Taurus PT1911- Range Report

[creophus]

I finally got a PT1911. I have photos of the targets and of the gun that I will post a bit later. When I considered buying one I read alot about the experience of others. Hopefully others will find my experience useful as well.

The gun functioned fine with no failures of any kind. I don't care for the Heinie straight 8 sights. I found it difficult to see the dark target I was shooting at. I'm used to lining up the three dots and positioning them at 6 o'clock. I found that I shot low most of the time.

The groups were a bit larger than I would have liked, but perhaps they will get smaller as time goes on. I'll post pictures also when I get some time.

The trigger pull was nice and smooth. I'd estimate it to be about 3-4 lbs. It's a lot lighter than my G23.

I'll start the thread now and add more to it as time permits. If anyone has questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

ONE IMPORTANT NOTE: The PT1911 that I have now is the second one that I purchased. The first one had a faulty grip safety. No matter what I did, the grip safety simply wouldn't work, its as if it wasn't even connected. When buying one of these be careful to inspect it. I missed this serious problem upon my inspection. Thank God the retailer was willing to exchange it for me.

[G36's Rule]

I handled one of these yesterday. Fit was OK, but the finish left something to be desired. The main spring housing had two VERY sharp edges at the bottom near the mag well.

The checkering on the front strap was functional. The fit of the slide was very good. Hated the sights. Very blocky.

Best part to me was the trigger. Hate to say it, but it is as good as my Warrior.

[creophus]

Here's some pics of the gun. I hope to post pics of the targets soon.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/Jiggy5/SSL10330.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/Jiggy5/SSL10327.jpg
The finish is kind of fragile as you can see some wear in the second picture.

[cjlandry]

Thanks for the report.

The Taurus was on my list of 1911's to consider, but I didn't think I'd like the straight-eight sights.

I do like the look of the all black pistol. Looks sharp to me! :thumbsup:

[creophus]

Yeah it looks quite tactical in all black. If you're in Florida I'll let you shoot it if you think you'd like to try it out.

[cjlandry]

Thanks for the offer. I'm in Texas (I forgot that I removed that from my profile).

I plan to order a Springfield GI soon, and I'm seriously considering stainless. But I really like 'em in black or blue.

[anyplainjoe]

Someday the stainless Commander sized model will be out and I'll be set!

[Glocks&Ducs]

Do you mean it would fire even if the grip safety wasn't depressed? Or it wouldn't fire even if the grip safety was depressed?

[Glocks&Ducs]

I thought I liked the all black look also, but I tried some other grips on it, and I like them very much. I can't complain about the finish, it has held up to what I have done to it, but you can tell it didn't get good coverage from the factory.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b260/shmauricio/PT1911B002-1.jpg

I can't really complain about the groups either. It is still more accurate than I am.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b260/shmauricio/PT1911B002.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b260/shmauricio/PT1911B003.jpg

[creophus]

Originally posted by Glocks&Ducs
Do you mean it would fire even if the grip safety wasn't depressed? Or it wouldn't fire even if the grip safety was depressed? The gun would fire even if the grip safety wasn't depressed. I never fired a round, chambered a round, cleaned it or did anything to it when I discovered that problem.

[Glocks&Ducs]

I would have just called Taurus, they probably would have sent you a new grip safety. It sounds like the original one was adjusted too far. Granted, it should have been right from the factory, but I wouldn't consider that a major problem unless they wouldn't send me a new one. Your dealer basically screwed himself by giving you another gun, but oh well, that was his call.

[creophus]

Originally posted by Glocks&Ducs
I thought I liked the all black look also, but I tried some other grips on it, and I like them very much. I can't complain about the finish, it has held up to what I have done to it, but you can tell it didn't get good coverage from the factory.
Nice looking gun. I like the wood grips.

Here are some of my groups. I also fired from about 5 yards.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/Jiggy5/SSL10332.jpg
Notice the small group in the upper right hand corner. That's about 5 shots...I think.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/Jiggy5/SSL10333.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/Jiggy5/SSL10334.jpg

[creophus]

Originally posted by Glocks&Ducs
I would have just called Taurus, they probably would have sent you a new grip safety. It sounds like the original one was adjusted too far. Granted, it should have been right from the factory, but I wouldn't consider that a major problem unless they wouldn't send me a new one. Your dealer basically screwed himself by giving you another gun, but oh well, that was his call. That would have taken weeks. I paid for a brand new gun, not a gun that didn't have a working grip safety. I know the dealer didn't have to do it. I'm glad that they did though. The dealer made sure I got good service and thereby got a customer for life!

