I myself erfer Colt's but that being said I have several different brands. You did not say what your reason for the handgun is. You can spend from $400.00 up and get a good 1911 you can also spend $1,000.00's and get a lemon that you have to send back several times. A Colt will hold its value the best but more info would help.

If your warm and fuzzy goes to colt get that. They should all be fine choices depending on options you want or color schemes.

Oops sorry. this is just for recreation shooting and self defense. I'm looking for something under $2000 probably that's reliable and accurate. it doesn't necessarily need to be flashy or anything but just will shoot every time.

I just ordered my first 1911 today, specifically a Springfield Loaded. I've enjoyed putting some rounds through my son's Loaded and look forward to its arrival. Within your budget, you could easily get a Springfield TRP, which has a stellar reputation. I think you are going to find, whatever you buy, that there are a lot of fine choices out there.

Originally Posted by FoxtrotSniper

Oops sorry. this is just for recreation shooting and self defense. I'm looking for something under $2000 probably that's reliable and accurate. it doesn't necessarily need to be flashy or anything but just will shoot every time.

With a (up to) $2000 budget, the world is your oyster. Of the "off the rack" makers, $2K has them all pretty well covered. Do yourself a favor and check out Dan Wesson. I feel (opinions vary of course) that they are one of the best "non-special order" brands. You could look at some of the more premium stuff. A Les Baer is within reach if your tastes run that way and you don't click on too many options. They start around $1800ish, last time I looked.
It's been my observation that, once you get to a certain price point, the flashiness tends to go away and things get more understated.

Originally Posted by FoxtrotSniper

Alright so I'm thinking of getting my first gun and it definitely is going to be a 1911. However I know there's a ton of places out there that carry copies, clones, whatever you want to call them. I'm partial to Colt myself because, well, it's Colt. But I recently saw a 1911 designed by Nighthawk with a beautiful suppressor combo that looked amazing. Sorry off track. To keep it simple, between Colt, Springfield, and S&W what 1911 delivers the goods at the best price for a first time shooter? and thank you all!

I'm partial to S&W myself. Also just to throw this in there Ruger has come out with a 1911. Apparently they are pretty popular as alot of places are having a hard time getting and keeping them in stock.

If you have that much money you may want to look at STI's offerings. Their 1911's run very well in competition where they get dirty and have much abuse. They are built in a small shop in Texas and have many offerings for self defense too.

I took a look at the Ruger and it seems like a pretty solid firearm. thanks for the recommendation!

Whatever you choose, be aware that you can change the "feel" of any 1911 by changing the grips. You can get thin grips, finger groove grips, aluminum grips, carbon fiber grips, wood grips, micarta grips, checkered grips, smooth grips, rubber grips and the differences in "feel" are really surprising.

With a price max of $2000, the Nighthawks are no longer within your reach. (new ones). I have Colts, Sigs, Dan Wessons, and Kimbers (pre series II), and they all perform flawlessly. Shopping is fun, go to it.

For target shooting and home defense, what is the best 1911, 9M or .40, for under $500. I am experienced shooting glocks and revolvers....but i want a SA 1911..Ithink

Kimber anytime anyday

Originally Posted by mbrown202

For target shooting and home defense, what is the best 1911, 9M or .40, for under $500. I am experienced shooting glocks and revolvers....but i want a SA 1911..Ithink

We had a USPSA shoot today and watched a bunch of guys fight their 1911's. They have a cult following but tend to be finicky pistols. Like I told one guy , my Glock likes to roll in the mud like a pig and still shoots. I'll start shooting singlestack next month again but I expect to have bad days just because that's how it is with many 1911's. Chris was having to clear his several times and said it was a "female pistol" and moody, but he loves it. Try the Springfield Armory entry level pistols they are reliable and not too expensive.

thanks for the honest opinion

Originally Posted by rgrundy

We had a USPSA shoot today and watched a bunch of guys fight their 1911's. They have a cult following but tend to be finicky pistols. Like I told one guy , my Glock likes to roll in the mud like a pig and still shoots. I'll start shooting singlestack next month again but I expect to have bad days just because that's how it is with many 1911's. Chris was having to clear his several times and said it was a "female pistol" and moody, but he loves it. Try the Springfield Armory entry level pistols they are reliable and not too expensive.

