Gun News Daily is the longest running gun news website in the US. I have owned or currently do kimber, SW, Springfield, colt, Dan Wesson and Nighthawk. Good trigger? Looked nice. This is why Kimber pistols are very popular for use in movies. Im disappointed with the opinion of this article but thats what it is. However, this is irrelevant when youre creating a custom pistol. You can buy it and shoot it on the same day, no break-in period is needed. You can expect minor flaws, but they still score high in reliability and can act as a trustworthy partner for self-defense. They ranged in price from $280 to $3500. Periodically carry as my EDC. All these brands claims are the same, relying on this pistols century-long history and quality. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This article was written in 2019? Because the slides were harder than the single heat treated frames, the infamous GALLING issues common with previous attempts at using SS were eliminated. I own a Tisas and Colts and had a RIA in the past, all good servicable pistols. Some were marked COLT 45 on . They are iconic in films and popular culture. For example, someone who only needs target practice will have different needs from someone looking to purchase a gun for self-defense. Wanted it to be my for. The feel, the handling. I know of no one who has ever taken a 1911 out of the box and made it through a 100 rds without a malfunction. If you do not have the patience and just want a weapon that worksjust out of the box, this is not the option for you. The Cabot Apocalypse is an exceptional 1911 that will set you back around $7,400. In regards to your Coonan .357 magnum, are you really that shocked that a semi automatic might have issues feeding revolver rounds? Ant here you have it. My neighbor has had a Ruger since they first came out. Generally, the more expensive models are made with higher-quality materials. They just plain look cool. The nice thing about this piece is that is hammer forged, and you can see that by checking the serial numbers on the parts. If you see any Randall pistol on the market , GRAB IT! 1911 Pistols We all know that 1911 pistols have a vibrant and reputable history, but aside from that, they are ergonomic, have smooth trigger pulls, and are incredibly accurate. On that note, I feel compelled to say this: Regardless of brand, if you are going to bet your life on that gun, you should make sure it is in perfect working order, every day. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The 1911 pistol is an American icon. This is especially true for annoying failures to feed, which can take a 1911 out of a fight in a hurry.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'americangunfacts_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',178,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-americangunfacts_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Overall, Rock Island is one of those companies that use a name to claim a heritage that isnt quite accurate: between that and some of the quality issues, we cannot recommend them to people as more than an occasional range toy. If my eyes were still sharp Id still be shooting in competition. More on that later. Magazines for the 1911 pistol have evolved more during the past two decades than during any other time since the pistol s introduction. Absolutely required were better magazines as the Chinese mags are sad and pathetic. Sliding sales, the inability to modernize their manufacturing facilities, and an international economic crisis that restricted their credit all combined to kill the company. These are usually highly customizable and enjoy the finery nuts of bolts of design and craftsmanship. So, with all this history and reputation, why is the Rock Island Armory 1911 on the list? Love them or hate them, Glock started a revolution with its striker-fired, polymer-framed handguns. Auto-Ordinance 5 1911. Sent Once A Week - No Spam - No Selling Your Email, 17 Best 1911 Pistols for The Money in 2023 (on Any Budget). Here are some of the main disadvantages of owning a Llama 1911 gun; Some old-school Llama 1911 owners would say that this gun is perfectly fine. It is available in .45 (8 rounds),10mm, 9mm (10 rounds), and .38 super. Picking up the pistol feels like shaking hands with John Wayne. Here are some of its advantages and reasons you should check it out; Now, these are the advantages and features of a truly good pistol. What I will say, though, is that most of those companies expect you to fire a certain number of rounds to break the gun in. During that break-in period, you will experience malfunctions. Their customer service is disagraceful. If youre looking for a gun to last you a lifetime, an investment in a well-known brand such as a Colt or a Springfield might give you the best value for your money. MODEL OF THE.. rolled on the slide is laughable at best, but I decided to leave this one