I have been without a 1911 pistol for a few years now. I sold the three I had a few years ago to buy hay when drought reduced my pasture to stubble. I figured, what the heck, I didn’t carry one any more, and I have a couple other handguns that shoot .45 ACP, so I can get along without one.

Well, since that time, I have had problems. Can’t seem to go to sleep like I used to. Lost my appetite for certain foods I used to enjoy. Suffer from occasional bouts of melancholy. Catch myself thinking about Jeff Cooper and JM Browning.

I figure a sure cure for these maladies is to acquire another 1911. However, I don’t want to break the bank doing it. So I decided to poll the experts here.

ON THE USED MARKET, WHAT IS THE BEST CHEAP, ENTRY LEVEL MIL-SPEC 1911 TO LOOK FOR?

I know there are a bunch of them out there. I’m talking in the $500-$600 used market. I see several listed on the state swap and sell page I frequent in this price range. Taurus, even an old mid-70s Auto Ordinance, and some I’ve never heard of.

Keep in mind, I’m looking for something to shoot maybe 500 rounds per year, not thousands. That Auto Ordinance really intrigues me. Asking less than 600, with 600 rounds of factory hardball. As I remember, these were all-steel, made in USA.

Any advice, Yes, no, what’s a good one, what to stay away from, based on personal experience.

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Georgia On My Mind

You can buy a new Tisas in any of many variations for between $350 and $600. I have two, one in .45 and one in 9mm both solid well made guns and have about 300 rounds through each without an issue.

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

If you're talking inexpensive but still good, I'm going to have to go with the Rock Island Armory 1911. I had one years ago (I think I paid around $300 for it...if that) and it was a good gun. I had it slicked up a bit with a new trigger, etc. and it was even better. I later gave it to my son-in-law and he loves it. As he told me, "Dad, I will never get rid of that gun!"

I have Springfield 1911 Mil-spec, which is exceptionally good, but I think they're going for over six hundred dollars now new.

Those are the two that I've actually had personal experience with. Maybe some of the other folks can chip in with some information on other brands.

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Pack light and cinch tight.

I have two of the Rock Island Armory 1911's, both in 10mm. I recently added a Tisas 45 ACP. I have been extremely happy with all three of them.
The Tisa's trigger is amazing, right out of the box. The next picture is 10mm day at the range, the two RIA's and a Glock 20.

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SWCA #3463
SWHF #970

Rock Island Armory. I have at least two. Probably the best selling 1911 on the market.

Okay, taking a deep breath here. Cheap and guns are not supposed to go together. Value and guns is better. Semantics I know but........

You need to look to the secondary market. Auctions and estate sales. There are good used firearms that you can get at a good price for a brand name, Colt, S&W, Springfield..........

You really have to try to screw up a 1911. From what I have seen, they are all pretty standard. Having said that, I still would stay away from some of these off brand makers, just me. If you are looking for a plinker then by all means, have at it. If you may want to carry it then go for quality.

You can also look for firearms in Pawn stores. You can sometimes talk them down on the price. They just want to move product. Cash in hand talks over the possibility of someone coming in and offering more.

Just sayn

The Tisas 1911 was a good enough base gun for the great Chuck Rogers to build several full house customs on.
Mine (9mm Tank Commander) has been surprisingly good.
All reports I have read indicate they are basically the best value going. Forged frame, slide, and barrel.
Only MIM part in the gun is the recoil spring guide. Everything else is stamped, milled, or forged.
Yeah, I get it, they are Turkish.
They are an awesome value.

I have several from Rock Island and have been pleased with them.

My current, and probably last, 1911's, are a RIA Officer's Model and a Tisas Service Special, both in .45 ACP. Can't imagine needing or wanting anything else.

Current production Tisas or RIA.

But if you start hitting your local Pawns and Gun shops, you'll find plenty of decent name brand 1911's in the $500-$600 range.

Shoot, I picked-up this 74' Colt Commander for $699 last month. The gun market is dead right now. And shops are filling-up with used guns.

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Watch & Pray

A 1911 from SDS Imports recently popped up in my email for $319. It's a very basic GI looking model, so I'd never buy one because of the sights and the tight ejection port. Guy I knew had a similar spec Springfield and it would eject a live JHP round.

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Release the Kraken

All of the above suggestions are perfectly worthy choices. As stated above, there are many name brands available on the used market, many of them have upgraded parts as well. I have seen Colt's and S&W's used in that price range as well. don't rush, keep looking around.

Used or Tisas

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

Well, I hope you can get along with one of the replicas.
I had the same symptoms every time I sold/traded my existing 1911. (Over the years I've owned several) Unfortunately knockoffs didn't cure me, so I now have an original WW1 1911 and can sleep nights. It's been "re-configured" at sometime with Micro target sights for use as a target gun. I have shot it in league for a number of years and it is definately a better shot than me. (But no angst anymore!)

