Originally Posted by
skidmark
I just saw in GUNS Magazine this month that Remington, after 80 something years is going to manufacture the 1911 again. Right here in America for $599. That might be one I can afford instead of a Taurus 1911. Anyone know if the Smith 1911 is any good? I would rather buy American 1911, and Springfield makes theirs in europe now.
I just read an article on that also - I'm anxious to see one in person. Springfield actually makes theirs in Brazil - made by Imbel which make no mistake makes quality stuff and Springfield Armory has made quite a reputation for themselves with their Brazil made 1911's and their customer support is reputed to be outstanding. AFAIK all frames are forged in brazil but some are finished in the US and have over 50 percent of the work done here so they will not have "Brazil - Imbel" stamped on the outside but only Springfield Armory Geneseo,IL on them. I've been impressed with some of the springfield 1911's but really want to buy a Colt and an American made gun - not necessarily because I think its going to be higher quality - but because the 1911 is an american icon and I'd rather support the american worker. A Springfield 1911 may be in my future but I'm confident my first will be a Colt - VERY slight possibility a Remington or Kimber but likely a Colt since thats what I have my heart set on, its the company that started it all - and hey - the Rampant Pony is just that cool.
As for the Smith and Wesson 1911's - I've heard mostly good things about them, but I don't like the asthetics of the external extractor - its not how Mr. Browning initially designed it and for some reason I can't depart from the traditional look and function enough to spring for a S&W 1911. There are other American made options too - such as Kimber, or heck if money is no object go for a Wilson Combat, Dan Wesson, Les Bauer etc. which are pretty much the holy grail of custom 1911s.
(note: my first handgun purchase was a German HK USPc, and I own a Honda, so I don't claim to be holy about buying american, but hey - we should make the effort once in a while and my 12 year old F-150 has never let me down, my next vehicle will likey be a Ford Escape rather than a CRV but I digress) My feeling is that 1911's ought to be made in a America like football should be played on sunday and monday night - but there are other good ones out there. Shop around, be patient and buy the one that "speaks" to you. Hapy hunting and good luck to us both!
