For some reason, I’ve had this deeply held belief that a 1911 shouldn’t be a noob’s first gun.
It’s an expensive, complex gun with a large and powerful caliber round that spits forth from it. While I’ve shot 1911s on many occasions, I’ve yet to put one through the tests.
Granted, this is partially because I haven’t been able to get my hands on one long enough to actually run my gauntlet. For some odd reason, people don’t like the idea of me conducting my “limp wrist test” on their $1500 Dan Wesson Custom. Can’t say I blame them, mind you, I cringe a bit when I do it to my own guns.
That’s the other problem with 1911s: most people aren’t going to drop more than $600 on their first pistol and, for the most part, a solid 1911 falls in the $800+ range. There are a couple of exceptions, however.
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Budget 1911’s
If you want just a bare-bones 1911, Rock Island Armory has a good selection in the sub $500 range. These are, however, truly bare bones. Full review of their Mid-Size version.
Chiappa also makes 1911s in that range but, again, they’re pretty bare bones and I’m not familiar enough with their quality to say any more on them.
**Update 2018** Rock Island Armory 1911s are good to go and highly recommended for a budget 1911! They also come in many flavors including 10mm, double stack, 9mm, and more!
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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What if you want all the bells and whistles though?
I’m talking checkering on the backstrap, frontstrap, and bottom of the trigger guard and a lowered and flared ejection port. I’m talking ambidextrous safety, skeletonized trigger and hammer and front slide serrations! In most cases, you better be ready to shell out some major cash….or should you?
Check out more in our Best 1911s at Any Budget article.
Enter Taurus…
Taurus is known for making inexpensive guns.
With the management and procedural changes recently, they’re really earning the “good and inexpensive guns” title.
Let’s face it, the 1911 pistol has one heck of a rabid following. Fans of the model are very particular and they won’t put up with shortcomings in any way, shape or form.
For a company… heck for any company to put out a 1911, well, it’s really sticking their neck out that’s for sure. They had better be 100% confident in what they’re putting out lest the 1911 fanboys descend upon the factory with torches and pitchforks.
In the interest of full disclosure, I should inform you that the PT-1911 was a T&E gun sent to me from Taurus. I assure you, however, that this has no bearing on my final judgment. I’ve never had a problem calling a baby ugly…which is a good reason why some of my friends with kids don’t talk to me anymore.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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So what is it about this pistol that gets people so obsessed about them?
I won’t go too far into their history but this is a gun that was designed over 100 years ago and has remained in service for that entire time. Some parts of the US Military are still issuing it and other are still adopting it over more modern firearms. The most interesting part, to me at least, is the fact that this gun has remained relatively unchanged to this day.
Sure, they’ve added the checkering and skeletonizing but those are arguably cosmetic. The core functionality, however, is just the same as John Browning created long ago. It’s a testament to his engineering genius, really.
The big question is: how did Taurus do?
For starters, they didn’t use their normal casting method to make this gun. It’s hammer forged and machined to very exact specifications. They also have pistolsmiths match everything and tune it.
A 1911 shouldn’t be a forge, stamp and ship type of gun and Taurus is taking their time with each one so we can check that requirement box.
Secondly, the thing people love most about 1911s is that super sweet single-action only trigger. It needs to be short, smooth and super crisp. The Taurus trigger achieves this as well. It’s super short and weighs in at about a 5-pound pull. It feels no different to me than the Kimber’s triggers that I’ve shot before.
Third is accuracy. A 1911 should be a tack driver.
The general rule of thumb is that a 1911 should be able to shoot 2” groups at 25 yards out of the box.
Another bit of full disclosure: I can’t personally shoot 2” groups at 25 yards with any of my pistols. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m just not there yet.
What I can speak on is that it performed just as well as any of my other guns as far as putting rounds on target and, my friend who works at my local range owns one and he can hit those 2” groups with ease using his PT1911. There is a benefit to having free access to a gun range any time you want, I guess. Either way, the accuracy seems to be there. This gun is definitely far more accurate than I am.
This is a pretty heavy gun also. Weighing it at just over 2 pounds (unloaded), this completely stainless steel gun absorbs recoil very well and softens the pop of that beefy .45 ACP round.
