The most recognizable handgun in the world is the M1911.

John Moses Browning’s tried and true design hasn’t changed much over the years, but now there are some new features and more calibers, opening this pistol up to even more shooters.
But where do you start?

There are so many different types of 1911s on the market that almost no one knows where to start. The good news is that there’s a perfect 1911 for you at your preferred budget.
Whether you’re scraping the bottom of the barrel to put enough cash together so you can join the club, or you’re looking to spend your tax refund on a high-end 1911, we’ve got you covered!
Check out our list and more details…then stay for some history on the gun, .45 ACP caliber, and modern uses.
Summary of Our Top Picks
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Best Budget 1911
Rock Island Armory 1911 Standard FS
Rock Island is the go-to manufacturer for affordable, reliable 1911 pistols.
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Best Bang For Your Buck
Fusion Firearms Freedom Reaction
While not as well-known as other manufacturers, Fusion offers high-end features at mid-range prices.
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Editor's Pick
Springfield Garrison 1911 .45 ACP
The Garrison is a beatiful, accurate, well-fitted pistol that won't break the bank.
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Best 1911 for Concealed Carry
Smith & Wesson SW1911SC E-Series
This commander length 1911 is packed with features that make it great for concealed carry without sacrificing shootability.
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Best High-End 1911
Wilson is sitting at or near the top of the heap depending on who you ask. Their 1911s are some of, if not the best, that money can buy.
Table of Contents
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Best 1911 Pistols
First, let me start by saying that this is not an easy list to narrow down because there are so many excellent pistols being made by many different companies.
Next, this list of firearms is chosen by me. You obviously have your own opinion, which we want to hear too.

Finally, this list features a wide variety of guns currently on the market and not just those made by Colt.
We are also looking at 1911s chambered in other calibers, too, not just .45 ACP.

$500-$700 Range
The guns here won’t look like slick hand-fitted showpieces but rather ones that will do the job. These have the ability to get better with a minimal amount of work. If you want a 1911 but can’t afford to go out and buy an uber-expensive 1911, this is your price range.
1. Rock Island Armory 1911
I shot my first Rock Island Armory pistol during SHOT 2017. I’ve always known them but never had a chance to try any out.
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And try out a lot I did. My favorite was their long slide 1911, but their standard 1911 was great too.
Sure, it needs some loving if you’re a little spoiled by other makers, but it went bang every time, and when I did my part, it hit all the plates. They are designed by Armscor and manufactured in the Philippines.
You can read our full review of the GI model here.

They have plenty of other models with great price points if you’re looking for something more tactical.
This is the most popular section of guns. People save up for these over time in order to get a gun that doesn’t need any work but can still be customized into a beauty.
2. Springfield Armory Mil-Spec
Springfield Armory makes excellent guns, even though many people believe they could do less stamping on them (looking at you, Grip Zone).
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The Mil-Spec doesn’t have any extra words on it and is a gorgeous firearm with a 5-inch barrel that’s available in stainless steel or with a parkerized finish.
The fit feels excellent, and the finish looks well done without any extra slag or burrs on the slide or frame that would cause hangups.
$700-$900 Range
3. Fusion Freedom Reaction
Fusion Firearms was founded by the former president of Dan Wesson and has been producing frames, barrels, and parts for 1911 builders for a while.
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They have recently expanded their line of production guns, and that includes the excellent Freedom Reaction.
These pistols come extremely well-fitted and feature aggressive front strap checkering, front cocking serrations target crowned muzzles, excellent triggers, and other features found on guns twice the price.
4. Springfield Garrison
A relatively new entry into Springfield’s lineup, the Garrison has quickly become one of the best-value 1911s on the market today.

