If you are going to shoot at distances greater than the seemingly typical 7-10 yard range, a gun with an accuracy reputation, if not guarantee, is a good idea.
At fifty yards, I can't shoot any of my factory-barreled guns better than about eight inches for a ten-shot group, but the gun with a hand-fitted barrel will shoot into 3-4 inches; the latter is much more satisfying and confidence inspiring.

 

I agree with Rick, going past 25 yards with most handguns requires a good gun and plenty of practice. You might look at one of the longslide options out there also. A lot of outfits make them particularly for what you look to do. I bought an Ed Brown LS-10 a couple of years ago and I am still getting used to it and the RDS. It is a good set up and I have gotten fairly good out to about fifty yards with it,

but it took me a while. The LS-10 has been discontinued but there are others out there. You may want to look at a red dot sight setup as well

 

Here is a Rock Island I recently bought for similar purposes. I didn’t want an exquisite pistol, but a working pistol.
So far so good. Accurate and reliable!

 

That is a nice target! At what range did you accomplish that group?

 

Welcome! 1911s weren't designed for 10mm. I'd shop for a pistol that was designed for the cartridge vs. re-engineered around it.

As always, YMMV

 

I know with some early models, i.e. the Delta Elite had issues with frame cracking, but my understanding is they were later remedied. Is durability still an issue on the modern models?

 

In the 1980's I owned several Colt 1911's. In the early 2000's I switched to Kimbers. Around 2015 I switched to my Night Hawk Custom 10mm and my several Dan Wesson 10mm's. I started with a DW Silverback 10mm. Only thing I didn't like was that it didn't have a light rail. Next one I made a special order directly to the factory for a DW Specialist Commander stainless steel 10mm. I recently just purchased a DW Specialist stainless steel 10mm. All of my 10mm 1911's are great guns. They've been super reliable, super accurate, and easy to shoot with full power 10mm ammunition from Underwood Ammo. Regular, off the shelf 10mm factory ammo sold at gun stores are low power more equivalent to .40 S&W ammo.

I like my NHC 10mm, but, DW 1911's are almost as good at half the price. Mind you I don't care about prices on quality guns until you get into the $4,000 range. That's why I only have one NHC. I really like the price/quality that you get with a DW 1911. They're fantastic 1911's. Certainly superior to Colt, RIA, Springfield Armory, Ruger, S&W, and Sig.

I highly recommend the DW stainless steel Specialist. It's a really good 10mm, reliable, and accurate 1911. I like mine.

My 10mm DW Silverback

My 10mm NHC and 10mm DW specialist Commander. Who says 1911's aren't good in 10mm? I'd love to get a Bren Ten 10mm, but, my 10mm 1911's are perfectly fine guns that I EDC all the time. I also qualify with any of them for my annual LEOSA firearms qualification course.

 

my 10mm 1911's are perfectly fine guns that I EDC all the time.

What carry ammo do you prefer?

 

Guns that I am not interested in:
Colt Delta Elite

If I were in your position, I would certainly go for the Delta. The main reason being the gun doesn't have a ramped barrel. Having a standard barrel allows you to shoot a wider variety of ammo with greater reliability, especially wide meplat hard cast hunting loads, such as Double Tap. You also have a great base pistol for custom work.

Note that the ramped barrel became popular because reloaders were seeing brass ruptures due to many times reloaded brass. Ramped barrels are not necessary if you use quality ammo.

 

A ramped-barrel 1911 in 10mm is always the best choice.

The Delta is cool because of it's slide rollmark, nothing more.

 

I was an FFL Colt came out with their Delta Elite in 10mm. Of course, as it was new I had to have one. I think that was in 1984?

I shot about 500 rounds out of it and while cleaning and lubing it I found a crack in the frame rail at the slide stop take down hole. I sent it back to Colt and they replaced the pistol with a new gun. Again, I shot it about 500ish rounds and the frame rail cracked in the same location!?!?!?! So I sent it back again. Colt's fix was to mill out the rail in that area.

I shot the 'repaired' pistol for a few thousand rounds after that and it worked well.