Ok, so it’s a good gun. Heck, it’s a great dang gun and a bargain at that. As I’ve said many times in previous reviews, “This isn’t about how good a gun is”. In this particular case, we’re putting my ultimate rule to the test: Is a 1911 a good first gun?
Ease to Breakdown 3.5/5
Use the included bushing wrench to twist the barrel bushing counterclockwise. Hold your hand over the end to keep from launching the spring across the room. Remove the spring then twist the bushing in the other direction and remove. Pull the slide back until the takedown notch lines up with the slide release lever then remove the lever. Remove the slide and then pull out the full-length guide rod and then the barrel.
To reassemble, do everything in reverse and make sure the linkage on the barrel is lined up with the hole when you reinsert the slide release lever.
It’s not exactly an easy process and the full-length guide rod makes it a little more difficult as it requires the bushing wrench although you can take it apart without the wrench in a pinch. 3.5 out of 5
Maintenance 3.5/5
I love those Winchester 100 round packs.
They’re great for testing because they’re cheap and, best of all, dirty as heck. There isn’t a part of the gun that won’t be covered in carbon after 100 rounds. It makes it very easy to get a handle on how it is to clean a gun.
In this case, there’s some gotchas. There are a few areas where I really had to work hard to scrub after a day at the range. Especially in the slide area. There are grooves where it traps the barrel and boy those were a pain to scrub. 3.5 out of 5
If you don’t have one already, you’ll want a good cleaning kit to go with your 1911. Our 4 Best Gun Cleaning Kits article can help!
Reliability 5/5
Until the Glocks came along, the 1911 was the pistol that showed a semi-auto can be as reliable as a revolver.
Even today, this 100-year-old design goes toe to toe with Glocks. There is an old belief that 1911s will only work with ball ammo and to avoid putting hollow points through them. That may be the case with some models but I tried various personal defense ammo in this gun and it ate them all happily. The polished ramps and chamber seem to do a lot to help that aspect. 5 out of 5
Safety 4.5/5
In most 1911s, you have a manual safety and a grip safety.
Taurus went the extra mile with the ambidextrous safety as well as their “Taurus Security System”. There is a small notch on the hammer that, when you use one of Taurus’ special keys, completely disables the gun. You can’t rack the slide, can’t pull the trigger and you can’t pull the hammer back. It’s also got a half-cock block (I can’t type that without giggling) that stops the hammer halfway in case your finger slips off which cocking it.
I’ve always considered 1911s to be rather safe but adding these extra little tidbits bumps it up to a 4.5 out of 5.
Poor Technique 5/5
I tried so hard to get this gun to malfunction. I was shooting it in ways that would simulate the absolute worst limp wristing a person could do and this thing just kept shooting. The long sight radius makes it easy to keep on target and the legendary reliability of the 1911 takes care of the rest.
This is a very forgiving gun. 5 out of 5.
Starter Kit 4/5
Historically, my biggest criticism of Taurus guns has been the sparse nature of their kits. I understand you have to save money somewhere in order to keep the price down but still.
Maybe it’s because of the caliber of gun they’re shipping here but they really improved in this department. Beyond the gun, you get a very nice hardshell case instead of their normal cardboard box. You also get the bushing wrench and allen wrench for adjusting the sights as well as a cleaning brush.
One thing, however, almost gave me a heart attack when I opened the case: you get two magazines! That’s unheard of for Taurus pistols (at least the ones I’ve tested/owned)! Heck, my research has found that it’s pretty rare for 1911s, in general, to come with 2 magazines.
Even with those two magazines though, you’ll want to pick up some more…
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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It may not be the most extensive kit but, compared to other 1911s, it’s got a good setup. 4 out of 5
Accessories/Upgrades 5/5
I may have mentioned it once or twice (or 20 times) in this article but the 1911 has been around for over 100 years.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Let’s just say that people have made one or two accessories for it. You can replace just about anything on a 1911 however (and notice I made that bold and italic) very rarely are they actually “drop in parts”.
Even though every 1911 is based off the original Browning design, every company has made their own little tweaks.
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For the most part, sights and grips can be traded easily. This Taurus, however, will require some tweaking for many things. For example: the ambidextrous safety and enlarged magazine release button (and other controls) means you’ll have to stick with grips made specifically for the PT1911 lest ye need to break out the Dremel tool.
