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Break down of the differences between all the Springfield 1911’s?

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JustanaberageJoe

Elite
Looking into getting a 1911. Not fired one before and just the options Springfield has is overwhelming not to mention smith and Wesson, bul armory etc.

Is there a significant difference between the Springfield models? Also doors Springfield offer 5 or 6 inch barrel variant I might if overlooked?

Any suggestions or advice to a potential 1911 noob. Not sure my budget yet, probably top out at $1500 or so.
 
JustanaberageJoe said:
Looking into getting a 1911. Not fired one before and just the options Springfield has is overwhelming not to mention smith and Wesson, bul armory etc.

Is there a significant difference between the Springfield models? Also doors Springfield offer 5 or 6 inch barrel variant I might if overlooked?

Any suggestions or advice to a potential 1911 noob. Not sure my budget yet, probably top out at $1500 or so.
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At $1500, I’d be looking at Dan Wesson, not Springfield.
 
Hammer67 said:
Describing all the differences is a big task...are there a few particular models you're interested in, just to narrow it down?

Do you want a rail, or not?

Modern 1911 styling, or traditional?
Click to expand...
I like the look of the Ronin, and it’s pretty much limited to a range toy not HD( magazine capacity).

If there’s a 5 or 6 inch barrel but I don’t think ones offered by Springfield.

Caliber I’m torn on want my wife and teenage son to like it, she’s shot my USP 45 before he’s only shot 22lr and 9mm.
 
HansGruber said:
In that case?

I’d recommend a Rock Island Armory Rock Ultra. Everything you need, nothing you don’t, at a great starter price.

www.armscor.com

ROCK Ultra FS 45ACP 8rd

Our Rock Ultra FS pistol is built in traditional 70-series design, chambered in 45 ACP with a 5" button rifled barrel supported by a full length guide rod.
www.armscor.com www.armscor.com

If you decide you like the platform…upgrade.
Click to expand...
Agree with this choice, Springfield has some low budget 1911’s, Mil Spec, Garrison and Ronin, but none with a 6” barrel, the RIA are great pistols and you won’t go wrong, like Hans said great starter pistol.
 
To me it looks like you are wanting people to do your homework for you. Defender, Mil-Spec, Garrison, and Ronin are all considered to be on the budget end, with the Garrison and Ronin versions a bit fancier and slightly more modern design.

I have a 5" Ronin in .45 and it has not disappointed. As for the Ronin series you could have just went on the Springfield website and magically it's all there and compiled for you to compare and see what iterations they have available. I even put the link below for you.

1) They make them in 3 different barrel lengths and 3 different calibers.

2) 9mm is available in 3", 4" (Ronin EMP Models), 4.25" and 5" barrel lengths.

3) .45 ACP is available in 4.25" and 5" barrel lengths.

4) The 10mm only comes in 5".

5) The only 6" i've seen is in 10mm, it's not a Ronin, I don't think they make it anymore, and it's outside of your stated price range. I could be wrong there though.

www.springfield-armory.com

1911 Ronin® Handguns - Springfield Armory

www.springfield-armory.com www.springfield-armory.com
 
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JustanaberageJoe said:
I like the look of the Ronin, and it’s pretty much limited to a range toy not HD( magazine capacity).

If there’s a 5 or 6 inch barrel but I don’t think ones offered by Springfield.

Caliber I’m torn on want my wife and teenage son to like it, she’s shot my USP 45 before he’s only shot 22lr and 9mm.
Click to expand...

All "Government" sized 1911s are 5" barrels. I don't believe Springfield offers a 6" 1911.

I think the Ronin is a pretty ideal sweet spot in the Springfield lineup - not bottom of the line, but not their top of the line offering, either. A good reliable American-made 1911 for about $1k that will serve you well and is a solid choice for a first 1911. It is offered in both Commander (4.25" barrel) and Government (5") options. And of course, you can use one as a platform for upgrades over time.

I know you said you don't think you want to spend your upper limit, but just to clarify, you'd be looking for a used Dan Wesson at that price. Their new models start at north of $1700.
 
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JustanaberageJoe said:
Looking into getting a 1911. Not fired one before and just the options Springfield has is overwhelming not to mention smith and Wesson, bul armory etc.

Is there a significant difference between the Springfield models? Also doors Springfield offer 5 or 6 inch barrel variant I might if overlooked?