My understanding is that the Delta Elites came from the factory with the rail milled out at that area. I'm sure that other's had that issue with the early Delta Elite, too.

 

Interesting; you're the first person I've ever seen/heard relating a story of a cracked Delta Elite!
It's always, "I heard", or "they say", and it happened to you twice!
The Delta was introduced in 1987, and I would have been willing to bet no pistols were released to the public prior to cutting the frame rail to prevent cracking.

 

Myself and my friend both bought brand new Delta Elites about 1988. I don't recall any cut outs of the frame to prevent cracking at that time and our two Delta Elites did not have the cutouts. However, both guns were lemons right out of the box. The thumb safety was jammed and would not move. I tried to push the thumb safety on mine so hard that I broke the plunger tube right off of the side of the frame. My friend saw what happened to me and he stopped trying to engage his thumb safety. We both went right back to the gun shop and got refunds for both of them and never looked back. I remember reading about the cracked frames and the fix by making cutouts in the frame, later.

 

Welcome! I can’t speak on a 1911 in 10mm, but I do know the Sig P220 Legion in 10mm is awesome. Its very easy to control and handle. Good luck on whatever you choose.

 

Yes. Probably the best platform for the 10mm.

Except, maybe, for the old SW 10xx series.

SW, are you listening?

 

I bought a Kimber Eclipse II in 10mm shortly after they came out with the Eclipses. I have changed the sights on mine, and added a Wilson round butt mag well, and other than that it has been reliable and sufficiently accurate out to 60 yards with my full-house reloads (180 gr. JHP's at muzzle velocity of 1310 fps). It is still pristine, and I use it for east Texas whitetails where distances are limited to about 60 yards or less. No cracks in the frame or slide, and no broken parts (yet). It has about 2k rounds on it of hunting ammo, and about 2k of factory ammo (mostly PPU).

 

I have a few 10mms a DW Razorback, Para USA/Remington double stack, Rock Island 1911-A2 double stack, a single stack on an 80% frame and a few Smith and Wesson 610s.

 

Hey everyone, new to the forum.

I don't currently own a 1911 or a 10mm but want both, so I figure why not kill two birds with one stone?

I am looking for some suggestions on a good 10mm 1911. The main purposes would be for target shooting at 25+ yards, and for hunting white tail deer within reasonable distances. I would prefer to get something nicer and shell out a few extra dead presidents in order to get something with a little more "ooh/ahh" factor.

There aren't a ton of options out there, so the ones I am currently considering:
Dan Wesson Razorback - seems like you can't really go wrong with this one
Les Baer Premier II 5" - I love the idea of the 1.5'' guarantee, but not sure if it's worth the price point or if I would see this benefit in my use
Sig Sauer P220 SAO 10mm - not technically a 1911, I know, but I figure it's similar enough, and I've heard great reviews.

Guns I haven't necessarily ruled out, but just haven't really spoken to me:
Springfield Ronin
Rock Island Armory (although I've heard they punch above their price point)

Guns that I am not interested in:
Colt Delta Elite
Ruger SR1911

I appreciate your input! Especially if you have had first hand experience with any of these models, or another one I should consider.

Can't go wrong with the DW, agreed. Nor with the SIG.
My RIAs do punch above their weight. My only complaint about them is their finish seems more wear prone than others.
I'm quite happy with my Tisas D10, reliable and accurate from first shot. My only critique would be with the sights. Black blade front hard to pick up, and adjustable target style rear uncomfortable for carry.
If you want a nice ported longslide at a very reasonable pricepoint check out the Iver Johnson Eagle XL.
Try to rent, borrow, or at least handle anything you're really interested in.

 

OK, so we're 17 posts into a "what 1911 should I buy thread" and only one person has mentioned Tisas yet. I am so disappointed in my Tisas brethren.

Tisas makes a very nice 1911 in 10 mm. It has adjustable sights and is inexpensive enough that milling the slide for a RDS will still keep you several hundred (if not thousand) dollars below the price of a DW or similar.

