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

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

Might not be so easy getting one that will shoot powder puff and full power loads without at least swapping some springs.

What do you think of the Ruger SR1911 target or competition variations?

Take a look at the Rock Island Armory 1911s. You might be surprised at the variety, the quality, the prices and the lifetime warranty.

No problem with my Ruger.

g

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Taurus PT1911 or one of the Rock Islands.

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.

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.

These work pretty good.

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

I have only good things to say about the Ruger, great pistol.

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.

I'm a fan......

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.

Top one is a light weight Talo Commander w/ night sights.

https://www.ruger.com/products/sr1911CommanderStyle/specSheets/6708.html

Yep - exact same one then. Was listed as TALO. Finish rubbing off on sides of the beavertail.

STI

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

My stainless Ruger has not had a single misstep in about 800 rounds now. Great gun for the money