One of my goals this year is to finally get a 1911 handgun. I'm looking for recommendations on brands. My friend who is a gun enthusiast keeps trying to steer me towards a Kimber 1911 but I'm not looking for the most expensive thing I can find. I'm looking for reliability for home defense. Good balance, manageable weight, accurate and so on without breaking the bank. It's not something I'm looking to show off or anything. Strictly utilitarian and functionality. So, I'm looking for recommendations and some help with this. Any wisdom you have would be greatly appreciated. Price range of $750 up to $1000 but if there's something out there that matches what I'm after for less then that's what I'm after. Thanks in advance for all the help! :-)
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Honestly, if you've never had a 1911 before, I would highly recommend Springfield Armory. They have some of the BEST customer service in the country. If you're looking for the complete package, I would recommend the Range Officer. It's got everything you need. And you can find one new for ~$750.

If the adjustable rear sights aren't your thing, and need forward cocking serrations...then I would recommend their Loaded model. On the street ~$825.
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You can also opt for their Mil-Spec, it's more "basic" and no-frills, and is MY favorite. I like customizing mine, so it offers the perfect platform for that...and is just as well put-together as my TRP full-rail.

Yes, I'm a Springfield fanboi. I've owned an ATI 1911, and borrowed a Kimber from a friend to test drive...and they don't hold a candle to my Springers.
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+1 on the Springfield

i had one and kick myself in the ass for selling it. My next gun buy will be the Springfield Loaded.

Only thing Kimber has that i like was the full-size grip and a shortened barrel.
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You mean like this?
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Look at the Rock Island Armory 1911s. My brother has the standard version, and he loves it, but I really like the tactical version. look them up
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Looking at those myself, compact tactical :-)
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Get a Colt, not only the original and beautiful it will also NEVER lose value, great investment piece!
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I like my Remington Rand :-)
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very nice Scotty :-)
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I had a Remington 1911 R1 and it jammed every 3rd or 4th round, even with critical defense rounds in it, so I know it was the gun.
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I've had my Springfield Lightweight Operator for a few years. it's more accurate than I am. Can't tell you enough how pleased I am with it. Excellent gun. I put a set of VZ grips on it too. BTW. it's a great concealed carry pistol too.
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It sounds like the ramp just needed a little work. A flaw in all of the older models and a few of the newer ones as the original design was made only to feed FMJ's.
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I got my kimber eclipse pro II for under a grand at Shoot Straight here in WPB. Love that gun, ultra reliable, and easy on the eyes.
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Any is nice.
They come in multiple calibers but I assume you mean a classic 45.
For the money, love the Ruger, Springfield, Colt, S&W, Sig..........ALL.
For bling, Kimber is on my list of must have.
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I personally have and carry daily a full size S&W E Series 1911 and I love it.
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Just shot my fathers new Remington 1911 and I have to throw my vote in on it. Outstanding shooter!

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+1 for Springfield I love mine. Look at the Loaded, I got mine somewhere around $850? It's a little nicer then the Range Officer IMO.
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For carry or home protection I like the Kimber Ultra Carry II (own one i got for $850, all black nothing fancy, except for the bird's eye maple grips i had custom made), Colt New Agent or Defender and the Springfield EMP.
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One of my good friends has a pair of Kimber 1911 .45's. Right and left hand models. They are a dream to shoot, but I'd never have a "bullet" gun for home defense. I have a sawed off 20 guage pump, loaded with bird shot, for home defense. Bird shot will not penetrate 2 layers of sheetrock. I can shoot an intruder in my room without worry of who's on the other side of the wall.
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