Also, because of Taurus’ TSS key on the hammer, if you’re going to replace any part of the trigger system it will have to be a gutting of the entire trigger, not just one or two parts and that will require a gunsmith. Other than that, the sky’s the limit and you can go crazy making this your 1911.
You’ll want to check out our Ultimate 1911 Upgrades.
Conclusion
The Taurus PT-1911 does a pretty good job of living up to the century-long legacy of 1911s. It strikes the right balance of affordable and quality and performs well. Upgrading the trigger can be a challenge, but that’s about the only issue.
Well, I’m not too big to admit I was wrong. You hear that Mrs. Noob?!
I’m admitting I’m wrong about something.
I get the feeling she’s going to print this section out and frame it. So yeah, I’ll no longer be saying that a 1911 is a bad choice for a first gun.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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My opinion now will be “The 1911 makes for a great first gun IF you feel like you can handle the .45 caliber round”. If you do so choose to make a 1911 your first gun, you certainly can’t go wrong with the Taurus PT-1911. As I said, this was a T&E gun.
Instead of sending the gun back, however, I’ll be sending them a check. This gun has earned its place in my collection.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Averaging out the scores, the Taurus PT-1911 gets a 4.5 out of 5
What was your first 1911? Let us know in the comments! Already got a 1911? Check out our Best .45 ACP Ammo and 1911 Upgrades articles!
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Try out the Mid level Tisas. I have the Duty. It'll smoke the taraus and ria all day, every day!
My first 1911 was a taurus pt1911AR. A gun shop owner/ friend was raving about one he got on trade. Said he took it home and shot it for a week. Then loaned it to another gun shop owner for a week, who loaned it to another friend. They were amazed how well it shot. He had sold that one, but I told him if he got another one, to call me. He called about a month later and said he had one. I immediately went and bought it. Best pistol I've owned. Will never leave my possession as long as I'm still breathing.
My first 45 is a stainless Para Elite. I am considering adding a Taurus 1911 to my collection.
My dad had his gi 45 from WW2 until I was about ten. Wanted one every since then. I have this Taurus and it's really cool.
My first 1911 was a series 80 Colt 1911 Officers model with the 4.25 inch barrel. Very nice gun and shot everything I fed it. I thought I wanted a lighter gun so I traded it ( stupid thing I did). I now have a stainless steel, Para USA: Expert. It’s also a 45 ACP and has a 5 inch barrel. It too shoots everything I feed it and it’s extremely accurate. I certainly plan on keeping this one even if it’s just another heavy steel and wood 1911, just like they were 100 + years ago. Still beautiful. I have heard through out the years that the Taurus PT 1911 is a very well made 1911. PS; I love Taurus’s revolvers also.
I love Taurus fire arms special pt 1911
Pt1911. Had to attend an instructor class for 1911's. All but twoof us had Springfield Operators. Course was 5000 rounds over a week. Taurus's, just out of the box, averaged one failure every thousand rounds, adding oil fixed it every time. 10 different magazine brands, no problem. Accuracy, about 1.5" at 25 yards. Being an old fart (my first M-16 had a 5 digit serial number), I enjoyed the rest breaks while the Operator operators broke in their Operators... The Operator is a fine gun, had one, all broke in, in Afg. But for out of the box reliability, and accuracy, backwoods hunting back up... my Taurus is my go to 1911.
My first experience in handguns came the way of a surplus Colt .45 back in the 70's. My dad taught us kids to use it safely and accurately . I never owned another hand gun till I bought my Sig 229 , .40. Years ago I bought a Taurus PT .45 expecting to be shopping Wilson Combat for upgrades . I was surprised at the quality of these hand guns . It has never failed me. It is not my carry but could be anytime I would not be concerned about its reliability. The magazines feel cheap and Wal mart ish but Ive had no trouble with them either . Buy some Wilson extended mags and have a place to rest your pinky. Worth the price even if you decide to upgrade some parts , your still money ahead.
