Without question the best ever made is a Wilson Combat Supergrade. It is somewhat affordable, can be customized to your liking, and performs flawlessly. I own and enjoy mine. But hey, thats just my meager opinion.

I would like to through Les Baer's name in the hat. Do not own one yet. Just fired a friends and was very pleased.

I'm fond of my Para LTC. But, I have to say that my favorite and most accurate 1911 is my Kimber!

I'm voting for my High-Standard Camp Perry model. Disclaimer: I've also fired the Springfield, Colt, Kimber and Smith&Wesson (all MILITARY). For what it's worth, IP, sorry for the statement. I've had the opportunity to handle and shoot the Kimber in the Corps. It's known as the MCSOCOM 1911. Outstanding sidearm, hands down, and way out of my price range given wife and children but to admit that after my ownership of my new aquisition,Iwouldget​ rid of my wife's gift in favor of one of these! The HS is the best handling in my opinion, but strictly, in my own opinion. For what it's worth, it's been brought to my attention a lot of people are tired ofconstant military references in my posts. Service in the military does not qualify me as an expert, but I was under the premise any and all advice and opinions were welcome here. The Gulf War is the sole qualifying reason why I give my advice and HunterCO has a point when he told me I'm not a specialist. I only thought I could post to the forum with the experience I had, which was military. I do back up my claims here with facts I find from other resources, all military, and give advice where I deem appropriate to my experience. If it offends the forum at any point, anyone has only to tell me and I will acquiesce to all.

C Jackson

C Jackson.......Semper​ Fi bro.

Springfi​eld Professional

I'd have to say that if you have a 1911 model, it's better than the one I've got! Fact is, I STILL don't have one. The reason is simple for me, yet hard to swallow. I have several handguns, don't really NEED another one, but sure doWANT one. The 1911 pattern is an awesome work of art and ingenious engineering, but in me getting one, it would just be another queen for my safe.

I've got too many SHTF box items to buy before Obama takes them off the market. So, in the meantime, I'll just sit back, check out everyone's 1911 picsand wish...

sigh....​...........

Recoil

Welcome Semi Auto Guy... have you actually tried the Taurus 1911? I've been reading reviews but those people get paid to write reviews. What is your take?

I love my Kimber but I actually compete with my stock (added Hogue grips) Para LTC in Steel Challenge matches. It just seems to get on target quicker. It may even be the 4 1/4" barrel over my Kimber's 5" barrel. I also have my LTC on my CCW because I can only have 2 guns on it and my other one is my Sig 226.

i gotta throw in my vote for the springfield trp operator. i wish i could afford one, but instead i got to play with my buddys and its a sweet shooter.

HELLO...​

IMO, NightHawk makes a top quality 1911, along with Ed Brown. These are top $ 1911's. I feel Kimber makes one of the better 1911's for the $. I own the Kimber Ultra Carry II and usually carry it everyday as my concealed carry weapon, I just can't see myself carrying a $ 2K handgun everyday. Just my 2 cents

Your original question was a good one. I am soon to be in the market for a 1911 as well. I want to change your question up though.

In all of you guy's opinion, which 1911 TACTICAL is the best, when weighing cost with performance.

I am looking for one with a light rail especially.

I have heard the Kimbers have had misfeeding problems and their barrels have a small problem with rust.

I am in the market for right at a grand. I was recommended a Springfield Armory Loaded Full Size MC Operator. It is just at the right price. Iknow about the STi, but it gets up there.

I kinda have togo with the full size because it fits my hand better.

I would go with a Springfield Armory TRP.

I think that too many people forget what a handgun is for. I've seen magazines put down the basic Springfields, toting that the Kimbers and Wilsons are more accurate at 25 yards etc. Handguns are most often used at ranges much closer than that and most of the time, it's the shooter who would be causing the accuracy problems at thatrange.I am of course, not referring to someone wanting to buy a match gun.If you have the money to buy a Wilson, knock yourself out, but my first 1911 was a Firestorm, I think I paid around $350 if memory serves. I fired thousands of rounds through it and it never failed, not once. It was more accurate than I could usually hold. I had to buy my dream gun and since I couldn't afford aloaded Springfield, I bought the milspec. It is clearly a better gun than the Firestorm, but I can still say that I never left that gun behind because I couldn't trust it or hit with it.

Buy the best one one that you can afford from a reputable company and you'll wonder why you waited so long to go 1911. Find some friends that will let you shoot theirs first.

I, for one, have always wanted a Wilson Combat. They are still legendary and the top of the class for 1911's, though somewhat cost prohibitive and difficult to obtain. I have read/heard that since Bill has turned over the shop to his son(or whoever), the quality has gone down. I never had the opportunity to shoot one myself so I can't vouch for it first-hand.

Like Recoil, I was hesitant to get into the 1911-style market since I already had a lot of handguns, though mostly 9mm. I have a 10mm so I didn't see the need for a 1911 style as the 10 satisfied my power requirements(way above the .45). Then some a-hole stole my carry 9mm from my car and I decided to finally upgrade by getting a Taurus PT1911, then I saw another one for 50 bucks less so I got that one also. I have fired a Colt Commander, Springfield 1911A1, and one ofmy PT1911's. My PT1911 seems to shoot the best but in all fairness, the Colt was a range rental and well worn. I did notice feeding failures with the Springfield when using wadcutters or HP's and it was just out of the box. Polishing the feed ramp probably would have helped.

While I am no expert by far, I have always loved the feel of the 1911 style pistols and can empty full mags consistently into the target faster than with any other pistol. I feel I am most accurate with the 1911 style pistols. This is in comparison to a Sig 226, Ruger P89, Beretta 92FS, Glock 17, Glock 20, HK USP(.45ACP). I think the only downside to the PT1911's I have is that they are not stainless so you do need to be more careful with the finishes and the mags(as opposed to the synthetics like the glocks which can take much more abuse) and the added weight. Just for the record, I have put literally thousands of rounds through various Beretta's from new to highly-used conditions and haven't ever had a round jam/fail to feed. Of course, I have yet to own one myself...but I digress.

Good Point! Welcome to the group, CapnMaybs. Good to have you here.

CJ ( C Jackson)

I use the Wilson mags too. My LTC has a full size frame and likes the 8 round single stacks from Wilson. But I think CapnMaybs is dead on about cheap ammo. Mine doesn't like CCI or Minute Man but loves the Winchester ammo from Walmart.

If I may be so bold... bought or built?

I would put a couple of my mutts up against more than a few store bought 1911's

I can put any parts in or on them I want, some shoot good some shoot better, but I know where they will shoot always.

Mine is bought Swat. I have never thought about buidling a custom pistol. Maybe in the future. But my Para is exactly whatI need. I carry it CCW and I compete with it in 3 Gun and Steel Challange. I keep up with (and beat sometimes) the guys with the custom built "Race Guns" drawing from their $150 Race Holsters. I just use a Serpa II holster and open sights.

S.W.A.T.​?

I won't ask, Army. Dealing with Recoil's bad enough!

I was talking to the gentleman that asked the question. I guess I forgot to put in the comma. It should have read:

Mine is bought, Swat. (as in Swat50)