The Garrison features either a stainless or gorgeous hot salt-blued finish, a 5-inch match-grade barrel, low profile 3-dot sights, backstrap checkering, and an excellent trigger.
When you pick up a Garrison, you feel like you are picking up a $1500 1911, not a $750 one. They are available in 9mm and .45 ACP.
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If you are looking for a beautiful pistol that won’t break the bank with the shooting chops to match, this is the one.
$1,000-$1,500 Range
At this point, the guns are as close to flawless as you can get before spending a fortune on a handcrafted 1911.
The guns run fantastically and need nothing to make them perform better. People still opt to do trigger work at this price, but it isn’t because the stock trigger is bad.
5. Springfield Armory EMP 3″ in 9mm

I own a Springfield EMP 9mm 1911 and have shot a lot through it.
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As far as reliability goes, there is almost none better. Since I’ve had it in my possession, I’ve not had a single malfunction with it…which is more than I can say for many other guns.
And, accuracy out of the 3-inch officer-sized barrel groups well at distances out to 15 yards, even when rapidly fired.
Check out our full review video review below.
6. Kimber Warrior
A lot of times, when you see something like “WARRIOR” or “TACTICAL” in a firearm’s name, you should get an uneasy feeling that the boys in marketing went a little too far.
But in this case, Kimber’s name lives up to the expectation. This isn’t just a 1911 that could serve as a duty gun; it did serve as Sean’s duty weapon for years as a deputy sheriff.

That said, like many 1911 pistols, the Kimber Warrior does need to be fed a diet of ammo and magazines it likes. But with good ammo and good magazines, this gun is ready to rock and roll when you need it.
Maybe best of all, the accuracy is outstanding, considering this isn’t a match 1911.
Make sure to take a look at Sean’s complete accounting of his many years of owning the Kimber Warrior!
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7. Colt Delta Elite (10mm)
If you live in an area where four-legged creatures are a threat, enjoy hunting with a handgun, or just like the 10mm cartridge for self-defense, Colt’s freshly revised Delta Elite may be what you’re looking for.
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The venerable 10mm outperforms most other self-defense cartridges for semi-automatic weapons. While it is a bit more expensive to shoot, it is quite versatile if you reload your own ammo.

Please keep in mind that if the .45 ACP or .40 S&W recoil bothers you, you’ll need to stay away from 10mm, because it’s even snappier.
For $200 more, you can get a Delta Elite with a Picatinny rail that allows you to mount a light or laser below the 5-inch barrel.
Want more 1911s in 10mm? Check out our separate article.
8. Smith & Wesson SW1911SC E-Series
For those looking for an excellent mid-sized carry 1911, check out the 4.25-inch commander S&W 1911SC E-Series.

The E-Series 1911s depart from your standard steel or aluminum frame in favor of a lighter scandium alloy frame.
Other great features include tritium night sights, unique fish scale front and rear slide serrations, checkered front and backstraps, ambidextrous thumb safety, and a rounded butt for added concealability.
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These features, combined with the commander-length barrel, make this one of our top picks for those serious about using a 1911 as an everyday carry gun.
9. Dan Wesson Vigil
Even though the Vigil is the entry-level 1911 in the Dan Wesson lineup, it is still nicer than just about any other option in the same price range.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Dan Wesson is well-known in the 1911 community for making some of the best pistols out of the box without having to spend for a true custom gun.
A crisp trigger, tritium front sight, extended beaver tail, checkered front and backstraps, forged aluminum frame, and forged steel slide ensures that the Vigil has everything you need and nothing you don’t.
10. Sig Sauer STX
If you need a great 1911 for something like duty carry, you can’t go wrong with a Sig. They offer a few 1911 models, but the one to make this list is the STX.
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A wide mag well, Nitron stainless steel slide, adjustable combat night sights, ambidextrous safety, and custom burled maple grips complete the package.
$1,500+
There are many 1911s that fall into this price range, with some costing several thousands of dollars. This is where custom makers begin to enter the market with absolutely gorgeous firearms with all the bells and whistles.
11. Wilson Combat CQB with Rail
If you have the coin and want the absolute best, go with the Wilson CQB Tactical LE.
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Wilson Combat is synonymous with 1911s and high-quality parts. Many people seeking to upgrade their guns, or just have quality magazines, turn to Wilson.
I’ve built a couple of 1911s and always fall back to Wilson parts. Every time I didn’t, I ended up junking that part and bought Wilson.

