Sidearms & Scatterguns looking to buy first 1911

rdgshooteer

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 30, 2006
168
1
46
Lewistown, PA
I am looking at buying my first 1911. I used to be a huge glock fan but over the past year I have been wanting to get a 1911. Now that I have escaped the people's republic of New York I am going to buy one. I went into my local gun store today to see what they had. I have it narrowed down to 3 that they have there. The first is the SA Champion Operator their asking 850 for it. There is a SA Range Officers for 899 or they have a Kimber which I know is usually held in higher regards than the SAs. I don't know which model Kimber it is but there asking 999 or 1099 for it I believe. The only thing I dont like about the Kimber is it is silver. If the Kimber is that much better than the SAs though I can over look it. I tried searching but didn't find much in the way of the SA Champion Operator.
 
I'm not a Kimber guy but if you are going to look at one, I agree with rdinak as I've heard the early ones are the ones to search out. The Sig is also a good gun for about $1K. I've had Sigs, SA, and DW's and have since graduated to custom guns. Get ready as you're getting into an expensive addition!
 
I would suggest the SA Range Officer, but you can get it much cheaper than $899. Only thing I don't like is the adjustable rear sight, but other than that it is a great 1911.
 
The early Kimbers were built in Oregon not Yonkers New York. The new Kimbers will have a II after the name. In my opinion, you can do much better than a new Kimber. The Springfield Armory and the Colt is what I'd be looking into. Just my .02, J
 
I am looking at buying my first 1911. I used to be a huge glock fan but over the past year I have been wanting to get a 1911. Now that I have escaped the people's republic of New York I am going to buy one. I went into my local gun store today to see what they had. I have it narrowed down to 3 that they have there. The first is the SA Champion Operator their asking 850 for it. There is a SA Range Officers for 899 or they have a Kimber which I know is usually held in higher regards than the SAs. I don't know which model Kimber it is but there asking 999 or 1099 for it I believe. The only thing I dont like about the Kimber is it is silver. If the Kimber is that much better than the SAs though I can over look it. I tried searching but didn't find much in the way of the SA Champion Operator.

I know that feeling. It will pass. If you get a 1911, the feeling will pass much sooner, at great expense. Reliability is all about the magazines and all those other 100 year old design parts.
 
If you're willing to spend a little more, I would take the time to read and research more options than just the SA or Kimber. If I had to choose between SA or Kimber, I would go with SA. I don't like the reliability issues with Kimber. They make a pretty pistol and do a good job marketing it. That's it.


I know that feeling. It will pass. If you get a 1911, the feeling will pass much sooner, at great expense. Reliability is all about the magazines and all those other 100 year old design parts.

^^^^^^^What he said about magazines!! 1911's are finnicky with what magazines they want to take. Every gun is different. Find the right kind of quality magazine and stick with it.
 
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