The shop was Wain Roberts.

[cjlandry]

Originally posted by creophus
That would have taken weeks. I paid for a brand new gun, not a gun that didn't have a working grip safety. I know the dealer didn't have to do it. I'm glad that they did though. The dealer made sure I got good service and thereby got a customer for life!

The shop was Wain Roberts.

I doubt the dealer screwed himself. He can probably fix the problem and sell the gun as LNIB without losing money.

[spober]

Originally posted by creophus
Here's some pics of the gun. I hope to post pics of the targets soon.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/Jiggy5/SSL10330.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/Jiggy5/SSL10327.jpg
The finish is kind of fragile as you can see some wear in the second picture. loose the mag bumper.looks too carnival!:rofl:

[Glocks&Ducs]

Originally posted by spober
loose the mag bumper.looks too carnival!:rofl:

It's not a bumper, it's the baseplate. You can't get rid of it.

[rayzor77]

Hey! I am new to this site just registered and this is my first post. I am fairly new to handgun ownership bought my G19 about a year and a half ago, and I couldn't be happier with it!!! My friend John has quite an extensive collection and I loved shooting his Springer 1911 loaded. I was in the market but didn't want to spend too much so read your post and did a little research on the PT1911...I was having a little difficulty tracking one down in the NOVA area, but I went to the nations gun show and found on for $499, I really liked the look and feel of it, so I grabbed it...Next morning straight to the range put 200 rounds through it, and I love it, no issues and it was a blast to shoot!!! Thanks for your insight, I think it is a perfect foray into the world of the "big boys" can't wait to add more to my collection, thanks again!

[epsylum]

Originally posted by rayzor77
Hey! I am new to this site just registered and this is my first post. I am fairly new to handgun ownership bought my G19 about a year and a half ago, and I couldn't be happier with it!!! My friend John has quite an extensive collection and I loved shooting his Springer 1911 loaded. I was in the market but didn't want to spend too much so read your post and did a little research on the PT1911...I was having a little difficulty tracking one down in the NOVA area, but I went to the nations gun show and found on for $499, I really liked the look and feel of it, so I grabbed it...Next morning straight to the range put 200 rounds through it, and I love it, no issues and it was a blast to shoot!!! Thanks for your insight, I think it is a perfect foray into the world of the "big boys" can't wait to add more to my collection, thanks again!

Uh oh. You got the 1911 bug now. Only cure, buy more 1911s. ;)

I have owned a 1911 before, sold it. Bought another the other day (Springer Champion Lightweight Operator) and already have an itch to buy yet another.

It is almost as bad as BRD (Black Rifle Disease).

[FLIPPER 348]

it's WAY better 'cause it's wood & steel, soon you will be allergic 2plastic!

[creophus]

Originally posted by rayzor77
Hey! I am new to this site just registered and this is my first post. I am fairly new to handgun ownership bought my G19 about a year and a half ago, and I couldn't be happier with it!!! My friend John has quite an extensive collection and I loved shooting his Springer 1911 loaded. I was in the market but didn't want to spend too much so read your post and did a little research on the PT1911...I was having a little difficulty tracking one down in the NOVA area, but I went to the nations gun show and found on for $499, I really liked the look and feel of it, so I grabbed it...Next morning straight to the range put 200 rounds through it, and I love it, no issues and it was a blast to shoot!!! Thanks for your insight, I think it is a perfect foray into the world of the "big boys" can't wait to add more to my collection, thanks again! I'm so glad you found the stuff in this thread to be useful. Do you have any pictures of your particular gun?

Also what kind of accuracy did you get from yours? I plan to go to the range again soon with mine.

