I was at my favorite pawn shop today and saw that they had alot of 1911's on the wall. The ones that really caught my eye was...

1) Colt series 80 M1911A1 with the slanted serrations on the slide. Parkerized. for $690 used

2) Springfield Armory M1911A1 with vertical serrations, parkerized. It said Brazil on the dust cover? for $650 used

3) brand new in box never shot PARA 1911 Expert GI parkerized for $540 new

Now is the extra $150 worth having a used Colt? Or is a brand new in box PARA a better deal? Whats your opinion?

p.s. they didnt have any S&W 1911's lol.

My preference is series 70 or older Colts but I would take the series 80 over the other two with the springfield as second choice.

If I were offered the choice these days?
I'd go an original GI patterned (pre model 80 schwarz safety design). That said, I also currently own 2 that are "Series 80 forward" designs. If your going to own just one? Make it a 70 series or earlier 1911A1 clone.
YMMV?

Those pawn shop prices look pretty high for used guns, but pawn shops typically are rip-off dealers, on guns, at least.

Prices on the Colt and Springfield are too high for used guns. I think you can do better if you shop around.
No experience with the Paras.
Of the three, I'd go with the Springfield.

You should be able to find a NEW Springfield GI for less than $600. I paid $550 for mine last spring. (Unless you're in MA or CA with their bizarre lists of approved guns and such.)

The Springfield parkerized 1911A1's are the best deal. I see them for around $500-$600. Very reliable, but bare bones.

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I will move firewood every day

Of the three I would go for the Springfield. I have a Springfield Mil-Spec, and am very happy with it.

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Formerly know as Lucky Derby

I'm wanting the exact same thing and after a lot of research I've decided on the Rock Island Armory pistol. Its $365 from SARCO delivered to my FFL and he only charges 10 bucks for the transfer. An older used Colt would be great but I can't find any at decent price.

I have been considering the same thing. I had decided the Springfield was going to be the one for me. But that price for the Rock Island Armory Pistol is fantastic.

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I drank what? - Socrates

The RIAs are nice looking pistolas, but I've yet to fire one.

I have a SA 1911A1 GI model. It is a bare bones model with even GI style sights. It's been a great weapon. Paid $520 NIB about a year ago. If you want better sights and a few extras, you could get the SA Mil-spec.

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Barry, youngest son of Claud

Para Ordnance just came out with a GI Expert. Under $600 I do believe. I haven't seen one in person, but I have been told they're a great gun.

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Vaya con Dios

I was thinking about a bare bones 1911 last year but the Colts were sky high if you could find them. A new SS Springfield would cost $600 and was close to what I wanted.Just about that time the local gun shop sent a flyer with the RIA for $399. I wasted no time going down and buying one.

The gun works perfectly. I comes with one very nice Novaks magazine. I tried it with a McCormick and a Wilson mag as well. It never missed a beat. I even tried some reloads including some 185 grain flat point target reloads. It shot everything in all magazines perfectly.

It's not a Colt, but for a bare bones .45 the RIA is a great deal. Bruce

Actions by T one of the best customizers in the country thinks for the money buy Mil-Spec. Just under 600. Teddy Jacobson says they have the best internal parts good for use as is or good for some custom work..

Custom gun shops say Mil-Spec has the best internal parts for use as is or custom work.

Some years ago I got a stainless SA Mil-Spec. Other than having to dovetail the slide for a higher front sight I found no need to change anything. Good gun--reliable, shoots well for me.

My daughter got the same thing in blue and is happy with it.

+1 on the RIA being a good solid value.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Yes! Colt's are forged, Para's are cast. JMO of course, but Para's do have a reputation for trouble.

I looked at a SA Mil-Spec last week for $550 and was seriously tempted. I don't need one, but it was real nice and attractively priced. If it's still there when I go back I think I'll get it.

If it makes a difference, the Colt will always hold its value over other makers. They have poled a number of gun writers and gun smiths over the years, and this was always the consensus of opinion.

Regards,

Dave

Dollar for dollar it's hard to beat STI's Spartan. Hand fit frame and slide, adjustable rear sight, fiber optic front sight, high rise beavertail, full length guide rod, front and rear cocking grooves on the slide and a bunch of other small details (like checkered MS housing). Street price is about $600....well worth it. R,

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USPSA TY23298

Picked up a RIA new from a local shop last year for $318 including tax.Shoots more accurate then me and over 500 rds. through it without a hitch.

If you want a pre-70 1911A1 type pistol with forged frame and slide, and machined internal parts, you have three choices (ignoring custom built guns):

1. Used pre-70 Colt Government Model.
2. Used Norinco 1911A1 (they're still made but our government doesn't want you to have a new one).
3. Any WWII 1911A1.

Everything else has either a cast frame and/or some cast or MIM internal parts.

I personally don't have any problems with MIM or investment casting, but some folks think they're the end of civilization as we know it.

Buck

Several years ago, I was in the market for just what you seek. I bought a bare-bones Springfield Armory 1911, my only thrill was to get a SS. My gunsmith friend said shoot 500 rds and then he'd do his reliability package. I shot 500 Remington greenbox, and did not have a single failure to feed/fire/eject/function. The gun has been one of my best buys. I paid $519. I highly recommend this product

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beaver

Okay so I think I am leaning towards the Colt for a few reasons. Its got the history behind it which is always nice. Its made by the originator of the 1911 design. Most of you guys agree it helps with the overall value. I love the idea of a back to basics 1911. Kimbers are works of art but I want what grandpa had. (for now anyway lol!)

My only worry is that will I be breaking some kind of "Gun God" code if I swap out the hammer and duck tail on the old Colt? Will that take away from its old school value? I dont want a pimped out custom gun, I just dont want to get bit by the old style duck tail/hammer setup that I remember dealing with back in the 80's.

Go for the Colt if you can find one that suits your needs. We prefer to call the duck part a beavertail. You can change out the grip safety to anything from a high ride to a low ride beavertail to suit your needs. I have guns in several configuations and I like them all. Bruce

Sorry, I only called it a duck tail because someone pointed out to me once that the old GI 1911's had a very small tail compared to the modern and popular beaver tail which is very big and wide and channeled to protect the web of the hand better.

See the size difference in this pic of the old vs the new styles of tails. I guess the guy figured the smaller tail looked like a duck tail? Its not so much hi or lo ride but actually a smaller size.




I think I am going for the Colt and just install a larger beaver tail just for my own comfort. I can always put it back if I sell it or hand it down to my son.