Springfield MC Operator

Hard to go wrong with buying a Colt 1911.

I’ve got a DW Guardian in 9mm and a Colt LW Wiley Clapp Commander that I think very highly of. I’m not sure you can even get a Wiley Clapp anymore but if you could, I’d consider it. It’s one of the best Colts I’ve ever had.

Friends don't let friends buy Kimber's. I've always heard that phrase.

From your list, I too would not recommend Kimber based on my past experiences, and I would likely go with the DW.

Also, throwing in Magnum Research and Bul Armory as possible options to consider.

I would go Dan Wesson these days.

I own a Kimber Warrior that I've grown to love, but it took some Ed Brown parts to get it running right. Kimbers are almost always very accurate, I will say that.

Money is no obstacle - Wilson Combat
Mid-Tier Level (solid quality build production, some mass market considerations) - Dan Wesson and Springfield Emissary
Entry-level/base (platform to build upon with potential) - Springfield Armory

If you can find some older Kimber's, they're a great platform to build-up.

A few years back when I was really eyeing a 1911 to add to the collection and use as a bedside/home defense gun I looked at various models in all price ranges.

Being limited that you are in CA there are tons of models you won't have access to without severely over paying.

My top 2 choices were a Spring Field TRP no rail or the MC Operator. The TRP I loved it price was back then around 1500 dollars the MC was about 1200 ish or so. Only thing I hated about the TRP the front and rear checkering was too aggressive, I'm sure it wouldn't kill me and that I could get use to it but man was it sharp. As for the MC it had no checkering which was super comfortable but no extra grip in a pinch. If I did get one probably be the TRP unless a rail is required then it would be the MC.

Looked at Las Baer they make some tight great fitted 1911's but they require a break in and even though I'm a sucker for bluing it wears off like paint when you barely use a holster.

Sig's with the external extractor just seem wrong and I refuse to try to like one.

Kimbers quality is all over the place the TLE_II seems great on paper if you get on make sure it works before relying on it, price was they are ok.

Handled many but never shot Wilson Combat and Night Hawk and if I was a 1911 expert and knew every detail/part to my taste and preferences and money was no object they they are the way to go. Only thing that held me back was paying over 4K for a gun that is so tight in a urban environment not a problem anything else who knows. Seemed like to nice of a handgun to risk ended up in police evidence.

For me up to 2K should be the max I would pay for a 1911 and if I'm paying that much the 1911 platform better be my favorite go to gun for the pluses and minuses that come with owning one.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: dfens, December 25, 2022 01:18 AM

Here is my only 1911...do I get another commander?

I have a Springfield Custom Pro Operator .45 that I really like but it was over $3k to purchase so not in your price point.

I have two 1911’s. A Dan Wesson Valor and a Colt Gold Cup. They are both great, but the Dan Wesson Valor is a little more refined and crisper. I would give the nudge to Dan Wesson.

I say get another Commander. 9mm if you can find it.

Dan Wesson, that's all. Anything else in the price range is a bit of hit-or-miss.

Not on your list, but I have a Colt Wiley Clapp Lightweight Commander that I really like. Lately I have been itching for a Colt Delta Elite. Of course that is 10mm and full size.

Dan Wesson if you can get one. They are excellent for the money.

DW is a great, very stylish 1911. Most any model is top notch. I favor the CBOB's. Clean, uncluttered slide without excessive roll markings and a very reliable gun.

Throwing in another vote for the Dan Wesson.....for the money, it's hard to beat the balance, quality, fit, and shooting experience. I also very much like the Sig 1911s...I have a couple of those in various calibers and every one has been nothing but reliable

Gents,

I see lots of votes for the Colt Wiley Clapp Lightweight. I have one and can add my recommendation for that model. It's still made and in your price point too.

Wes

quote:

Originally posted by bcjwriter:
I am planning to buy two 1911's for my retirement. (I put $$ down on a Springfield Target Loaded in 9mm already...)

I would prefer a full size 1911, and railed one if possible. (I'm in CA, so my options are limited...). The gun should be something that is set up for carry, it's not for target practice.

Here is what I am looking at:

- Kimber TLE/RL II
- Sig 1911 Tacops (Sig contour slide)
- Springfield MC Operator (If I can even find one...which is doubtful)
- Springfield Loaded model (also impossible to find)
- Kimber TLE
- Dan Wesson Commander Bobtail (again...if I can find one...)

Looking for any input on the above.

I have to ask, you want a railed 1911 for carry? Yeah, a 1911 with a light attached will make a wonderful concealed firearm. Good luck finding an IWB holster for that rig. A major benefit of a 1911 without a rail is it's a very slim profile and slides easily into an IWB holster and is all day comfortable in that configuration. Add a rail and you either lose comfort or have to carry in an OWB holster and I suspect that Open Carry in commiefornia is not allowed.

Sinc you already have the Springer on the hook I'd then go with Dan Wesson with the Kimbers after that.