Shopping for a commander-sized 1911: help me spend my money

[TipBledsoe]

I too am interested in getting myself a commander sized 1911.

Springfield and Ruger seem to stay at the top of my interests because I can’t see spending the money for a Dan Wesson or Ed Brown.

I would rather have all stainless, but the original Springfield Emissary has especially been catching my eye moreso than the Garrison - anyone have thoughts on the Emissary?

1911 Emissary Handguns - Springfield Armory

www.springfield-armory.com

 

[KTXdm9]

Enjoy your purchases @Iowashooter !

 

[KTXdm9]

I too am interested in getting myself a commander sized 1911.

Springfield and Ruger seem to stay at the top of my interests because I can’t see spending the money for a Dan Wesson or Ed Brown.

I would rather have all stainless, but the original Springfield Emissary has especially been catching my eye moreso than the Garrison - anyone have thoughts on the Emissary?

1911 Emissary Handguns - Springfield Armory

www.springfield-armory.com

Just personal preference, I like the square trigger guard but not a fan of the slide top cuts. I'd also want to get one in hand or ideally shoot one first to see if I liked that style of checkering.

 

[asn]

What price point are you looking at?

If you want quality, I would start with something like a Dan Wesson. If you want something nicer I would look at Nighthawk. Some of the Wilson combats are very nice, but they do not seem to hold their value as well.

 

[alexng30]

Dan Wesson V-Bob. Pretty much as nice as it gets before you start hitting the $2000+ semi-custom shops.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MTA]

Turns out that SR1911 I got is some no longer made talo edition called an "SR1911 Night Watchman"

My ffl was telling me how lucky I am to have one when I picked it up today. It has night sights and a black nitride finish as opposed to blueing. Also a full steel frame. Pretty good deal

 

[Drivinfast Ammo]

I went low money......and picked up this Citadel 1911A1 45acp with 3.5" barrel for mid $300's. Its used, I see no marks on it that I wouldn't have put there shooting it myself. if anything needs adjusting my gunsmith and I can handle it. https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1063678255?a=1

 

[Texasgordo]

I went low money......and picked up this Citadel 1911A1 45acp with 3.5" barrel for mid $300's. Its used, I see no marks on it that I wouldn't have put there shooting it myself. if anything needs adjusting my gunsmith and I can handle it. https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1063678255?a=1


View attachment 473810

Looks great

 

[TipBledsoe]

Turns out that SR1911 I got is some no longer made talo edition called an "SR1911 Night Watchman"

My ffl was telling me how lucky I am to have one when I picked it up today. It has night sights and a black nitride finish as opposed to blueing. Also a full steel frame. Pretty good deal

If we don't see pics soon @Moonpie might call you a slacker

 

[MTA]

If we don't see pics soon @Moonpie might call you a slacker

 

[Pistol Pete]

I’m going out to a few LGSs tomorrow to begin my search

I’m brand agnostic - will consider anything except Turkish made

Weigh-in if you have a suggestion.

I’ve had a high-end 1911 (Ed Brown) and several good ones (Colt, Ruger, Bul Armory, Springfield and Dan Wesson) in various calibers and barrel lengths… but I now want a commander size .45

Requirements and uses

- Barrel length 4.25

- Single stack (no 2011/staccato stuff)

- Caliber .45

- exclusively for range use (I doubt I’ll ever carry it)

- has to have a decent-to-good trigger (there’s no one around here to do a trigger job and I don’t want to try)

- extended beaver tail

- no threaded barrel


Preferences, but not mandatory

- optics ready

- not ambi

- not blued (maybe a nice stainless or some other unique finish)

I have a Colt Wiley Clapp Lightweight and a Ruger CMD. Both shoot great but the Lightweight gets to be a handfull time you get thru the 2nd box of ammo. As for good trigger out of the box, I'd prolly go Dan Wesson or better. I install a Colt sear spring and then boost the hammer and it usually helps. I have a DW 9mm Valkyrie and it came with a good trigger but a little heavy, Colt sear spring and it's great. Trigger on the Colt needs work but it's a carry gun and I can live with it. Best try the trigger pull before you buy.