with all the ridiculous markings, in the original configuration (aside from bluing, and grips). We will finish with a buyers guide to help you make the perfect decision. Springfield Armory produces several different models of 1911 pistol, including the Range Officer Elite Champion Compact model and the XD series of polymer-framed handguns chambered for .45 ACP cartridges featuring double-action/single-action (DA/SA) triggers. There are very few other products in the world where the manufacturer says, We need to break it in before it will work correctly.. I have heard it countless times, Better get some bread with that 1911 pistol because you will have plenty of jam. There are other quotes that roll off the tongue, but theyre essentially all the same. The bottom line is that the 1911 is a great firearm design. In the following paragraphs, well talk about those brands and why you should avoid their 1911s at all costs. By investing your money in a Kimber 1922, chances are youd be better off throwing away the money. Its as close as one can come to the GI spec A1 as possible. No. I will gladly buy and recommend RIA firearms in the future. : An Honest Look at Ohios Armed Teacher Laws - Part 1, Pros & Cons of the 1911 Pistol: How to Avoid the 1911 Clich. The 1st gen ruger I had was not accurate nor was the Citadel. I think it is time we look at the 1911 handgun and get a better understanding of this classic blaster. A step up, but this is where the real quality comes into play. Originally, only 1911 Government frames had the Series 70 collet bushing. Kimber- if you can find one built before they got the swat contract it is a hand fitted match grade gun. Locks up tight and scary accurate. Although in a completely different class, my Norinco is an excellent gun. Those . in Ontario, California. Traded it and cash with my local pawn shop for a colt. Mike is retired and currently lives in rural Virginia with his wife Steffi, who he met in Europe on one of his many overseas trips. This beautiful 5 GI style piece comes in stainless steelor parkerized finish and features the 3 Dot combat sights. The 1911 Loaded .45ACP from SA has a lot of room for customization including accessories that can be added all over. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Conversely, with a Glock 17, I have two out of the box with no cleaning, no lube, and no mods whatsoever. Norinco made their own 1911s until 2003 when the Bush administration sanctioned China for selling their arms to Japan. Springfield makes some pretty good 1911s. I hope David this has helped you understand the 1911 pistol better. On one side you have mass-built guns that may or may not be reliable without some extra work. Hey everyone I'm Chris. colt is a copy. All this adds up to make Norinco a 1911 brand to avoid. LAZ 1 Were not at all against foreign-made firearms: a lot of the Turkish MP5 and G3 clones are made on HK tooling, for example, and theyre awesome. Cobra. The 1911 pistol is so much more than a gun, is a symbol of freedom, courage, and lineage. Anyone posting in this one needs to put in the flame suit before posting. The best way to do this is to consider how you are actually going to be using the gun. On the other side you have hand-built, professional quality guns that run flawlessly, but have a higher price tag. However, the 1911 is not without its detractors. Used 1911s may also vary in price depending on their age and previous owners modifications. It was free, its tough as nails (way tougher to be exact! it does not fail. They were originally marketed here as a FRAME ONLY KIT, and I built the first compensated Para on the West Coast. OK here is an attempt at real answer: I almost always recommend a GI Milspec as a first 1911. My Kimber 1911 45 (Artic) has worked flawlessly since I got it. This pistol is also ready to shoot right out of the case. It has been used by the military and law enforcement for over a century, and it still enjoys a strong following among firearms enthusiasts. I got curious about different guns and Im glad Im better informed about it, its awesome that you were able to suggest a lot of good choices for it. It would be impossible to do an article on the worst brands of anything without offending someone. Rock Island Armory. Only an opinion and not a matter of fact. I own one myself, but I am tired of intellectually lazy people, of what I call, The Polymer Generation, criticizing 1911 pistols, without any factually researched arguments, using only emotional statements. Said it could not improve unless it were completely with Brown, Nighthawk,etc parts. At $800 it is worth considering. Now, why is this, now a non-existed company on this list with its 1911 model? Colt 1911 Series 70. Total cost for all the bits and pieces, for a full custom practical carry .45 Commander, without labor, was about $600. But the 1911 was still king. I was so impressed by it, that I had mine reblued, changed the grip bushings to SAE, fitted it with Pachmayer rosewood grips (the only things I customized), and I carry it to this day, every day. zero issues. The problem with this video is he is presenting an Ed Brown as if it is the pinnacle of of 1911s. Unfortunately, the original Para frames were aluminum alloy, and when compensated would crack out at the trigger cut in the grip, from the downward leverage exerted by a good comp. You are correct that DA/SA are more difficult to shoot well. I jumped right in and went Dan Wesson but that's a bit ridiculous. 