Given there are countless models, sizes and variants yet they're all based on the same general design, how would you go about picking a 1911 style gun?
Start with the Mil-spec as it has the lowered flared ejection port already and the 3 dot sights.
What you need to do is decide what your budget is, what features you like in a carry pistol, go to ranges that rent and try some out. Almost any 1911 will deliver 4 inch groups at 25 yards right out of the box. So 3 inch at 7 is not a problem.
If you are located near DFW, we have a monthly shoot on the 25th. Come out and try some of mine. Just pm me with what size you think you want, cause I got em all from 3.5 to 5 inch with various stops inbetween.
I recently went through this process. I wanted a 1911, but I didn't see any reason to spend a lot of money on it. I decided on a Springfield 1911-A1 G.I. (the absolute low end model from Springfield) for $489 at GunBroker.com.
So, the pistol is now worth $1000, but IMHO is better than any off-the-shelf Springfield you can buy in the same price range.
Of course, if you want to be able to say you spent a lot of money on a Les Bear or Wilson Combat, go ahead and spend $1500-$3000 on a pistol, but for me, that didn't make a whole lotta sense.
Being a 1911 newb, i'm not sure what the "mil spec" model is....i'm not even sure what the "original" model is to compare all the changes since it's creation.
The Springfield Mil-Spec has certain "improvements" to the GI model. Better sights, Lowered and Flared ejection port are the two that comes to mind. The 3 dot sights on the Mil Spec are very usable.
Other modifications that you might want to consider are a beavertail grip safety which would require a commander hammer and a trigger job. If you change to the beavertail, you need the hammer and it must be mated to the sear and thumb safety.
There is a brand of 1911 called "American Classic." I do not have one but the ones that I have seen and handled appear to be well made, with very good fit and finish. They do not have a firing pin block like some, and many would call that a good thing (me I don't care either way).
The AC has all the bells and whistles that mose people want. Beavertail, Novak type combat sights. Lowered and Flared ejection. And a decent trigger pull. All right out of the box.
They are made in the Phillipines by metro arms and imported by the same folks that import Bersa firearms. They have much better fit and finish than any of the Bersas that I have seen. Sportingarms.com in Lewisville lists them at under $400. I have seen them at gun shows for up to $440 or so.
I have been toying with the idea of getting one as a truck gun.
Let me know if I can be of any help.
Where are you located?
I carry a Springfield V10 Magna Ported Ultra compact. You cannot go wrong with any Springfield firearm. Don't sweat it, you can never ever buy just one 1911. Buy one and start searching for the next. They are more addictive than crack cocaine.
you can never ever buy just one 1911. Buy one and start searching for the next. They are more addictive than crack cocaine.