Sprinfield vs. Taurus vs. Charles Daly

jabate01 · May 23, 2008, 07:55 PM

I'm looking at getting my first 1911. I has come down to three models. The Springfield 1911-A1 Mil-Spec, which is pretty basic not to many whistles and bells. The Taurus and the Charles Daly appear to be identical in features (ambi. safety, hammer, trigger, beaver tail, etc.) All the pistols are $525, brand new in box.

My question, which one should I get?

any advise would be helpful.
Alan

publius · May 23, 2008, 08:51 PM

My brother has a Taurus and it is great. Taurus getts slammed a lot on this and other websites, and their quality control may be spotty, I don't know. This is the only experience I've ever had with Taurus. I have heard the Charles Daley's are great, but this is just heresay. You get much more accessories with the above two, but you know the Springfield is a safe bet as far as reliability.

SilentHitz · May 23, 2008, 09:06 PM

Quote:

the Springfield is a safe bet as far as reliability.

True, that's the only one I can vouch for. Haven't owned the other 2 you listed, but I own a race gun built on a springer...very nice shooter.

zoomie · May 23, 2008, 10:48 PM

Springfield.

Moe Howard · May 23, 2008, 11:08 PM

The only one of those three I can speak to is the Mil-Spec. Yes a very basic 1911 but both of the ones I have had were/are flawless in function. I have and will own other brands of 1911 but Springfield is my personal favorite. Keep customer service in mind too. Springfield has great CS though I have never used it, Taurus,,,,,well they will take care of it eventually, and I don't know about Dan Wesson CS.
The Mil-Spec also makes a great project gun since you don't really need to do anything to it to make it function properly.
Here is mine.

michael t · May 23, 2008, 11:09 PM

If you can fine one The new American Classic or New Firestorm ( its not a Llama)
you can get a Loaded one for around 425
Just got one and has a great blue job and ate first 50 rounds of ball with out a hitch .

Playboypenguin · May 23, 2008, 11:11 PM

Definitely the Springfield.

ElectricHellfire · May 23, 2008, 11:23 PM

+1 on the Springfield.

ASERO45ACP · May 24, 2008, 12:08 AM

Go with Springfield Mil Spec, cant go wrong.

Qwiks draw · May 24, 2008, 01:08 AM

tomh1426 · May 24, 2008, 01:23 AM

I had a bad experiance with a Springfield 1911 so it wouldnt be my first pick.
Plus it used to bite me and I had a hard time seeing the sights.
I have had great luck with both RIA and Taurus but I guess I was lucky
My S&W didnt cost much more and Its been a great gun

ASERO45ACP, thats a fancy balisong

Technosavant · May 24, 2008, 08:22 AM

Of them, the Springfield is the best gun. However, it does not have the most features. They can be added (and you can add only what you want) later, but at extra cost.

After that, the Springfield and the CD are probably pretty even. I've been happy with my Taurus (my Springfield Loaded is admittedly better, but the PT1911 shoots quite well), but I'd recommend trying to get a stainless one, since the black finish is not terribly durable.

Officer's Match · May 24, 2008, 09:04 AM

putteral · May 24, 2008, 03:45 PM

I just bought a Charles Daly EFS. I chose it over the Taurus because I own a 24/7 Pro45 and had problems with it out of the box. Their customer service is good if you don't mind waiting 7 weeks( which is how long I did) to get it back. CD pays for the shipping Taurus does not. So far my Efs is great. Their customer service is supposed to be a lot better from what Iv'e read. Also lifetime warranty. Good luck on whatever you choose.

scoutleader · May 24, 2008, 04:08 PM

The Rock Island Armory make a nice 1911. I have 2 of them now. One is the compact and the other is the G.I. model. I paid $350 each for them, you can get them from Sarcom Inc. and have them shipped to your friendly FFL. The only thing I changed right away on the G.I was the sights. I wanted a set of nice sights for range use. I am thinking of getting a new slide for my compact that does not have the sight cut at all, that way it will totally smooth. Before the flames start yes I practice point and shoot(no sights). The one time I did need a gun to defend myself the sights did not come into play.

Playboypenguin · May 24, 2008, 05:40 PM

jpwilly · May 25, 2008, 09:59 AM

Of them I'd pick the Taurus PT1911 or step up and get the SA "Loaded". Unless your want a plain jane. Also for the money the Rock River "Tactical" for $399 (centerfire systems) and a few others is one heck of a buy with great customer service!

