[Savroof]

I had dismissed the Ruger 1911, because of not having FORGED slides and frames. Was I too hasty? Does it matter if they are both cast?? Or, stay away from them?? And stick with: Springfield, Kimber, and Sig???

 

[WVSurveyor]

From what I've read, they are reliable and don't seem to have any issues with the frame or slide. If you look enough I'm sure you will find criticisms and problems, but that will be true with any weapon. From their web site they have a steel frame and lightweight aluminum frame .45 in the commander version and a two tone lightweight aluminum frame commander in 9mm. I'd read as many reviews and watch as many videos as I could stand and then if I was still interested, go out and find one to visually inspect and get some in-hand time. I generally take a few snap caps with me and ask to insert them into the mag, rack the slide and try the trigger and reset. Most places, if they see you're really interested in a purchase, will have no trouble with that. You might also take a trigger pull gauge with you.

 

[Fullcircle]

I don’t think the Kimbers are forged

 

[WVSurveyor]

I've read on a number of forums that 1911 Kimber frames and slides are forged but I didn't see anything on the Kimber site that confirms it. I suspect that other small parts are cast or MIM in construction.

 

[jekylmeister]

I've read on a number of forums that 1911 Kimber frames and slides are forged but I didn't see anything on the Kimber site that confirms it. I suspect that other small parts are cast or MIM in construction.

Pretty sure they're MIM. My next one is going to be a Springfield Ronin - all forged.

 

[billt3160]

I have both the Ruger, as well as a Kimber, and several Springfield 1911's. And to be perfectly honest, I don't think this whole cast vs. forged argument matters in the least to 99.9% of the 1911 owners and shooters out there. Especially with today's ammunition and component costs.

It's all a moot point, because most people simply don't shoot enough for it to matter. If you're a pro the likes of Rob Leatham, and put over 100K rounds a year through your weapons, then perhaps you might be able to make a case, one way or another.

But even then, how many here who compete, have seen a 1911, (any 1911), go down due to a cast frame or slide failing? I've never seen one in over 50 years of shooting. And sending tens of thousands of rounds downrange.

Also remember that Ruger provides some of the best investment casting in the world from their Pine Tree Investment Casting facility. They have produced investment cast receivers for all of their rifles and handguns for decades. Including the Ruger #1 Single Shot rifle, which is considered by many to be one of the strongest actions ever produced.

Not to mention the Ruger Mini 14, as well as the Model 77 Bolt Action. So building a cast frame and slide 1911 is child's play for them. And I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for one to break.

 

[jekylmeister]

I have both the Ruger, as well as a Kimber, and several Springfield 1911's. And to be perfectly honest, I don't think this whole cast vs. forged argument matters in the least to 99.9% of the 1911 owners and shooters out there. Especially with today's ammunition and component costs.

It's all a moot point, because most people simply don't shoot enough for it to matter. If you're a pro the likes of Rob Leatham, and put over 100K rounds a year through your weapons, then perhaps you might be able to make a case, one way or another.

But even then, how many here who compete, have seen a 1911, (any 1911), go down due to a cast frame or slide failing? I've never seen one in over 50 years of shooting. And sending tens of thousands of rounds downrange.

Also remember that Ruger provides some of the best investment casting in the world from their Pine Tree Investment Casting facility. They have produced investment cast receivers for all of their rifles and handguns for decades. Including the Ruger #1 Single Shot rifle, which is considered by many to be one of the strongest actions ever produced.

Not to mention the Ruger Mini 14, as well as the Model 77 Bolt Action. So building a cast frame and slide 1911 is child's play for them. And I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for one to break.

You are more than likely correct on this one. But we have to nit-pick about something, right?

 

[WVSurveyor]

Pretty sure they're MIM. My next one is going to be a Springfield Ronin - all forged.

I like my Ronin Commander .45. It's been reliable and is easy to shoot well. It does have a forged frame and slide, but also has MIM parts and trigger is polymer. I don't mind these things and so far, they haven't caused any issues.

 

[sparkyv]

My Dad had numerous Kimber and Ruger 1911s, and I always shot his Rugers better. I've only ever owned one 1911...you guessed it, a Ruger. If I were ever to go with a different 1911 manufacturer, it would be SA.

 

[hodge5]

I wouldn't be concerned based on how I use my firearms. However, the SR line is currently priced pretty high. I bought a Bul Armory 1911 yesterday, for $130 less than a Ruger in the case next to it. The Bul is a better value at the same price, and more so when it's less money.