For me, the CQB has it all…the Wilson quality, rails, aggressive grips, and fiber optic sights.

And now I finally have one! Full review coming soon…
12. Vickers Tactical Master Class 1911
Brought to you by Wilson Combat, Larry Vickers, and Springfield Armory — this is a badass gun. Period.

The Vickers Master Class is most certainly a gun designed with a mission. From the sights to the trigger and beyond, the gun is modernized and perfected for combat.
Where this gun differs from your plain old 1911 is in the combat-oriented features.
Wilson Combat has several upgrades in this gun that most people have to install after they buy a gun, but here it comes standard.
The trigger, the hammer, and more are upgraded over what you would normally get — we love that!

The sights are one of the best upgrades, with the rear sight being a Vickers Elite blacked-out rear sight, and the front is a high visibility day and night sight. They are quick to acquire and easy to get on target.
There is a lot more to say about the Vickers Master Class, so check out our hands-on review of it.
Bottom line — if you’re ready to spend this kind of cash, this needs to be on your shortlist.
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13. Les Baer Premier II
For those looking for a true custom-grade 1911, the Les Baer Premier II might be the gun for you.
Les Baer has been a powerhouse in the 1911 world for decades and is well-known and well-respected as one of the finest pistol makers in the industry.
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The Premier II is no exception. The barrel is hand fitted to the slide, and the slide is hand fitted to the frame. When you combine these premium parts with the crisp Les Baer speed trigger, you get a gun guaranteed from the factory to shoot 3-inch groups at 50 yards.
14. Staccato 2011
Yup, you read that right — 2011.
Although they aren’t technically 1911s, 2011s are very close in both function and spirit. And as far as 2011s go, Staccato brings in high-capacity and optic-ready guns like no one’s business.

I’m a decent shot, but shooting the entire gamut of Staccatos simply felt like cheating.
Some of my favorites include the Staccato C2 line, which brings 16 rounds in a compact concealable package.

It’s not much thicker than the single stack C version (8 rounds) while coming in at just around the same weight of 25 oz.

And so flat shooting it’s scary — and super fun.
If you want to carry a 1911-style gun that’s crossed over into the new century, check out the C2.
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They are also available in optic-ready configuration for those who want to run a mini red dot.
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See our full review of both the C and C2 here and our video review below.
Next up are the gamer guns!
If you’re serious about winning competitions, check out the Staccato XL, which excels in USPSA Limited (with their .40 S&W version) and 9mm-friendly comps like Steel Challenge and Tactical Games.

A longer slide brings a longer sight radius and more weight to keep it even flatter shooting even with factory Blazer Brass 124gr.
I’m not kidding…it’s basically cheating.
So what’s the rub? You gotta pay to play. Staccatos are already expensive, and the XL comes in over $1000 more than the Standard C2 or P.
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How about the top-of-the-line open guns?
Enter the Staccato XC, which comes compensated and optic-ready out of the box.

If your flavor of competition allows compensated guns, the Staccato gives you everything needed to hang with the big dogs. And even if you don’t plan on competing, this is one bad-ass gun.

Check out the compensated gasses shooting up on top.
And a slow-mo of it being super flat shooting.
Again…I can’t state how much it felt like cheating compared to shooting other guns. You simply press the 2-lb trigger, move the dot over the target, rinse and repeat.
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We now have a hands-on review and video of the XL and XC in action with even better slow-mo footage of how little the gun recoils.
Staccato also just recently released their latest compact 2011…the CS.

This thing is smoooooth. It features that Staccato action that we all drool over but it’s small enough to carry in just about anything.
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We did a full write-up and video review, so check it out!
What’s your take on Staccato?
Honorable Mentions
Of course, I can’t hit all the 1911s out there, but here are a few honorable mentions. I hope one day to own some of these so I can chime in with a more informed opinion, but these have impeccable reputations!
History of the 1911
But first…a little history of the century-old design, and then I promise this will shine some light on how to choose the best 1911 for yourself.
Genius firearms inventor John Moses Browning sought to give the military a more potent handgun round.

