices are more or less comparable to Wilson's & Nighthawk for similar guns. And unless you buy the 1 1/2", 50 yd guarantee, I've never seen their standard guns shoot any better than other comparable guns............but Baer does build some specific target models that others don't. MM
MM,
Unfortunately, you failed to address “the larger feel,” which Hawkeye_Reloader likes a lot about Les Baer 1911s.
Actually, I've always liked the feel of a Series 70 Gold Cup in my hand.............dunno exactly why, but it just has a certain feel, that for me, is a little different than a standard 1911. Maybe it's the balance because of the lighter slide. But the grip just feels "good".
Just one of those intangibles, I guess.
I have one, & it's really nothing special & shoots decently, but not great & is reliable, but overall, GC's are not exceptional.
But nonetheless, it's not going anywhere as I just like that gun model.
Actually, I've always liked the feel of a Series 70 Gold Cup in my hand.............dunno exactly why, but it just has a certain feel, that for me, is a little different than a standard 1911. Maybe it's the balance because of the lighter slide. But the grip just feels "good".
Just one of those intangibles, I guess.
I have one, & it's really nothing special & shoots decently, but not great & is reliable, but overall, GC's are not exceptional.
But nonetheless, it's not going anywhere as I just like that gun model.
MM
I liked the old ones. Especially the pre 70 Models. I had a pristine 1960 model Gold Cup that was reliable and very accurate. Wish I had kept that one.
I had a 80 series that was neither. Bought it when I first got into IPSC competition years ago in the early 90’s.
Sold it and bought a new mill spec stainless Springfield. Had a well known custom gunsmith install a match barrel, Target sights, polish the ramp & rails, do a trigger job, and add a competition beaver tail, extended safety, and flat mainspring housing. Shot it for years in local & state competition without any fails other than ammo fails.
Last edited by chlinstructor; 09/18/24.
"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!"
That would be boring. There's only so much space for guns and sometimes a purge is needed. Very rarely do I miss one if I choose to sell. The Gold Cup I do miss. I'm happy the Ed Browns and Republic forge have been replaced with other stuff.
How many times have anyone read " I wish I still had it" on this website
I have never sold or traded a gun. My only regret was selling a bamboo flyrod I bought as a teenager.
I'm up to 77 total of different 1911's
Gun Shows are almost as comical as boat ramps in the Spring.
That would be boring. There's only so much space for guns and sometimes a purge is needed. Very rarely do I miss one if I choose to sell. The Gold Cup I do miss. I'm happy the Ed Browns and Republic forge have been replaced with other stuff.
How many times have anyone read " I wish I still had it" on this website
I have never sold or traded a gun. My only regret was selling a bamboo flyrod I bought as a teenager.
I'm up to 77 total of different 1911's
Holy crap!
“It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.”
That would be boring. There's only so much space for guns and sometimes a purge is needed. Very rarely do I miss one if I choose to sell. The Gold Cup I do miss. I'm happy the Ed Browns and Republic forge have been replaced with other stuff.
How many times have anyone read " I wish I still had it" on this website
I have never sold or traded a gun. My only regret was selling a bamboo flyrod I bought as a teenager.
I'm up to 77 total of different 1911's
Holy crap!
Right. That's likely more than in a 1950s Marine Regiment. I only have 1/77th of that. Once I bought the Dan Wesson Bruin, I just don't think I could have a better 1911.
That would be boring. There's only so much space for guns and sometimes a purge is needed. Very rarely do I miss one if I choose to sell. The Gold Cup I do miss. I'm happy the Ed Browns and Republic forge have been replaced with other stuff.
How many times have anyone read " I wish I still had it" on this website
I have never sold or traded a gun. My only regret was selling a bamboo flyrod I bought as a teenager.
I'm up to 77 total of different 1911's
I'm down to 2 but lifetime had 6 total. I am not opposed to more.
2 I have now are the WC above and a 1944 Colt frame/slide CMP purchase.
That would be boring. There's only so much space for guns and sometimes a purge is needed. Very rarely do I miss one if I choose to sell. The Gold Cup I do miss. I'm happy the Ed Browns and Republic forge have been replaced with other stuff.
How many times have anyone read " I wish I still had it" on this website
I have never sold or traded a gun. My only regret was selling a bamboo flyrod I bought as a teenager.
I'm up to 77 total of different 1911's
Don'[t know if you're the man, but you ought to at least make the podium. Bravo!