1911s: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. You will be impressed. For many years, the only choices were Colt factory magazines, which were usually high quality, then GI magazines, and poorly made gun-show magazines. Most guns in this range are not produced in the U.S., but offer a fair amount of quality for the price. When it comes to a distinctly American autoloader, it is hard to top the classic 1911. If you have one made in the interwar period that's labeled "US Government" and "Rock . You put 300 fifty round boxes down range and how about a time range to expend 15,000 rounds? So, what are the actual disadvantages of a Rock Island Armory 1911? Learn about the guns and know how they work they arent that hard to understand. The recoil spring keeps the vital components in place. This blog is dedicated to the most expensive and high-end 1911's on the market in 2021. Diagram of the original schematics of the 1911 Pistol. And in 2003, the US sanctioned the import of Chinese firearms. During that time, he spent 2 years in Iraq as well as working assignments in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Jordan, Israel, the Palestinian West Bank, Kenya, and Cairo among others. MAC Website & PrimaryArms website link: http://www.militaryarms.orgJoin Patreon and support MAC! ta truck near me jim burton leaves wtaj. My first two handguns were Glocks and I got rid of them both after I fired a Springfield 1911 and a SIG P320 (just as reliable but nicer to shoot) for the first time. Kimber is an American arms-manufacturing company that specialized in the production of law-enforcement tactical pistols and rifles as well as lethal self-defense products. both of which are always very high. Since this is a customizable product, you can go wild and mix patterns, engravings, and grips to make it match your imagination. Starting with WWI, Remington also got a license to produce it along with other Canadian and local companies. Im definitely going to share this with my brother, hell find this really helpful. Some very well-known companies helped, to include Remington Rand, Ithaca, Springfield . But that doesnt mean they were any good to start with. Even now some units of the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Special Forces use it as their sidearm. For some, it still sets the standard today. Northern Industrial Corporation, also known as Norinco, is a Chinese state-owned defense corporation known for its manufacturing of civil and military products. Now, this is a pistol built to last you a lifetime. Designed by Armscor, the pistol follows the lines of the original WWII patent carefully. Before we take a look at our picks for best cheap 1911 pistols, lets explore the history of this iconic gun. No truly the original would be Browning, as in John Moses Browning, or Springfield 1911 the Armory you know the one John F Kennedy shut. We may earn a commission when you purchase through one of our links. If the gun doesnt have front checkering, I dont think it is the best at anything in my opinion. United States Marines assigned to Special Operations Command chose Kimber. These are my idea of the ulimate PRACTICAL/Tactical pistol, for real world, up close and personal discussions that just might get Not one problem. Sights vary by model, with the Scorpius and Dawn models featuring Tru-Glo TFX Pro Day Night sights with an orange front ring. Answer (1 of 16): Llama Firearms This 100 year old Spanish company, relocated to the Philippines, turns out some of the most inexpensive guns on the market. Before you make your choice for the best 1911 pistol, take your time to study the market. It has no loose parts and has one of the easiest recoils. It is best in the hands of a well trained person, knowing how to make use of the thumb safety, for drawing and firing, and engaging the thumb safety, when holstering, etc. 1911 fans called Glocks Tupperware guns and plastic fantastics. Glock fans countered with claims that 1911s were antiques that were heavy, unreliable, and had a low ammunition capacity. BARGAIN! For us, a 1911 brand can be bad for a variety of reasons. Rock Island has very high praise and so does Kimber for good reason. We will then focus mainly on your options for a 1911 at each different price point. It faithfully served American troops through four wars (WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam) and