I have a double stack RIA in 10 mm. It's nice, albeit a bit big for my hands. I shoot my 10 mm Girsan Hunter (long slide) much better. If you're just dipping a toe into the 10 mm waters, why not start with a well made 1911 clone?

 

Like my RIA but Love the DW Razorback. DW is Heavy and will look for a shoulder holster for it soon if decide to CCW. Just a thought for the OP, look around for “ used” DW’s just check them real good before laying down the $$$. My RIA took me over a week to get extractor right, waiting for parts is rough lol.
Good luck

 

Welcome!
If you're mostly going to use your 10mm 1911 for hunting, I would recommend an Iver Johnson Eagle XLC, or perhaps a Kimber Super Jagare.

I own a RIA Tac Ultra 10mm with a 5.5" threaded barrel, making it just legal barrel length in my state for handgun hunting for whitetail. Having a double stack makes it a great tactical pistol, but still usable for hunting.

Also, Federal makes their Fusion SP rounds in 10mm a perfect deer slayer. I wouldn't bother with extreme penetrators or hard casts, unless you're hunting bear, or your deer is wearing body armor.

Good luck deciding on your first 10mm 1911. You're choosing an outstanding powerhouse of an autoloading rimless cartridge, in a bulletproof pistol platform 👍

 

I own only one 10mm at this point - a Kimber LS Target. No problems after 1K rounds thus far. Accuracy is fair. A couple of my favorite 200 grain handloads are staying around 2" at 25 yards and inside 4" at 50 yards.

However, in all honesty one of my next two 1911 purchases will be a 6" Les Baer PII in 10mm with the 1.5" guarantee. I love accurate handguns.

 

If you have a natural born talent of rationalizing the purchase of things you really can't afford and you have honed that talent to a razor's edge through previous ridiculously expensive 1911's you might be ready for a nice Nighthawk Govt sized 1911. I have followed this path and never looked back. And take comfort that with enough debt your bills will outlive you.

 

The other option is having the ability to afford said quality 1911s, thereby being able to skip the low-end, highly-questionable quality guns and go for high-end quality. Nighthawk fills the bill for me. I am loving my Agent 2.

 

Owna kimber eclipse custom 2 10mm.Its a decked out looking pistol.After 500 rds had to adjust my extractor as it was stove piping.Also added eb mags and checked with each ammo brand for any issues after the tweaking.Magtech is a no go for mine but the pic I will show us my preferred choice and runs flawless.Left off armscor 180 fmj it's fine too.Good luck deciding. It's a great pistol and not crazy expensive imo.

 

Have you had any issues with FTF?

Sometimes my Eclipse Custom II hiccups with store-bought, and hand-rolled ammunition.

I ditched the Kimber magazines, literally threw them away.

Wilson Combat "bubble-heads" seem to work okay, and my one Tripp works flawlessly.

 

I have owned 1911s since 1974 and built a few since in 22, 9mm, 38 Super, 400 Corbon and 10mm. Officers, Commander and Man-Size. I have no use for a 9mm so none now. For targets and extreme accuracy I shoot the 38 Super, mine is home built so not brand recommendation there. The 45s were some Colts, a Norinco, and a Rock Island Arms, which you mentioned. The RIA was cheap and perfect in every way. After a decade I converted it to a 400 Corbon for carry while hunting and in bear country. I only shoot top end loads in it with most factory loads, like Corbon being identical to 10mm, and other close.

So, last year based on a thread here I bought one of the cheap Taylor's 10mm, made by Rock Island. I could not be more pleased. In a little over a year I have ran 7 types of load through it, FMJ 155, XTP 155, 180 grain FMJ factory and reloads, and other brands of factory FMJ flat point, and 180 grain JHP. I did not clean the gun or nothing before the first range trip. I ran flawless and has every time since. I only have one other 1911 that has never failed one time, an original Officer's Model from the first year made, 1984-85, about # 1,000.

