Taurus PT1911 review

[BeagleDog]

About 3 months ago I bought 2 new SS PT1911's, one in .45 and one in .38 Super. This is my experience only. The only things I did with the guns were to get the Brownells left side safety and get rid of the ambi safeties which I hated, and new wood grips, really only for cosmetic purposes.

In a nutshell, I have, deliberately, put 500 rounds each through them on 5 range trips each - 100/per. On the Super I have used Win Super X HP's, and Magtech and Fiocchi FMJ. On the .45 I have used just about everything under the kitchen sink. Both guns have been shot new out of the box except for the cosmetic changes mentioned above. I deliberately haven't even run a brush through them, before or after shooting - never. Both of these guns have performed flawlessly so far with ZERO hiccups. I do have to say I will give them a good cleaning after the next range trip.

I did a lot of research before I bought the guns and the reviews I read around the 2007/2008 period all complimented the guns on how accurate they were out of the box, how nice the trigger pull was, but they needed a few fixes to improve their functionality, mostly concerning FTF's and polished feed ramps. The latest reviews have basically said Taurus FIXED these issues. I also liked the fact that Taurus is one of the very few, if not the only, 1911 manufacturers that produce the gun 100% in-house with all parts, while interchangeable with any other Taurus, followed piece by piece through the manufacturing process making, in essence, a "custom" gun.

I can only say is that I am a very very happy camper.

I don't have the money (Or more accurately the willingness to spend the money) to buy the Kimbers, Para Ordanances, Colts, hi end Springfields, etc. I have NOT shot those other guns so maybe my eyes can be opened, but I cannot for the life of me see how or why a $700 or $800 more expensive Kimber can be much better, and certainly THAT much better. I can buy 2 1/2 out of the box Tauruses for one out of the box Kimber.

I would love to hear opinions and critique as these ARE my first ever 1911's and I know there's so much to learn.

 

[sparks701]

Good for you, I have yet to hear anything bad about the new 1911's. But just wait the Taurus haters will be hear soon.

 

[revhigh]

Hey BD !

I'll jump in here. I've always promoted the Taurus 1911's. You get a lot of gun for the money, and a whole lot of new 1911 shooters are very attracted to them. It's very hard NOT to buy one if you go by Taurus's advertising. They've done a spectacular job with their 'get $2100 worth of gun for $600' advertising campaign.

Now, having said ALL that nice stuff about the PT1911's, I'll tell you why I DON'T like them, and they're mostly all cosmetic. First, I can't stand all the totally unnecessary cosmetic garbage that they do to them. All the cheap checkering, grooving, etc. The ambi controls ... who's left-handed AND right-handed ? Why on earth would you checker the UNDERSIDE of the trigger guard ? For that matter, why do you need the front and backstrap to be checkered/lined. Why do you need to groove or serrate the TOP of the slide in front of the rear sight ? I'll tell you why ... there's one reason to do all that crap ... and that is .... TO SAY THAT YOU DID IT. I don't like the 'Heinie' sights very much, especially the CHEAP version that Taurus uses, I WILL NOT TOLERATE that totally STUPID key lock that goes in the top of the hammer, the base pad on the mags are a silly design, and totally non functional without a real mag-well. There's no reason for beavertail safeties UNLESS you suffer from hammer-bite. Do you ??? And I can't stand guns that have gaudy writing all over them. Is a gun now an advertising tool ?

Phew ... OK .... now that that's off my chest ... back to the good.

The ones I've shot had acceptable accuracy for me, meaning that they shot as well or better than I can, which is what I require in a gun that I own. The triggers have been barely acceptable to me, however, 'barely acceptable to me', is probably spectacular in most other people's opinion, so I'll say it has a good trigger, and is very accurate.

Would I own one ... no ... unless I could pick one up used for about $400 or less, and then I'd be buying it just to try it for awhile, knowing I could get out of it for no loss.

The bottom line is this in my opinion ... it's a $400 gun with a bunch of cheap factory cosmetic doo dads that add maybe $100 to the gun in value, that's been quickly 'hand fitted', given a decent finish, and had a little accurizing work done to it. In short, you get a $600 gun for your $600. If you put a lot of weight on all the doo dads, then you have a great gun that you should enjoy. The trigger's decent and the accuracy is above average from something like a bare bones RIA. But there's one teensy problem ... it's STILL a Taurus, and if you're trying to impress anyone with all the doo dads, having Taurus written on the slide in 3/4 inch high letters doesn't help.