My first 1911 was in fact the taurus pt1911. Wonderful pistol. It has the one issue that pretty much every taurus I've owned has, and that is the finish wears pretty easily. It's something that can be fixed with a little know how, and not at all a deal breaker for the price point. I also own a 70 series colt gold cup match, and I certainly would say the taurus competes rather nicely with it as far as accuracy and reliability go. The colt undeniably has far better looks/ finish
My first, and only 1911 is the stainless steel SS PT1911. I replaced the grips with faux ivory grim reapers and its a beauty. Never had a FTF or even a slight malfunction.
I had a Colt MK IV series 80 when I was 16 (1980s) but was registered to my name only when I turned 18. It was a great gun. A bit of 6 o'clock, but I managed to get the target a few weeks of shooting it.
I heard of the Taurus brand before but never got to personally tried them.
With this article, maybe I should?
Do you know how I know you're a liar? You can't register a gun in your name unless it's an NFA item. There is no database with people's names attached to firearms they've purchased. The ATF doesn't keep track of who owns any particular firearm. When you buy a new gun all the FFL does is run a background check to make sure you can legally own a firearm. The gun you buy doesn't "go in your name". There is no requirement for a private seller to run a background check or "transfer" any firearm to someone when they sell it to them. It isn't even possible. When I'm buying a used firearm from someone and they say we need to go to the gun store to "get it out of my name" I just laugh and leave. If you don't know the rules and requirements to sell a gun then you surely don't know how to properly use and maintain it which means I don't want it.
I bought a Taurus PT 1911 about 10 years ago. I had already owned 3 different Taurus pistols, 2 PT 92's and a PT 101. I had put over 25k rounds through my second PT-92 so I was confident in the purchase of the PT-1911, boy was I wrong. At the time, I'd have to say it was the best shooting pistol I've owned, and at the same time the biggest waste of money. Mine had the slide lock issue where it wouldn't lock back when it fired the last round. I tried multiple brands of mags different ammo etc, to no avail so I finally got rid of it, I'm glad Taurus worked out the issues, I've been looking for another 1911 and I've always loved their pistols as currently I don't have any of theirs in my safe. With the exception of the 1911, I've been extremely satisfied with their firearms. bought my first PT-92 in 1989 when I turned 21, then sold it to a friend when I went in the army but bought another one when I came back from overseas, and added the PT 101. All were excellent pistols, I could hit anything I was aiming at including clay pigeons at 25 yards. Think I might have to update my Christmas shopping list for me.
I got my PT 1911 6 years ago for 400 and its been my CCW since and has taken one hell of a beating and still performs extremely well. My first 1911 was a Para Ordinance Expert GI Model and that one was a great gun as well. I've owned every 1911 except for the high end ones and a RIA but the PT is just as accurate as my SR, TRP, and all my other 1911's. I was hesitant on its reliability when I first got it because Taurus is pretty famous for junk with ant other one be it rifle shotgun or pistols in my experience...but when I broke it apart and cleaned it I was surprised it had a full length guide rod which I've had to add to other more expensive guns, and being left handed I love the ambidextrous thumb saftey. It's eaten ecery ammo I've thrown at it including +p critical duty and even my hot handloads! It didn't like to feed speer gold dots but I handload hornady XTP 230's for SD rounds plus with all the choices out there I go with Federal Hydra-Shok 230 grain HP's or Hornady Critical Duty 230 grain +P ammo for target shooting I use Titegroup or CFE Pistol Powders with hand cast 200 grain SWC's and can ring steel all day I use CFE Pistol Powders for my SD loads it gets it moving faster than titegroup. I'm about to go buy a PT 1911 in 9mm just so I can have a 9mm caliber for my lady and to teach the kids with until they can handle the 45 acp recoil for me it isn't an issue but I've never owned a 9mm that I liked but they weren't 1911's either polymer guns suck for me I like the weight of the 1911 because it absorbs most of the recoil itself
My first handgun was/is indeed the PT 1911. I've shot it and my buddies' higher end 1911's and I actually prefer my PT 1911.
I was hesitant to buy it because if the low price tag. But after comparing it to a similarly priced Springfield and seeing that the Springfield was very, very basic compared to the Taurus, I went with the PT 1911. I'm glad I did.
The Springfield had fixed, blade sights meaning that I'd have to have it milled to take the Naval sights like my PT 1911 came with. The trigger and hammer weren't nearly as nice. Honestly don't know why anyone would want to switch out the trigger system this gun comes with.