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

Back in the 80's, 90's, even early 00's there were many basically junk knock off type guns. That you were better off to stay away from.

The current production Tisas is not among them. I highly recommend them!! The Rock Island's are right there as well.

There are two thing's I would never buy on the cheap one is a PARACHUTE the other is a GUN. Two thing's you need to count on to maybe save your life.....gust my two cents worth....................................M*

Redlevel, have both the TISAS and the recent AutoOrdnance 1911 pistols. Both are good value (if buying the AO make certain that it is the later one made in Mass., not the one made in NY). Note that all the new AO are “Series 80” guns with the firing pin safety, while the TISAS are the old style without that addition.

I'll stick with my Norinco 1911. If you find one it is definitely not in the Tisas price point. But metallurgically magnificent. Dave_n

Tisas and RIA...at least current RIA...are very good value for the money. I have heard parts interchangeability with the Tisas isn't as good as one might hope but that's what I've been told...no personal knowledge of that. Some years back RIA pistols were a bit of a gamble as for quality control. The same can be for Auto Ordnance...under current ownership (Kahr) quality has stepped up enormously.

Used Springfield Armory 1911's are tried and true. They have forged frames and slides. They are built with good specs too! You can find new basic fixed sighted ones for under $700 or if you like adjustable sights there are still some Range Officers out there for the same price. Used prices would be somewhat lower.

+1 for the Rock Island guns. Mine has been 100% reliable and is the most accurate autoloading pistol I own. I have some revolvers capable of showing it up, but not all.

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The best I can with what I got

I have heard nothing but 100% satisfaction from people that have bought the Tisas.
I would buy one in a heartbeat, but just don't need another gun right now.

If you look around and aren’t in a panic to get the gun, you can find used, but recently manufactured Colt 1911s in your price range.

The RIAs and Tisas I’ve seen have been pretty rough, although they seem to work OK.

Nevertheless, if I can have only one 1911 it needs to be a Colt.

Don't forget the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has Round 4 going, but your package must be in by the end of this Month. CMP is a worthy cause, and you will be getting the real deal. Yes, it is twice the amount compared to sending your money to a foreign entity.

Since you specified used, I don’t think you need to go to a super cheapie.

I found this Colt Series 70 for $700 less than a year ago.

The Norinco was $350, down from $399, a few months ago. Its a great pistol, and it is good for generating some harrumphing with its Made In China pedigree.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

yup...Picked up a Nork all set up for Bullseye with the bells and whistles for just over 5 bills. pretty solid piece...except the range partners keep complaining about that whistling...

Squirls b Crazy

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Guy Godios
VVA chapter 77

I had a RIA and now have a Tisas. Both performed extremely well.

I have a RIA GI .45 from when they first came on the market and a Tisas USGI 9mm from this year. Both have been reliable and I did some customizing on the RIA after sending it to Heinie for sights. Since I paid $319 shipped and transferred for the Tisas I have no problem sending it to Heinie for a sight upgrade.

Another recommendation for the Tisas. I had mine out today and noticed it didn’t deposit the cases down my back like my last one did. It was an ATI and my son procured it from me. It was a good gun, too, but I haven’t seen any around for quite a while. I’ve heard nothing but good from the Tisas or the RIA.

I have to put in a plug for the Taurus PT1911; still a solid, proven performer for just over $500.

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Redlevel, if you can pick up a surplus Argentine Ballester-Rigaud, or Ballester-Molina in good condition cheap in Georgia, they are very good .45 acp pistols. I remember when they were selling for ~$300; look them up on Gunbroker now. That will tell you something.The Argentinian magazines are usually worn out; so, replace them with new, good quality .45 acp mags. They fit. I'm thinking you may be able to pick one up cheap at an out of the way LGS, or Pawn Shop. Good luck with whatever you end up doing!

A buddy of mine has one of the Charles Daly 1911s - the newer Italian made one.

I've shot it and it's seems very well made with excellent fit and finish. It ate everything. For under $400, new, it seems like a good deal!

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Thread Killer.

I own one. Great pistol. It’s also heavy enough to use for weight lifting exercises when I’m not shooting it. 😀

While I do not own one, all I have been hearing in the way of 1911's is: Tisas, Tisas, Tisas..... Everything I've heard and read seems to be positive. They seem to be fairly well made, finished well and decently accurate. As far as the price is concerned, I'd venture to say it's a "best bang for the buck" 1911.