He was in direct competition with other gun makers like Smith & Wesson and Savage, but in March 1911, his auto-loading pistol was officially adopted by the US Military as their sidearm of choice.
The 1911 stood up to a 6,000-round torture test, being submerged in mud and acid, shooting deformed cartridges, and other tests.
Not only did Browning’s design (to be produced by Colt) pass with flying colors, it was the only gun to pass all stages of this grueling test.
.45 ACP
The military needed a deadlier handgun round than the .38 Long Colt being used at the turn of the century and wanted it to utilize a .45 caliber bullet. The Army had a long history with .45 caliber cartridges, with the Single Action Army revolver (SAA) being used for many years.

The ultimate replacement would be John Browning’s 1911 chambered in .45 Automatic (AKA .45 ACP, .45 Auto, .45 Automatic Colt Pistol).

This .45 Auto contained a 230-grain projectile capable of reaching speeds of about 850 feet per second and was much more capable as a self-defense round than the .38 Long Colt was.
Learn more about calibers in our Basic Bullet Guide.

Other 1911 Manufacturers
Many purists decry other brands of 1911s (or calibers) as fakes and unworthy to bear the name.
One thing that many people don’t realize, however, is that the demand for them was so high during the war that Colt contracted out to other companies to help keep production numbers up.
Some very well-known companies helped, to include Remington Rand, Ithaca, Springfield Armory, many foreign companies, and even the Singer sewing machine company.

In fact, the pistols from these other companies can command a very high price when sold. Some of the Singer pistols can be worth up to $30,000 to the right buyer because so few were made.
Modern Uses
The 1911 style is still in service in a few select military units and some police and is a widely accepted pistol for self-defense, regardless of the maker or size of the cartridge.

If you glance in the gun cabinet of many gun enthusiasts, you’ll likely see at least one 1911 pistol. Many people own more than one because, as far as pistols go, they are accurate, ergonomic, and easy on the eyes.
Many major shooting sports also allow a class for shooting 1911-style pistols because, even though the original design is well over 100 years old, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

In fact, if you look at one of Colt’s current 70-Series offerings, it is exceedingly close to the original M1911A1.

Final Thoughts
The 1911 pistol is a beautiful handgun with a rich history that has expanded over 100 years.
There is no sign of sales declining, and it seems that every year at SHOT Show, there is another 1911 maker entering the scene.