I'm just glad to see someone else with good things to say about the handgun. Maybe people will start realizing Taurus isn't the crap company that it used to be.
I have "more than one" 1911. Three of which are Taurus, two of which are Rock Islands, a Kimber and a couple others in the gun safe. I have loved and carried the full size gun for 30+ years. The 45 acp has always worked well and the Taurus shoots every bit as good, is every bit as reliable and just as accurate as the Kimber, which cost over twice as much. The Rock Islands are double stacks that cost about half of what a Remington would. they also are every bit the firearm of the more expensive brand.
If you've never shot the Rock's 22TCM/9mm, it an experience worth having. All of my 1911s, including one from 1942, can print 3 1/2 inches at 25 yards (about all I'm good for) slow fire and will eat the "red" out of a silhouette at seven yards shooting strings or thee and four shots. The Taurus and Rocks are dependable, but are not a "cheap" pistol, they are an "inexpensive" pistol. You can find them on sale or on-line auctions for under $600.
My Pt 1911 gave me issues by jamming when ejecting. Until I learned to shoot it. Limp wrist, was my problem. I am now able to shoot any 45 acp with out any problem. Accuracy. It is getting better the more I shoot. Fit and finish is very good but mine is 11 years old and was bought new. The quality and smooth action with great trigger pull with crisp release are great.
Limp Wristing is probably the number one cause for semi-autos to malfunction. I have had great luck with Taurus, investing slightly in cosmetic upgrades. A competent gunsmith can give you a good 3 1/2 to 41/2 pound trigger pull and set the trigger bow for short reset and slack. (3 1/2 for target, 4 1/2 for carry.) Just keep it clean and swap out the recoil spring every 5,000 rounds and you should get a long life out of it.
I can say having read this article that it appears a paid advertising thread by Taurus. I have owned 2 Taurus 1911, both were/are nothing short of junk. No way in Hell would i put my life in the hands of these sidearms. The safety almost never allows a round to chamber, the pin will periodically lock the slide to the rear requiring a whack with your hand to chamber. Yes, whacking a loaded firearm to chamber a round?! How can a company take such a reliable platform and reverse engineer it into nothing more than a pretty hammer? As a whole this company should be embarrassed. Do not waste your hard earned money on this piece of crap.
Thanks for your feedback, sorry to hear your pistol was in that condition. Taurus has never paid PPT for anything, ads or otherwise. Nor have they ever provided any product for review or testing.
Chris, My Tauruses have been rock solid. and between the lot of them we are talking well over 10,000 rounds. I have carried a 5" 1911s for most of my life, including two different Taurus 1911s. I have several friends that also have a Taurus with no problems. A bit confused about the 'safety almost never allows a round to chamber'. I am guessing you mean when releasing the slide stop, which is not how you're really supposed to chamber a round. Still they usually work. Don't know if yours were used or new, but sounds like an easy fix. Sorry to hear you've had trouble with them.
I've had my PT 1911 for almost 5 years now and not one single jam! Sounds like someone might be a limp wrister, lol. And no, I'm just a poor old Marine vet turned school teacher, no payments from Taurus here either.
Well Taurus has a Lifetime Warranty on the PT1911, which I was glad of with my second PT1911.
I have had a parkerized PT1911 for years, never a glitch, but I wanted a SS one for carrying instead of worrying about rust.
About 250 rounds into the new one, the safety would not move.
It still shot fine, just couldn't engage the safety.
Tore it down, couldn't find the problem.
Sent it back to Taurus.
5 days later, I received my G10 grips in the mail with the mag I had included.
I called and the lady told me their gunsmith declared it irreparable.
She told me they'd be sending me a new one as soon as some came in.
I figured with the firearms shortage (this was Feb 2021) they'd fill distributers' orders before honoring warranty replacements. I was already gearing up to have my lawyer send them a letter, then decided to be a little patient.
22, yes twenty-two, days later I got a call that it had shipped overnight.
A brand new PT1911!!
It's a reliable as my old one, and damn that's service!!
Oh and I always use Chip McCormick magazines in my 1911's.
Look up who buys his mags and marks them as their "OEM" mags.
