ugly dog

thinking of getting a 1911.
i don't know much about them other than thier rep and i like them.
i've shot a colt and a springfield. liked the springfield better
who do you gents think makes the best clone for the $?
and any other info that you think will help make my decision easier.
thanks
ugldg

Charley

Production gun? Kimber, hands down.

T/C fan!

Like Charley said, if its a production gun, its Kimber all the way!! I've shot several Springfields and they make a fine pistol, but I chose Kimber. The "fit and finish" of the Kimber is above all of the "clones" that I've shot. I don't have any experience with the S&W or the new Sig, so I can't speak for them. I finally "weasled" my way, according to the wife, into a CDP from Kimber and its performance is outstanding!!

kyhuntsman

I'll be the third person to recommend a Kimber. That is what my next handgun purchase will be and I can't wait either!

If I had the money I would go with a full sized Ed Brown Kobra model though. They are real sweet handguns!

Matt

A5Mag12

I'd also look at the Para-Ordinance. I have a P-14, 45 and it shoots great. Several thousand rounds and no problems at all.

uncle matt

$$$???

Kimber

Uncle Matt (in IL)

driftrider

If I had the cash to spend and were in the market for a new semi-auto pistol, it'd definately be a Kimber Eclipse Target II. It's gotta be the purdiest semi-auto handgun ever made, and it'd be one heck of a fine shooter too. But it's a little pricy at a shade over $1000 last I checked.

Mike

wimp

OK what if money was an issue? Can a decent one be had for $600 or under? Is it reasonable to be able to find a used kimber for that price?

ButchA

I too am looking at the 1911-A1's out there. The nicest, cheapest, best built, that I have seen so far is the reliable and venerable, Springfield Armory M1911-A1. The one I have my eye on is the reproduction WWII issue. Classic, no-nonsense, no frills, .45ACP [:-] Heck, I remember qualifying on it back in the USCG during bootcamp in 1979! [8D]

Butch

bronko22000

Guys, I don't want to sound like a cheap skate and I agree with you that Kimber makes a great handgun. But so does Wilson and a few other outfits.
But what are you using this gun for. Is it going to be for competition shooting?
Or is it going to be for occasional carry and self defense? If its the former, by all means, get the best you can afford. If its for the latter, I'd say get something a bit less expensive if you can't afford the high end models.
A few years ago I was paging through the Shotgun News and came across an ad for a .45 (Balister Molina). These guns are made in Argentina I believe and used by the poice and military there. They were used but refurbished. I paid $125 for it. It looked like crap when I got it but the bore was clean and crisp and the action was tight. Took it out and shot it and it worked flawlessly and was more than accurate enough for its intended use. It was shooting 3" groups at 25 yds. I buffed it up with some steel wool, cold blued it and put a set of black rubber wrap around grips on it. I'd wouldn't heaitate on buying another.