I've been completely satisfied with my PT1911. Great Trigger, Forged Frame and Slide no problems with HP ammo. I've shot around 2500rnds in the last 1.5years of ownership mostly my reloads...

IdahoG36 · May 25, 2008, 05:39 PM

Out of the 3 listed, I would definately go with the Springer.

Quote:

Also for the money the Rock River "Tactical" for $399

Rock Island. Rock River 1911s generally start at $1600 and go up from there.

David the Gnome · May 25, 2008, 06:24 PM

I'd suggest a Rock Island as a good starter 1911 but the Springfield is also an excellent, albeit more expensive, choice.

This is mine which I just purchased as a project gun:

I already have lots of goodies on order for it. I can't wait to get started.

WESHOOT2 · May 26, 2008, 10:07 AM

NOT equal in metallurgy, parts, performance, nor service.

When I searched for affordable 1911 pistols that I knew I would be unable to leave unmodified I picked Caspian frame and slides, and (now three) Springfield Armory pistols.

I am not a Springfield Armory "koolaid drinker"; I am simply someone in search of the best possible value for my oh-so-hard-earned dollars. Brand-name loyalty, for me, does not exist (except for Caspian, natch). Function and value are all I consider.
You?

dave421 · May 26, 2008, 11:06 AM

WESHOOT2, You're definitely correct on the "service" issue. While I've heard many great things about Springfield's service, the talk of RIA's service has absolutely blown me away. The few people that have problems seem to get their guns back within 2 weeks. Working. Unfortunately, Springfield isn't that quick (can't really expect them to be with their size & custom work).

As for the choices, I would go with the RIA. I'm actually planning on buying 2 RIAs. One for a car-gun & one for a plinker. My daily carry is a Kimber so I don't need another "nice" 1911. I'm going to buy the next one cheap and modify it to my wants/needs. I've had the Taurus and won't buy another one. While it was reliable, it wasn't accurate and felt cheap. It was an early model and supposedly the new ones are pretty accurate but I handled one the other day and it still felt cheap for some reason. That combined with Taurus' horrible reputation for service is going to keep me far away.

Oh, as for the Charles Daly, from what I understand they are currently manufactured by Armscor who is the manufacturer of RIA. Reportedly, they won't be around much longer but they are supposedly as reliable as the RIAs.

IM_Lugger · May 26, 2008, 01:54 PM

+1 for PT1911...I have one and it's a good gun. Forged slide frame and barrel. No brake in period what even they call it

BTW Pt1911 is now approved by Clark for the .460 Rowland conversion, while IIRC they specifically say not to use Charles Daly 1911! That's got to tell you something!!

Fyi Springfield is also made made in Brazil...so the question is do you want a bare bone or a loaded 1911

Charles Daly · May 28, 2008, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave421

...Oh, as for the Charles Daly, from what I understand they are currently manufactured by Armscor who is the manufacturer of RIA. Reportedly, they won't be around much longer but they are supposedly as reliable as the RIAs.

Charles Daly pistols are not going to be made by Armscor any longer but they will be around, and better than ever. We have moved the production to another country, not stopped it and will be launching our new line this October.

And I have to laugh at the "reliable as RIA" statement. Internally, the RIA, Charles Daly and the HI-Standard are the same pistol. Anybody that tells you the RIA is more reliable than the Armscor manufactured Daly does not know what they are talking about.

sawrecker · May 28, 2008, 06:44 PM

great news sir , thank you for replying in this wonderful forum we have here.
Please keep us posted.
OH yeah
Welcome aboard!

Avenger11 · May 28, 2008, 08:35 PM

Quicks Draw,
Do you really think anyones going to read all that junk?

May 23, 2008, 07:55 PM	#1
jabate01 Junior Member Join Date: May 11, 2008 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 4	Sprinfield vs. Taurus vs. Charles Daly I'm looking at getting my first 1911. I has come down to three models. The Springfield 1911-A1 Mil-Spec, which is pretty basic not to many whistles and bells. The Taurus and the Charles Daly appear to be identical in features (ambi. safety, hammer, trigger, beaver tail, etc.) All the pistols are $525, brand new in box. My question, which one should I get? any advise would be helpful. Alan

May 23, 2008, 11:09 PM	#6
michael t Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: Out back Ky Posts: 4,044	If you can fine one The new American Classic or New Firestorm ( its not a Llama) you can get a Loaded one for around 425 Just got one and has a great blue job and ate first 50 rounds of ball with out a hitch . __________________ Certified Armed Infidel Colt Defender ,Colt Mustang ,Dan Wesson CBOB, PPK/S, American Classic 1911,Bersa Thunder 380 http://bersachat.comHome of Bersa http://www.metroarms1911forum.com