I really like the PT1911, they're reliable, shoot very well, and have a decent trigger. Knowing what I know about 1911's, though, I'll spend the $600 a little differently, and forego the cosmetics for functionality and accuracy improvements, like I did below. Nowhere near as pretty as the PT1911, but you should feel the trigger and see how it shoots ....

Same money spent .... Springfield Armory, spectacular trigger (the best I've felt on a 1911), and easily, and I MEAN easily, shoots under 2 inches at 50 feet. Polished feed ramp, throated barrel, match high speed long trigger, a REAL magwell, the right kind of mag base pad, full length guide rod, deburred frame and slide, and oversized match bushing. Simply a spectacular gun. But you can't sell all the stuff I have done to my base SA GI, why ?? .... because you can't SEE most of it.

Different strokes for different folks ... the PT1911 is a fine gun, just don't go handling and shooting any higher end 1911's, if you know what I mean !!

Enjoy both your guns ... there's nothing wrong with them at all. I'd love to shoot them both, especially the 38, but I wouldn't mind YOU taking them back home at the end of the session.

REV

 

[revhigh]

I can buy 2 1/2 out of the box Tauruses for one out of the box Kimber.

I agree totally with the above statement ... I'd rather have ONE Taurus PT1911 and the balance in 45ACP reloading components, or even half the balance in reloading components, than virtually ANY Kimber.

How about some pics of your pair of 1911's ???

REV

 

[BeagleDog]

Hey BD !


Different strokes for different folks ... the PT1911 is a fine gun, just don't go handling and shooting any higher end 1911's, if you know what I mean !!

Enjoy both your guns ... there's nothing wrong with them at all. I'd love to shoot them both, especially the 38, but I wouldn't mind YOU taking them back home at the end of the session.

REV

Howdy Rev. As I said, I haven't shot any high ends! So help me out here. Everyone needs a vacation a year. Why don't you come down to Fredericksburg, TX around 4/21 or so and compliment us Forum members that are getting together for a good ol' time. See the sticky in the "Lounge". I would LOVE to shoot those hi ends for comparison sakes. Heck, I love to shoot ANY gun. PLEASE try and make it on down. I am driving about 880 miles for what it's worth!

I dug the fact you mentioned the Super. Everyone has "their" gun/caliber of choice. God only knows why, but I have a love affair with the Super. The Taurus is my third Super. I shoot a TON of ammo out of my Tanfoglio, I now have, what I think, is a real pretty "shooter" 1911 in the Taurus, and in my safe, never to be shot, IS a high end Colt. My FFL friend has just got me started with reloading and the Super is the ONLY caliber I have reloaded so far. With the heavier grain bullets we can pass the 9mm by about 200fps even with the flat nose which is MY defense round.

Now............remember Taurus DID make the polished feed ramp a priority fix, and it cost me about $25 bucks or so (I honestly don't remember) to get RID of the ambi safeties. I think it looks good and the real test - it goes BOOM everytime! Not to dig at all Rev, I WOULD love to shoot one of the "others" and see what I am missing. I ain't stupid (I think :? ) and there must be SOME reason a Kimber cost 2 1/2 times more but I cannot for the life of me understand how it's 2 1/2 times more effective :? :? :?

 

[revhigh]

Hi BD,

I really like the 38 super myself ... don't have one, but I've shot a few. Don't get me wrong, I don't own any 'high-end' 1911's. The 'highest end 1911' I own are my Colt Gold Cups, which I don't really consider high end at all. I see zero reason to spend anything more than $1000 on an awesome 1911, and it can be easily done for half that. I REALLY like the Tanfoglio products as well. I had the chance to buy a limited edition Tanfoglio 9MM (CZ75 Clone) for about $289, and stupidly passed on it. When I went back of course it was gone.

I guess I'm just an old curmudgeon when it comes to 1911's, with regard to the cosmetics and stuff LOL. I didn't realize that Taurus made the PT1911 in 38 super ... do they make it in 9MM too ?? That's my next buy, right now I'm leaning towards the SA offering in 9MM.

Not sure I can make it to TX in April, but it sure sounds like fun. We should try to have meets across the country so everybody can participate ... I think that's a great idea.

I've really gotten to love the Springfields ... I'm also looking for a Loaded Target Trophy in SS as well, but I want used, and I'm VERY patient, so it may be a while before I get one ... it's not like I don;t have other 1911's to shoot .

Regarding the Taurus fix ... I was never even aware that there were ANY issues with the PT1911. I've always considered them an excellent 1911. I also really, really like the RIA offerings. Just tremendous bang for the buck. I just happened to find the Springfield above for sale from a forum member just when I was looking for a 1911 to customize, since I won't touch a Colt at all in terms of modifying it.

