Best Ss In The Market?

[GmanCdp]

Hmm...no love for the Les Baer(s)?

I have a stock PremierII -- the most basic model -- and in the $1k-1.5k range, I'd put it up against most anything at that price point.

I really do think you need to specify a price range, too. IMO, Kimber's strength and value is more in the lower range. For $700, or so, a plain CustomII, is going to be accurate, and run. Forged frame, made in USA, and the full-sized models shouldn't have problems with the external extractor. Yes, MIM parts, but you can replace them as they break. <grin>

I fall into the group that thinks a Baer is the best deal, dollar-for-dollar, of any 1911 available. Slap on a mag well and you're off to the races. You can spend more, but it's hard to get more. Having a reliable pistol with all tool steel components is very comforting to me.

24,000+ rounds through my PII with next to no cleaning and only one failure not attributable to ammo, shooter or mags (I *do* lube it, though).

My next choice would be a Kimber with the fire control parts swapped for tool steel (get rid of the MIM). Their base gun (frame/slide/barrel) is an excellent value. Get an Extreme Engineering trigger group with Disconnector and don't look back.

I like the workmanship on the Springfields, but I don't like the radius on the frontstrap or the lower-than-optimum grip safety.

+1 to that..imho....just like everything else,you can start at the entry price level of any SS[$600 to$1100.]gun,or you can get one ready to go[$1400. to 1900.],or you can get one with all the tedious labor envolved options/parts throwed in [$2500 to 3500 and up....] if the money is close and you want to get something for your money ,then just save a little more to get what you want...someone like me being LH, i have to have [want to have]an ambi safety...900 gun just turned into a 1100 gun..and then there is the difference of the general population that will buy a new SS,shoot 2 or 3 boxes of ammo,then put it away....either way you look at it, if 2 or more opinions are involved between shooters,it's gonna turn into the chevy/ford thing.....every used gun has a story to tell..so just purchase what will make you happy.....

[Bruce]

Not sure if it is the best, but I have never owned any SS that came close to the accuracy and reliability of John Jardine's Valtro...and I have owned a couple (or multiple dozen) SS pistols.

[BBunin]

I'd have to say that the new STI Spartan pretty much redefines the benchmark for an out of the box quality 1911.

Edited December 29, 2006 by BBunin

[.05]

i like the springers for the money..

[xuxupecheur]

Haven't seen one but I've heard nothing but good things about new Dan Wessons. Good internals, as tight as any semi custom gun at half the price.

Edited January 1, 2007 by xuxupecheur