May 23, 2008, 11:23 PM	#8
ElectricHellfire Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: The Woodlands, Texas Posts: 2,271	+1 on the Springfield. __________________ *Texas, the only State to Have Ever Kicked Another Country's Butt*

May 24, 2008, 09:04 AM	#13
Officer's Match Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2007 Location: LANCASTER,OHIO Posts: 3,944	__________________ REAL EYES REALIZE REAL LIES

May 24, 2008, 05:40 PM	#16
Playboypenguin Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Great Pacific Northwest Posts: 11,515	It doesn't get any prettier than this...

May 23, 2008, 08:51 PM	#2
publius Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2005 Location: Mississippi/Texas Posts: 2,505	My brother has a Taurus and it is great. Taurus getts slammed a lot on this and other websites, and their quality control may be spotty, I don't know. This is the only experience I've ever had with Taurus. I have heard the Charles Daley's are great, but this is just heresay. You get much more accessories with the above two, but you know the Springfield is a safe bet as far as reliability.

May 23, 2008, 10:48 PM	#4
zoomie Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2006 Location: GA Posts: 1,862	Springfield.

May 23, 2008, 11:08 PM	#5
Moe Howard Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2008 Location: North Texas Posts: 690	The only one of those three I can speak to is the Mil-Spec. Yes a very basic 1911 but both of the ones I have had were/are flawless in function. I have and will own other brands of 1911 but Springfield is my personal favorite. Keep customer service in mind too. Springfield has great CS though I have never used it, Taurus,,,,,well they will take care of it eventually, and I don't know about Dan Wesson CS. The Mil-Spec also makes a great project gun since you don't really need to do anything to it to make it function properly. Here is mine.

May 23, 2008, 11:11 PM	#7
Playboypenguin Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Great Pacific Northwest Posts: 11,515	Definitely the Springfield.

May 24, 2008, 12:08 AM	#9
ASERO45ACP Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2008 Posts: 107	Go with Springfield Mil Spec, cant go wrong.

May 24, 2008, 01:08 AM	#10
Qwiks draw Junior member Join Date: August 14, 2006 Posts: 879	Taurus PT1911 you say. http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/in...p?topic=6613.0 http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/in...p?topic=6415.0 http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/in...p?topic=2155.0 http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/in...p?topic=6844.0 http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/in...p?topic=6708.0 http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/in...p?topic=6558.0 http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/in...p?topic=6695.0 http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/in...p?topic=6469.0 Taurus PT1911 you say? The above just happens to be about that subject. TaurusPT1911,eh? http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/in...p?topic=2155.0 http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/in...p?topic=2388.0 http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/in...p?topic=2969.0 http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/in...p?topic=3703.0 http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/in...p?topic=3697.0 http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/in...p?topic=3416.0 http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/in...p?topic=3340.0 http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/in...p?topic=3442.0 There's also www.taurusarmed.net that has a PT1911 board as well as a FAQ and sticky threads about the PT1911. Might prove useful to browse there. Ask questions or do a search or read the old and new threads at the PT1911 board. There's also Taurus Talk at MSN as a source of info ,too. Wanting specific answers about specific guns. Then a trip to the specific gun forums may be in order. __________________

May 24, 2008, 01:23 AM	#11
tomh1426 Senior Member Join Date: September 17, 2005 Location: Youngtown Arizona Posts: 1,135	I had a bad experiance with a Springfield 1911 so it wouldnt be my first pick. Plus it used to bite me and I had a hard time seeing the sights. I have had great luck with both RIA and Taurus but I guess I was lucky My S&W didnt cost much more and Its been a great gun ASERO45ACP, thats a fancy balisong

May 24, 2008, 08:22 AM	#12
Technosavant Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO area Posts: 4,040	Of them, the Springfield is the best gun. However, it does not have the most features. They can be added (and you can add only what you want) later, but at extra cost. After that, the Springfield and the CD are probably pretty even. I've been happy with my Taurus (my Springfield Loaded is admittedly better, but the PT1911 shoots quite well), but I'd recommend trying to get a stainless one, since the black finish is not terribly durable.

May 24, 2008, 03:45 PM	#14
putteral Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2008 Location: Homosassa,Florida Posts: 206	I just bought a Charles Daly EFS. I chose it over the Taurus because I own a 24/7 Pro45 and had problems with it out of the box. Their customer service is good if you don't mind waiting 7 weeks( which is how long I did) to get it back. CD pays for the shipping Taurus does not. So far my Efs is great. Their customer service is supposed to be a lot better from what Iv'e read. Also lifetime warranty. Good luck on whatever you choose.

