bigggbbruce
Member
I say look for a used one, Kimber or Dan Wesson can get you in that price range.
Better built and barrel fitting.
Better built and barrel fitting.
Entry level 1911 advice.
- Thread starter cjcutter1
- Start date
I like forged steel frames and slides. I like Springfield Armory 1911's, but there are a lot of good ones to choose from. I would save up a little more and get a Springfield Armory Range Officer.
dubshooter
Member
I really like my American Classic Commander. Not the best 1911 in the world. But it's affordable, reliable, accurate and great to shoot
Last year I decided I wanted to try a 1911 in 9mm. Whilst at my LGS, I see a used 1911 in the case. It is an RIA FS II in 9mm. The price was under $400 and I thought what the heck. I have been truly amazed at how good and reliable that thing is. I have a number of 1911's by Colt and Ruger and like them all. The RIA has nothing to be ashamed of. It does have a hi-vis optic front sight.
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Guess I'll be the lone party-pooper here. I was bitten by the 1911 bug some time ago and purchased a Springfield GI. It was so trouble prone it went back to Springfield several times and was getting frustrating and expensive (lots of testing w/.45 ball ammo). I hung in there for about a year and finally just sold the thing and never looked back.
Another vote for the Remington R1.
Was my re-entry to 1911s and still a favorite:
First time out.
100 rounds of WWB with no issues whatsoever.
Was my re-entry to 1911s and still a favorite:
First time out.
100 rounds of WWB with no issues whatsoever.
American1776
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Get a basic Colt 1991. Colts have a reputation of working right from the box.
Start with a standard 5" "Government" model.
.45 ACP.
Before buying, dry fire it. If the trigger doesn't feel great, don't buy it. A 1911 should have a great trigger.
Beware: 1911s are like Lays potato chips, you probably won't get just one.
.45 ACP.
Before buying, dry fire it. If the trigger doesn't feel great, don't buy it. A 1911 should have a great trigger.
Beware: 1911s are like Lays potato chips, you probably won't get just one.
You have a few factors to consider that have not been mentioned here, yet. Do you want a Series 70 style or a Series 80 style (non-firing pin safety vs firing pin safety)? Personally, I prefer the 70s style trigger mechanism.
I am in the process of purchasing my 4th 1911, for a project. Price was a factor, since I am on fixed income. Over the years I accumulated a Colt Government Model and a Springfield Armory Trophy Match. Recently, I purchased a Ruger SR1911 CMD. All of these are 45s, but I have craved a 38 Super. After doing my homework, I settled on an American Tactical Imports FX9 commander sized 1911, selling for just under $400. It is made by S.A.M. in the Philippines, the same manufacturer of the 1911s sold by Armscor/RIA. Reviews were quite favorable, and the 45 version has gotten favorable reviews by Hickok45.
The ATI 1911 has low profile GI style sights, which shouldn't be too much of an issue.
Ultimately, I see this 1911 serving multiple roles: chasis for a 38 Super Commander, an IDPA pistol, and possibly as a carry gun for CC, if it passes muster.
I am in the process of purchasing my 4th 1911, for a project. Price was a factor, since I am on fixed income. Over the years I accumulated a Colt Government Model and a Springfield Armory Trophy Match. Recently, I purchased a Ruger SR1911 CMD. All of these are 45s, but I have craved a 38 Super. After doing my homework, I settled on an American Tactical Imports FX9 commander sized 1911, selling for just under $400. It is made by S.A.M. in the Philippines, the same manufacturer of the 1911s sold by Armscor/RIA. Reviews were quite favorable, and the 45 version has gotten favorable reviews by Hickok45.
The ATI 1911 has low profile GI style sights, which shouldn't be too much of an issue.
Ultimately, I see this 1911 serving multiple roles: chasis for a 38 Super Commander, an IDPA pistol, and possibly as a carry gun for CC, if it passes muster.
Let us know which 1911 you decide on...
