Help me find the right 1911 for me!

[bravodeltasierra]

Looking to get into 5” 1911 in the next year or so and looking for a good quality 1911 with minimal MIM parts, blued or similar finish (not a fan of stainless), and really want front strap checkering and Novak style sights. I also like the speed hammer (don’t like the round hammer is that the commander style?) and do not want an ambi safety. Is there anything short of Les Baer or Wilson Combat that would fill these requirements?

 

[AUBie]

Looking to get into 5” 1911 in the next year or so and looking for a good quality 1911 with minimal MIM parts, blued or similar finish (not a fan of stainless), and really want front strap checkering and Novak style sights. I also like the speed hammer (don’t like the round hammer is that the commander style?) and do not want an ambi safety. Is there anything short of Les Baer or Wilson Combat that would fill these requirements?

You forgot a very important criteria, price point? With the two names you’re dropping, money doesn’t seem to be a consideration. That being said, I’m a Dan Wesson guy.

 

[bravodeltasierra]

Dan Wesson, Les Baer, I dunno maybe TRP?

 

[4CERTN]

While the options mentioned are good ones, I’d recommend either a Les Baer (particularly their “UTC” model, a gun that I have quite a bit of personal experience with) or, alternately (this being a gun I’m looking into and don’t own at this time) a recent Colt limited-edition 1911, their model designation O1911SE-A1. Checks just about all your specs, with several on GB in the $1200-ish range. Pics here were copied from the Brownell’s page who is listing them at $1500-plus, which (to me) still wouldn’t be bad to get a new 1911 with frontstrap checkering (but $1200 is better, of course).

 

[RandyG357]

Dan Wesson, Les Baer, I dunno maybe TRP?

I carry a TRP every day at work. Love it. Functions flawlessly for me.

 

[strikeu]

what's wrong with Colt Commander type? just curious.

 

[bravodeltasierra]

nothing just personal preference

 

[Old Dog]

I would 2nd the TRP comment. I like Springfield and own the Ronin model. The TRP should satisfy your choices as you don't like stainless, and they are proven.

 

[holographicgt]

Just throwing this out there. Stealth arms makes 1911s to your specific wants and needs. Not a bad price either.

 

[holographicgt]

Also Magnum research makes a 1911 that fits your criteria and they're around $900.

 

[Frankly]

1. Dan Wesson (low premium)
2. Springfield (moderate)
3. Cheap 1911 and replace all the MIM junk yourself. Good way to learn about working on guns.

 

[Txbobcat]

I am very satisfied with my Springfield Garrison. Added a set of LOK Grips and Wilson Combat flat recoil spring.