TexasCHLforum.com

Hello.

I'm want to ask some opinions from the 1911 crowd.

I am currently shopping for a compact 1911.
I have a certain budget in mind so there will be no Kimbers or Colts on my list.

I have found a High Standard Crusader like the one pictured below, I just don't know
enough about the brand.




From what I understand, it's basically a Rock Island 1911.
What caught my eye was the price..$450

I compared it to a RIA and it has slightly nicer grips and much better sights.
I also like the trigger and hammer.

The gun feels good in my hand and the trigger feels crisp.

I've read a few reviews so far and most folks seem to really like theirs.
Here's one review on it .. http://www.gunblast.com/HighStandard-Compact1911.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Anyone have any positive or negative comments on this gun?

I'm also open to other suggestions. As a matter of fact, I was looking at a
Springfield Compact 1911 when I spotted the High Standard.

Thank You.

Go with the Springfield or Rock Island.

Phew! All I can say is....hubba, hubba, hubba!

I agree. It appears to be made by Armscor, the same outfit that makes the RIA line. The price sure can't be beat also. I saw one online gun guy that had them for $439.00.

I've read that guys product reports before, and he sure does seem to like that one. I trust him to be upfront, as I've seen negative reviews from him as well.

Looks like you might have a winner, & I give you 2 thumbs up!

USA1 wrote: I have a certain budget in mind so there will be no Kimbers or Colts on my list.

OK, I know I said that but while I was there I kept drooling over this....



It's $400 more, but

Go with the Colt over the High Standard. It's good to get a fantastic deal and pay very little for something, unless that something is only worth what you pay.

If you buy it, let us know how it works out for you . . . conventional wisdom is that once a 1911 is shrunk below Commander size, it takes more effort to get it to run right.

It's made by Armscor, and the model shown is the "tactical" version. It is the exact same as the "tactical" in the Rock Island line.
I have one of the Rock Island models. It shoots good, and is very dependable.
I also have a Colt Defender that I like very much. My wife caries the Kimber UCII, all officers sized 1911.
The Kimber took a lot of adjusting to get it relaiable with hollow points.
The Colt and the Rock Island - perfect right out of the box.

The Mrs. carries a New Agent. 600ish rounds through it with no failures. I got it for me.......and watched it slip away when I got home...I have a Defender, same story, no failures. To be honest, I do prefer a Commander length for several reasons I can't put my finger on, but it is much better at overall accuracy, easier to slide and chamber, keep on target......

That said I don't have any qualms carrying the 3"ers. Have you considered an STI Guardian? 4" barrel with an Officer sized grip.

I too agree that the Commander Length 1911's are more reliable and easier to shoot follow up shots accurately.

The 3 inchers are nice to look at and carry, but they are quite "snappy" when fired and take longer to get back on target. Also the short captive dual spring setup in a 3 incher just does not provide that much cushion.

I have had an Officer's Model Colt, a Springfield 3 incher and a Kimber 3 incher. I sold all of them and now I only have 4 and 5 inchers. They are much more comfortable to shoot.

I too have been looking into getting a compact 1911 and came across this beauty. I know you gotta stick to your budget, but I am really tempted by this one.

I love my Kimber and really need to add another to the collection. Hopefully, they will still have some in stock when my favorite gunshop has their biannual no interest for a year sale this summer. It makes it a lot easier to rationalize a $$$$ gun when you chop it up into 12 little $'s.

Spend it now or spend it later. If you buy a $500 1911, chances are, you will put another few hundred into it to make it right.

I love my Kimber Crimson Carry 3". Daily carry, 800 rounds and not one failure. In addition to that, I have a 4" Tactical Pro II, and just put down a deposit on a 5" Custome TLE. I have never had any issues with any of them.

1911 is a sickness that I do not want to recover from. Give me more!!

Wow, thanks for the advise everyone. Looks like I have a lot to take into consideration here.

Here's the deal..I have been researching the High Standard brand
some more and there are some negative reviews as well as some positive.

I now know that I will go with a more well established manufacturer
for many reasons including resale value and better name recognition.

I do have a certain budget to keep, however I will probably take advantage
of the 90 day no interest layaway from my favorite gun store making
the higher price a little more bearable.

I will go back tomorrow with a fresh approach and armed with knowledge
that you fine folks have provided me.

I'm also considering looking at the 4 and 5 inch models as has been mentioned.

I own a Kimber Custom Target II and a Springfield LW Compact which is my primary CCW. I traded my Taurus PT 1911 for a CZ 452 rifle - in lieu of money of which I have none.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Taurus PT 1911 is the best bang for your buck in a full size 1911, IMO. That said, there have been several favorable write ups on this forum for the Rock Island compact. Perhaps a search will dig 'em up?

Good luck.

Oldgringo wrote:
I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Taurus PT 1911 is the best bang for your buck in a full size 1911, IMO. That said, there have been several favorable write ups on this forum for the Rock Island compact. Perhaps a search will dig 'em up?

Yes, I have read many good reviews on the RIA's on this forum and elsewhere on the net.

Funny thing you bring up the Taurus PT 1911. I know that most 1911 purist will sneer at it
but I was also handling one of those and it does seem to have all the bells and whistles
that one could ask for. Might be worth another look.

The picture in the OP is almost identical to my Rock Island compact tactical aside from the trigger, thumb safety, and magazine.