I have a Taurs 1911 PT AR in 45acp. I have had no problems with this pistol. My biggest draw to it was the ambidextrous safety, being left handed it comes in handy. The other factors were the price, and every part for it was made in the Taurs factory. When I bought mine you would have been hard pressed to find a 1911 with all options that the taurs has on it for under 1000 dollars. If you want a 1911 but don't want to spend big bucks on one. Then in my own opinion for the money this the 1911 to buy.
You must be kidding.The stainless Taurus pt 1911 I got was chambered in 9mm and what a piece of junk.First off,every line and edge we’re as sharp as a knife blade and the single action trigger out of the box was 13.6 pounds according to the range trigger pull gauge.Not only was it stiff and ridicules but had almost a half inch of grit and creep before it would brake.The bottom of the trigger guard had so much extra metal underneath that it was almost impossible to get a high hand hold .Worst of all the recess inside the slide for the bushing was so over-milled that you could push a quarter through the daylight between the slide and bushing.contacted Taurus and after taking almost a year to replace they sent back a new pistol in the same condition.Anyway.......I decided to just make a project out of it.I dehorned the entire gun, changed out the sear , hammer and trigger and did a complete action job .Cut a decent kidney cut under the trigger guard and replaced all the springs.Smoothe out the rails on the slide and frame and relieved the safety dent ant ...... so stupidly stiff out of the box.Refinished it with 70 micron titanium dioxide bead blasting and finally changed the crappy grips.Replaced the bushing with a nighthawk bushing with oversized lug so is tight as a drum now and adjusted the extractor( repacked factory with Wilson) and dieting pin retainer .Factory furring pin retainer was so loose extractor was clocking badly.Now.......about this sub 2 inch thing.I can shoot any of my kimber ,sig or les Baer 1911 .45s at 25 yards at on target in Laguna Niguel and group sub 2 inches and have many witnesses to vouch but that piece of crap Taurus is capable of about 4 inches at best regardless of what target round I use and my reloads are well noted for being pretty damn good.2 inches......dream on....,great trigger .....dream on
You must have got the "one in a million" lemon.....uh huh.
My first 1911 was the para ordinance expert, picked it up for a hell of a deal brand new...It is a great gun, wish I still had it honestly... It was a definite tac driver and so is the PT I am partial to the platform because it's not plastic and can take a serious beating, not saying that plastic guns are junk or anything I own a lot of pistols and the PT is my go to carry gun and I always have Hornday Critical Duty in mine or Federal HydraShock's, I have friends with high end 1911's and I can hit just as consecutively and as tight of groups as they can with my Taurus, one thing I don't like about it is one you mentioned you do like in this article, and that's Taurus's TSS safety system...but other than that I love this gun I've owned it for about 5 years now and still carry it everyday. Only other gun I'd carry besides my 1911 is my Ruger Blackhawk! This is my personal preference, everyone has theirs and my rule is just like a public bathroom "I don't care what you carry, just don't whip it out and point it at me" LMAO...stay safe and keep shooting everyone
I was wondering?...I REALLY LIKE The Officer Version of This GUN!!! Is There ANY Extended Mags from Any Company!?...that Are Compatible with it?...Last Question: Are then Any Other Caliber Options?...
TIA
Actually, 1911s are pretty uniform enough that they should work with all 1911 mags on the market. I have seven 1911s (in 5", 4.5" and 3.5" barrel lengths) and the Mags are swappable between all brands. The only thing to pay attention to is what grip length you are buying for as the Mag height/capacities might be different. Example: my PT1911 mags will fit my Commander and Officer model pistols but the (flush fitting) Officer model Mag is too short to seat into a Commander and Gov't (5") model.
I have the PT 1911 AR stainless steel 5 inch barrel and a go to the range with my son who has way more money than I do and all he shoots and owns is Kimbers. Well we got to playing around with these two guns both 45 acp and got to shooting targets at different ranges and his kimber hit fair at 50 yards and I kept pushing my Taurus and was hitting pie plates at 100 yards and getting usually 6 out of 8 in the plate. Now you have to understand my son has never been in the military and I am an old Vietnam Marine Sniper so I still at 71 have the eye. But yes, the Taurus PT1911 is a great gun as far as I am concerned, just make sure you clean it right and then us a good gun oil to lube it up, I use Hoppes No. 9 Lube medic and makes my gun fire and work much easier than my sons Kimber. To all you shooters out there, don't just shoot at what they give you on a range, go out in the country or somewhere where you can push the envelope and push your skills and push the boundries of the gun and you will be surprised that you can hit targets at over 100 yards that are the size of a paper plate. To all my old Marine shooters out there, Semper Fi and God Bless and thank you for your service.
