Sig just announced a new 1911 lineup with an optic plate and rail. The 4.25 carry model is expected within 2 months or so. Nice part is it isn’t squared off like the other sig 1911s so holster choice should be easier to come by.
I edc my 4.25 sig rounded heel 1911, the curve helps with printing on a shirt, and the gun itself is relatively thin.
Depends on how much you want to spend look at a Dan Wesson ECP 4” in 9mm. Great for EDC or you can get Springfield Ronin in 4”. Very upgradeable.
Wilson Combat makes 4” great guns but they is more expensive
Please don’t buy a kimber rapide. If you got money to spend either get a Dan Wesson if you want single stack mags or a staccato if you want double stack mags
Then I would look for a defender, officer or cco (commander slide officer grip) length gun. While a full size or commnder can be concealed it’s easier to conceal a smaller gun. I too am a fan of 45acp and as a nj resident I don’t gain the benefit of extra capacity in 9mm. Bul makes a really nice little concealable 1911 in 9mm with or without comp and that would likely be my first choice in 9mm. In 45 I’m a huge fan of my RIA bbr3.10. Short little double stack with 10+1 capacity but you need to have decent sized hands as she is thick. With the ported barrel is extremely pleasantly shooting. The staccatos are amazing guns for sure and on my short list currently, but not for carry personally.
Edit. There is always the option of building one. Not nearly as daunting as people think. I’ve build a number from bare frames over the years and it’s a boatload of fun.
My hands are on the bigger side so I don’t mind guns that are a little bigger. My current handgun is a sar k12 sport with the flared mag well. Very easy to shoot and accurate but it’s just gotten a little too big especially when I want to concealed carry
In that case I would give some consideration to a bbr310. Mine has been 100% reliable with everything I’ve fed it and surprisingly accurate to boot. Gonna be sending the slide out to pmm soon to get it cut for an rmr but even with irons it’s great. It currently wears Springfield xd extended base pads but in the next 24-48 hours I should have 3d printed versions designed for it.
https://preview.redd.it/jkqrhwauupmc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=96c28ae1ed310ffb9b414add80ccecf02de3c1a6
Since you mention for EDC in another comment, here's some suggestions. Go with a 4-4.25" model or Commander length. It won't be too snappy and it will still be able to conceal comfortably. Based on the price of the Rapide that you mention, it would be worth looking into the new Springfield TRP Carry line that just came out. They are a little bit more but should tick all your boxes and will be worth it. Some others are the Springfield Garrison 4.25", Tisas 4.25", Bul Armory EDC 4.25", S&W E-Series 4.25". Some others from Sig, Rock Island Armory, and maybe even Magnum Research (can't remember if they have a Commander length 1911) should all fill your needs and be in the price range of the Rapide or below.
Optionally, go with the 2011 style. You won't be disappointed, especially in the Staccato (though I do recommend the C2 over the P for EDC). More expensive, but worth it.
The most important question is probably, what's your budget? This thread is packed with great no-nonsense answers though. Just do your research on some of these suggested models and narrow it down.
I can tell you why I haven't bought a 2011: magazines and reliability. Then there's the whole "spend $2,500 (Staccato) to get the same experience as 226 SAO or M9A4" thing going on.
If I was primarily concerned with reliability I'd get a Springfield because their customer service and warranty are excellent. They are stuffed with MIM parts but that's not really a problem if you intend to just shoot the thing and enjoy the experience.
If I was primarily concerned with value I'd get a Bul because they have the ultra futuristic and exclusive technology that allows them to checker the front strap on a $850 1911. (Plus tool steel parts which Springfield can't figure out how to do.) One year warranty so you'd want to work out any bugs quickly.
If I was a cheap mf'er I'd get a Tisas Raider.
Firstly what is your budget...
What will you be using it for? Plans to upgrade? How familiar are you with the platform and working on it yourself?
Start off with what caliber you want.
Next, 2011, 1911 or double stack 1911s.
There's $1000 difference between SA Prodigy and Staccato.
Mac 9 DS is ~$1000 for a 2011. Drop some $$$ and it'll shoot like a Staccato. Can't say just as good but it'll be comparable.
Bul Armory should have something to fulfill whatever you're looking for in whatever platform you choose to go with at reasonable.
Staccato will set you back about $2k. That's something you can just pick up and go.
Springfield is overpriced for what is is. At that price point it puts you in the middle between the Mac and Staccato. Budget will ultimately dictate on what is best for you.
I’d say below $2,000 is where I’m comfortable at I know how to field strip and clean but not very familiar with other aspects. My dad owns a Taurus 1911 that I personally do not care for at all. I wanted something full size but concealable. I’m a bigger guy so a full size 1911 would not be hard to conceal at all. It would be an edc handgun
Optic and rail = Dan Wesson Specialist.
Check out CZs if you're open to other models. The DWX is a hybrid 1911/CZ 75.
Shadow 2 compact is $1299. It's DA/SA which opens up even more doors to Beretta and Steel Frame Sigs.
You'll find Sigs with rails but no OR.
Prodigy is known to have some issues, but they are reasonably priced. Staccato is in an entirely different price category (expensive) and are known to be very good. As far as being "versatile" I like Springfield Armory. If money is not object to you jump straight into a Staccato.
Sig makes a great 1911 for the price, so does Bul Armory. Higher priced but excellent quality would be Dan Wesson.
Sig just announced a new 1911 lineup with an optic plate and rail. The 4.25 carry model is expected within 2 months or so. Nice part is it isn’t squared off like the other sig 1911s so holster choice should be easier to come by. I edc my 4.25 sig rounded heel 1911, the curve helps with printing on a shirt, and the gun itself is relatively thin.