My uncle is a cop and shoots his glock at the range every now and then. From what he told me about it its supposed to the the AK-47 of handguns. Now I don't know if that's true or not but from what I've seen it preforms pretty well under a lot of different conditions.

okay so guys that you for the feedback. I've actually looked them over and it's come down to Kimber and either a Loaded or TRP springfield. So now what do you guys prefer in Kimber based on reliability, feel, and cost because there's a lot of choices in there. Thank you!

Originally Posted by FoxtrotSniper

okay so guys that you for the feedback. I've actually looked them over and it's come down to Kimber and either a Loaded or TRP springfield. So now what do you guys prefer in Kimber based on reliability, feel, and cost because there's a lot of choices in there. Thank you!

I shoot a stainless Loaded Springfield 1911. I don't think you can go wrong there reliabilty wise. I've only used 7 shot Springfield mags in it. It handles very well for me but I have very large hands. The Kimbers I had were less than reliable and I shot them alot. They were very accurate though. Not worth the money they want.

Originally Posted by raymond

kimber anytime anyday

yep!!
I have a Kimber SS Target II, I really like this gun!! Been reliable, and accurate, with no problems whatsoever!!

I'm thinking of the Ruger SR 1911. I have the P 345 and it has been awesome, but now I want my first 1911 and it seems like it would be a good investment.

Originally Posted by FoxtrotSniper

My uncle is a cop and shoots his glock at the range every now and then. From what he told me about it its supposed to the the AK-47 of handguns. Now I don't know if that's true or not but from what I've seen it preforms pretty well under a lot of different conditions.

if you are comparing it to say a 1911 then yes. The glocks are a very good and very reliable gun even when abused past normal standards. Of course you have the M&P and XD that have been giving glock a run for it's money. Both of those are tanks also.

As far as 1911's go. The only one I have found I really like so far is the Nighthawks. i am waiting to see if I will like the Ruger.

Originally Posted by Panther67

I'm thinking of the Ruger SR 1911. I have the P 345 and it has been awesome, but now I want my first 1911 and it seems like it would be a good investment.

I have always heard great things about Ruger's customer service. I however have been fortunate enough to never have to use it. I venture to say the 1911 will be a great pistol. And if something did go wrong I would be comfortable in fact knowing how Ruger treats their customers. I have yet to hear anything bad.

Originally Posted by FoxtrotSniper

okay so guys that you for the feedback. I've actually looked them over and it's come down to Kimber and either a Loaded or TRP springfield. So now what do you guys prefer in Kimber based on reliability, feel, and cost because there's a lot of choices in there. Thank you!

Kimber- 1 year warranty. That's really my only problem with them. In the price range they are playing in, that seems a bit too short. Anecdotal stories about iffy customer service are not as rare as I would like. They do make some nice looking pistols though.
Springfield Armory- Lifetime warranty. I have a Trophy match (the TRP's very un-tactical cousin.) It's well made, accurate and reliable.

Originally Posted by Brevard13

I have always heard great things about Ruger's customer service. I however have been fortunate enough to never have to use it. I venture to say the 1911 will be a great pistol. And if something did go wrong I would be comfortable in fact knowing how Ruger treats their customers. I have yet to hear anything bad.

I have never had any problems whatsoever with my SP 101 357 mag or with the p345-solid firearms and American made-which is why I am dying to get the sr 1911!

Think I'll take a ride up to Hoffmans in CT soon to look at the SR 1911, lol, the wife would love that -ha!

Originally Posted by Panther67

I have never had any problems whatsoever with my SP 101 357 mag or with the p345-solid firearms and American made-which is why I am dying to get the sr 1911!

Don't misinterpret my post. I am a huge Ruger fan. I do mean huge. It is a tie between Ruger and S&W in my book. I will say Ruger might edge out in overall guns I have found I like from Ruger as compared to Smith and Wesson. but with Ruger and S&W you will more than likely not see many other guns in my collection.

After my taxes come back I am getting a Ruger P95 from my uncle, a Ruger mini 14 and Ruger 10/22 from my cousin. Few months down the road I think I am going to start looking into the S&W M&P15 as I have been wanting a AR-15 for awhile.

I meant overall 1911s compared to glocks, glocks are much like an ak-47.