Any suggestions or advice to a potential 1911 noob. Not sure my budget yet, probably top out at $1500 or so.
Click to expand...
Go rent
Find every range around you that has 1911’s for rent and try them all….
Then make a decision ..
Like asking us what is a good truck to drive
 
KillerFord1977 said:
Well, beats the Ridgeline wannabe you drive 😜😉
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iu
 
I would also stop in a LGS and see and handle all the different brands of 1911's they have as well and see if you like anything. I only have 2 1911's, a Dan Wesson Specialist and a Wilson Combat CQB. What I did when I was looking myself was I had fired a few different models and then I went to a shop and bought what I felt was right for me and my budget. I myself just wanna rent and shoot a "Yeet Cannon" but they're like Sasquatch. Many people claim to have seen them but they're non-existent in the couple of LGS that I frequent. Just my two cents...
 
HansGruber said:
In that case?

I’d recommend a Rock Island Armory Rock Ultra. Everything you need, nothing you don’t, at a great starter price.

www.armscor.com

ROCK Ultra FS 45ACP 8rd

Our Rock Ultra FS pistol is built in traditional 70-series design, chambered in 45 ACP with a 5" button rifled barrel supported by a full length guide rod.
www.armscor.com www.armscor.com

If you decide you like the platform…upgrade.
Click to expand...
Great gun.

Have you even fired a 1911. It might be worth renting a couple first. If you’re concerned about capacity and can swing $1500 you might want to look at a double stack 1911 like Springfield’s Prodigy or the new Kimber KDS9C.

If you want a 6in, this is a great deal.
eaacorp.com

Girsan MC1911 S Hunter - EAA Corp.

Built on a fully-machined steel frame and slide, the Girsan MC1911 S Hunter in 10mm is beautifully balanced for quick second shot recovery.
eaacorp.com eaacorp.com
 
SimonRL said:
Great gun.

Have you even fired a 1911. It might be worth renting a couple first. If you’re concerned about capacity and can swing $1500 you might want to look at a double stack 1911 like Springfield’s Prodigy or the new Kimber KDS9C.

If you want a 6in, this is a great deal.
eaacorp.com

Girsan MC1911 S Hunter - EAA Corp.

Built on a fully-machined steel frame and slide, the Girsan MC1911 S Hunter in 10mm is beautifully balanced for quick second shot recovery.
eaacorp.com eaacorp.com
Click to expand...
Never fired one, local range has several different models of Springfield.

Emissary

Garrison

1911 A-1 45 ACP/9mm

Champion

Ronin Operator

They also have a Ruger 1911 and S&W one.

Problem is to rent( unless you pay for a membership) it’s $20 an hour for the lane, $15 for the gun and you have to use their ammo. Can add up quickly especially if I take my wife or son.

Trying to narrow it down to the most noob friendly so I don’t spend my budget renting everything lol.
 
Personally, I would start with something like the Garrison. It’s a good moderately priced 1911. You can’t really go wrong with a 1911. They’re easy to shoot, inherently accurate and will last forever if you look after them. They can also be a bit moody, choosy with ammo and I think they’re kind of a pain to field strip and clean. But there is great street cred with them.

If you want your son and wife to shoot it you might look at a 9mm 1911. They are extremely soft shooters. Some Old Fart is going to chime in that the only real 1911 is a 1911 in .45acp but those guys think there hasn’t been a decent movie since the Duke died and still dream of living in Mayberry. My first 1911 was a stainless Springfield Range Officer in 9mm, which I love. One of my best shooting 1911s is a sub $500 Tisas Duty BR9. On the flip side, my 5inch Prodigy is an absolute beast at the range, while my .45 RO in is kind of meh. There is plenty of good advice on 1911s online read up a bit. If I was going to drop $1500 on a 1911 I’d buy a Kimber Rapide Black Ice, but I am also drawn to a 6in 1911. Good luck.
 
SimonRL said:
Some Old Fart is going to chime in that the only real 1911 is a 1911 in .45acp
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That would be ME! 😁 But I'll make an exception for the .38 Super. ;)
The 9mm does NOT belong in a 1911. To be honest, there are far better guns for that caliber than the 1911. The Hi-Power for one.

Back to the original question. For a first 1911, I highly recommend Rock Island Armory in .45acp. Good guns at a good price. I also recommend keeping it fairly simple. A basic G.I. model or maybe one with better sights will do just fine. You don't need anything fancy to figure out if you like the platform or not. If it turns out that you do like it, It won't be your last. Trust me on this. ;)
 
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