I’m quite new to the 1911 platform and I realized there’s a lot more to it than I expected. With all the different calibers, sizes and brands, I’m wanna know what’s really important for someone just starting out and what can wait until later. I’d love to hear some advice from those who have already tackled that learning curve.
New to the 1911 world
- Thread starter Sabelolot
- Start date
chrishayes
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2025
- Messages
- 59
Some questions... As you've seen, there are a great many options and price ranges with 1911s.
Do you have a starting range in mind? I have 2 right now. A $350 one and a $1500 one.
I bought the $350 one first and went low on the dollars, meaning to be a project gun. Only had to spend
$35ish bucks to make the $350 one a jewel! And now it shoots better than the $1500 one!
Let us know what you have in mind and we can give you better/more complete info.
And WELCOME! Great first post!
Do you have a starting range in mind? I have 2 right now. A $350 one and a $1500 one.
I bought the $350 one first and went low on the dollars, meaning to be a project gun. Only had to spend
$35ish bucks to make the $350 one a jewel! And now it shoots better than the $1500 one!
Let us know what you have in mind and we can give you better/more complete info.
And WELCOME! Great first post!
Walter
Member
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2025
- Messages
- 21
Many choices these days.
Steel frame vs. aluminum. Full size (5") vs. Commander (4" or 4.25"). 9mm vs 45 vs others. Series 70 or 80 triggers.
Many brands now offer optical sight compatible models.
Shorter and lighter is easier to carry, steel and full size is more pleasant to shoot at the range.
I have moved to 9mm with subsonic ammo. 9mm is cheaper than 45 and has less recoil. Like Bill Wilson, I prefer the absence of the high velocity crack and have gone to subsonic ammo. I hit 80 this year and high round count days are more pleasant for me with this combination.
I still have some 1911s in 45 , but they get less use these days.
A host of good brands to choose from. Springfield Armory has a diverse line at good prices. My 1911 friends say they are good quality. Colt's QC is said to have been up and down over the past years. I do not know what CZ ownership has done for that. Kimber had some issues in the past, but many say they are better now. Tisas gets good reviews and are cheaper than many other brands. Dan Wesson 1911s are highly regarded. Like I started with: Many choices these days.
Steel frame vs. aluminum. Full size (5") vs. Commander (4" or 4.25"). 9mm vs 45 vs others. Series 70 or 80 triggers.
Many brands now offer optical sight compatible models.
Shorter and lighter is easier to carry, steel and full size is more pleasant to shoot at the range.
I have moved to 9mm with subsonic ammo. 9mm is cheaper than 45 and has less recoil. Like Bill Wilson, I prefer the absence of the high velocity crack and have gone to subsonic ammo. I hit 80 this year and high round count days are more pleasant for me with this combination.
I still have some 1911s in 45 , but they get less use these days.
A host of good brands to choose from. Springfield Armory has a diverse line at good prices. My 1911 friends say they are good quality. Colt's QC is said to have been up and down over the past years. I do not know what CZ ownership has done for that. Kimber had some issues in the past, but many say they are better now. Tisas gets good reviews and are cheaper than many other brands. Dan Wesson 1911s are highly regarded. Like I started with: Many choices these days.