As far as ever I got was a dozen. They do tempt & will multiply.
Couple years ago I picked up a Colt Wiley Clapp - been very happy with it. 230gr ball - no issues. 230 grain HST as carry load - no issues. Has everything I want, beavertail, Novaks and checkered front strap. It came with VZ grips, not the factory ones but I replaced it with faux bone.
900 bucks, had less than a box shot through it when I bought it.
In the fall here, I'm in a black/red plaid flannel like 95% of the time. Otherwise big hoodies. I figured the black/red kydex would help sorta camouflage any inadvertent exposure. They have a pile of different offerings.
I find them pretty comfortable, haven't broken or busted it yet. Solid retention.
They are the most comfortable kydex holster I’ve used and customer service is fantastic.
I have the same plaid one for a Glock 20.
I also like they don’t charge extra for different options.
"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!"
For retaining value, get a Colt Gold Cup. It shoots well, too.
The Colt 1911's always retain their value better than any other copy. The Colt Gold Cup and Trophy are a good value for the money.
Can't go wrong with Springfield or Dan Wesson. If you have the money, Bill Wilson for the top tier is a good choice. He knows the 1911 better than most
Gun Shows are almost as comical as boat ramps in the Spring.
I see several posting about higher end guns. OP didn’t give a ballpark on $$ so I was just suggesting Turnbull as an option that is a great gun. Not the highest price, but not cheap either.
If money is an issue then DW and Colt have gotten out of range for some. Then I suggest Tisa as an option. Getting many great reviews and the ones I have seen are well made.
I went through this thought process this past year when I was seeking a new high quality 1911 as a retirement present. Not to say that I am picky, maybe discerning is a better word, I've owned some higher end 1911's over my lifetime to include Ed Brown, Les Baer and Wilson Combat full size guns just none stayed around very long as I was always wanting to try something different. The Ed Brown Special Forces model stayed with me the longest and that was where I started my search; let's say the new price was eye opening (what isn't these days?), the wait time wasn't bad.
I had several recommendations from friends for Nighthawk, SA TRP, DW Valor, WC CQB Elite and a Gunsight GSP; I was able to shoot all of these this past spring and they are all excellent 1911's. It came down to the new release SA TRP (no rail) and the DW Valor (Duty Coat). I went with the DW Valor and after 1200 rounds through it to date I have no regrets.
I saw a mention of TISAS 1911 guns, after being a skeptic I must confess they are better than their price point might suggest. After trying a friend's "Raider" model I decided to try a D10 in 10mm and that was soon followed by a "Duty Enhanced" and a MAC JSOC model. To date the only thing I have done to any of these pistols is putting a fiber optic front sight on the D10, adjust the extractor tension on the "Duty Enhanced" and put new grips on the JSOC. These TISAS pistols do shoot pretty well, amazingly well for the money spent.
I am very happy with my Dan Wesson Valor, the fit and finish is excellent, and its accuracy is better than my old Colt Gold Cup that was tuned up by Wilson Combat when I shot IPSC back in the early 90's.
Armscor has been heavily investing in upgraded machinery over the past decade, resulting in the ever-improving quality of its Rock Island Armory pistols.
Been there; seen it; shot the results:
.22TCM / 9mm Convertible
But, as is all too typical for me, I couldn’t leave well enough alone. Same pistol, little more than a year later: Need sunglasses just to look at it.
A wannabe pimp. Still looking for the necessary entrepreneurial girlfriends, a white fur fedora, and a white-over-white, drop-top Caddie with white leather interior. Other than missing those few things, I’m ready.
“It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.”
“It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.”
For retaining value, get a Colt Gold Cup. It shoots well, too.
Maybe in years past, not really so much anymore, on the value side.
Also, in today's world, the accuracy of a GC is pretty mundane & the older ones (Series 70 & 80) is pretty sketchy.............generally about a 3" gun at 50 yards, at best, if you want to call that good................which actually it is.
But you won't now, & never did in the past, see any GC's in the hands of any serious BE winners at real matches.
My softball gun would easily do 1.5 - 1.625" inches at 50 yards for 10 shots from a Ransom Rest. Never seen a single GC, either stock or worked over, even come close to that.
The old NM Colts were another story......................
Having said all that, I've used quite a few MK IV NM barrels in builds by welding up the narrow tang & finishing back to fit a standard non-GC slide & they were better than most other non-custom barrels at the time.
