Another 1911 question

**jduff8505** · 07-20-2012, 11:35 PM

Well after contacting a member here about finding an inexpensive 1911, and after talking to a good personal friend about the same thing, I have discovered that you probably get what you pay for to a certain extent with these guns. So my question is, for a CCW is a second tier brand 1911 a good choice, or are you better off going up to the 600-800 range for the Colt, Springfield, and Remingtons? I will not mention any other brands I consider second tier because I don't beleive in brand bashing.

BTW like Surjimmy, I am becoming a 1911 fanatic. LOL.

Jeff

**olyeller** · 07-21-2012, 01:55 AM

the proofs in the pudding.

there is no place on the internet to get pudding.

once you get some pudding, like it, and taste it frequently enough to be satisfied that if you ever really really need pudding, that your pudding will do the job as planned, then Id say that your pudding was a good choice. However you define good.

**Zombie** · 07-21-2012, 03:38 AM

Originally Posted by jduff8505

Well after contacting a member here about finding an inexpensive 1911, and after talking to a good personal friend about the same thing, I have discovered that you probably get what you pay for to a certain extent with these guns. So my question is, for a CCW is a second tier brand 1911 a good choice, or are you better off going up to the 600-800 range for the Colt, Springfield, and Remingtons? I will not mention any other brands I consider second tier because I don't beleive in brand bashing.

BTW like Surjimmy, I am becoming a 1911 fanatic. LOL.

Jeff

Sometimes you get what you pay for...many carry second rate 1911s all day without question. Every manufacturer puts out a bad one from time to time - but they all (should) strive to produce the best they can. No matter the brand I would put it through hell at the range and ensure it will function should I need it.

**surjimmy** · 07-21-2012, 01:24 PM

I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for. However there are somethings that are better then the price suggest. Like the Rock Island Tactical comes to mind. The greatest advice I can give you, don't be in a hurry and you will find some amazing deals out there. I have bought a Yost-Bonitz custom for $1000, a AD Swenson custom for $1200. The Yost today would be a 2yr wait and cost for their bottom package is $3000. The Swenson if in perfect shape $5-$6000. There is an Austin Behlert on Gunbroker right now starting bid is $1149, it has been listed several times and has no bids now. That would be a great buy. Just keep your eye out, and if you want to shoot some of mine just give me call and we can meet up. You bring your own ammo.LOL

**jduff8505** · 07-21-2012, 10:44 PM

Well I went shopping today and looked and held and played with a ton of 1911s and my personal favorite is the Springfield, however the price is not my favorite. Since this search was for a CCW candidate, I cannot stomach the idea of possibly losing my 1911 due to having to use it in a self defense situation. So I did purchase what I think is an excellent choice. A Kahr CW45. Size and fit in my hand are perfect. Thanks for the input from everyone. Surjimmy you bet we'll get to the range sometime soon.

Jeff

**10Seconds** · 07-22-2012, 12:23 AM

I have a cheap 1911 and have put a couple thousand rounds through it with no failures. I would not be afraid to rely on it and its a $400 gun.

My advice is get to know whatever you get and shoot it a lot and take care of it. You will then know if you can stake your life on it, no matter the price or brand it is.

**jduff8505** · 07-23-2012, 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by 10Seconds

My advice is get to know whatever you get and shoot it a lot and take care of it. You will then know if you can stake your life on it, no matter the price or brand it is.

That is exactly where I am with the 1911. Easy and forgiving IMHO. However I get the heeby jeebys when I think abou losing it in CCW situation. Go figure, the other gun I'm comfortable with is my Dad old S&W .38 K frame, now a safe queen. Neither is particularly special except to me. I'm hoping I can fall in love with the Kahr due to it's utility value.

Jeff

**Mr.357Sig** · 07-23-2012, 10:30 PM

I carried a Kahr CW45 for a little over a year as my EDC. It was a decent weapon, with good sights, light to carry, didn't print in my Looper OWB leather and had a smooth trigger. It was a long pull, but very smooth.

I sold it to fund my new EDC, a Ruger SR1911. Like you, I fell in love with the beauty and perfection that is John Browning's masterpiece. If its confiscated by the cops after an SDA event, I'll be depressed, but hopefully comforted by the knowledge that the weapon did exactly what it was intended to do - stop the threat and protect my family. I think that's worth risking a $650 gun.

Gorgeous as it is, it's still a tool and can be replaced. My wife and kids can't be replaced.

I'm glad you found a gun you are comfortable with.

**Boehlertaught** · 08-16-2012, 12:32 AM

Spend the extra money

**TCummings** · 08-16-2012, 12:47 AM

I owned a Rock Island Armory Match, it was well made and the care and pride that was put into it was very evident. However when compared to my new Kimber CDP II there is no comparison. You do get what you pay for, but RIA is a good company for somebody looking to get their first 1911, it for sure taught me a lot.

(as a disclaimer, had I not won the Kimber at the Friends of the NRA dinner I wouldn't own it cause I could never bring myself to drop the coin on it)

**olyeller** · 08-16-2012, 02:13 AM

good looks dont always indicate a good tool.

didnt you just win that kimber? How many rounds do you have through it?
How does it shoot? Its accuracy?
Id rely on a $300 llama if I knew it went bang before I call a new gun the bees knees..

**Buzzdraw** · 08-16-2012, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by jduff8505

Well I went shopping today and looked and held and played with a ton of 1911s and my personal favorite is the Springfield, however the price is not my favorite. Since this search was for a CCW candidate, I cannot stomach the idea of possibly losing my 1911 due to having to use it in a self defense situation. So I did purchase what I think is an excellent choice. A Kahr CW45. Size and fit in my hand are perfect. Thanks for the input from everyone. Surjimmy you bet we'll get to the range sometime soon.

Jeff

The more a 1911 costs, the more likely it will run 100%. That's up to a point and not a guarantee, just a general observation.

Your Kahr should do you just fine. Wring it out really well, before you consider it (or any other pistol) ready for carry.

The cost of your carry gun will be a very minor part of your cash outlay in a self defense situation. Spend enough to get a pistol that you'll actually carry and will run 100% for you.

**Glock 'em down** · 08-16-2012, 04:58 PM

Don't forget about the Smith & Wesson line of 1911s.

My favorite is the Gunsite edition. Someday I'll own one.

**TCummings** · 08-16-2012, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by olyeller

good looks dont always indicate a good tool.

didnt you just win that kimber? How many rounds do you have through it?
How does it shoot? Its accuracy?
Id rely on a $300 llama if I knew it went bang before I call a new gun the bees knees..

Damn olyeller you always feel like busting peoples chops for no reason? I can give my opinion the same as anyone else on the forum.

What I was stating was the build quality between the two, I also stated the RIA's are good (which by the way you ripped me on that a few month back too).

So since I am not a 1911 GOD I guess I will keep my opinions to myself.

**Buddhaman** · 08-16-2012, 08:44 PM

I have an Auto Ordnance 1911 that I bought from a member on here for $400 a few years ago. So far I've put at least 1000 rounds through it and I've only had an issue with ammo once (reload that was slightly bulged didn't want to chamber properly) and on occasion the slide doesn't lock back after the last round. Otherwise it has functioned well and some of the people I've shot with have commented on it's accuracy and we surprised it was and Auto Ordnance. All that said, you more often than not do get what you pay for so unless you plan on testing the gun for a bit and determining it's reliability you should shell out a bit more for a higher quality gun.