hey guys, after a recent attempted break in, my wife has finally allow handguns in the house. with that said, I've shot 1911's before and owned several before we got married. she shot several different guns at the range a week ago and didn't really have an opinion one way or the other. i was thinking about a commander sized 1911,for several reasons. but whats is a good one in the sub 800 range? i have seen a lot about the sr1911 being a great one for the money but don't know. thanks in advance

I like the sig 1911 C3 (used at that price).

But honestly, a glock 21 or glock 30, would be easier for her to use.

The experience with the two SR1911's I had was not good. They looked good, had good fit and finish, but neither of them were accurate at all. Even shot using a bag as a rest and groups were terrible. Tried all sorts of ammo, even Federal hydrashoks and HST's. My M&P 45 with the Apex FSS trigger upgrade will outshoot the SR1911 and most factory 1911's that sell for $800 or less, and I only have $650 invested in my M&P. Are you set on a 1911 for your home defense pistol?

I've just always loved the 1911... I'm open to other options i suppose. she has large enough hands to grip most guns, however the double stack guns we shot (xdm, glock, etcetera) were a little large in her hand.

Remington r1 is a good 1911 for that price range, but like gravy train said, a glock m&p or the likes would be easier on the wifey. More rounds, usually more ergonomic, and more rounds. Keep it simple is my opinion. Easier on the wallet as well. Good luck either way and hope u never have to use whatever u get!

Try a Para Expert. NOT the G.I. Expert.

I have one and it's been wonderful.

First things first, I am usually a snob in this area.... however, I would suggest a Citadel (yes I know an inexpensive 1911, give me a break!) one of my Best friends owns one and he loves it! I have personally held it and I love it as well! Coming from a guy who usually giggles at a 1911 under 800... Also the Citadel can run you under 600 on occasion and I would be willing to bet that it will hold up just as well as anything else. Also If it is going to be a gun that is going to be easily accessible I wouldn't suggest a high dollar 1911 anyway, I would suggest something like the Citadel because easily accessible to you also means if your away than it is easily accessible to criminals. Its like leaving a Sig p226 or a H&K USP on your night stand when a Glock will do the same thing. (I am by no means saying either of those beautiful works of art should be compared to a brick.. I mean Glock, I am just saying they will all function the same)

I like the glock because of the lack of safeties.
You can keep it un-chambered, trigger back. Teach
the wife to rack the slide and start firing. The
others, while "safer" which is debatable, can be
confusing to some under stress and minimal practice.

They also come in the SF (Slim Frame) for the 21 and 30.

just something to consider, if its something intended for home defense you might want to think about a 1911 with a rail for a light.

See if you can find a used Llama. Basically it's a Colt, just under a different name. My cousin bought one used almost 25 years ago and it's a work horse.

Calling a Llama a Colt is blasphemy in the highest order..

I had heard some iffy things about Llamas when Cus bought his but that gun changed my mind. All the parts are interchangeable with Colt parts. Don't know how many rounds we have put through it but it has never jammed. Dead balls on accurate, I almost used it to qualify for my CHL the first time.
I reall really like my Para P-14 but I could almost ut it down and carry his Llama.

I picked up a Kimber Pro Carry a few years back. Great commander size 1911. I was/am very pleased with that little gun. I bought it to do a straight up trade with my dad for his Hi-Power. I almost kept it but decided I didn't want to feed it and swapped it. That said I've still shot it a good amount as it's still "in the family". I'd own another one in a heartbeat. The price was excellent, quality was excellent. Basically, great bang for your buck.

I'd go with something besides 1911 for self defense....yes they can be reliable but I've never jammed any of my black guns.

find a clean used Dan Wesson

It will be hard to find a nice used Dan Wesson for under $800. I do love my DW Valor and wish I paid $800 lol.

If you're in DFW, you should definitely buy a colt or springfield. (that I have for sale)

If you're not, I'm willing to ship. LOL




In all seriousness, there's nothing better than a good 1911 IMO. It sounds like you have the money or a nice Colt or comparable 1911. Don't settle. You can find "the one" on the used market within budget if you have some patience.

Another + for Kimber. I have an Eclipse and a Pro Carry HD II. Our gun shop has an Eclipse used for around 800 right now. Springfield used to make the Champion. Personal favorite is of course a Colt.

I've got a 5" SR1911 and it's been a great gun. Reliable, accurate, and just plain enjoyable to shoot. Trigger not as good as a semi-custom, but can be improved a bit.

For the $ it's real hard to beat.

After owning and shooting many 1911s I will say the SR1911 is and excellent gun. The commander is very reliable but noticeably not as accurate as the 5" version. As we all know you should always wear hearing protection but shooting any sub 5" 1911 without it is painful. The 4.25" commanders seem twice as loud across the boad as a 5" regardless of make.

I would stay away from the kimbers. I have one and the new ones are not what they used to be. If It were me I would buy a springfield which is what I carry daily. The gun is smoother and built better than my kimber with less slop in the slide and frame as well. Check out gun gear to go. they usually have some well priced 1911.

Walter

First off, I love 1911's. Currently I'm shooting a Ruger SR1911 and mine shoots and performs as well as anything but the high dollar customs which have been blueprinted. Can't speak for the newer model Commander size, but sounds like they aren't quite there with their big bro.

So why not a full size 1911 if it going to be home defense? A full size on the nightstand is no difference in my opinion. If carrying, it's another matter.

Whole different gun, but for someone that hasn't shot a lot, and me being a real Ruger lover, I suggest a SR9C as a great gun for both carry and home defense. The extended mag gives 17+1 capacity. Easy thumb safety backing up a trigger safety. It has an adjustable backstrap so it fits large and small hands.

I've put 1,000+ through mine without any hiccups period. Very accurate. Mine made my SiL get one over his Glock. He loved the feel and trigger better and was more accurate. $479 all day at the big stores so you can probable get that down by shopping it.

New 9mm self defense ammo has plenty of stopping power and the base gun is an easy fit for laser/light.

1911's are smooth low recoil shooters to me, but the SR9C is very calm for a lady and holds on target easily.

Rock Island 1911's are pretty solid and similar to the Citadels. I believe both are Philipines made as with many of the lower end 1911's. Good guns, just don't have all the features. Nor the excellent Ruger after purchase service department, something that should always be considered when purchasing new.

Whatever you choose, there's plenty of great choices out there.