Entry level 1911 advice.

[cjcutter1]

Really considering getting a 1911, I know nothing about them nor have I ever shot one. I've held some Colts at a outdoor show at the Colt booth and thought they felt great. I started into handguns with double action Smith's then Ruger single actions then on to polymer pistols Ruger,Smith's and Glock I do enjoy my larger pistols M&P45,Glock41,34 but the Shield45 and smaller Glocks also see plenty of action. I stick with 9and45 at this time for my semiauto pistols so my question is it possible to get a nice 1911 in the $400-$600 range? Thank you.

 

[Chief Illiniwek]

Look at RIA's offerings. They're a pretty good value and are in your price range.

 

[326MOD10]

I lucked into a new in the box Ruger SR1911 full size .45 for 600.00 so keep on the look out for a bargain and you might get a nice one in your price range.

I had a 1911 a long time ago and sold it. I now have purchased 2 Ruger .45's and am looking at a Colt 9MM.

Be careful of the BUG when it bites you.

 

[damascusdave]

My buddy who knows his guns swears by Norinco.

 

[H Richard]

RIA, (Rock Island Armory), builds 1911's for minimal prices and maximum quality. I have yet to run across anyone that didn't like a RIA 1911. They build quite a few variations, for carry, for competition, for home defense, and about anything else you can think of. Visit their web site for info.

 

[sigp220.45]

You can get a Remington 1911R1 in that price range. American made, good sights, and fine quality. Mine has been first rate.

The 1911 was meant to be a basic, workaday gun. You can spend $3,000 on one that needs 500 rounds of break-in, or you can spend $500 bucks on one that works right away, and use the money you save on ammo. Or shoes for your kids.

I'm not sure how important it is to you to have an American made gun. You may be able to beat this price with a Filipino or Brazilian gun.

 

[Welder1]

I'm really drawn to the Ruger SR1911 9mm which is near your price range. I have several 1911 platform guns but the commander sized Ruger in 9mm seems interesting. Ruger seems to always offer quality products at the right price and if you have issues their customer service is top notch.

 

[Critch]

I think the Ruger SR1911 is a great entry gun,,but regardless, get one with decent sights..I made the mistake of buying a GI clone with tiny sights and it frustrated me...I carry a SIG 1911, not exactly entry level but a fine pistol. The Rugers are well made and will last a lifetime.

 

[HARDWARE]

I'd save my pennies before I'd buy anything that's going to be suggested in this thread.

 

[Walkingwolf]

I'd save my pennies before I'd buy anything that's going to be suggested in this thread.

Korth does not make a 1911...

 

[Flattop5]

1. Use hardball ammo in the gun. That's what it was designed for.

2. Use 7-round mags only, preferably with the little "pimple" on the follower, e.g., Colt brand. Ditto as above.

3. Don't grease the slide (oil it sparingly with thick oil and a Q-tip).


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[Tom_R]

Do you want new or used?

If new, I would say look at what you can get a Ruger 1911 for. They are well built and will have good sights and a beavertail and Commander hammer to avoid hammer bite.

I can't speak to Norinco or Rock Island, but people do like them a lot.

Avoid a Taurus, as they are out of spec in the original 1911 sizing, so building it out with custom parts later is supposedly tricky.

In general it's good to avoid Taurus products.

But, you could also find a good used Colt or Springfield. That might not be a bad way to go.

 

[Engineer1911]

For plain Jane, the Remington 1911- R1 is an excellent buy. For fancy with all the bells, a Rock Island Armory Target model with adjustable sights, beaver tail grip safety is an even better value. I have 15 different 45 ACP 1911s including Rem R1, RIA Target model, Colt Gold Cups (3), two custom built 1911, Para Ordnance, several other brands, and a S&W Target model. For the money RIA has the best value!

 

[Irn-Bru]

For $600 the Remington R1 Enhanced is hard to beat. I've been thinking about picking one up and comparing it to others in the $600 range too.

Remington - 1911 R1 Enhanced 45acp

 

[Rpg]

Before you decide on a brand, determine which options you want.

The two most important are high visability sights and a beaver tail safety.

High visibility sights does NOT mean dots, fiber optic or night sights. I mean larger black sights than came on the GI 1911.

Once you've determined the options you want, then shop.

 

[cjcutter1]

Before you decide on a brand, determine which options you want.

The two most important are high visability sights and a beaver tail safety.

High visibility sights does NOT mean dots, fiber optic or night sights. I mean larger black sights than came on the GI 1911.

Once you've determined the options you want, then shop.

Yes gotta have sights I can use the bigger the better. I run HD's on all my polymer pistols.

 

[cjcutter1]

I think the Ruger SR1911 is a great entry gun,,but regardless, get one with decent sights..I made the mistake of buying a GI clone with tiny sights and it frustrated me...I carry a SIG 1911, not exactly entry level but a fine pistol. The Rugers are well made and will last a lifetime.

This,yes gotta have decent sights as stated above.

 

[Valmet]

Just a tad over your $600 mark but IMO the Springfield Armory Range Officer is the best 1911 for the $ out there these days. I see them around for between $700-750 and I have several Colts and a custom built 1911 and I grab for the SA more than any of the others.

 

[TheHobbyist]

Here's my $ 0.02 and worth what you paid for it.

I think it's great that you have even just interest in these fine guns. The history from a military perspective is very interesting ( I am being brief, but encourage you to read up in your 'free time'.). A ton of manufacturers over the years; again, testament to an excellent design, cartridge, and fit, form, function.

I have mostly owned Colt 1911's. Of the less expensive models, I had poor experience with the newer Remington's, sadly. Never really found an appreciation for the Ruger 1911. Just my opinion. PM me if you wish details.

The ones I have thought were a good value include: RIA, Springfield GI, Norinco, and AMT.

This input is not from reading, but in actually firing or owning the aforementioned. Best of luck. TH

 

[Mistered]

A bit more expensive (around $800) is the S & W 'E' series. A friend of mine recently bought one and the fit and finish rivals the best 'customs' I have ever seen. Accuracy is phenomenal and there were NO problems out of the box - or should I say after a preliminary cleaning out of the box prior to the first shooting session - which I was present for.