Thank you for serving sir! I myself have not been in the military either, my papa was a Korean war veteran who has passed recently, and he started taking me hunting when I was 8... I'm just a country boy I can't say I can hit paper plates at 100 yards but I haven't honed my skills with a handgun that well but you've given me a new goal to help, I can easily hit 2" groups up to 35 yards but haven't considered pushing it further...I'd like to see your distance with a 30-06 and iron sights or a high dollar scope! I bet that'd be amazing even at 71! I'm sure you'd still put em downrange like back then, thank you for giving me a new goal to attain with my PT sir and I am glad you are still getting out to go shoot, my papa and I used to go hunt deer every year until he turned 77 be and started battling COPD...he is the toughest man I know, he survived a heart and kidney failure and ended up on oxygen and having dialysis appointments 3 times a week, he wanted to go hunt with me and couldn't after he got sick, I went once and it didn't feel right without him there with me . I haven't been since, and when my son gets old enough I'm going to start taking him and teaching him everything papa had taught me growing up. I hope your son has learned much from you, and hope you are doing well stay shooting brother and stay safe
Love my 1911 but my Smith & Wesson red hawk is a long range killer at the age of 41 could hit any thing at 50yrds till I handed to my 13 yr old son made me a old man fast . I gave it to him after he joined the Navy . That was 16 yrs ago he's a chief now and he has my S&W stainless 1911. They will be around another 100yrs
Very interesting review on Taurus PT-1911. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I had a PT1911 perhaps 3 years ago and sold. No issues what so ever and considering buying another. Just wondering if the poster was using something other than brass cased ammo and how was the gun cleaned? MIM parts have been used forever and its also possible that Taurus had a run of bad parts.
I've ran steel cased, aluminum cased, and of course brass cased ammo and it ate them all my only suggestion is don't waste money on Speer gold dots, I have ran a ton of personal defense ammo and gold dots were literally the only ones I've had issues with feeding and ejecting I prefer Hornday Critical Duty +p ammo for carry ammo, I originally got the PT as a beater gun and I love it more than most of my other pistols except my ancient Colt Python 357 but that's an heirloom my papa left me along with a 1954 Belgium Browning A-5 auto those two are my safe queens...but I'd buy this gun again if I ever have to replace the one I own now but I don't plan to get rid of this one ever lol
Well, I bought the Taurus PT 1911 as my first pistol and let me tell you, you certainly CAN go wrong purchasing a Taurus. I broke 2 ejectors in the first 300 rounds only to google it and find out I wasn't alone. Their cheap MIM parts break and you can't use after-market ejectors on a Taurus because of how they designed it. It must be sent back to the factory every time so they can put on more cheap MIM parts. A pistol that you can't trust to work is not worth having for anyone. When a company has a lifetime warranty, I now ask myself why they would need that. I know now. Avoid this paperweight and spend a little more and get a 1911 you can count on.
Thanks for that insight! Unfortunate but it's good to hear from actual users and their experiences.
what would you suggest?..looking for a sub 600 gun..or in that area
I've had my PT1911 for about two years now. In that time, I have had very few problems with it. The problems that I have had are magazine related; rounds sticking or not feeding properly. That was an easy fix with a couple of ProMag 8 round magazines. <br /> <br />Using the ProMag's, I have had no problems. The gun is heavy, but that is great for taking up some of the recoil. If functions smoothly every single time and is a favorite of mine, and my family. And it will eat whatever I decide to feed it. <br /> <br />The only other addition that I put on this was a set of Pachmayr American Legend wrap-around grips. This made the pistol so much more comfortable and easier to aim with. <br /> <br />In all, for my first 1911, I'm glad I went with a Taurus. It is a smooth operator with a budget-minded price, and of good quality.