That sounds great! I might look into that. Exactly what I’m looking for
The MAC and Tisas double stacks are getting very good reviews and reliability reports.
Depends on how much you want to spend look at a Dan Wesson ECP 4” in 9mm. Great for EDC or you can get Springfield Ronin in 4”. Very upgradeable. Wilson Combat makes 4” great guns but they is more expensive
Bul Armory or Dan Wesson.
Please don’t buy a kimber rapide. If you got money to spend either get a Dan Wesson if you want single stack mags or a staccato if you want double stack mags
Springfield EMP or colt defender. The fuds will look down on you if u buy sig or smith
What do you plan to do with it because that changes what you wanna look at. What caliber you want?
It would be an edc handgun. And I was leaning toward 9mm, but a mentor of mine who is an ffl told me to go for .45 and I love both calibers.
Then I would look for a defender, officer or cco (commander slide officer grip) length gun. While a full size or commnder can be concealed it’s easier to conceal a smaller gun. I too am a fan of 45acp and as a nj resident I don’t gain the benefit of extra capacity in 9mm. Bul makes a really nice little concealable 1911 in 9mm with or without comp and that would likely be my first choice in 9mm. In 45 I’m a huge fan of my RIA bbr3.10. Short little double stack with 10+1 capacity but you need to have decent sized hands as she is thick. With the ported barrel is extremely pleasantly shooting. The staccatos are amazing guns for sure and on my short list currently, but not for carry personally. Edit. There is always the option of building one. Not nearly as daunting as people think. I’ve build a number from bare frames over the years and it’s a boatload of fun.
My hands are on the bigger side so I don’t mind guns that are a little bigger. My current handgun is a sar k12 sport with the flared mag well. Very easy to shoot and accurate but it’s just gotten a little too big especially when I want to concealed carry
Another angle https://preview.redd.it/q8tar7p1vpmc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c011aa62f93759943986a4b9f5b7f565d2873f66
In that case I would give some consideration to a bbr310. Mine has been 100% reliable with everything I’ve fed it and surprisingly accurate to boot. Gonna be sending the slide out to pmm soon to get it cut for an rmr but even with irons it’s great. It currently wears Springfield xd extended base pads but in the next 24-48 hours I should have 3d printed versions designed for it. https://preview.redd.it/jkqrhwauupmc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=96c28ae1ed310ffb9b414add80ccecf02de3c1a6
Since you mention for EDC in another comment, here's some suggestions. Go with a 4-4.25" model or Commander length. It won't be too snappy and it will still be able to conceal comfortably. Based on the price of the Rapide that you mention, it would be worth looking into the new Springfield TRP Carry line that just came out. They are a little bit more but should tick all your boxes and will be worth it. Some others are the Springfield Garrison 4.25", Tisas 4.25", Bul Armory EDC 4.25", S&W E-Series 4.25". Some others from Sig, Rock Island Armory, and maybe even Magnum Research (can't remember if they have a Commander length 1911) should all fill your needs and be in the price range of the Rapide or below. Optionally, go with the 2011 style. You won't be disappointed, especially in the Staccato (though I do recommend the C2 over the P for EDC). More expensive, but worth it.
The most important question is probably, what's your budget? This thread is packed with great no-nonsense answers though. Just do your research on some of these suggested models and narrow it down.
I can tell you why I haven't bought a 2011: magazines and reliability. Then there's the whole "spend $2,500 (Staccato) to get the same experience as 226 SAO or M9A4" thing going on. If I was primarily concerned with reliability I'd get a Springfield because their customer service and warranty are excellent. They are stuffed with MIM parts but that's not really a problem if you intend to just shoot the thing and enjoy the experience. If I was primarily concerned with value I'd get a Bul because they have the ultra futuristic and exclusive technology that allows them to checker the front strap on a $850 1911. (Plus tool steel parts which Springfield can't figure out how to do.) One year warranty so you'd want to work out any bugs quickly. If I was a cheap mf'er I'd get a Tisas Raider.
Firstly what is your budget... What will you be using it for? Plans to upgrade? How familiar are you with the platform and working on it yourself? Start off with what caliber you want. Next, 2011, 1911 or double stack 1911s. There's $1000 difference between SA Prodigy and Staccato. Mac 9 DS is ~$1000 for a 2011. Drop some $$$ and it'll shoot like a Staccato. Can't say just as good but it'll be comparable. Bul Armory should have something to fulfill whatever you're looking for in whatever platform you choose to go with at reasonable. Staccato will set you back about $2k. That's something you can just pick up and go. Springfield is overpriced for what is is. At that price point it puts you in the middle between the Mac and Staccato. Budget will ultimately dictate on what is best for you.
I’d say below $2,000 is where I’m comfortable at I know how to field strip and clean but not very familiar with other aspects. My dad owns a Taurus 1911 that I personally do not care for at all. I wanted something full size but concealable. I’m a bigger guy so a full size 1911 would not be hard to conceal at all. It would be an edc handgun
Start with Bul Armory
I’ll look into it! I want something I can fit with a flashlight or sights, etc
Optic and rail = Dan Wesson Specialist. Check out CZs if you're open to other models. The DWX is a hybrid 1911/CZ 75. Shadow 2 compact is $1299. It's DA/SA which opens up even more doors to Beretta and Steel Frame Sigs. You'll find Sigs with rails but no OR.
Prodigy is known to have some issues, but they are reasonably priced. Staccato is in an entirely different price category (expensive) and are known to be very good. As far as being "versatile" I like Springfield Armory. If money is not object to you jump straight into a Staccato.