I own a S&W 1911 and it is excellent, accurate and dependable, the design improvements and warranty were the edge for me.....JJ

I clicked other, my other is Wilson Combat X-Tac. My pre-70 series Colt is back in the safe. I've played with a lot of different guns over the last 40 years and the Wilson is by far the finest pistol I've ever owned, and yes, it's the most expensive.

Dan Wesson

Originally Posted by Method

Which 1911 brand do you prefer? If you could, list a reason why. Past/current experience? Feel, dependibility, accuracy?

If it's not on the list, feel free to state another option.

I am looking to get a 1911. I know, I know....I just got my USP-C 9mm you say. Well I just can't help myself. :-D

Let the debate begin....

If buying a gun soon after the previous purchase is a bad thing then I need an intervention.

Originally Posted by spacedoggy

What about the S&W line of 1911's. I don't hear much about them just my dealer tells me they are great guns.

I have the S&W 1911, it shots great, the only problem I have with the Smith's is that the extractor runs along the slide serrations...It kind of annoys me. That said, I also have the 3" barrel S&W 1911 - I can't say enough great things about the gun, shoots awesome. My favorite however, is the Ruger. Looks great, feels great and shoots awesome. Also, the extractor isn't on the slide! Being from MA - we aren't allowed the Les Baers, Rock Rivers, Ed Browns, Springfields, Colts (unless pre...) or even the the Kimbers! We can have the Sigs (which aren't true 1911s) Smiths, Para, Auto Ord., Rugers and not much else...Sucks!

Originally Posted by deskjockey12

If buying a gun soon after the previous purchase is a bad thing then I need an intervention.

LOL---you will have to wait till they are through with me.

DW, LB, STI and NH, in no particular order. Own and shoot all of them.

I have the fairly new Remington 1911 R1 and it's awesome. Only paid 650.00 and is worth every penny. I highly recommend this hand-gun.

You can't go wrong with a Smith & Wesson!!! Lifetime warranty.

Well if you think you need a life time warranty that's a good reason to buy S&W as any, but they are PIA to customize due to they are spec different from true 1911, fire control system different, can't use aftermarket barrels and slides. So if it's ain't like you want it, or you just want to dress it up some you gotta call S&W for the most part. All that aside they are generally well made with good attention to detail.

However I still say the current 1911 from Ruger is the best buy on the market, it has all the options one would want, except for Bobtail fram option and for $600 price tag.

The one gun I really regret getting rid of was my stainless steel Gold Cup. It was the most accurate gun I've ever shot. Very reliable. And (considering the quality) reasonably priced.

The one down-side was it was not even reasonably dehorned and it would trash the linings on my sports jackets and suit jackets.

I finally got my Colt 38 Super LWC recently, been trying to find one for several years.

I prefer Colt,I know they are based on original specs and easier to work on than some others.

Colt has made more changes to ordnance specs than the other manufacturers put together.

Originally Posted by Waldo Pepper

I finally got my Colt 38 Super LWC recently, been trying to find one for several years.

Nice looking gun. I like that color combo.

I like it when I see wear marks on guns...

Originally Posted by rex

I prefer Colt,I know they are based on original specs and easier to work on than some others.

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I know I'm gonna catch Hell for saying this, but COLT 1911's have never really impressed me. Kind of felt that they were way over-rated, and as of late, living off their name for the most part.

I have a Para-Ordnance P-1445 Limited Edition, and one of the Ruger 1911's. Those are as close as I'm gonna get to a COLT 1911.

Close enough for me.

In doing months of research I became sold on the Para Ordnance GI Expert. Yes it is not as full featured as some of the other guns out there, but the price was right and they are nicely built and well made. For under 500 bucks I think I got a very good deal.

Well for a 45ACP 1911 the best buy on the market at the moment for quality of materials, workmanship and price is the Ruger 1911 and it comes fully dress, only thing to maybe do is change thye stocks or go for night sights. Most dealers are selling them for about $575 to $650 range.

I have a couple of Kimbers - Customer Target II and Custom II. The target model is superb.

Originally Posted by shamrock62

I have the S&W 1911, it shots great, the only problem I have with the Smith's is that the extractor runs along the slide serrations...It kind of annoys me. That said, I also have the 3" barrel S&W 1911 - I can't say enough great things about the gun, shoots awesome. My favorite however, is the Ruger. Looks great, feels great and shoots awesome. Also, the extractor isn't on the slide! Being from MA - we aren't allowed the Les Baers, Rock Rivers, Ed Browns, Springfields, Colts (unless pre...) or even the the Kimbers! We can have the Sigs (which aren't true 1911s) Smiths, Para, Auto Ord., Rugers and not much else...Sucks!

Why would the sig not be considered a true 1911, just curious
1911 Traditional Compact Stainless

Probably same reason the S&W isn't by 1911 snobs, are should I say the purest faction, the S&W & Sig are not compatible with parts. They will not take universal 1911 parts, and then there is external extractor. Although there the external extractor is a big improvement for 1911's the die hard 1911 guys don't like that big of improvement because of looks. JMB tried to get the USA & Colt to go with improved gun with external extractor and one piece barrel feed ramp but was turned down, so he started work on the now famous Browning Hi Power that is the basis for most modern semi-automatic hand guns....full ramped barrels and external extractors.