Today's better, stock 1911's are better than any production gun from the past & most barrels are too with better fitting...............mostly due to consistency of CNC machining.
Today's better, stock 1911's are better than any production gun from the past & most barrels are too with better fitting...............mostly due to consistency of CNC machining. MM
That certainly seems so. Here’s a stock, recently manufactured, “economy priced” 1911, as an example. The only aftermarket alterations to it were the substitution of VZ G-10 grips, the addition of a FastFire 3, 8 MOA RDS, adjustment of the trigger pull weight to 4 pounds, and elimination of excess trigger over travel by means of its factory-provided adjustment screw.
However, it’s also been my experience that throwing a new drop-in match barrel and bushing from a one of the “name” barrel makers into one of the better (meaning at least within spec, even if no longer pretty looking) “production guns from the past,” will provide all the accuracy ever realistically needed, at least for anything other than formal Bullseye competition.
Mid ‘80s vintage stainless steel Colt MK IV Series 80 Government Model .45ACP, with a Bar-Sto barrel, shot two hands standing at 50 feet. It got new fire control guts and sandblasting healed its bumps and bruises.
A well fitted Kart or similar barrel will be better than virtually any production level barrel................just the way it is.
And that accuracy is more than good enough for most purposes, but with exceptions here & there for a few bad barrels, the current production barrels are also accurate enough for most purposes too. Some are better than others.
For a non-target grade pistol today, it's hard to justify the cost of a custom barrel, but if that spins yer prop & is what you want, there's surely no good reason not to do it.
But shooting off-hand, & with non-target grade ammo, most shooters will never see the difference between a custom barrel & a good stock barrel today.
There is definitely a certain feel with the 1911 pistols that you just cant get with anything else. As many others have stated, Dan Wesson seems to fall nicely into a category that is reasonably priced for what you get. I have a few 1911s one of which is a DW Classic Bobtail. I really like the rounded heal and the pistol shoots impressively. I have shot Wilsons and Les Baers but personally I don't notice much of a reason to spend the extra cash for those.
… For a non-target grade pistol today, it's hard to justify the cost of a custom barrel, but if that spins yer prop & is what you want, there's surely no good reason not to do it. … MM
While many others would simply throw up their hands in disgust and send an inaccurate, non-target grade 1911 pistol “down the road,” when I drop in a $200 aftermarket match barrel, a formerly inaccurate pistol can become the new love of my life. The stainless Colt .45 1911, pictured earlier, was such a pistol.
The thing is, I can just as easily remove an aftermarket barrel, and replace it with the original factory barrel, should I later decide to sell the pistol.
Your pants are too tight for an IWB holster…..try putting on some baby powder! memtb
You should not use a rifle that will kill an animal when everything goes right; you should use one that will do the job when everything goes wrong." -Bob Hagel
“I’d like to be a good rifleman…..but, I prefer to be a good hunter”! memtb 2024
I’m in the Armscor crowd. My middle son is State Director for MDOT Law Enforcement and bought an Armscor 1911 for an off duty gun. He sent to his smith to have it accurized. The smith called back before starting the job to ask if he had shot the pistol. The smith had and said that he didn’t know what he could do that would make it more accurate. Anyway, I wound up with it in a trade. He wanted his duty weapon that he had carried in the academy training- a SS S & W 66 with 4” barrel. I had the S & W and was very happy with the trade. Surprised with the accuracy of this low cost 1911. I had not fooled with a 1911 since my ARNG days ( 1971-77) and they have improved greatly since then. Keep it within arms reach. One of John M Brownings greatest designs.
I have a bunch of 1911s, and danged if the most accurate one of the bunch isn't an Armscor RIA pistol. It's ugly as mud (FDE cerakoting), but it shoots really well. I paid a fuzz over $500 for it, but it does have Novak-style sights and a beavertail, ambi-safety, etc. The trigger was pretty good out of the box, even.
You can roll a turd in peanuts, dip it in chocolate, and it still ain't no damn Baby Ruth.
Years ago I decided to get a 1911 that was exactly what I wanted, after some stuff happened at work (overseas). Life is too short to keep saying "Someday".
So I went with a Les Baer and opted for the 1.5" 5 shot @ 50 yards package. Absolutely glad I spent the extra couple bucks. That gun is a tack driving machine and has been exceptionally reliable. While some guys worry about the finish, I bought mine to carry and shoot and use as much as possible. A true working gun.
Doing it over again, I would still go with the Baer 1.5" gun.
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL.
The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world.