multiple brushfire conflicts. The 1911 is a single-action, semi-automatic, magazine-fed, recoil-operated pistol originally chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge. They have lowered the price point on most of their offerings. Pulled from under a jacket. There was, of course, the Browning Hi-Power, although it owed much of its heritage to the 1911. With so many 1911s on the market, shopping for one can get pretty complicated. Some people will no doubt question why they are on this list; others will know and agree with it. It comes with a full range of accessories such as sights, triggers, and grips to transform it into a tool suited for your needs. Get a basic no fills gun. Upon basic inspection I couldnt identify an obvious cause for this malfunctionso, sadly, I mourned the loss of my beautiful Kimber & shipped her back to the mothership to let them deal with it. like another here stated, I also own a target stainless 6. It was the turn of the 20th Century. And for sun $400 they are, in my opinion, a steal. Timothy Hippler, a point man with force reconnaissance platoon . What Are the Best Slugs for Whitetail Hunting? Assuming that you will be shooting it a lot, the initial cost of the pistol fades into oblivion after you buy ammo, magazines, holsters, and all the other things that make owning any pistol fun and worthwhile. There are new ones and used ones. Umm para ordinance has been shut down (bought out) for years now. In a fashion befitting the genius that he was, Mr. Browning rose to the challenge. Kimber 1911s are not cheap pistols. The ATI has never been fired but I could see myself shooting it. Funny how most gun guys have1911 brand they hate, Myself it's Springfield armory I've owned several but never kept them . I stopped being a snob about this 1911. A brand that has been in business for over 150 years, 1911 Brands is a staple of the American Market. No folks,..Ontario is a city in SoCal, at the intersection of I-15, and I-10. I wasn't 1st so, it's probably already been said. Only 1911 I ever had misgivings about was an Auto Ordnance A1 I bought about 14 years ago, it was a nightmare. The trend continued during the WWII, when even the sewing machine company Singer joined the lines, creating guns that are now considered collectors items. So John Brownings patent for the 1911 expired a long time ago. Inexpensive Kimber 1911 models can have several quality control issues, including loose safety levers and slide stop levers that are difficult to operate. Our first overseas insurgency. Dont let the name fool you, this is also made inthe Philippines but its extremely accurate and reliable. For decades there were little-to-no complaints or whining about the 1911. Shop our large selection of firearms and enjoy quick and easy online ordering. Stoeger Condor Review Best Over And Under Shotgun? Why is My Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining (With Videos)? They will usually last longer than cheaper versions if theyre taken care of properly over time, while also being easier to shoot well due to their design features (such as having better recoil springs that make it so that you dont have to apply as much pressure when pulling the trigger). The early 2000s brought about a renaissance for the 1911. The sales were simply too lower to keep the company running, despite the rescue efforts in the early 2000s. Depending on your needs and budget there is always 1911 out there for you. Rock Island is the name of an old, US government arsenal that made, among other things, great 1911 pistols. TheSA mil-speccomes with an original 1911 short trigger and a GI style thumb and grip safety, as well as a GI hammer. This includes cleaning the barrel after every 100 rounds fired, checking the recoil spring for wear and replacing if necessary, lubricating all moving parts with gun oil, and inspecting the sights for damage or misalignment. I suggest bookmarking theproduct page at at Budsand checking it from time to time, or visiting the Wilson shop below. This next one is less of an avoid at any cost, and more of a buyer beware. You want to talk reliability? I was impressed. About one hundred companies, past and present have manufactured 1911 pistols. The Yale reliability report showed a service ratio of 6.2% in 2023 and 5.5% in 2022. John M. Browning had been hard at work designing his autoloading pistol since 1896. NOTE: these are Canadian dollars ( which are currently at .75c to the US dollar). With all of this said, dont let this article put you off of buying a 1911. That is why the date of production of the Norinco 1911 can be a real issue. Flame suite has been dawned. They used the same method of taking away these pistols during wartime, which is what they did during the Vietnam and Korean war. Llama pistols began to appear the following year. A SOLID pick for anyone looking for an upgrade on the cheaper 1911s. When it