First 1911, Springfield or Smith...?

[protongun]

Going to purchase my first 1911 within the next few months and am stronly looking at the Smith and Wesson or Springfield (loaded) model (trying to keep price under $850). I would appreciate some opinions on these brands. thanks!

 

[epsylum]

I prefer Springfields for person preference reasons (Series 70, internal extractor). I hear Smith makes a decent 1911 though.

 

[IndyBeerman]

Going to purchase my first 1911 within the next few months and am stronly looking at the Smith and Wesson or Springfield (loaded) model (trying to keep price under $850). I would appreciate some opinions on these brands. thanks!

I have a Springfield loaded and love it other than being olive drab green,
has performed perfect with no mechanical problems. But I have been thinking of getting a Taurus 1911 lately due to it's affordable pricing and nice features.
Also both Springfield and Taurus have lifetime warranties.

But remember, it's what you think that counts, find a range that rents and see what you prefer. Just my .

 

[slacker]

there is always rock island as well. for $429 I don't think you can really go wrong with a RIA as a first 1911. I am really happy with mine so far.

 

[Chefcook]

I was in Bradis the other day and they had 2 Kimber 1911's for $719...

 

[mospeada]

there is always rock island as well. for $429 I don't think you can really go wrong with a RIA as a first 1911. I am really happy with mine so far.

Actually, my experience with four of the RIAs is that they need cleaned up before they're reliable. The factory leaves burrs and flashing inside the gun and until you go over the gun and clean everything out, they may not run right. I've also experience soft parts that needed replacement.

I would suggest sticking with Springfield, S&W, Taurus, Kimber or even Colt (they can be had for under $800).

 

[colt45er]

I'd say Colt... you can get one for 800-900.

Out of the two I would say loaded springer.

 

[protongun]

thanks for the input!

 

[Hoosier8]

I would also add that sticking to a full size for the first one is a good idea. Anyone else here can chime in and let me know if I am wrong, but I think you have fewer problems with the full size due to the tensions involved with the shorter barreled versions.

 

[slow1911s]

Also check out an STI Trojan or Spartan. Good company that supports the shooting sports.

 

[colt45er]

Check out 1911forums.com They have more information than you could ever read. Also they break down threads by manufactures.

 

[epsylum]

Also check out an STI Trojan or Spartan. Good company that supports the shooting sports.

Those are great choices if he plans to mostly do target or competition shooting. I wouldn't use something with adjustable target sights for self defense. Too much to go wrong. The Ranger II looks pretty nice though.

 

[alfahornet]

I purchased a new loaded Springfield earlier this year for around $750. I am very satisfied with it and really have no complaints. I am not familiar with any SW.

 

[GetA2J]

I have two S&W's and a Springfield. Feel free to IM me and we'll take a trip to the range to get the feel of my S&W's. I will not shoot the Springfield.

I wanted both. The Smith & Wesson's have external extractors and the Springfield has internal extractor.
I would love to buy or trade for another Springfield or even Kimber with an internal extractor.

 

[duboismd]

I've had/have Kimber, Springfield and S&W. All are nice and would serve you well. Springfield and S&W both have lifetime warranties, Kimber does not. My personal preference is S&W. Primarily due to their excellent customer service. All shoot/shot extremely well. I think it's important to determine what you want it for. CC, target, plinking...Again, all are nice weapons and I'm certain you'd be happy with any of them. I have also heard really good things about Rock Island and Taurus. If this is your first 1911, it might be a good idea to start with one of them and see how you like it. One word of caution - once you buy one, you will likely need more...

 

[GetA2J]

 

[munky_3434]

i'm on my second springfield......no problems. never tried a smith though

 

[MilitaryArms]

I own both and if I had it to do over again, I would have gotten the stainless S&W vs. the blued (or whatever it is) that I purchased. It's a HORRIBLE finish, it practically rubs off. It's a reliable shooter though, I have no complaints in the reliability department.

I have a number of Springfield 1911's. After having owned most of the top brands, I've settled on the SA's. My TRP's are my favorite pistols by far. The fit and finish of the TRP is far superior to the S&W. But then it costs several hundred dollars more too.

 

[GetA2J]

I own both and if I had it to do over again, I would have gotten the stainless S&W vs. the blued (or whatever it is) that I purchased. It's a HORRIBLE finish, it practically rubs off. It's a reliable shooter though, I have no complaints in the reliability department.

I have a number of Springfield 1911's. After having owned most of the top brands, I've settled on the SA's. My TRP's are my favorite pistols by far. The fit and finish of the TRP is far superior to the S&W. But then it costs several hundred dollars more too.

My smith started to rust after carrying it for a while. I noticed the finish rubbing off and thought it should be under warranty but I don't want to let loose of it and send it back to S&W because it is such a great shooter! The rust on the smith is the reason I do not want to carry my S.A.

 

[protongun]

My smith started to rust after carrying it for a while. I noticed the finish rubbing off and thought it should be under warranty but I don't want to let loose of it and send it back to S&W because it is such a great shooter! The rust on the smith is the reason I do not want to carry my S.A.

Do you have the blued smith model as well...that started to rust?