Which 1911?

[Kirk]

Guys,

I recently picked up my revolver for steel challenge, and a bunch of ammo. Now, I'm looking for a 1911 for carry and competition. I'm not looking to spend an outrageous amount on a custom 1911, I just need something that will run, shoot 2-2.5" groups, and needs to have an ambi-safety from the factory. I don't know how to install them and the gunsmith wait time here is outrageous (I'm a lefty). Im going to shoot this gun a lot. Some I have been considering:

- Springfield TRP.

- Sig Max.

- Para Black Ops.

- S&W E-Series.

- RIA Ultra.

Any thoughts or opinions.

[Luke]

1,2,or 4 would be one of my choices.

The new sig Max's look really cool. I know they haven't been out long, wonder if they are really as nice as its competition? I believe sig has never had that good of a 1911 but this one may be different. Those E Series sure our sexy though.

[Wobblie]

I have a SIG 1911 in .40 and it's proven to be an excellent shooter.

[L-2]

Carry and competition can be two different things; or it can be the same thing when it comes to the firearm used.
1 and 4 are my choices given the details in the OP.

The SIG (#2) may be a fine gun. I like the included flat trigger. The adjustable sight can be nice on the range, but can become sharp depending on the holster when carrying. The large magwell SIG is using can also be uncomfortable when carrying. Depending on the holsters and degree of concealment, if any, may determine my concerns are non-issues.

From my moderate experience of having every 1911-owned need aftermarket work, I like the three companies "Luke" has recommended for aftermarket customer service, if needed. I also like the brands' reputation for good products listed in Post #2.

Para-USA. I haven't heard much about the newer products coming out. With the many 1911 brands/models now available, I see no reason to try something from the new, rebuilt company, as it's an "unknown" to me.

Rock Island Armory. While I hear its customer service is good, I don't see this brand currently having as high a build and parts quality. To me, RIA is company to look at when someone doesn't want to spend over $1000, but wants a 1911, just to have.

[RevolverRob]

1 - Springfield TRP

2 - Colt Series 70

3 - Wilson/Nighthawk

[ReverendMeat]

Dan Wesson Specialist has an ambi-safety I believe.

[BillSWPA]

If I were buying a 1911 today, I would look at Springfield, Dan Wesson, and Colt.

[Matt O]

From what I've heard, the Sig Max is a nice version of the 1911, but that won't really fit the bill for carry. From your list, if you've got the scratch I'd go for a TRP, otherwise, for far less money, I'd just get a base Colt model and fit a Wilson BP ambi safety to it.

[Kirk]

Dan Wesson Specialist has an ambi-safety I believe.

For $1700, I can buy a Les Baer.

Not saying that is a bad thing, but something I need to consider.

[Jay Cunningham]

- Springfield TRP.

- Sig Max.

- Para Black Ops.

- S&W E-Series.

- RIA Ultra.

Any thoughts or opinions.

If the above was what I got to choose from, I'd go quite happily with the TRP.