Tips For Selecting the Best Model 1911
Selecting the Best 1911 Pistol by Shepard Humphries – 2012 Jackson Hole
1911 model pistols are currently my favorite type of pistol for target shooting! I have owned several brands and have learned from others’ experiences about many brands and models. The 1911 is very customizable, which is wonderful for the expert shooter or those willing to spend the necessary money to build a top-shelf gun. Some choose to have the gun built to their specifications from the ground up by a custom builder, while others choose to buy a quality frame and add their favorite barrel, slide, trigger, etc. My advice is geared toward the person with a budget of $1,000 to $3,000.
High-End Makers That I Trust Include:
Mid-Grade Makers That I Trust Include:
- Kimber
- Springfield Armory (Try to buy Pre-2010 manufactured)
- Para Ordinance
- Smith & Wesson
- Sig Sauer
Last year (2011) we bought many guns, but all except one were for our business. The one that I bought for myself was a 1911 with THIS grip added. While I would have loved to go “all out” and buy a high-end brand, my budget was more in the $1,000 range. I had to accept that while I could buy a good gun for that price, I simply would not be able to own an excellent gun. I took the advice of custom builder Herb Hazen that if you don’t have at least $1,000 to spend, keep saving your pennies.
Just as being a good shot is a completely different skill than being a good shooting instructor, some people are more “gun guys” than “shooters.” Because I am not very technically minded and my mechanical abilities are minimal, I am unable to understand much of the technical knowledge that friends attempted to pass on to me. If you have an engineer’s mind, it is wise to read up on the best 1911 pistols and all of their variations!
In selecting my pistol, I spoke with many shooters who were very knowledgeable. I ended up buying a Springfield Armory Target 1911 for just over $1000. While I still yearn for a high-end competition “race” gun, mine works nicely. After a catastrophic malfunction due to the use of substandard ATI ammunition, I upgraded the barrel to an Ed Brown. Some things I learned through my selection process that you might consider and discuss with your builder include:
Update Summer 2015:
We have invested in several more 1911’s since I wrote the above article, so I will offer some additional thoughts. First, we purchased a Sig Sauer Molon Labe 1911 for about $1,100. It is “okay” but not great. I would not recommend one. Next, I found an old Les Baer 1911, which I love. The fit is very tight, and it shoots very well. Herb Hazen replaced some of the “cheap” internal parts with higher quality parts, and it is a great gun!
Next, I bought a used STI Edge 2011 in 9mm. Wow! This baby almost shoots itself, it is smooth, fast, and accurate! It is the best 1911 pistol I own. If a bit over $2k is right for you, you will not be sorry! Next, while at the SHOT show, my wife won/purchased an STI .40 S&W 1911. It is tricked out and while not an official “race gun,” it is a thing of beauty. Retail price would have been about $3k.
Since then, I have purchased several more STI Rangemasters for clients, and I love them!
Shepard Humphries is a former Police Officer, having served in Investigations, Patrol, and SWAT as a sniper team leader. Shepard resides in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where he operates several small businesses including an executive protection firm and two firearms-related businesses, the Jackson Hole Shooting Experience and Counter Violence Institute. Known as “The Millionaire’s Shooting Coach,” Shepard provides shooting instruction, consultation, and public speaking services in Jackson and where clients beckon. Shepard Humphries was consecutively rated the #2 rated shooting instructor internationally (SR) in 2013 through 2016.