May 24, 2008, 04:08 PM	#15
scoutleader Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2007 Location: WestTN Posts: 121	The Rock Island Armory make a nice 1911. I have 2 of them now. One is the compact and the other is the G.I. model. I paid $350 each for them, you can get them from Sarcom Inc. and have them shipped to your friendly FFL. The only thing I changed right away on the G.I was the sights. I wanted a set of nice sights for range use. I am thinking of getting a new slide for my compact that does not have the sight cut at all, that way it will totally smooth. Before the flames start yes I practice point and shoot(no sights). The one time I did need a gun to defend myself the sights did not come into play.

May 25, 2008, 09:59 AM	#17
jpwilly Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2007 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 539	Taurus PT1911! Of them I'd pick the Taurus PT1911 or step up and get the SA "Loaded". Unless your want a plain jane. Also for the money the Rock River "Tactical" for $399 (centerfire systems) and a few others is one heck of a buy with great customer service! I've been completely satisfied with my PT1911. Great Trigger, Forged Frame and Slide no problems with HP ammo. I've shot around 2500rnds in the last 1.5years of ownership mostly my reloads... __________________ "Rats & roaches live by competition under the laws of supply and demand; it is the privilege of human beings to live under the laws of justice & mercy." - Wendell Berry

May 25, 2008, 06:24 PM	#19
David the Gnome Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2007 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 3,092	I'd suggest a Rock Island as a good starter 1911 but the Springfield is also an excellent, albeit more expensive, choice. This is mine which I just purchased as a project gun: I already have lots of goodies on order for it. I can't wait to get started. __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum.

May 26, 2008, 10:07 AM	#20
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	equal in price and designation only NOT equal in metallurgy, parts, performance, nor service. When I searched for affordable 1911 pistols that I knew I would be unable to leave unmodified I picked Caspian frame and slides, and (now three) Springfield Armory pistols. I am not a Springfield Armory "koolaid drinker"; I am simply someone in search of the best possible value for my oh-so-hard-earned dollars. Brand-name loyalty, for me, does not exist (except for Caspian, natch). Function and value are all I consider. You? __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

May 26, 2008, 11:06 AM	#21
dave421 Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2006 Posts: 510	WESHOOT2, You're definitely correct on the "service" issue. While I've heard many great things about Springfield's service, the talk of RIA's service has absolutely blown me away. The few people that have problems seem to get their guns back within 2 weeks. Working. Unfortunately, Springfield isn't that quick (can't really expect them to be with their size & custom work). As for the choices, I would go with the RIA. I'm actually planning on buying 2 RIAs. One for a car-gun & one for a plinker. My daily carry is a Kimber so I don't need another "nice" 1911. I'm going to buy the next one cheap and modify it to my wants/needs. I've had the Taurus and won't buy another one. While it was reliable, it wasn't accurate and felt cheap. It was an early model and supposedly the new ones are pretty accurate but I handled one the other day and it still felt cheap for some reason. That combined with Taurus' horrible reputation for service is going to keep me far away. Oh, as for the Charles Daly, from what I understand they are currently manufactured by Armscor who is the manufacturer of RIA. Reportedly, they won't be around much longer but they are supposedly as reliable as the RIAs.

May 26, 2008, 01:54 PM	#22
IM_Lugger Senior Member Join Date: June 27, 2004 Posts: 2,011	Taurus +1 for PT1911...I have one and it's a good gun. Forged slide frame and barrel. No brake in period what even they call it BTW Pt1911 is now approved by Clark for the .460 Rowland conversion, while IIRC they specifically say not to use Charles Daly 1911! That's got to tell you something!! Fyi Springfield is also made made in Brazil...so the question is do you want a bare bone or a loaded 1911 __________________ "I feel the Beretta is a great character, it's so strong and elegant. The other guns look dumb to me." - John Woo

May 28, 2008, 06:44 PM	#24
sawrecker Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2008 Posts: 192	great news sir , thank you for replying in this wonderful forum we have here. Please keep us posted. OH yeah Welcome aboard! __________________ I read about some squirrely guy, Who claims, he just don't believe in fightin'. An' I wonder just how long, The rest of us can count on bein' free."Merle Hagard"

May 28, 2008, 08:35 PM	#25
Avenger11 Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2007 Posts: 311	Quicks Draw, Do you really think anyones going to read all that junk?

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