If you are late to the game, hopefully, this will help you choose which one to add to your collection.
Are there any we have to put on the list that we missed? What kind of 1911 do you have? Let us know in the comments below! Also, don’t forget to stock up on magazines after checking out our list of the best mags for your 1911.
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I own a 45 utra carry II kimber. Nice gun. Hangs at times on the third round . Maybe breaking in . I noticed I'm getting marks on the bullet when loading the mag. Purchashing different mag. Wilson? But you makes kimbers? I will see. Nice sight. thank you.
Iver Johnson was left out. They make a few different styles & size 1911 45 acp pistols at pretty reasonable prices for example they have a few snake skin patterns that can be applied not to mention some have ported barrels. I recently purchased a Eagle XL 45 acp 8 RD. 6 in. ported barrel with the copperhead snake skin design. Works for me. Check'em out.
No mention of Colt's. Shameful.
My first 1911, is a Tisas from Classic Firearms, which is my EDC. As soon as I got it, took it to the range, and I was not disappointed. If felt good right out of the box. Solid, and beautiful. for the next couple of the months, I swap all internal components to Wilson Combat. Started with the magazines because i got a feeding jam. The only original part is the frame. I love this gun.
I had a bad experience with a 1911 Clone in the early 80s, that I'll admit biased me against the platform. Spanish made, it was a Jam-o magic, that I couldn't get rid of fast enough.
I'm tempted to give it a try, unfortunately, being retired and on a fixed income, it's a wish that most likely
won't take place.
Such is life.
Was it one of those gnarly old Auto Ordnance models from Spain? I understand Kahr has moved production back into the U.S. and they are somewhat better quality now.
Yes Sir, it was. I don't remember if it was Star or Llama that was cranking them out at the time. It looked nice, but I could never make it through a full magazine even with ball ammo without a jam.
Some where, I've still got the reciept I believe. That was many moves ago.
My favorite gun is my Springfield EMP4 CCC. Great size, feel, weight and so darn easy to shoot. I just got the Prodigy 4.25 with a Deltapoint Pro and I'm loving that too!
I also have a Colt authorized Government Model chambered in 22 caliber and made by Walther that I use for my new shooter students. So sweet for a 22!
In the budget category, I would like to see a head-to-head comparison of the "Tisas 1911 A1 US Army" with the "Rock Island Armory 1911." They come in near the same price point. How does the Tisas stack up?
I was just going to post for the best budget 1911 my Tisas at $329 from PSA is a great buy. I love shooting it and it its very accurate. Surprised it wasn’t on the list for best priced 1911.
Can you review or consider adding the SAVAGE 1911?
Mine is phenomenal! When I say Savage 1911, most people say, “Why? It’s nothing special.” Glad to know there’s another fan out there that can appreciate quality.
Yes, there are emerging brands that offer very high quality firearms. Girsan is one of them. Moderately priced but with very high quality. I have a Girsan Hi Power (MC P35 OSP) clone that is magnificent; also have the Beretta like pop up barrel .380 (MC 14T) that performs without a hitch.
Y'day was at the range with a buddy who had some very ''expensive'' pistols and rifles (H&K, Glock, Winchester) that just did not perform flawlessly, matter of fact the Winchester jammed every other cycle. My moderately prices firearms trumped those expensive brands. Times have changed.
ANYONE THAT LOVES THE 1911, NEEDS TO CHECK OUT STANDARD MANUFACTURING 1911s...They have the Old School 1911 look and feel...They have very sweet DEEP high polished blueing...They also have awesome case colored/hardened models...The case coloring is done the old fashioned way...You have a choice of both models with engraving too...I have several and they shoot as good as they look...All the gunsmiths are 40 plus years experience from Colt Custom shop...I would put them up against any of the above listed any day...To top it all off they are very reasonably priced...You can Custom order 1911s made to your specs...
You Lost me at your number one pick for a 1911….Rock Island? Really?
The list goes from (roughly) least to most expensive.
Hey Ed, thanks for commenting. This list is in no particular order other than sorted by price. Thanks for reading!
My favorite 1911s are from Sig Sauer. I come from copville, so a heavier trigger is a must. They start off sith all you need, and go up to wild show off designs. My daily carry is a 5in. blue, w Hoge Pau Ferro grips. And, of course, in 45 ACP.
So, no shooting nor any other form of evaluation for most of the guns, just a junior-grade listicle. Thanks for the mini-catalog.
I carry daily a Springfield Champion (1911 45). And have for some 35+ years. Has Never failed to fire, outside of when first breaking in has never stovepiped! So far been a very nice and Dependable firearm! Also have a Norinco 1911 (45)! Better fit and better shooter than a friends Mod 70 COLT! Finish might not be near as nice, but don’t have any Wall Hangers! Just Shooters, and the Norinco is a shooter! And at the time of buying only some $75.00! Beat that Colt!
