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My budget is $2200 (give or take) and I'm looking at getting a high quality 1911. I've done some google-fu and have learned some of the reputable brands, but was wondering what everyone's opinions were.

If I gave you my money, what would you buy me and why (and convince me to increase my budget if I need to)?

Can't go wrong with a Les Baer IMO https://www.lesbaer.com/#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; They have some nice models that will be in your price range.

I would convince you to cut your budget in half and get something in the Kimber range of production gun. If you have to ask about what to get in a 1911, there is a chance that you might not recognize or appreciate the finer distinctions that drive up the price over what are otherwise pretty good guns.

I have to agree with Keith on this. I have a Les Baer and it is truly one of the finest pistols I own and shoots better than I do.

I would recommend one of the Dan Wesson pistols.

I own both the Guardian and V-Bob in .45 ACP. They are both commander (4.25") length pistols with a "bobbed" mainspring housing for better concealment. The difference is that the V-Bob is all stainless, available in either bead-blasted stainless or black duty treat, and the Guardian has an aluminum frame which makes is lighter for concealed carry.

IMHO, once you reach this level, you're at the point where incremental improvements will cost more than they may be worth. The Dan Wesson pistols are all hand-fitted with quality parts. There are no MIM parts, if that's important to you.

My V-Bob:


My Guardian:

I'm a 2011 STI fan myself. I'd pass on Kimber. They use to make great stuff not so much just like Sig but I'm sure someone post they've had no problems after shooting a couple hundred rounds thru theirs.

My next pistol will be from these guys. Granted it's more than you want to spend

http://www.sviguns.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Check this guy out, builds a fine weapon to your specs for a fair price. When you call you get to talk to the owner(he previously owned Dan Wesson) and he is a good guy.

http://www.fusionfirearms.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Having handled PawPaw's "V-Bob" and cloverleafing the first 3 shots, I can tell you it is a very very nice 1911.
And I have a Kimber Warrior that I shoot for comparison.

kimber? most over rated 1911 made. les baer,Wilson combat if your wanting high end.

AlaskanInTexas wrote:I would convince you to cut your budget in half and get something in the Kimber range of production gun. If you have to ask about what to get in a 1911, there is a chance that you might not recognize or appreciate the finer distinctions that drive up the price over what are otherwise pretty good guns.

Couldn't disagree more. His money, his choice. Obviously he knows enough to know what a good 1911 can cost. By the time this thread dies, I'm sure there could be 20 suggestions, each claiming they're personal choice is best for the buck, and rightly so.

Some people like to ask to see if there's any options outside of what they've already found, other may just like to talk about guns. And you never know what you might learn, even the self proclaimed experts don't know it all.

to go against the grain here i'll throw out a 1911 from a large manufacturer. Springfield Professional

Wilson Combat would be my choice.

The obvious answers are Les Baer, Wilson Combat and Ed Brown. I would go in that order at 34/33/33 percent probably although any of them could be the 34.

i went with 2 1911's. both STI(texas made). i got the duty one and the spartan(philippine parts but assembled also in texas) . im new to the 1911's. so i used the spartan to practice my detail strip and assembly. plus i didn't want a gun that's too pretty to shoot. just my .02