By the way ... you should be ashamed of yourself for having a Colt 1911 be a safe queen. Colts are made to be shot ... and shot A LOT. I own a whole lot of Colts, both revolvers AND 1911's, and I shoot every single one of them regularly.

Get out and shoot that old Colt ... it'll love you for it !!! Which Colt 1911 is it that you have ?

REV

 

[revhigh]

The above Springfield is pretty much what I was hoping Ruger would do if they release a 1911. Bare bones cosmetics, but with a few functional and accuracy upgrades. It can EASILY be done for around $500, and they'd sell a TON of them to people who are 1911 fans ... as long as they don't do stupid things, like give it a polymer frame and also have all kinds of stupid lawyer stuff. It has to be true to the 1911 design, with all the pins and cuts in the right places, which will allow it to be customized with the 10 quadrillion aftermarket parts that already exist.

Put key locks on it, loaded chamber indicators, mag disconnects, and a bunch of other garbage, and I'm out, and so would the majority of the rest of the 1911 fans that would otherwise suck them right up.

I'm still hoping they do it ... kind of a more functional, accurized RIA, if ya know what I mean ... oh yeah ... for $500 STREET.

REV

 

[Anthony Williams]

There is no way in hell I'd ever own a four-five that has those un American looking cuts machined into the front of it's slide. Other than that the Taurus is fine.

A.W. :x

 

[revhigh]

There is no way in hell I'd ever own a four-five that has those un American looking cuts machined into the front of it's slide. Other than that the Taurus is fine.

A.W. :x

You'll note, of course, that the front of MY SLIDE is properly unadorned and uncut .... as is the front strap, the back strap, the front of the trigger guard, and yes, the BOTTOM of the trigger guard as well ... I guess you'd kind of call it ... uncircumsized ...

REV

 

[BeagleDog]

Hey Rev. http://www.coltsmfg.com/products-c5-q81 ... TOLS.aspx# - pretty much shows the Colt (the HIGH END ONE :lol: :lol: in the safe. Sorry, but don't want to shoot it. NIB Colt .38 Super 20 years from now? As always whenever I have a gun someone wants I don't have it in my heart to let go! A month ago a guy was walking out of my house with my 200th (Liberty) carbine and I stopped him and gave him his money back! A great gun - I personally don't feel so but it is close to my heart. Glad you recognize the Tanfoglio. Possibly the best least understood gun in the world right now. While the Colt had "name" value which the Tanfoglio doesn't have, that Tanfoglio has been, without exception, the best shooting gun I have ever owned.

 

[Japle]

I'm happy to see that Taurus is now making their safeties (and I assume their sears and hammers) to standard 1911 specs.

The only one I examined (an early model) was not that way at all.

The early Taurus triggers and the trigger cut in the frame weren't to spec, either. If you have a standard 1911 trigger handy, try installing it and let us know if it fits or if it goes too far foward like the originals.

 

[revhigh]

The early Taurus triggers and the trigger cut in the frame weren't to spec, either. If you have a standard 1911 trigger handy, try installing it and let us know if it fits or if it goes too far foward like the originals.

That's what I meant above Japle. Many people not familiar with 1911's don't realize that many guns that LOOK like a 1911, don't have the pins and cuts in the correct positions to allow most aftermarket parts to fit. I'm not an expert in 1911 gunsmithing at all, but I DO KNOW that Colts and Springfields DO have all the cuts and pins in the right positions. I don't know what other brands DO or DO NOT have those specs, but I DO know that if I get a 1911, I want it to be true to the original specs, and that is something that I would research prior to buying any other brand of 1911. Not true ?? Not buying.

If Ruger DOES eventually come out with a 1911, it better be true to the original specs ... if it's not .... it won't succeed in the 1911 community.

REV

 

[revhigh]

Hey Rev. http://www.coltsmfg.com/products-c5-q81 ... TOLS.aspx# - pretty much shows the Colt (the HIGH END ONE :lol: :lol: in the safe.

Glad you recognize the Tanfoglio. Possibly the best least understood gun in the world right now.

Is that Colt really a 'high end' gun ?? The only reason I ask is that it seems from a cosmetic POV to be pretty bare bones, or are you calling it high end because of the price ?? Here's a better pic !! Yeah ... now that I see the pic below, I guess I might not shoot it either ... it's funny that the Bud's gunshop pic shows the gun better than the Colt site LOL. Very, very nice, and reasonably priced for a high polished Colt. Note the exact cosmetic and functional similarities between your Colt, and my Springfield, particularly the slide serrations, and other cosmetics. There's no garbage on either of the guns.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod ... _id/36317/

The Tanfoglios are generally considered to be a CZ clone, at least for the CZ75 platform, and I feel the same way about the CZ's as you do (and I do also) about the Tanfoglios. They are the best kept secret in gun land, although the CZ secret is starting to be out of the bag, and the prices are rising appropriately across the board, including for used.

