ARJ Defense ad

The hunt for my goldilocks 1911

The #1 community for Gun Owners in Texas

Member Benefits:

  • Fewer Ads!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • MTA

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 100%
    40   0   0
    Mar 10, 2017
    9,054
    96
    Fannin
    TGT,
    I am getting close to picking out my “holy grail” 1911 and I am about 75% sure it will be a Dan Wesson Pointman or Specialist but this thread is about the remaining 25% of doubt.

    I have owned multiple low end to middle tier 1911s over the years and they have all moved on. Ive learned alot from those experiences and have come up with a list of criteria I am looking for
    • Government size (balance is perfect for me)
    • Front strap checkering - I have wide hands and prefer a double stack grip so having the aggressive checkering there is a must
    • 9mm - I dont handload pistol calibers so it has to be 9mm or 10mm or else it will never be used and then be sold or traded
    • Preferably stainless
    • Must have a great to excellent factory trigger
    One other gun I have found is a s&w pc but I have yet to dry fire one. They have good reviews online abd it being a pc I would imagine the trigger would be nice

    I tried out multiple Colts in an LGS yesterday that were around $1000 and honestly the triggers sucked badly. I have zero interest in Springfield or customizing a low end shitbox from turkey. Basically looking for the same impressive quality from every dw 1911 I have handled in the past few days.

    To all the 1911 nuts on here, are there any other factory guns around $1500-1800 that check the boxes above? Just want to make sure I am not passing another pistol over before I take the plunge
     

    Txhighlander

    Truth against the world
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 100%
    25   0   0
    Jan 25, 2021
    1,150
    96
    Atlanta Tx.
    In truth, none that I know of. I was in the same boat about a year ago. I agreed that a 9mm was the goal but a single stack wasn't what I was looking for. My LGS had a Wilson Combat Experior X9 double stack 9mm. It is a lot more that the price range you want, but worth every penny I begrudgingly gave for it. I have a Dan Wesson VBOB that has quickly grown to be my favorite 45 acp ever. So you wont be going wrong if you choose DW. Mine has the flat trigger that I love. Happy hunting.
     

    Fishkiller

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 100%
    7   0   0
    Jul 22, 2019
    4,625
    96
    Frederickburg
    I just got a S&W E serie commander length in gods caliber. Very nice piece for $1500 out the door. The one downside is the heavy recoil spring. Very hard to rack the slide. Only have put 100 rounds thru it as that is all arthritis allows

    7E2D4B1B-B897-44D8-8253-9B8849CA63AD.jpeg
     

    Dred

    Active Member
    Rating - 100%
    3   0   0
    Mar 12, 2012
    646
    46
    Houston, TX
    [*]Front strap checkering - I have wide hands and prefer a double stack grip so having the aggressive checkering there is a must
    [*]9mm - I dont handload pistol calibers so it has to be 9mm or 10mm or else it will never be used and then be sold or traded

    To all the 1911 nuts on here, are there any other factory guns around $1500-1800 that check the boxes above? Just want to make sure I am not passing another pistol over before I take the plunge

    You're dead on ... until I consider the bullet points I copied into the reply.

    I love my DW Silverback. It's the only DW in my collection right now but I do miss the vBob I scraped across the highway in my 2013 motorcycle boom boom. I don't misd the bob'd frame but I miss the build quality.

    But, in a few months we'll have a lot more data on the Stealth Arms Platypus that fits your price target perfectly. And, the issues it brings don't spoil a 9mm. It won't fit a 45 or 38 super or 10mm but you want a 9mm, so ... Building around an abundantly available and inexpensive modern capacity magazine is just genius.

    The checkering is an available option. It's 9mm.

    Yes, I want to see it reviewed by a known quantity. I expect to see that happen soon. To be fair, if you hadn't mentioned a preference for double stack fit/feel, I'd just attaboy your Dan Wesson pick.

    Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk
     

    Byrd666

    Flyin' 'round in circles........somewhere
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 100%
    5   0   0
    Dec 24, 2012
    7,977
    96
    Hill County
    Bul Armory is what you seek.

    From experience, they are a Fantastic firearm. The Commander 9 mil. version I had, unfortunate canoeing accident, was comfortable, highly reliable and overly accurate, with a factory trigger that rivals some custom work.

    And lastly, when I purchased it, it was well under the 1K mark.

    They produce a full lineup, from "baby" concealed carry type, to full race guns with all the bells and whistles.

    https://www.usa.bularmory.com

    https://www.global.bularmory.com/1911

    Edited to add second link
     
    Last edited:

    MTA

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 100%
    40   0   0
    Mar 10, 2017
    9,054
    96
    Fannin
    In truth, none that I know of. I was in the same boat about a year ago. I agreed that a 9mm was the goal but a single stack wasn't what I was looking for. My LGS had a Wilson Combat Experior X9 double stack 9mm. It is a lot more that the price range you want, but worth every penny I begrudgingly gave for it. I have a Dan Wesson VBOB that has quickly grown to be my favorite 45 acp ever. So you wont be going wrong if you choose DW. Mine has the flat trigger that I love. Happy hunting.
    @toddnjoyce has one of those variants. I shot it and really enjoyed it but yea thats safari rifle prices. Id love to own one though one day. Have to go fall down at the walmart to afford that
    I just got a S&W E serie commander length in gods caliber. Very nice piece for $1500 out the door. The one downside is the heavy recoil spring. Very hard to rack the slide. Only have put 100 rounds thru it as that is all arthritis allows

    View attachment 377289
    love the slide design. Never thought id like it but everytime I see a sw 1911 I feel like I need it! How heavy is the spring compared to a basic ole gi 1911?
    You're dead on ... until I consider the bullet points I copied into the reply.