The Taylor's shoots under 2 inches at 25 and I think I will be able to confirm 10 round groups at 1 inch before long, steady day and no wind. That is shooting the Aquilla 180 and S and B 180 grain both FMJ and JHP. They all shoot about the same. they are not a top end load but the accuracy of this gun is simply, amazing. Others on here commented a bunch.

(1) TAYLORS & COMPANY 1911 A1 ULTRA 10MM PISTOL 5" $399.99 / Now $419.99 | 1911Forum

I bought the Taylor's not as a carry gun but just as a cheap gun to carry in bear country and for the occasional close shot while deer hunting.

If I were buying the gun to hunt deer I would definitely buy the 6 inch barrel, it is a big deal, espcially if you are using the hunting bullets of 200-220 grains. If you are carrying it for people defense, barrel does not matter, the round is overpowered for any human encounters. My human carry bullets are the 135 grain in both the 10mm and 400 Corbon, pretty easy to get in the 1,400-1,500 fps range, some of the companies like Underwood do even better. As I said, probably a waste of recoil and muzzle blast if carrying for people.

If you insist on a name brand I would go with Kimber, they do well with the 10mm. They have one in the $800 range. You may decide you like other calibers better and not want to spend and extra $1-$4K on a gun that may see limited use.

From Bud's Gun Shop:

And the Taylors at Buds Gun Shop. Prices vary, shop around. They are new, lots of people do not know about them yet.

 

I own 2 and am well pleased with both of them , SA Ronin and MR DE.

 

Hey everyone, new to the forum.

I don't currently own a 1911 or a 10mm but want both, so I figure why not kill two birds with one stone?

I am looking for some suggestions on a good 10mm 1911. The main purposes would be for target shooting at 25+ yards, and for hunting white tail deer within reasonable distances. I would prefer to get something nicer and shell out a few extra dead presidents in order to get something with a little more "ooh/ahh" factor.

Guns I haven't necessarily ruled out, but just haven't really spoken to me:
Springfield Ronin
Rock Island Armory (although I've heard they punch above their price point)

Guns that I am not interested in:
Colt Delta Elite
Ruger SR1911

I appreciate your input! Especially if you have had first hand experience with any of these models, or another one I should consider.

I own Springfield, Ruger and Rock Island 1911's and find the quality on par with each other for their price point and I have had no malfunctions with any of them. My SR1911 Ruger is a 10mm version. Not sure why you aren't interested in the Ruger, but I like it just fine.

\
If you want to spend more dead presidents to get a little more ooh/ahh factor check out Cabot or Alchemy.

 

I own Springfield, Ruger and Rock Island 1911's and find the quality on par with each other for their price point and I have had no malfunctions with any of them. My SR1911 Ruger is a 10mm version. Not sure why you aren't interested in the Ruger, but I like it just fine.
View attachment 704076 \
If you want to spend more dead presidents to get a little more ooh/ahh factor check out Cabot or Alchemy.

Ruger will have the best warranty and customer service for any repair issues, but you are not likely to have any. I do not own a Ruger 1911 and never had one problem with the 10 Rugers I have owned over about 50 years, so the warranty issue is what I learned from others.


One plus is the machined plunger tube. Most properly staked will never have a problem, but if you shoot 1911s long enough you will likely have one come loose. I am speculating but I think the recoil of the 10mm would increase the likelihood of that happening. That is a selling point for those of us who have experienced it one time. If the gun is a range or deer hunting gun it does not matter since the odds are slim. But if it is a carry or bear defense gun it is an added measure of protection.

While I have the Taylor's I bought cheap, $429, and it is a perfect gun so far, worth 5 times what I paid, if I was buying a 1911 for carry today in say Alaska, the Ruger would be my first choice. Call me paranoid, but I carried 1911s in harms way including outside the USA often in run and gun events protecting dignitaries on many missions, you do not worry about the good things your gun choice advertises, you worry about the rare weak points.

Since your choice is not personal defense or bear carry-the trend for 10's these days, the world is your oyster. Just decide how much bling and personal looks and maybe feel you want and go for it. There is no wrong answer. Every 1911 made these days is fine, and many are just great and price is not really a measure any more. One thought, it is a 10mm, ammo costs more. Buy a less expensive gun and buy more ammo.

