I am thinking about picking up a 1911 .45 but there are so many out there help me picking one out. What are the differences between them??????

What's your budget? There are 1911's available in prices ranging from $400 to $3000. What's your intended use? Carry? Plinking? Pistol competitions? Different uses will affect what features you're going to want on it.

Yea, butdget is certainly the most important thing. I always say get the best you can afford.

That said, if gather about $700 to $900 then you can get a very nice, reliable, and good manufacturer.

budget would be around 700-800 maybe more maybe less. Plinking more often but maybe a carry. I have shoot some and really like the way they feel.

In that price range I would go with Springfield or Colt.

The Springfield would be a good choice. You can get new around the $800 - $850 range... Good Luck...

Just FYI.......there are a couple of really nice Colts in the classifieds right now.

I bought a spartan the other day and like it alright. Sill getting a couple FTF's. Not sure if it still isnt broken in or if It is going to need a little tuning.

I bought a Para GI Expert from the classifieds here a few weeks back, and it is awesome! No ftf's or fte's, it only had 50 rounds thru it when I bought it. Now it's got almost a thousand thru it..runs like a champ. More accurate than I am, too. For the kind of money you are talking about, I'd probably go look at a Springer..or like JCB said, look at some of the Colts here. Are you looking for a full size, Commander, compact?

Some of you will probably strongly disagree. But here goes.
I test fired a Taurus at the range last weekend and was quite impressed. I will be owning one soon. Will be my first 1911.On the low to mid price too.The one I want has the aluminum frame and steel everything else.$606 at CTD

Taurus 1911's have a better out of box trigger than any of the kimbers i've owned. If they had a commander sized gun, i'd own one.

just buy mine! http://www.texashuntingforum.com/forum/u...ale#Post2200728

springfield armory all the way.. look on their web site and then go find you a gun shop that carries them.. you won't be disappointed and springfield has tops cust svc..

I think the Market Hall gun show in Dallas is next weekend. That would be a good place to handle a ton of different guns and get the best deal possible as well.

I just picked up a para wart hawg about 3 weeks ago love it there was a lda on here for a great price

i have a para gi expert nice gun for the money

I just got one of those too, Excellent value, shoots great, been very reliable so far.

1. Machining precision and the quality of the materials is the biggest difference.
2. Frame - carbon steel is the most durable and generally will provide the best accuracy in the long run assuming it is well built. Stainless is softer. Aluminum is for lightweight carry, and definitely not the choice for one that will see lots of practice over its life.
3. Coatings - if it is carbon steel, coating of some sort is worth the extra cost.
3. Frame sizes - there actually are a few different frame sizes. Try holding them and you will feel some differences.
4. Frame checkering - Worth the cost.
5. Slide serrations - try handling the different styles - are they serrations, square cuts? Could you rack it if your hand is hot and sweaty?
6. Beavertail grip safety - definitely the way to go for function.
7. Ambidextrous safety or single-side. If you are left-handed or shoot with your weak side hand, the ambi-safety is a good option.
8. Sights - lots of different choices. Night sights, de-horned carry sights (sharp edges are rounded off), target sights, other.
9. Grips - thick, thin, or in-between. Smooth, checkered, wood, micarta, G10, or other?
10.Trigger - Try it. A good one is as good as a good rifle trigger and way better than any other pistol trigger by a big margin.
11. Reliability - Quality of the metal, design, and machining. This is what can drive up the cost in a hurry. A well made 1911 will outlive most people no matter how many rounds are run through it.

Other - Keep them clean and lubed, and they are very reliable. Learn how to field and detail strip it. Change the recoil spring every 1500 rounds or so for best reliability and accuracy.

Try 1911forums which is loaded with lots more info.

Those are some general thoughts for starters.

I got a new Para GI Expert a year ago, I love mine too, (love 1911s) next one will be a Springfield Armory or Colt Commander. 9mms and .40s are great but when the time comes, you will be glad you have a .45.

I'm kinda liking the Springfield 1911's too, been looking at the higher-end ones. But for the money, that Para works flawlessly so far.

Kimber all the way!!! I have a Stainless Target II 45 and a Stainless Ultra Carry 45. Both are very accurate and reliable. I wouldn't trade them for another brand.

X2. Taurus Trigger is great. I have one of them, and I too wish they had a 4.25" gun.

Look at the Springfield Range Officer. I have a few customs and 1 built by me. If I were looking for a new one that would be my first choice. Just my humble opinion.

springfield loaded would be a great first 1911

Kimber, drive for show put for do$.

Kimber koolaid drink it while its hot