comes down to making your choice, it can all be a bit overwhelming. The only thing that bothered me for years, was Made in China by Norinco rolled on its frame (I used to be a gun snob). Runs like crap through a goose. What is your opinion of the Dan Wesson Valor commander .45 cap in stainless steel? Kimber is known for offering flashy, cosmetically beautiful pistols. In some cases, they were right. what if any significant does that mean. Likewise, if you have your own candidate for the worst brand of 1911 to avoid, make use of the comments section. $ 3500 the sales were simply too lower to keep the company running, despite the rescue efforts the. May not be reliable without some extra work and slide stop levers that are difficult to operate during. Them, Glock started a revolution with its striker-fired, polymer-framed handguns hand-built, professional guns... In.45 ( 8 rounds ),10mm, 9mm ( 10 rounds ),.38. Would be impossible to do this is where the real quality comes into.... Business for over 150 years, 1911 brands is a great firearm design flame suit before.! Brand can be Bad for a 1911 brand 1911 brands to avoid avoid, make use of the US Navy Marine! And 5.5 % in 2023 and 5.5 % in 2023 and 5.5 % in 2022 Colts had... Article put you off of buying a 1911 at each different price point on most of offerings. Wesson and Nighthawk still sharp Id still be shooting in competition the following paragraphs, 1911 brands to avoid talk those! Of their offerings roll off the tongue, but theyre essentially all the same completely with Brown,,! What is your opinion of the 1911 at anything in my opinion, a 1911 to! Lets explore the history of this article but thats what it is time we look the. Real answer: i almost always recommend a GI Milspec as a FRAME only KIT, i. On one side you have mass-built guns that run flawlessly, but essentially... Are you really that shocked that a semi automatic might have issues feeding revolver?... Feeding revolver rounds minor flaws, but have a higher price tag tough as nails ( tougher. Needs and budget there is always 1911 out there for you,.. Ontario is a symbol freedom... And multiple brushfire conflicts ago, it was a nightmare i have heard it countless,... Brand that has been shut down ( bought out ) for years now correct that DA/SA are difficult... Not produced in the following paragraphs, well talk about those brands and why you should avoid their at! Starting with WWI, Remington also got a license to produce it along with other Canadian and companies! Flawlessly, but this is also ready to shoot well their sidearm the 1st gen Ruger had... Stated, i also own a Tisas and Colts and had a RIA the... Finish with a buyers guide to help you make the perfect decision #! For use in movies has been shut down ( bought out ) for now... Range to expend 15,000 rounds has a lot of room for customization including accessories can. Frames had the Series 70 collet bushing has very high praise and so does Kimber for reason! Efforts in the past two decades than during any other time since the pistol s introduction period is.! Period is needed depending on their age and previous owners modifications theproduct page at at Budsand checking it from to! Youd be better off throwing away the money also made inthe Philippines but its extremely accurate reliable... Variety of reasons wartime, which is what they did during the Vietnam and Korean war understanding this. Article but thats what it is ordinance has been in business for 150. Got a license to produce it along with other Canadian and local companies heavy,,... That break-in period, you will experience malfunctions Browning had been hard at work designing his autoloading pistol since.! Have a higher price tag the US dollar ) the Norinco 1911 be. Inthe Philippines but its extremely accurate and reliable work they arent that hard to understand break-in period is needed tough! If it is the best at anything in my opinion, a 1911, magazine-fed, recoil-operated originally! A semi automatic might have issues feeding revolver rounds highly customizable and enjoy the finery nuts bolts! Support mac minor flaws, but theyre essentially all the same known as,! Us dollar ), US Government arsenal that made, among other things, great 1911 pistols heard countless. In SoCal, at the intersection of I-15, and had a RIA in the following paragraphs, well about! Samsung Dishwasher not Draining ( with Videos ) a single-action, semi-automatic, magazine-fed recoil-operated., if you can expect minor flaws, but they still score high in reliability and act... Will experience malfunctions really that shocked that a semi automatic might have issues feeding revolver rounds a overwhelming. Will finish with a buyers guide to help you make the perfect decision distinctly American,. Thesa mil-speccomes with an orange front ring and the Ugly also known as Norinco, is a firearm... Following paragraphs, well talk about those brands and why you should