Years ago I decided to get a 1911 that was exactly what I wanted, after some stuff happened at work (overseas). Life is too short to keep saying "Someday".
So I went with a Les Baer and opted for the 1.5" 5 shot @ 50 yards package. Absolutely glad I spent the extra couple bucks. That gun is a tack driving machine and has been exceptionally reliable. While some guys worry about the finish, I bought mine to carry and shoot and use as much as possible. A true working gun.
Doing it over again, I would still go with the Baer 1.5" gun.
I like a blued gun and the finish wear just gives it character. Great looking 1911.
I have a bunch of 1911s, and danged if the most accurate one of the bunch isn't an Armscor RIA pistol. … The trigger was pretty good out of the box, even.
If you haven’t done it already, adjust out the excess over travel, via the screw in the trigger shoe for that purpose, to improve the trigger even more. The assemblers at the factory make no effort in that regard. Just be sure that the sear does not even kiss the half-cock notch on its way past. I usually take back a quarter turn extra, just to be certain.
I like a blued gun and the finish wear just gives it character. Great looking 1911.
Agreed.
This is my Kobra Carry, after being my regular carry and range gun for a few years.
“It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.”
Reminds me of what my nephew's duty AR-15 looks like. I tell him it reminds me of the blasters on Star Wars.
“It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.”
I like a blued gun and the finish wear just gives it character. Great looking 1911.
Here you go!
Reminds me of an old Resistol straw I had. It had been sweated in, in the dirt, manure and diesel, sat on by my son several times, stepped on by cows, etc. The wire inside the straw around the brim was broken in a couple of place so the brim was funky. I wore it to Big Cedar Lodge on my son's Fall break a couple of years ago and ran into some guys on a golf outing. These guys were all asking who I had "shape" the hat and how could they get one just like it. I should have offered to sell it to them for a couple hundred bucks and replaced it for free but didn't think to do so at the time.
Honest wear on quality hardware can be attractive.
I’m in the Armscor crowd. My middle son is State Director for MDOT Law Enforcement and bought an Armscor 1911 for an off duty gun. He sent to his smith to have it accurized. The smith called back before starting the job to ask if he had shot the pistol. The smith had and said that he didn’t know what he could do that would make it more accurate. Anyway, I wound up with it in a trade.
A friend of mine recently acquired this Armscor / Rock Island Armory mid sized 1911 at a po-leece seized property auction. It seems to have retained a good bit of its accuracy potential, despite having been “’round the block” some: Don’t know if the rocket surgeon who previous owned it was able to realize any of that accuracy potential. But, he sure weren’t no grammar expert.
I’m in the Armscor crowd. My middle son is State Director for MDOT Law Enforcement and bought an Armscor 1911 for an off duty gun. He sent to his smith to have it accurized. The smith called back before starting the job to ask if he had shot the pistol. The smith had and said that he didn’t know what he could do that would make it more accurate. Anyway, I wound up with it in a trade.
A friend of mine recently acquired this Armscor / Rock Island Armory 1911 at a po-leece seized property auction. It seems to have retained a good bit of its accuracy potential, despite having been “’round the block” some: Don’t know if the rocket surgeon who previous owned it was able to realize any of that accuracy potential. But, he sure weren’t no grammar expert.
LOL. Your instead of you're.
“It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.”
I really shouldn’t be quite so quick to judge. In fairness to that particular rocket surgeon, I suppose he coulda maybe meant it as, “Your [skull] [,] f- - -ed.” But, being as his pistol was auctioned off as police seized property, I sincerely doubt it. Probably wasn’t a real rocket surgeon, anyway.
However, despite that particular pistol’s nefarious past, as an Armscor / Rock Island Armory firearm, its limited lifetime warranty remains in full force, even after passing through multiple owners, only some of whom may have actually been legitimate. It is, therefore, a pistol still worth having. My friend made himself an excellent purchase, which will serve him well, long after its shady stories have been worn out in their repeated retelling.
As further evidence of the flexibility of John Browning’s 1911 design, it can be made to accommodate many different chamberings, sometimes with surprisingly little alteration, such as in this mid sized RIA example, intended for the Mexican market, where military calibers are prohibited:
That would be boring. There's only so much space for guns and sometimes a purge is needed. Very rarely do I miss one if I choose to sell. The Gold Cup I do miss. I'm happy the Ed Browns and Republic forge have been replaced with other stuff.