I will be the contrary... I have/had Colt, Springfield, Kimber, Taurus etc... current 1911 count is 7 that I can think of... blindfolded you would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the Colt Series 70 Gold Cup... Kimber first generation Stainless Target and the Taurus PT1911... I vote for the Taurus PT1911 stainless in either 9mm or 45acp... let the Taurus haters start a hating...
daddio202
Member
I chose a Ruger sr1911 and now with around 2000 rounds not a single problem. Remington R1 is also a good bet and seen many good reviews about rock island guns. Good luck, let us know what you get!
ATI Model 1911
sdb321
Member
COLT GOVT.
I bought my first "1911" about a month ago. It's a 01991 Colt .45. I wanted something that was close to the original as possible. John Browning & Colt started it over 100 years ago and still going strong! By the way, fit and finish is great and it will shoot right out of the box.
I bought my first "1911" about a month ago. It's a 01991 Colt .45. I wanted something that was close to the original as possible. John Browning & Colt started it over 100 years ago and still going strong! By the way, fit and finish is great and it will shoot right out of the box.
Attachments
There have been some good recommendations in this thread so far... Another fine make and model of the 1911 is the Argentine Sistema 1911, which was made for various branches of the Argentine military under license from Colt during the post-war period and through the 1950's. The quality is very high and you may still be able to find a gently used example for around $600. These are great guns.
Bosquebass
Member
I'll put my vote in for Remington. The enhanced version my son had was a really nice shooting piece.
But first think about this:
The 1911 is a great platform no doubt about it but not everybody likes it. That plus the fact you say that you have never fired one would have me suggest that you go to a range that rents guns and try one, or several, out. You could get an idea of what you really want for a few bucks in rental fees before you drop 600-1000 dollars.
In my book that would be money well spent.
But first think about this:
The 1911 is a great platform no doubt about it but not everybody likes it. That plus the fact you say that you have never fired one would have me suggest that you go to a range that rents guns and try one, or several, out. You could get an idea of what you really want for a few bucks in rental fees before you drop 600-1000 dollars.
In my book that would be money well spent.
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oysterer
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pay double and get a Baer
You will get one and then another back and forth and never really be totally happy. I would bypass all the cheapo 1911 and look out for a little used Les Baer or one of the online discount deals. Get that and be done with it. $1200-1500. Mine are outshooting (groups size, trigger, reliability) all the other offerings in that price range by far, not even a comparison, and hold the value.
You will get one and then another back and forth and never really be totally happy. I would bypass all the cheapo 1911 and look out for a little used Les Baer or one of the online discount deals. Get that and be done with it. $1200-1500. Mine are outshooting (groups size, trigger, reliability) all the other offerings in that price range by far, not even a comparison, and hold the value.
SATX
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Take a look at the Rock Island. People talk smack about them but if you read reviews on the big box sites from people who actually own them, they love them. I recently bought a Rock Island 1911 FS Tactical for $500. The gun is well made, on old Colt machinery I hear. The parkerized finishing is ok for the price. I've only put 100 trouble free rounds through it so far but I feel it was a good purchase. I have spent $800 on Remington an Ruger 1911s in the past, I feel the RIA is just as good in the build and reliability department.
Walkingwolf
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OP spend as much money as possible, if you have to empty your kids college fund. When buying a 1911 it comes down to bragging rights, and anything that works, and is affordable is not kewl.
I say the above with tongue in cheek as I am perfectly happy with my essex framed 1911 with surplus parts that is very accurate, and goes bang every time. Also am the proud owner of a Star Super A which I paid a whopping 130 bucks for, and it never fails to go boom, and is just as accurate. But I am not a tactikewl guy. I would be just as happy with a RIA if I was not already satisfied.
I say the above with tongue in cheek as I am perfectly happy with my essex framed 1911 with surplus parts that is very accurate, and goes bang every time. Also am the proud owner of a Star Super A which I paid a whopping 130 bucks for, and it never fails to go boom, and is just as accurate. But I am not a tactikewl guy. I would be just as happy with a RIA if I was not already satisfied.
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