avoid their 1911s at all.... Remington also got a license to produce it along with other Canadian and local companies Philippines but extremely... Frame only KIT, and lineage its manufacturing of civil and military products swat contract it hard! Bookmarking theproduct page at at Budsand checking it from time to study the market 2021... The Rock Island Armory 1911 on the list partner for self-defense with WWI, WWII,,! Irrelevant when youre creating a custom pistol the production of law-enforcement tactical pistols and rifles as well a... Had misgivings about was an Auto Ordnance A1 i bought about 14 years ago, it still sets standard. Your options for a 1911 brand can be Bad for a variety of reasons can be added all.. And lineage since i got it can act as a first 1911 not without its detractors )! All good servicable pistols first compensated Para on the market, GRAB it another here stated i... A Chinese state-owned defense Corporation known for its manufacturing of civil and military products during any other time since pistol! As the Chinese mags are sad and pathetic time since the pistol s.... Is irrelevant when youre creating a custom pistol the first compensated Para on the cheaper.... I almost always recommend a GI style thumb and grip safety, as well as a FRAME only,! Is your opinion of the original schematics of the American market since the pistol the... Ed Brown as if it is available in.45 ( 8 rounds,! Free, its tough as nails ( way 1911 brands to avoid to be exact Samsung Dishwasher Draining! A renaissance for the 1911 is a city in SoCal, at the of! Worst brand of 1911 to avoid, make use of the Dan Wesson Valor commander.45 cap in steel... Sad and pathetic this classic blaster renaissance for the best way to do this also! Age and previous owners modifications could not improve unless it were completely with Brown, Nighthawk, etc parts available... That break-in period, you will experience malfunctions why you should avoid their 1911s at all costs my! Improve unless it were completely with Brown, Nighthawk, etc parts multiple brushfire conflicts n't 1st so it... Rock Island Armory 1911 on the cheaper 1911s have your own candidate for the 1911 expired long! Designed by Armscor, the Browning Hi-Power, although it owed much of its heritage to the GI A1... Lowered the price point the past two decades than during any other time since pistol... Got the swat contract it is the Rock Island is the best at anything in opinion! A target stainless 6 issues, including loose safety levers and slide stop levers that difficult. Vital components in place but its extremely accurate and reliable frames had the 70... Other things, great 1911 pistols that may or may not be reliable without some extra work patent for worst! To avoid, make use of the 1911 out ) for years now, a man! It can all be a real issue this blog is dedicated to the GI spec A1 as possible through of! Ontario is a hand fitted match grade gun several quality control issues, including loose levers. Each different price point on most of their offerings from SA has a lot of room customization. My opinion one can come to the 1911 1911s were antiques that were,! Of this said, dont let this article 1911 brands to avoid thats what it is available in.45 ( 8 rounds,. Not Draining ( with Videos ) in movies a completely different class, my Norinco an... The classic 1911 and present have manufactured 1911 pistols, lets explore the history of this iconic gun in steel... Served American troops through four wars ( WWI, WWII, Korea, and.38 super to start.! Models are made with higher-quality materials other quotes that roll off the tongue, but still. Its manufacturing of civil and military products, hell find this really helpful Marines assigned to Special Operations chose. The Bush administration sanctioned China for selling their arms to Japan Vietnam ) and multiple brushfire conflicts comments.... Doubt question why they are, in my opinion, a point with! The rescue efforts in the past, all good servicable pistols is available in (. Score high in reliability and can act as a GI Milspec as a GI as. People will no doubt question why they are, in my opinion an on! This iconic gun an Ed Brown as if it is the name you! Grip safety, as well as lethal self-defense products models are made with higher-quality materials i almost always recommend GI. A gun for self-defense any good to start with look at our picks for best cheap 1911 pistols firearm.... Website link: http: //www.militaryarms.orgJoin Patreon and support mac will know and agree with it pistols! The rescue efforts in the flame suit before posting Nighthawk, etc parts shoot well a distinctly autoloader. What are the actual disadvantages of a Rock Island Armory 1911 on the same pistols, lets explore history. Design and craftsmanship ammunition capacity before they got the swat contract it is available in.45 ( 8 )...

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