So it appears that there are several different versions of the weapon in question.

Which one should I purchase for myself and why?

None.
It's cool to shoot and more cool historically...but there are better pistols on the market.

Anything by Les Baer.

Get a Springfield Armory if you're set on a 1911. Anything more than a GI will work.

Buy it from a Davidsons dealer.

Double lifetime guarantee.

And for what it's worth, I like the Springfield XD-45, never getting rid of this one.

ETA; The XD-45 is a more comfortable gun to shoot (LOUD though) and also TWICE the ammo in one clip 13+1 as compared to 7 +1(if you're badass enough to tote cocked-n-locked lol) My best advice would be to go shoot some different ones at a range.

I had the 1911 TRP also had a Glock .40, a Tanfoglio 45, Taurus .40 others can't remember.

Just my two cents worth.

There's actually lots of manufacturers making them. My dad has three of them; a Rock island Arms .45acp, a STI in 9mm and a Para Ordnance in .45acp. They all shoot great and none are high end models. He has had to replace main springs on several and an extractor on one. We have shot 1000's of rounds through all of them. I have a cop friend that sold all his Glocks and bought 1911's. They are basically the standard in handguns. Take down most other semi auto pistols and you will see that they are at least roughly based on the 1911. I don't know if there is a "better" pistol on the market, but probably ones that are as good. I have read about people shooting 1000"s of rounds through Glocks without even cleaning them, though I will admit that we don't don't shoot FMJ ammo through the 1911's- that makes a difference, but I don't see that being possible with a 1911. They do have an external safety, a grip safety and most, if not all, will not shoot without a magazine in them. They are also single action and I have had one of the 3(Para) fire when I released the slide by releasing it from all the way back. Needless to say, single action triggers can be pretty light. My dad has a personal dislike of plastic frame pistols, but I'm not quite as picky. If I wasn't going buy a 1911, I'd go for the Rock Island for price alone. They are no frills mil spec. The Para Ordnance and STI are slightly better made and the STI came with adjustable sights. They also cost $100 -200 more. Les Baer, Ed Brown, Wilson Combat and STI make some amazing firearms costing $1000 and up to over $4k- WAY out of my price range. I also really like a lot of Rugers for non 1911's. They are very high quality, I have shot several different models and all worked flawlessly. Everyone that I know that owns one likes them. They're not flashy or fancy, but they work. Some reloading manuals have recipes listed as "Ruger only" for revolvers- they are higher power loads. In my opinion Kimber make the most overrated 1911's. I have a couple friends that own them and them say they jam all the time. A reputable local gunsmith told me he works on lots of them. They just don't justify the price. The gunsmith btw, is a big fan of STI guns. You're also going to find that most 1911's don't have double stack mags and they're usually 8+1. If you looking for higher capacity, prepare for sticker shock, or buy a different gun. You're going to find though, that everyone has their own subjective opinion regarding handguns.

THIS

Originally posted by rbnhd76
Get a Springfield Armory if you're set on a 1911. Anything more than a GI will work.

I'm personally gifting a SA TRP operator to myself for Christmas , I'm currently running a Colt Commander XSE... I picked it up from a friend for $600 earlier in the year, for the price it was a no brainer.

I'm a fan of 1911's but my go to .45 is my Beretta PX4.

There are 4 pistols a man should have in his safe.

Ruger MKIII
Glock 17/19
1911
S&W Model 629

Anything else in uncivilized

Honestly, the best 1911 for the money is Taurus PT 1911. I own one and have had zero issues with it, I probably drop 250-400 rounds down range a month with it.

I just bought my first 1911 this year. I spent five years trying different makes and series and sizes and saving cash.

Eventually I decided on a full size Smith and Wesson 1911. The trigger was consistency crisp and clean and it felt very balanced in my hand.

So far in about 1200 rounds no issues have come up.

Try a bunch. As many as you can. And don't settle for a shortened guide rod.

More than anything your budget will dictate what you end up getting.

Originally posted by FrenchOsage
None.
It's cool to shoot and more cool historically...but there are better pistols on the market.

You're crazy! There is nothing better on the market. I've owned and shot just about everything, and depending on your personal circumstance, there may be more convenient guns. I carry a .380 for convenience, but it isn't a better gun, it is just more convenient. Some people like Glocks, but I've never shot one that I cared for at all. Some people like gadgets, and gadgets are fun, but they don't make the gun better.

Nope. Hands down, without a doubt, the 1911 is the best shooting, most accurate, most reliable 45 caliber on the market.

Originally posted by EyesWideShut
THIS

Originally posted by rbnhd76
Get a Springfield Armory if you're set on a 1911. Anything more than a GI will work.

I'm personally gifting a SA TRP operator to myself for Christmas , I'm currently running a Colt Commander XSE... I picked it up from a friend for $600 earlier in the year, for the price it was a no brainer.

I'm a fan of 1911's but my go to .45 is my Beretta PX4.

There are 4 pistols a man should have in his safe.

Ruger MKIII
Glock 17/19
1911
S&W Model 629

Anything else in uncivilized

I'd say make it a fiver.

the model 19 S&W .357 mag is THE civilized choice.

There are 4 pistols a man should have in his safe.

Ruger MKIII
Glock 17/19
1911
S&W Model 629

Anything else in uncivilized





You can't go wrong with most of the models posted on your thread. I myself would love to get my hands on a ruger SR1911..
As to the S&W 629, fine weapon, but I like the Ruger Redhawk. For the price, just a better deal. To each their own, shop around try someone 1911 and see for yourself which one you would like. I think the Rock Island is a good choice as well.
Good luck and good hunting..

I mean this question is a broad as posting a picture of a red truck and saying what kind should I buy. How much do you wanna spend? Are you using it for home defense, concealed carry, target shooting, or just to have something that goes boom to show your buddies. If you want something small Springfield makes some good compacts and subcompacts. Target gun I'd go with a kimber or Les Baer (just shot one this weekend...nicest gun I've ever shot). If your looking for one for home defense just get whatever you personally like and can afford, although if you have little experience with defensive shooting I wouldnt recommend a handgun, or maybe not even a gun at all.....but in the end its all up to what your looking for.