[shuwtist]

Originally posted by epsylum
Uh oh. You got the 1911 bug now. Only cure, buy more 1911s. ;)


YUP - I always say, everyone should have at LEAST ONE 1911 in their collection, but it never stops at one. They are nice guns and great fun to shoot. Welcome to the forum, lots of great information here. Glocks and 1911's. It doesn't get any better then that!

[rayzor77]

"I'm so glad you found the stuff in this thread to be useful. Do you have any pictures of your particular gun?

Also what kind of accuracy did you get from yours? I plan to go to the range again soon with mine."

Thanks for the warm welcomes, no pictures yet. I am going out of town for a few days but when I get back I will snap a few shots and take somepics of my targets from my next range visit... The accuracy was pretty good, my first couple groups were all over the place but that had nothing to do with the gun, and everything to do wiht the user. Once I got comfortablewitht he trigger and got used to it, I was shooting pretty tight groups, more to come soon!

[LonghornGlock]

And that's one of the great things about the 1911, is the trigger is pretty easy to adjust. The only downfall on my PT1911 is the finish and the trigger is a little heavier than I care for, I will have it adjusted eventually. I carry a G23 but when I'm at the range the Taurus is my favorite to shoot. Even got a cheap Fobus holster for it and have started carrying it here in the wintertime. Conceals far easier than I'da thought for a fullsize gun.

[creophus]

I have a Tagua (sp?) holster for mine. It's probably going to ruin the finish on the gun. :(

[creophus]

Here's an update. I took the gun out yesterday and fired some WWB and Magtech personal defense rounds through it.

The gun didn't seem really crazy about either round. I had two failures to feed with the WWB. The feed ram was no longer shiny and had CLP dripping from around the chamber. I guess I used too much lube?

[creophus]

Here's some more targets. I think that the gun is grouping nicely though.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/Jiggy5/SSL10350.jpg

The top two targets are with the PT1911, the bottom two are with my Glock 23. The top left target is at 21 feet. The top one is at 15 feet. Both of the bottom ones are at 21 feet.

I got a few more FTFs with the WWB. Looks like my gun doesn't like that type of ammo.

[anyplainjoe]

I've had great experiences with Blazer Brass 230grn ball. Haven't tried anything else yet. Up to 300 trouble free shots!

[creophus]

Yeah the Blazer fed well, and so did the Remington. Could it be that the WWB has a different crimp that doesn't feel well in my gun?

I've had too many failures since using this ammo. It's never happened with any other kind. Even the Magtech hollowpoints fed just fine.

[anyplainjoe]

Have you tried the Magtech all-copper hollowpoints, or any other hollowpoint brand?

[creophus]

Originally posted by anyplainjoe
Have you tried the Magtech all-copper hollowpoints, or any other hollowpoint brand? All copper? I think the ones that I tried were all brass.

Here's a link to them on the website. Magtech Website (http://www.magtechammunition.com/sitepages/pid59.php) I had no problems with these, although I didn't shoot many through the gun.

[richardoldfield]

Three things. Consider having a match bushing installed and blacken the rear sight when shooting (if this doesn't work blacken both. Thirdly, I looked at a Taurus 1911 but after reading your review I will look at a Springfield Mil Spec as the two Springer 1911s I have work very well. Thanks for your report and findings. Regards, Richard :supergrin:

PS One can never have too many 1911s!:banana:

[creophus]

Originally posted by richardoldfield
Three things. Consider having a match bushing installed and blacken the rear sight when shooting (if this doesn't work blacken both. Thirdly, I looked at a Taurus 1911 but after reading your review I will look at a Springfield Mil Spec as the two Springer 1911s I have work very well. Thanks for your report and findings. Regards, Richard :supergrin:

PS One can never have too many 1911s!:banana: Based upon your signature, I don't think it was my review that made you choose the Springfield. ;) Either way go with what you like.