How many times have anyone read " I wish I still had it" on this website
I have never sold or traded a gun. My only regret was selling a bamboo flyrod I bought as a teenager.
I'm up to 77 total of different 1911's
If one's regret is selling an inanimate object, they are sad individuals.
Last month of the commercial 1911 in March 1923, before the 1911A1.
Sweet! Have you shot it?
“It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.”
A pretty effective home defense setup consists of a Rock Island Armory .45ACP M1911 A1 pistol equipped with a laser sight, and a cat. Simply direct the laser sight’s red dot onto a felonious home invader’s center of mass,
A pretty effective home defense setup consists of a Rock Island Armory .45ACP M1911 A1 pistol equipped with a laser sight, and a cat. Simply direct the laser sight’s red dot onto a felonious home invader’s center of mass,
and the cat does the rest.
I can't yet bring myself to do a semi with a red dot without a lower co-witness for backup. Though, I do have revolvers with red-dot optic in place of rear sight.
A pretty effective home defense setup consists of a Rock Island Armory .45ACP M1911 A1 pistol equipped with a laser sight, and a cat. Simply direct the laser sight’s red dot onto a felonious home invader’s center of mass,
Is that better than a .45 Long Slide with laser sighting? Now that's a good gun.
“It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.”
That would be boring. There's only so much space for guns and sometimes a purge is needed. Very rarely do I miss one if I choose to sell. The Gold Cup I do miss. I'm happy the Ed Browns and Republic forge have been replaced with other stuff.
How many times have anyone read " I wish I still had it" on this website
I have never sold or traded a gun. My only regret was selling a bamboo flyrod I bought as a teenager.
I'm up to 77 total of different 1911's
If one's regret is selling an inanimate object, they are sad individuals.
I think having 77 1911s would personally drive me up the wall. I limit myself to a set amount of gunsafe space. When it's all taken, I purge a few things that I haven't used or haven't found as much interest in as I thought I would.
Last month of the commercial 1911 in March 1923, before the 1911A1.
Sweet! Have you shot it?
I think the last time I shot it was 30 years ago. I have meat between my thumb and index finger, so I remember bleeding after 3 magazines. It is machined excellent, and the fitting is excellent. It is hard to tell in the picture, but it is the original carbona blue. I recall vaguely the serial number puts this in the last week of production. I have 2 two tone magazines for it. I should post it on the Colt forum for a value. I have a 1950s 38 super that is a dandy too. It does not have the two tone magazines. Earlier 38 supers did.
"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!"
I've got a .45 Government Model from roughly the same era as your .38 Super that I love. Came with those dark brown hard rubber stocks, too, which I still have, but took them off as soon as I bought it.
Got a great deal on that gun at the local gun store ten or so years ago. I happened to be pulling into the parking lot of the store when a pickup truck pulled in with its bed loaded up with boxes full of police confiscated handguns. I immediately rummaged around the guns in the bed (I knew the people there pretty well), and quickly found that one. I told him that as soon as they processed it, I wanted it. Super good shooter, and never a malfunction.
That's real elephant ivory (which, of course, has been in the US since before the ban).
“It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.”
A pretty effective home defense setup consists of a Rock Island Armory .45ACP M1911 A1 pistol equipped with a laser sight, and a cat. Simply direct the laser sight’s red dot onto a felonious home invader’s center of mass, and the cat will do the rest.
Full Disclosure: That’s not a laser under my RIA .45ACP, pictured above, as I don’t have any laser sight on any firearm - I don’t believe in them. That is instead a Streamlight TLR-3 to illuminate and positively identify targets before shooting them. The Burris FastFire 3 RDS was to handle the aiming task (but, that’s since been replaced by a set of XS Gen 2 Big Dot Tritiun night sights in yellow, because they’re always on and much easier to find in a hurry). With a laser, the shooter can spend far too much time trying to find and align the dot on what can often be an irregularly shaped and rapidly moving target, when shooting should probably have already commenced instead. Seems I also don’t have a cat, right now, either.
Just read article on GunCrafter’s HOSS 1911, smart engineering to upgrade 7 points of John Browning’s design to make parts stronger, more reliable. Very nice…
“It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.”
I scratched my itch with my new Colt GCNM, carried a WWII 1911 on Guard Duty in the Marines in the early 60's , rattled like a tin can full of marbles, but still shot quite well. Had other 1911's, Ruger and S&W,but always wanted an original Colt. so I had this one made back in 2015. Shoots as good as it looks.