Many don't know that the CZ75 platform is by far the most widely used 9MM platform in the world from a military and LE standpoint. The CZ75 platform is pretty much the 1911 of 9MM's. It's a mature, trouble free platform, with the best out of the box accuracy that I've ever seen. The reversed (internal) rail system between the slide and frame is at the key of the accuracy. Anybody who I've ever recommended a CZ75 to has been extremely happy with their purchase and has usually gone on to buy more. If people did any research on the CZ75 platform, they would be blown away by how widely used and distributed it has been over the last 30+ years. Here's a few blurbs on the CZ75's if anyone's interested.

http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/review/cz-75b.htm
http://shangrilatowers.blogspot.com/200 ... ibute.html

REV

 

[BeagleDog]

The price???? I also think it looks beautiful but thats just me!

So, you have now opened up a whole new can of worms. WHY doesn't Ruger produce a 1911? My guess, based on about a 15,000 membership on this Forum, there's at least 15,000 guns they would sell!!!

Glad to hear your remarks about the Tanfoglio. I have three I bought used around the $375 range each and EACH is a keeper. I don't "know" much about guns - I just like to shoot them! But my Tanfoglios, and now my Tauruses, I think, are great value. Just a guy who likes to shoot but doesn't know Jack about them! But..........I did hear LOTS of good stuff about the Tanfolglio .38 Super and how 10 years ago or so, it was one of the competition guns of choice. So what do I know - nothing - but if everyone else is saying such good things I just tag along at the backend and usually find deals.

 

[revhigh]

I just tag along at the backend and usually find deals.

That's a good way not to make some very expensive mistakes BD, although you and I are on the edge in terms of being into CZ's and Tanfoglios.

What did you think about that pic I listed from Bud's of your Colt ?? It looks like Colt should get Bud's photographer to work for them, huh ???

Keep up the good work, you're way ahead of most people with the quality of guns that you already own !! It's a rare new gun owner that would own Tanfoglios, and be smart enough to know what they have.

REV

 

[revhigh]

The price???? I also think it looks beautiful but thats just me!

I've never seen a Colt yet that didn't fit into the 'beautiful' category ...

Here's a few especially pretty ones, in stainless, the fairly rare electroless nickel ColtGuard, and traditional blue. !!!

REV

 

[gatorhugger]

I appreciate the report and review and may just buy one.
Personally I believe Taurus is a highly underrated gun maker hurt by
their past, much like Smith Sigmas were.
A gun snob I am not. If it functions and shoots well I would rather
keep the dollars in my wallet.
The ones I see today look great, the price point is low, if they work
and the triggers are nice, why the heck not.

 

[revhigh]

Personally I believe Taurus is a highly underrated gun maker hurt by their past, much like Smith Sigmas were.

I couldn't agree more Gator, with regard to the ENTIRE Taurus line. Unfortunately, they are STILL remembered from their failings of 5 years ago and before. That's one of the reasons that I'm tough on Ruger for their recent failures. There's just no reason for it. Proper design and testing, and good QC can resolve the issues that Ruger's experienced lately. Taurus is a perfect example of how a few really bad years can tarnish your reputation for a long, long time.

REV

 

[OmegaMan]

Ok, here is my take. I bought a Taurus PT1911 after I already had had a Springfield V-10, Charles Daly, etc.

I thought I was stepping up, boy was I wrong. I got the blued one - BIG MISTAKE. I did the same thing as you, put on a Wilson Tactical thumb safety, different grips, etc. Then I went to the range and put 100 rounds through it.

When I got home, I opened it up to discover that after only 100 rounds most of the bluing had worn off the underneath of the slide!!!! It was just a flaky, gooy mess of crap. It didn't really fire well either. I cleaned it up as best I could, returned it to original parts, and then promptly sold it.

I've had Taurus revolvers that were top-noth, but the PT1911 was a total POS!!! Maybe if I had bought the stainless version I would have been happy.

On the other hand, I wouldn't have started on this project, a custom Gold Cup MKIV National Match. It is from 1990 but I have it looking brand new.

Here it is with my other 2 target pistols, soon to be joined by a new Lipsey's Ruger Mark III.