    I love my DW Silverback. It's the only DW in my collection right now but I do miss the vBob I scraped across the highway in my 2013 motorcycle boom boom. I don't misd the bob'd frame but I miss the build quality.

    But, in a few months we'll have a lot more data on the Stealth Arms Platypus that fits your price target perfectly. And, the issues it brings don't spoil a 9mm. It won't fit a 45 or 38 super or 10mm but you want a 9mm, so ... Building around an abundantly available and inexpensive modern capacity magazine is just genius.

    The checkering is an available option. It's 9mm.

    Yes, I want to see it reviewed by a known quantity. I expect to see that happen soon. To be fair, if you hadn't mentioned a preference for double stack fit/feel, I'd just attaboy your Dan Wesson pick.

    Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk
    I cant get over that name but I do hope it is successful. I am heavily invested in glock and their mags. I can only do single stack of if has quality front strap checkering. The smooth front 1911s just dont stay anchored for me. Im glad you like your dw though. Ive never met an owner who was not happy with them. I figured that if I get one and it doesnt work out then ill never try 1911s ever again. I have faith it will work out this time though
     
    Last edited:

    1911'S 4 Me

    TGT Addict
    TGT Supporter
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 100%
    1   0   0
    Sep 13, 2018
    5,381
    96
    Humble
    I don't think there is one that fits everyone's exact expectations.
    On some things you have to give and take. An add on or take off is easy to replace.
     

    Moonpie

    Omnipotent Potentate for hire.
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 100%
    21   0   0
    Oct 4, 2013
    24,100
    96
    Gunz are icky.
    You'll be hard pressed to beat the DW for features vs. $.
    IMO, it is one of the best mid-range priced 1911's out there today.
    If you're going 9mm I'd go with a Lightweight Commander style.
    If you're going 10mm I'd go with an all steel style. Heavy for carry tho.
    You'll be happy with the DW.
     

    MTA

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 100%
    40   0   0
    Mar 10, 2017
    9,054
    96
    Fannin
    You'll be hard pressed to beat the DW for features vs. $.
    IMO, it is one of the best mid-range priced 1911's out there today.
    If you're going 9mm I'd go with a Lightweight Commander style.
    If you're going 10mm I'd go with an all steel style. Heavy for carry tho.
    You'll be happy with the DW.
    Part of why I love the gov models is the weight and balance. Same story with other pistols, the longer slide and sight radius helps out with my astigmatism. This wont be an all day carry weapon for me. Church security and bbq gun mostly so not too worried about the weight for this one

    I did handle a dw kodiak at the lgs. That thing is awesome and for its size it wasnt as heavy as I thought it would be
    I don't think there is one that fits everyone's exact expectations.
    On some things you have to give and take. An add on or take off is easy to replace.
    i figured if I get hooked id end up down this road but my hope with the dw or equivalent 1911 that the only things that are ip for swapping are sights and grips
     

    MTA

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 100%
    40   0   0
    Mar 10, 2017
    9,054
    96
    Fannin
    Don't write off a Colt...just a little stone work is all it needs............
    I am a colt fan for their rifles, but these stock triggers were on par with an RIA. I was disappointed considering the price. I know there is more to them than just the trigger, but it was not impressive at all. Moonpie has a high polish colt in 9mm that I wish I could clone. It is really nice and I shot it well

    Just get one of these... even takes Glock mags...lol.

    Def wins the award for dumbest fking name of 2023
     

    Sam Colt

    Well-Known
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Feb 22, 2012
    2,245
    96
    Austin
    2 days ago for under $2k on Fuds. I flinched, and an hour later it was on its way to a (presumably) unmarried guy.

    “Used Wilson Combat CQB 10MM W/Bag and five 8 round magazines. Features 5″ Stainless Match-Grade Barrel & Bushing, Hand Fit. Tritium night sights, G10 Starburst Grips, Full-Size Carbon Steel Frame and manual thumb safety. Weighs 40 oz. Excellent Condition.”
     

    toddnjoyce

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 100%
    4   0   0
    Sep 27, 2017
    19,285
    96
    Boerne
    Dan Wesson fits a niche nobody else competes in, but they are produced in smaller quantities. the Valors made prior to 2019 are a steel frame; 2019 and later is aluminum, iirc.

    DW Guardian or CBob 9mm Commander Size 9mm
    DW Valor 9mm
    DW PM9
    Colt Wiley Clapp CCO 9mm (if you can find it)

    10mm - DW Silverback

    It’s rare to find a WC or Nighthawk for under $2K.

    I know nothing of the Bul guns, but they many seem to like them.
     
    Top Bottom