Another Rock Island Armory vote. Have a Tactical I in 9mm, and a Commander Tactical II on .40. Both are good guns! Bob

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Of course neither of these pistols are true 1911s, lacking a grip safety and other parts that may or may not be interchangeable with a 1911. Not my first choice for something that I would shoot and want to keep running and/or modifying.

Tisas is the one. Check PSA and they are on sale for less than or right at $400. I’m a Colt 1911 guy and have been since the 60’s. Had 20 over the years and the Colts mfg from the early 80’s til today are not for me. Have gotten a few in “ deals”, tried shooting them and just way to many issues. Require LOTS of work. Friend bought a Tisas, we went shooting and it was like shooting an arms room 1911A-1, could not believe it. I bought one and disassembled it totally and was Very Pleased with all the parts and Especially the fit and finish, just amazing. BTW, I shoot 1911’s just about every week some times 3 times a week. Buy a Tisas , you will like it.

Bud's currently has a Tisas US Army for $350.

All steel made in the USA gets my vote.
Used is fine if you can inspect it first.
Lotsa rounds thru the '79 bought new.
Just change springs as necessary.
Might add a magwell, making some slabs if I do, and it runs fine with McCormick 8s.

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Have Fun/Stay Safe

Love my Rock Island. But I did pay more as it’s a Cimarron. Has a horse [and a rider] on it too, guess those horses make them more ‘spensive.

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Of course the Rock Islands are great do anything you want guns.. BUT, if you want one with all the bells and whistles for just a couple of dollars more, look at the American Classics. Also made in the Philippines like Rock Island, they are beautifully fit and finished more like a Gold Cup. Both of mine shoot tiny little groups and 100% reliable.

I've got a couple of RIA's, one in 9mm the other 10mm. They have both been solid pistols. That said, if I was going to buy a new cheap 1911, I'd pick up a Tisas. The only complaint I have with the Rocks is that the trigger guard has a different radius than spec, and though it is slight, it does bug me. My 10mm isn't as big a deal because it has a rail, but the 9mm... it just doesn't quite look "right". The Tisas do not have this very minor, visual discrepancy.

If you want cheap get a Taurus 1911, if you want inexpensive but high quality get Tisas, RIA etc.

Randy

The Rock Island Targets show up every once in awhile at around $600 and they are well fitted out. Here's a photo of mine and I've only changed the trigger at the time of the photo.

Stu

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I went the Tisas route a few weeks ago and bought a Tisas 1911 45 acp Tank Commander for $409 with parkerized finish. Could not be happier. As said above, in tearing it down for a first cleaning and lube I was impressed with the fit, finish and machining. Maiden voyage at the range it ran like a champ with hardball and lead round nose. Only hiccup was with some Speer gold dot hollow points as it failed to feed the first round out of the magazine. All the rest in the mag ran without issue. Only have about fifty rounds through it as of yet but I am impressed. I'll continue the break in and then try some Hpts again, but I plan on just running hardball in her as that's the way Mr. Browning built the 1911. Don't think you can go wrong with a Tisas, and once the world wakes up to them I'm sure the price will begin to go up. Get'um while you can at these bargain prices.

S&W SEREIES E best bang for the buck! you will not find a gun with all the features people pay to have done to the gun! I bought my Series E Stainless for $800 used, shoots like a laser beam.

PSA has the TISAS for $299.

If you're buying a Tisas or a Rock try finding a model set up just like you want it as to sights and the safety. I've heard that drop in parts sometimes don't drop in wo some fitting. That is from my gunsmith not an internet expert. Other than that, I think they are great basic 1911s. They are bargains not cheap guns as some here have implied. They aren't going to have great bluing but who does these days? I bought an ATI branded Commander made in the Philippines so its probably a Rock and I'm very happy with it.

Try Palmetto or CDNN. Really haven't been shopping but seem to recall seeing some good prices in their email ads. I think they had good deals on both 9mm and 45ACP 1911s. I just bought a Girsan HiPower clone from CDNN and it shipped fast with no issues.

I hear a lot of good things about the Tisas.

Had a Rock Island that ejected the empties into my right eye, Two trips to a very competent gunsmith and three trips back to the factory still couldn't fix it completely; every so often a shell casing would bounce off my shooting or sunglasses. I acknowledge that this is a fluke with the RIs, mine was an outlier.



Sold it off and a few years later bought this Springfield GI Defender. Trigger was meh, so I installed Thunder Mountain's 5-piece trigger set and now it's one of the best triggers I own.

You have many choices if you're just looking for a functional 1911, but my vote goes to the Springfield - they've been making them good, consistently, for a long time now.

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I'm well over 1,000 rounds through my Tisas Tanker I bought about a year and a half ago without any issues whatsoever. Seems to be plenty accurate and has been 100% reliable with different mags and ammo.

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