1911 Makers And Off Shore Parts?

[0119]

Its been well over a decade since I was serious about firearms.  I've started to look at them again in hopes of renewing an old hobby.  Due to restrictions of my department I could never carry anything but a 9mm.  Now retired, free to enjoy bigger and better things my thoughts turn to the 1911.  I'm still a faithful Sig owner and after carrying one for nearly 25 years, am seriously biased towards them.  I also have respect for Ruger.  Researching the 1911 now, I see there are maker's I had never heard of and all of the big names have a 1911 creation.  But, Springfield makes major parts in Brazil?  Some other makers have parts made in the Phillipines?  Many parts are "MIM" and to many sub standard.  California requires breakable titanium firing pins?  A lot has changed in 10+ years.  Heck I see a S&W Model 10 now costs $740.  It made me laugh hard.  I once had a 1911 pre A1 Colt dated by the factory being made in 1921.  Selling it is one of the top 5 regrets in my life.

 

So what makers of 1911's are US made?  Does it make a difference to you?  And whats with every 1911 being made with a beavertail?  I can't seem to find a more traditional styled service type 1911 made form a name I recognize.

 

Thanks for any input

[MCS]

STI and Kimber are two of the best out there. I would love to own either one.

[sparky241]

springfield and ruger make awesome 1911. I had an sti thats in my top 5 i seriously regret selling. Kimber seems almost hit or miss anymore. i never use to here a single bad word about them, but as of the last few years they are popping up from time to time.  Also the beaver tail, most companys have gotten away from them in favor of the more comfortable/ longer style tail. but you can still buy them its just hard to find

[0119]

Whats the opinion on what used to be called Para-Ordinance and on Rock Island ? 

[MCS]

There is also a guy .38 super fan I think is his name on this board who had some nice 1911. Pm him if he's still around.

[spartyon8]

I have an ATI officers model that is imported to the USA. I like the feel but have had a few minor issues that I am currently working on. I had a chance to play around with an STI Spartan and really like it. They seem to get great reviews online from pretty much everyone.

 

The Rock Island is another Philippine made pistol. I have heard great reviews...mostly because of the price point. Many people tend to change out the slide stops and safeties.

[0119]

Thanks for the input everybody...

[Josh Smith]

Whoa!  I missed this!

 

Rock Island has my respect.  Their (Armscor's) frames and slides are used by STI in some of their builds.

 

My carry 1911 is a gutted and modified Rock Island.

 

Pretty much all makers make extensive use of MIM in their base pistols, though I believe Colt is down to only three MIM parts.

 

This is why I gut 1911s, though.  I want to put guts in that I know are not MIM.

 

The 1911 is very magazine dependent, so use seven-round GI, Checkmate, Metalform, and Wilson.  There are other good ones out there, but I consider those like Chip McCormick and the like to be second to the ones I listed.  I do have examples from most magazine makers out there, and the only designs I have personally found to be 100% reliable are the Wilson #47 7-round and the GI-style that retain the dimpled follower.

 

Regards,

 

Josh 

[bigbill]

I went looking for a shooter/beater 1911 to take bass fishing at night. I looked at the new Kahr Auto- Ordnance Army WW 2 copy 1911a1. This is one of the closest clones to the real army 1911 as I'll ever get.

Right out of the box this made in Wooster, Mass in the USA was flawless in cycling, functioning for over 500 rounds now. At the time this was only $389 when it was first offered. My only regret is I didn't buy two and it's better than the shooter/truck gun I was looking for. The AO has 4140 casted frame. The 4140 is a good tough steel. The new AO in the park finish is awesome.

 

Now at the time my dealer had the new Springfield Armory USGI-MIL SPEC as it was called back then. I was torn between this one and the new AO. It was only $424 at the time. I passed on this one but wanted it too. I went back a week later and purchased it too. It was flawless in operation too. But it's made in Brazil. But it's a good 1911 too. The SA 1911 have a steel forged frame and slide.

 

Both are mid priced affordable 1911a1 that function the way a 1911 should right out of the box. To me this proves you don't need a high dollar 1911 to have one that functions properly. For a basic no frills, no bells or whistles, functioning new 1911 that won't break the piggy bank either one will do.

 

Now a step up from these is the Kahr Thompson Custom 1911 in stainless. She comes with all the bells and whistles for around $800. She's a Purdy one. The Thompon people still offer the Thompson machine gun.

 

There's a lot of 1911's to look at and consider. The price range goes from under $400 to $3,000++. I'm sure you can find one you will enjoy that fits your budget.

[bigbill]

You had sticker shock on the s&w model 10?

The new s&w n frame magnums list between $900 to $1,200 now.

The older models without the loc and the mim parts are priced through the roof now.

It's all about the condition, how much your willing to pay and how bad you want it.

Then there is the pre model numbered revolvers and the per war and post war then the pre magnum, registered magnum, the pre 357 magnum which is a 38/44 heavy duty or outdoorsman model. Then thanks to Elmer Keith and Bill Jordan and a few others pushing the limits the 357 magnum, the 44 magnum and 41 magnum came about the rest is handgun hunting history. Checkout the prices on gun broker.