[richardoldfield]

"Based upon your signature, I don't think it was my review that made you choose the Springfield. Either way go with what you like."

creophus, I had a really bad experience stemming from Taurus USA's lack of concern over a crappy trigger on my PT111. With this in mind, I have read several glowing reports on the Taurus 1911A1, held one, and I did consider buying one for $495+tax. The 1911s I own shoot much better groups than what yours exhibited and eat all types of ammo. My two Springers are reliable tack drivers and I can buy the Mil Spec version for $450+tax. Which one would you opt for? Regards, Richard:supergrin:

[anyplainjoe]

I'd buy the PT1911 again.:hearts:

[creophus]

Originally posted by richardoldfield
"Based upon your signature, I don't think it was my review that made you choose the Springfield. Either way go with what you like."

creophus, I had a really bad experience stemming from Taurus USA's lack of concern over a crappy trigger on my PT111. With this in mind, I have read several glowing reports on the Taurus 1911A1, held one, and I did consider buying one for $495+tax. The 1911s I own shoot much better groups than what yours exhibited and eat all types of ammo. My two Springers are reliable tack drivers and I can buy the Mil Spec version for $450+tax. Which one would you opt for? Regards, Richard:supergrin: Hey, its all good. I have no brand loyalty to any company. Sorry you received bad customer service. If you will recall I did mention in this thread how the first gun I got was DOA with a non-functioning grip safety.

I try to be completely honest about the products that I post things about. I want to provide information that would be helpful to anyone who is considering buying a product or using a service.

Have you posted a range report for those tack driving Springers? I'd love to read more about them.

[richardoldfield]

I went to the range yesterday with a friend named Billy Kirkland. Billy is in his mid thirties and in excellent health; he had never shot 1911s. Billy is just starting to do bowling pin shoots and my plan is for me to act as his angel (backer). I will supply the 1911 pistols and clips for Billy to use for bowling pin shoots. The weapons I brought were my #1 Norinco, the Springer I put together, and my Springer Loaded. I brought my Para 14 and 10mm Dan Wesson Patriot Commander for me to shoot.

Billy started with the #1 Norinco and he spent a great deal of time getting used to the format. He certainly mastered my Norinco but he liked and shot the Springer, I put together, better. Billy said the grip setup on the Springer suited him better. He has large hands but not as large as mine, he pointed out that my fingers are 1” longer than his digits. The last pistol Billy fired was my Para 14 and he liked it but not as much as the Springer. Time didn’t allow for the Springer Loaded to be shot. My conclusion is we will have to spend some time improving Billy’s ability to shoot 1911s.

I spent a lot of time getting the Para 14 to shoot to point of aim. The pistol was shooting about 3” high and 2” wide at 10 yards with 230gr Remington White Box ammo. It is now spot on and I will move it back the next time I shoot.

The more I shoot the 10mm Dan Wesson Patriot Commander the better I like it and the round. I am getting 1/2" groups at 10 yards but at the 150 round level I am having sporadic jams that are easily fixed. If the jams continue, at the 200 round mark, I will take the pistol back for service. I am not sure if the jams are related to an occasional limp wrist or the ammo that I am using. I am shooting reloads by a person I really trust.

The last pistol I shot was Billy’s 40 S&W Springer XD. I am not overly fond of the 40 S&W but I did shoot this pistol well. I was able to put three rounds into a ˝” at 15 yards. I like the trigger on the Springer a lot better than my Glock 23 but I like the feel of the G23 much better. I hope to shoot Billy’s XD and my G23 to do a side by side comparison.

I really want to point out that I did not notice much difference in the felt recoil with any of the pistols fired. I have always described the recoil of the 40 S&W as snappy but this session dispelled that notion. In the end, Billy and I had an enjoyable time at the range. Regards, Richard :supergrin:

#1 Norinco:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p160dfc917e9f9d9757183be76d294345/ef726e5e.jpg

Springer:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid210/p21a459c78e833742922ba9d8b7213ece/edded6ae.jpg

Para 14:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid210/p3ca9db0e9c2a37cb3d661bcf44be025d/ede0bd72.jpg

Dan Wesson:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid220/p90f92172c4f0b3c1725d61c953c42e1a/ebccd3eb.jpg


Springer XD but it was a 40 S&W:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid223/p0d347d031b3e02a8e612a6e5f6c8b083/eafe5812.jpg

[creophus]

Nice. You should put this in a separate thread so that it will be easier to keep track of.

[creophus]

I've loaded up some ammo for it. 200grain SWC, here's my groupings:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/Jiggy5/SSL10359.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/Jiggy5/SSL10360.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/Jiggy5/SSL10361.jpg