I can recommend the S and B ammo for practice. It has far less speed than advertised, most of them are, but the 180 grain FMJ goes about 1,100 fps and the JHP goes about 1,050 fps, still both produce about 500 foot pounds, well into the 357 mag level of power. Cheapest I have found, about $25/50 and functions perfectly.

We are going to need a range report of your choice.

 

Can't go wrong with a Dan Wesson.

I've been thinking of getting one, only because I don't have one. I'll probably just get a Rock Island FS Ultra TAC. It'll only be a range gun for me. So cheap is okay.

 

10mm loads nowadays are so watered down they're basically just a 40cal, but not if you buy the original loads like Underwood, Buffalo Bore and several others that make them in their original fbi Norma streangth.
Have you considered the S&W 3rd Gens, built like a tank, all stainless and will easily handle the hottest loads available.
Just one of mine, 1066, but they made many and some in 5".
Readily available on GB too.

 

What’s wrong with Rugers?
I’ve had a few 10mm 1911’s, a SR1911 target 10mm, a Delta Elite, a Kimber Rapide 10mm, and a RIA 10mm. They all shot fine, but the SR1911 held the tightest groups.

 

What’s wrong with Rugers?

Absolutely nothing. If I had to bet my life on the performance of a pistol, Ruger would be at, or very near, the top of a very short list. Rugers just work. All day. Every day.

I don't have a Ruger 1911. Yet. I will, give me some time.

I do have a Single Six in .22 LR, a three screw Blackhawk in .357, a Mark IV in .22 LR, a 10/22, a a RPR in .22 LR (hits a chicken egg at 200 yards), and a Red Label O/U in 12 gauge. They all do exactly what they're supposed to do. They hit what they're pointed at without any issues.

@CorvZ061, I know your question was rhetorical. I just had to throw my 2 cents in there. Great guns, seriously under appreciated outside of the revolver guys.

 

Hey everyone, new to the forum.

I don't currently own a 1911 or a 10mm but want both, so I figure why not kill two birds with one stone?

...Guns I haven't necessarily ruled out, but just haven't really spoken to me:
...Rock Island Armory (although I've heard they punch above their price point)

My 10mm is a Rock Island Ultra HC. Generally I'm not a fan of Rock Island, but this one is okay. The Parkerizing isn't as nice as others out there. The trigger is good, the sights are good, and it shoots well. No idea about long term durability or anything like that, I've probably put 300 or so rounds through it, but so far so good. It seems like a pretty decent value.

I don't know if it helps my case or not, but I recently bought another Ultra in .40 S&W.

 

When it comes to choosing a 10mm 1911, there are several factors to consider. Here are a few popular options to help you make an informed decision:

1. Colt Delta Elite: The Colt Delta Elite is a classic choice for a 10mm 1911. It has a reputation for reliability and durability, with a stainless steel construction and a 5-inch barrel. The Delta Elite offers a traditional design and is known for its smooth shooting experience.

2. Kimber Custom II (10mm): The Kimber Custom II in 10mm is a popular choice among 1911 enthusiasts. It features a match-grade barrel, adjustable sights, and a lightweight aluminum frame. The Custom II offers a balance of performance, accuracy, and aesthetics.

3. Springfield Armory TRP Operator: The Springfield Armory TRP Operator is a high-end option for those seeking a 10mm 1911 with enhanced features. It boasts a forged steel frame, a match-grade barrel, and a tactical rail for accessories. The TRP Operator is known for its exceptional accuracy and reliability.

4. Dan Wesson Bruin: The Dan Wesson Bruin is a premium 10mm 1911 with a unique and eye-catching design. It features a long-slide configuration, a stainless steel frame, and adjustable tritium sights. The Bruin offers excellent accuracy and a smooth shooting experience.

Ultimately, the best 10mm 1911 for you will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and intended use. It's recommended to handle and test-fire different models if possible to determine which one feels the most comfortable and suits your needs.