Talk me into the Taurus 1911

3299 Views 28 Replies 17 Participants Last post by Brian845, Apr 16, 2018

TAK65

Discussion Starter · Feb 21, 2018

Went to a gunshop and found a Taurus 1911 in the used section. The price was $569.00. It was sitting beside a used Kimber 1911 for the same price. I did not ask to see either one as some large person was laying across the glass display bsing with the sales person. I'm thinking of going back within the next couple days. All things being equal which would you all choose. I did consider both, but I'm really entertaining the thought of an AR of some type.

I already have a PT 111 G2, 709 and a 738.

Just looking for something larger.

I do carry everything I own with the exception of my Super Blackhawk 44.

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CitizenX

· #2 · Feb 21, 2018

I love my PT1911 but you can get a brand new one for cheaper than that. Just on the surface, it seems like a better deal for the Kimber...

Brand new PT1911s can be found in the $500 range for certain - so based on that deal I'd buy a new one.

That said - if you don't have an AR - I might go that route too. S&W Sport II...awesome rifle from an awesome company ready to go out of the box with a lifetime warranty for about $500...whats not to like????

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TAK65

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 21, 2018

That's kinda what I was thinking about the price.

My rifle right now is a K31 7.5x55.

If I plan it right I can swing both the rifle and full size 1911.

Yes I know there are other choices in hand guns. About a year and a half ago I had to sell off all but one of my handguns to help out my youngest. So I'm rebuilding. Slowly.

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silverstring

· #4 · Feb 21, 2018

That price is a little high for a used PT1911. They are pretty good 1911's overall. The Kimber at that price may be a good deal, depending on condition.

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GoCart

· #5 · Feb 21, 2018

I have to agree that the Kimber is a "better deal" in that they normally command a higher price through brand recognition. However, always evaluate the gun not the brand. It could be that the Taurus firearm runs as smooth as silk and the Kimber was returned for multiple failures. You might be able to tell some of this if you cycle the actions some and dry fire both examples, but it's also just as likely that problems wouldn't present themselves until you're on the range, if there are any. What's most likely is that the guy behind the counter is lazy and priced them at the same price point because they know both will move eventually.

As far as warranty is concerned, Taurus has a confusing way of say that they have a lifetime warranty for the owner, while Kimber expressly states a one year warranty. In practice, both will generally offer warranty repair work for free to you if there is a significant issue with the pistol with no obvious user modification.

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jonrjen

· #6 · Feb 21, 2018 (Edited)

New Taurus PT-1911 are not as plentiful around the $500 price as they were a few months ago. Taurus prices on some models seem to be a lot like the roads going thru the Rocky Mountains, a lot of ups and downs.

I think that the price up tick has to do with Taurus introducing the new Officer and Commander size 1911 this year. In turn it has brought more attention to the full size 1911.

But fear not, the prices will I'm sure lower at some point this coming year back into the $425 to $500 price arena. Keep in mind that many times when you see the price drop into the $400 to $435 range the pistol will only include 1 magazine.

I did come across a used pre-owned Taurus 1911 AL which is a discontinued model. The AL version has an alloy frame which helps lower the weight of the 1911 by a fairly noticeable amount. The AL is also a two tone pistol of grey and black. It was priced around $479.

ON EDIT:

I sent the auction seller a note asking if he knew that the pistol he had listed was the "AL" model, explained the differences and value of this against the price of a like standard Taurus PT1911.

The seller updated the auction with this information and also raised the beginning bid as well as the Buy it Now price.

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Valjean

· #7 · Feb 21, 2018

My local Academy Sports has the PT1911 for $499. I've thought about getting it...

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olfarhors

· #8 · Feb 21, 2018

TAK65 said:
Went to a gunshop and found a Taurus 1911 in the used section. The price was $569.00. It was sitting beside a used Kimber 1911 for the same price. I did not ask to see either one as some large person was laying across the glass display bsing with the sales person. I'm thinking of going back within the next couple days. All things being equal which would you all choose. I did consider both, but I'm really entertaining the thought of an AR of some type.

I already have a PT 111 G2, 709 and a 738.

Just looking for something larger.

I do carry everything I own with the exception of my Super Blackhawk 44.

Assuming that both weapons are in fairly good shape and operation , its a No brainer as far as I am concerned!
The Kimber!
several reasons for my statement!
1) warranty repair should you need it.
2) part availability should you need it.
3) resale or trade value is light years ahead with the Kimber.
Honestly for the two weapons to be priced the same for in my area then someone is just lost their mind to be honest.
you should be able to buy a new PT1911 for less money than they are asking for the used one.
around here you very/very seldom see a used Taurus as most gun shops will not buy nor trade for one, apparently your area is different.

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ICUKev

· #9 · Feb 21, 2018

Since you're wanting an ar and pistol. You could probably talk them down on the pistol? If nothing else, a new one being cheaper. Maybe say "How can you sell a piece of junk Taurus for the same price as a Kimber?" Tell him you'll take the Taurus for $250 or $300 at most but don't laugh or he'll be on to you!

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darbo

· #10 · Feb 22, 2018 (Edited)

Look for a good price on a new PT1911, as noted above. Then look for a good price on a S&W M&P AR15 Sport II or the maybe the Ruger budget AR. Then buy lots of mags and ammo for both.

PS: I have 2 PT1911s and they are great pistols!

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TAK65

Discussion Starter · #11 · Feb 22, 2018

I was kind of leaning towards the Kimber. But I'll tell you folks I purchased my 111and 709 used for $125 a piece and am very impressed.