Regards,

OmegaMan

 

[revhigh]

Nice brace of guns ya got there OM, that Delta is absolutely spectacular !! I love the look of the mag well ... only criticism is that I would have made the comp stainless as well if it was available, which I'm guessing it wasn't. .

Which Sig is that ... a 225 or 228 ? ... great grips on the Sig also.

Looks like you don;t buy any junk !!!

REV

 

[ArmedinAZ]

Rev, in regard to your Mil Spec, didn't you mention to me that you got some or all of those upgrade parts for free or really cheap, and your 'smith is way underpriced as well? Just wondering what that custom $600 SA would cost a guy without connections? I read about "realibility package" work costing several hundred dollars without parts.

Do you rate the Tanfoglio 75 clones on par with CZs for accuracy?

It's great to hear the Taurus' are good quality. I frequently hear guys talk smack about them.

To the OP, some of the difference between your Taurus guns and the high end stuff is the same as the difference between a Honda Accord and a BMW. The Accord will get you there with no problems, good mileage, good ride etc. So will the BMW but with everything you see and touch is a higher grade of material or workmanship. Some of the higher cost can only be seen when you push the car (or gun) to it's limits. I'm certainly not in a position to tell if a Taurus will shoot groups as well as a Wilson Combat but I can see the difference in quality. If the only concern is it goes bang every time then money spent on the "expensive stuff" is wasted.

 

[revhigh]

Rev, in regard to your Mil Spec, didn't you mention to me that you got some or all of those upgrade parts for free or really cheap, and your 'smith is way underpriced as well? Just wondering what that custom $600 SA would cost a guy without connections? I read about "realibility package" work costing several hundred dollars without parts.

Yup, I got the magwell for $40 (should have been $80), and the guide rod for $20 (should have been $35). My pistolsmith charges $69 for what amounts to a fluff and buff of any 1911. That includes deburring the frame and slide, polishing the ramp, throating the barrel, and setting the trigger to your specified weight. He also checks over the entire gun and installs whatever parts you have included in the price. He does excellent work, and most '1911 smiths' charge a ridiculous amount for each task. That's just stupid. I actually counted the $20 grips, and $35 trigger in that cost. Even at full cost for the parts, it wouldn't have been much over $200, if the grips weren't included.

I don't consider MY smith 'underpriced', I consider my smith correctly priced, and most other smiths way OVER priced. All you gotta do is look around and buy smart.

I like the Tanfoglios a lot, but most people do consider them an off-brand 'clone', and the CZ the real thing. I don't really think about it that way. THe only bad thing I;ve heard about the Tanfoglios is that their service leaves a bit to be desired. I don't own any, but I would if the right one came along. I mentioned above that I missed out on a really nice one that was gone when I went back to get it.

Anybody can use my smith at that price ... the only issue is the shipping. You just have to research your area and shop smart. I stay FAR FAR away from the big name 'boutique' builders. Mostly hype for no better performance than the little guys from what I;ve seen. A lot of time you get the big name guy's 'apprentice' working on your gun anyway.

REV

 

[OmegaMan]

Nice brace of guns ya got there OM, that Delta is absolutely spectacular !! I love the look of the mag well ... only criticism is that I would have made the comp stainless as well if it was available, which I'm guessing it wasn't. .

Which Sig is that ... a 225 or 228 ? ... great grips on the Sig also.

Looks like you don;t buy any junk !!!

REV

Thanks!! Actually the Colt is not a Delta Elite, I just had custom VZ Grips G10's made with the Delta medallions. It is a .45 ACP Gold Cup. I have a full write-up on it on the 1911forum. The Wilson Combat compensator is only available in blue. It reduces perceived recoil by 25%. The magwell is a Smith & Alexandar full magwell. Chip McCormick 8 round magazine.

The Sig is a P226 X-Five Competition. This is the most expensive firearm I have. It is 9mm, 19-round magazine. The wood grips are superb. This Sig will do a 2" group at 50 meters, and comes with a factory test target to prove it. It's made in the master shop in Germany.

The .22 is a Browning BuckMark Target Silhoutte, soon to be joined by a Lipsey's Ruger Mark III with aluminum grips. You can never have to many .22's!!!!

- OmegaMan

 

[revhigh]

As I said before !! Nice brace of guns ya got there OM !!!

Here I though that 'Delta' was a 10MM .... I almost bought a Delta Gold Cup many years ago, and stupidly didn't care for the 10MM caliber back then. That $700 gun 'then' would probably be $2K now. I have a Gold Cup identical to yours, without the comp, and with the stock grips.

I'd love to throw some rounds downrange with that X5 Comp ... I've never shot one of those. I'm sure it puts my P226 and P225 to shame LOL.

REV