[ArtFWTx]

Looking for a 1911. Never owned one. Any help would be appreciated I really am leaning toward the Springfield Operator or Kimber SIS. What you do guys have.

I like both brands. They are the companies who greatly closed the gap between production 1911's and custom shops.

I've handled both pistols and would suggest the Operator over the SIS, for one reason. I think grip or purchase on the slide of the Operator is better than the SIS. I found the "SIS" carved into the Kimber slide kind of slippery compared to the traditional slide serrations in the Springfield. If you had wet, sweaty, or bloody hands, manipulating the Kimber SIS slide could be more difficult. That's just my observation. I love Kimber, but would prefer one of the other Kimbers like the TLE, Warrior, etc.

My favorite handgun is a Les Baer 1911 that I saved up for. It's run like a thoroughbred through two defensive handgun classes. I'd like to add an Ed Brown Special Forces to the collection.

Then again Colt is bringing the Delta Elite 10mm back this fall. Collecting Colt 1911's is a good idea too. Can you tell I like 1911's?

 

[ArtFWTx]

I dont think you can go wrong with either. Springfield and kimbers in that price range are all top quality. One of my favorites is a Desert Warrior.

I came so close to buying a Desert Warrior when they came out. I really needed to spend the money elsewhere at the time. A Warrior is still on the possible list after I finish a couple AR's I've been buying parts for.

There are so many good 1911's to choose from right now. I used to want a Delta Elite 10mm back in the day, and now Colt is bringing them back is cool.

 

[ArtFWTx]

I have a kimber warrior, I could take it or leave it, actually I would of rather spent the money on a couple more glocks.

Sell it and buy Glocks. You shouldn't have any problem getting out of the Kimber if you don't want it. I've bought guns before and didn't like them or use them much and they just sit there. Actually, I'm thinking of moving a few items now that I rarely use to free up some dough for a couple AR's I'm building.

Hey 6.81stAR, Marinesg1012 may have a cool Kimber Warrior to sell...

 

[ArtFWTx]

57 guns? I don't think she'd notice "58". Go get another, she'll never find out. Trust me... :wink:

 

[ArtFWTx]

Kimber, Springfield Armory, Colt, SW would be best bets for getting into 1911's. You don't have to have a $2500 custom brand, but you definitely do not want to go too inexpensive. A 1911 is all about fit and quality of components. I know people who purchased cheap 1911's and they were unreliable and needed gunsmith work. Several hundred dollars later they could have had a Kimber, SA, Colt, or one of the new SW's. The SA Operator is a nice one... me likey too. Kimber has their TLE-R which is the model the LA SWAT picked. Just hit all their websites and read up on them. Colt is bringing the Delta Elite 10mm back any day now if you're after that one.

 

[ArtFWTx]

It'll be interesting to see what Colt does with the re-intro of the Delta Elite 10mm. If they addressed some of the weaknesses. My take on the 10mm is to reload for practice ammo. Have your full power defensive loads, and download some in the practice ammo to 40sw levels to save wear and tear on the weapon. Would this work? Similar to 38sp in 357 handguns.

Or is the 10mm just the limit the 1911 frame can handle?