Are Norinco being imported into the US? $75 cost?
I purchased mine used about 3 years ago for $500. It is one of may favorites among my other 25 1911s( Dan Wesson, colt custom, nighthawks, Wilson,Baer,brown, republic forge, Springer custom, gun crafters).
They were back in the Day. Bill (I did not cum in her mouth) was President and was banning about everything!
Check out Standard Manufacturing 1911’s..
Rock Island, known for making junk, is your top budget pistol? Kimber, the possibly the most over-priced and over-rated pistol is one of your recommendations? Wow, your credibility just tanked! It’s obvious that you are no longer objective. What a shame.
Rock Island is one of your top picks, even though they have a reputation for building junk? And you recommend a Kimber, one of the most over-priced and over-rated pistols on the market? Wow, your credibility just tanked!
I’m rather curious as to why Taurus was left off of the list… for that matter, what about Browning? I have a Taurus Homeland Defender 1911 45acp & I love it! I also have 2 (yes: TWo! Browning 1911 380’s: one is a carry model, the other a ‘match’ model… I never leave home without my trusty Browning 1911 380…
Curious why none of the Colts (except the Delta Elite 10mm) made the list?
I just purchased the 1911 .45 ACP Government Series 70 Competition in SS. ($998)
I absolutely LOVE it.
Big fan of the Novak front fiber optic, and rear adjustable sights. The blue G10 grips are a nice touch.
2000+ rounds later, I've had zero issues and its very accurate.
The best shooting .45 is a .38 Super. That said, I wish I'd never bought/shot a .45 and had stepped right into the 10mm 1911's from the get-go. If I'da written the article I would have probably tried to squeeze the Desert Eagle 1911's in there somewhere. Great triggers out of the box, durable, well appointed for the price range and good looking. In spite of the full length guide rods, they're good guns, and good shooters. I've never shot any high end 1911's so I can't speak to those. The Sigs and Springfields are pretty good, IMO. I've owned a number of Colt's but I don't think they're really much of a value any more, with the quality and features you can get from a bunch of other makers. For daily carry I am partial to the old-school government models with the old style hammers, but most of them are lacking in front strap stippling, so I'll usually slap a Hogue monogrip with the finger grooves and I'm all set. No matter which way you go, 1911's are a ton of fun to shoot.
Bought way back in the 1990’s. Springfield Champion! With the 4” barrel, and full size frame. Love the Gun and is the Everyday carry for years.
Also have a Norinco 1911. No rattle and a very nice shooter. Bought before Bill (I did not have Sex) Clinton, shut everything Down! Somewhere around $80.00 USD! Try that now!
I LOVE my colt 1911 made in March of 1913 still have original magazine it was shipped to U.S. Army had brown finish ( not much left) but I shoot it every now and then love feel of it in my hand kicks like a mule but what ever you ain't getting up. Was told by the seller it was issued to his grand dad in ww1 his dad carried it in ww2 he carried in Korea just love that work of art
I want to add to the comments regarding the Tisas A1 from SDS imports. Think about this: a GI 1911 that looks good, hammer forged barrel, slide (and frame?) and shoots great! I mean, like so good not even cleaned out of the box eating everything I ran through it including hollow points! I have shot very nice Kimbers that have not functioned this well. This NOT as fine a piece as a Kimber, but it runs as well as any that I have used (two), is built better that the Rock Island and is now selling for $330. Really. $330. Buy two!
I have a Springfield 1911 a-1 I bought at Tacoma guns when I was in the army and I have a tissas 1911 tanker I love them both but I gotta say the tissas is a SWEET SHOOTER . And even better I was out the door for like 334 dollars
I agree I have one and love it
AMT .380 Backup. A true blast from the past. That made my day. I have a AMT 380 backup and a Hardballer. Both shoot well.
Another 1911 that is worth mentioning is the Springfield Ronin. It is a smooth shooter and looks nice too.
The Ronins are great pistols. We probably could fill an entire list with just Springfield products, so it is always tough to pick just a few!
i would definitely have to agree with you.
I also recently got a Wilson Combat, mine being the CQB Elite. Waited over a year for it. I took out the shok-buff and swapped for a 16lb spring and I've got about 1200 rounds through it after a month without issue. Wilson tends to overspring their .45 and 10mm's.
I have a lot of 1911's and have built 6. The CQB Elite is truly incredible(damn well better be for the money) and is definitely the pinnacle of 1911's....but a Springfield Mil-Spec, Garrison, Operator will serve you well and are reliable as hell. I point most people to Springfield. That Larry Vickers Collab 1911 looks like an absolute steal
I've carried a Smith & Wesson 5" 1911 for over 25 years. I noticed that you didn't comment on S&W at all? This gun has never let me down and I've never had any kind of malfunction with it. Even when caried concealed it is easily the most comfortable of all my other guns. Why, in your estimation did it not make the list?
S&W is No. 4 in the article's top picks.