Dan Wesson Guardian-great trigger and wonderfully accurate.

Another big fan of the Dan Wesson Guardian. I've owned Colts, S&Ws, Springfield Armory and Rugers - and the Dan Wesson just feels better - and shoots better in my hands. The 9mm cartridge is a real soft shooter in any 1911 I've ever owned.

Jerry

Ed Brown FX1 is amazing. Styling a little over the top, but the machining is incredible and it is extremely accurate.

If you’re looking at Colt and want a full length grip, I would go a bit extra and find a used Dan Wesson Valkyrie or Vigil (I believe the TCP is the only current aluminum frame model that’s not bobbed).

Above that, you’re getting in the Les Baer, Ed Brown range. Never owned a Baer, but, have owned a few Browns and would recommend one. Still have one in the safe.

I might be inclined to order another Brown, if they will build one with the FX1 front strap as shown in bac1023’s post.

Good luck on the purchase!

Lots to digest. Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by oldwillie:
Dan Wesson Guardian-great trigger and wonderfully accurate.

This. I'm looking to get my second Guardian, but in 45 this time.

Dan Wesson Guardian. Best shooting, most reliable 1911 I've ever had. Mine is a .45, but I'd be confident that the 9mm version is just as good.

Save some money and get the Ruger LW Commander. I had one and am considering getting another. Purely as a range and vanity toy. The one I had was accurate out of the box and ran like a German clock.

quote:

Originally posted by Fredward:
My inclination is for a Colt LW. Any other options I should consider?

*************************

I agree I'd get a Colt.

.

I got a SA EMP4 when they first came out. I’ve been very pleased. The subtle size difference works for me.

I've screwed around enough. Tomorrow I order the Colt. Now, lightweight or Combat? The combat is seriously marked down and I have plenty of carry guns.

I'd say Colt. I really like my Colt Competition government S/S 9mm it's accurate and shoots really nicely. This is coming from someone that owns a Wilson Combat and an Ed Brown.

I'd go combat and honestly, if you don't need to carry go government, they're so well balanced. I had a combat commander colt 9mm and sold it. I have an origional series 70 govt 9mm also. I'd buy another Competition government in 9mm personally.

I prefer commander size and my nighthawk is everything I need. Wonderful guns, and when I talked to them on the phone a couple times they treat you like family.
I also have a colt combat commander and it’s a great gun as well.

I wonder what he did. I found a Ruger LW 9mm Commander used and bought it. I have been very impressed with it.

quote:

Originally posted by JonDaddy82:
For cheap?

Tisas.

For mid range?

Dan Wesson.

For expensive?

Nighthawk, Les Bear, Ed Brown, Wilson, etc.

Definitely NOT a Les Baer Commanche unless you plan to send it immediately to a 1911 smith for it to be milled to correct commander specs. This would put it in the extremely expensive category.

I’ve got a few commanders.

Colt
Dan Wesson
and a reworked Les Baer.

Out of the box, I like Colt. That Ed Brown up above is pretty though. My goodness!

Just hit the 1,000 round mark on my SA Garrison Stainless Commander. Not a single issue. I also have the full size 5" version, and they both worked so well I bought an SA Operator in 9mm. Put 300 thru it 2 days ago.
I really think they are hard to beat for the money.

If you're buying the Colt, go for the combat. I have no legit reason for it, but I just don't care for aluminum frames on 1911s. Mine are all steel guns, but one, and that is my preference. Of course, I'm not carrying one everyday either.

If you're still undecided as to manufacturer, I have Dan Wesson Specialist, Vbob and Valor. All are well fit and feel like they should have cost more. I'm also a fan of Springfield Armory, though mine are all older production guns. I have a champion with railed frame and bull barrel that is one of the nicer 191s I have. An older MC Operator as well.

My last 2 gun purchases have been Springfield Armory Garrison and Emissary. Both all steel Commander sized 9mm. If you can tolerate the look I prefer the Emissary overall. The frag/grenade pattern works well and I have grown to love the Hellcat style sights.

If DW still made a steel framed Commander 9mm I would have probably gone that direction.

I am really pleased with my Colt Wiley Clapp LW Commander in 45. They also made them in 9mm. I am not sure how easy they are to find nowadays.

A Springfield TRP 4.25” CC version. AL frame with the frame cut light a bobtail.

Or an Alchemy Quantico Carry.