I really don't buy my firearms for the name. If I look at it, it feels good and is the right price I buy it.

I went to my local shop today and they have Del Mar ARs for $ 399 new. I know this wasn't the original question but any imput on these?

Thanks for all the imput so far. It's nice to come to a forum and not be treated like you don't know anything by the other members.

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Czechbikr

· #12 · Feb 22, 2018

I love my PT 1911, but given that choice I'd be all over the Kimber if it's in good shape.

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texastaurusguy

· #13 · Feb 22, 2018

Czechbikr said:
I love my PT 1911, but given that choice I'd be all over the Kimber if it's in good shape.

Agreed......if that Kimber was in good shape, I'd have put money down on it before I left the store.

Czechbikr

· #14 · Feb 22, 2018

texastaurusguy said:
Agreed......if that Kimber was in good shape, I'd have put money down on it before I left the store.

Me too...even if I had to use a cattle prod to move the lump off the counter.

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jonrjen

· #15 · Feb 22, 2018

I did notice that Kentucky Gun had new Taurus PT-1911 non rail pistols at $459.

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SCHIZOID

· #16 · Feb 22, 2018

Problem with PT1911's or any Taurus for that matter is, the little issues that are missed at the factory & end up in our possession. Screws missing, loose sights, etc. Then when you call CS, they give you a sob story about the part not being in stock or some other dumb excuse.
Bought 2 brand new Taurus pistols within a week of each other, & both are defective from the factory. In good conscience, how can I be expected to suggest to my friends that these guns are a good value & are reliable? What good is stating you have an outstanding warranty when you can't even send me a grip bushing & a spring? How can a manufacturer run out of parts that are basic to the production of said firearm?

I have had Taurus handguns for nearly 15 years. I have 5 right now in my safe. But it is to the point where I would just as soon sell them, pool the money & buy something that I know will satisfy me.

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coopercdrkey

· #17 · Feb 22, 2018

I'm proud to say that each of the Taurus handguns I own, and there are several, were produced / sold in the years of Mark Kresser. I'm not saying that one person was responsible for the comportment of an entire multi-national manufacturer, but the spirit and work ethic of Taurus USA certainly seems to have degenerated since his departure.

See if you can determine the vintage of that PT1911. IMO, the older, the better. If it is of recent importation and sale, be very cautious. (Especially since it is on the resale market.)

On the other hand, if that Kimber is priced the same as the Taurus, there should be another huge red flag waving o'er the sales counter. Kimber's are not without their problems. Visit the Kimber owners' forum if you doubt that. True, a good used Kimber trumps a good Used Taurus.

Maybe neither are worth the gamble and you should proceed with the investigation of that AR...

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GoCart

· #18 · Feb 22, 2018

TAK65 said:
I went to my local shop today and they have Del Mar ARs for $ 399 new. I know this wasn't the original question but any imput on these?

Not familiar with Del Mar specifically, but for ARs in general, I usually encourage people to look at their purpose for owning one. If it's a self defense rifle that's not going to see much use otherwise, then cheapest can be fine as they should all be accurate enough at house distances and usually mechanically reliable. Keep in mind that ARs aren't designed to "shoot the tick off a deer at a 100 yards." Sure you can buy the best of the best and get a very accurate range shooter, but if that's your main goal, it might be best just to look at other firearms.

Other things to consider, is it going to be a range toy with thousands of rounds through it? Look at the barrel linings. Are you going to toy around with firing a lot of 5.56mm or Wylde rounds? Pay attention to the chambering.

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Czechbikr

· #19 · Feb 22, 2018

TAK65 said:
I was kind of leaning towards the Kimber. But I'll tell you folks I purchased my 111and 709 used for $125 a piece and am very impressed.

I really don't buy my firearms for the name. If I look at it, it feels good and is the right price I buy it.

I went to my local shop today and they have Del Mar ARs for $ 399 new. I know this wasn't the original question but any imput on these?

Thanks for all the imput so far. It's nice to come to a forum and not be treated like you don't know anything by the other members.

You probably mean Del-Ton which was one of the early AR on-line sellers of components...then shortly after into complete uppers/lowers/rifles. There are many AR's now in the sub 400.00 prices range, but price pressure upward is almost assuredly going to rise...dramatically if history is any indicator.

Buy it if you go the range a lot and like rifles or if you think you might get into three gun competition. Hunting? There are better choices I am told...I am not much of a hunter. They are a lot of fun to shoot, but price per round averages between .25 and .45...which is cheaper than other rifle rounds you can get, excepting .22 LR. Even at a relatively low cost per round, they do go fast! Take thirty round mags to the range and go through 6-10 of them and it gets pricey.

The last reason to buy one is that you may not be able to if the gun grabbers get their way.

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GoCart

· #20 · Feb 22, 2018

Czechbikr said:
Buy it if you go the range a lot and like rifles or if you think you might get into three gun competition. Hunting? There are better choices I am told...I am not much of a hunter. They are a lot of fun to shoot, but price per round averages between .25 and .45...which is cheaper than other rifle rounds you can get, excepting .22 LR. Even at a relatively low cost per round, they do go fast! Take thirty round mags to the range and go through 6-10 of them and it gets pricey.

As far as the hunting consideration goes, it depends on what you're going for. As a varmit rifle, it's fine--although, the aficionados will direct you to a purpose built round. For wild boars or hogs, I'd say it's actually pretty good. When you get into deer or large game, I favor the larger rounds. Supposedly, the 5.56 round was designed to wound rather than kill outright for the military. While it will certainly work for deer hunting (it's possible to kill a deer with a .22LR even), I'd say there are certainly better options out there.

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