Shopping for a 1911 GI bare bones model, any tips?

[Meztiso]

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.

 

[g17]

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.

 

[Spotteddog]

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?

 

[Texas Star]

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

 

[Grayfox]

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.

 

[zercool]

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.)

 

[Peter J.]

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

 

[Andy Taylor]

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

 

[Farmer17]

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.

 

[badam0112]

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.

 

[gregintenn]

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

 

[bmhiii]

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.

 

[David LaPell]

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.

 

[Bruce51]

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

 

[george minze]

Originally posted by Lucky Derby:
Of the three I would go for the Springfield. I have a Springfield Mil-Spec, and am very happy with it.

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..

 

[george minze]

Originally posted by Lucky Derby:
Of the three I would go for the Springfield. I have a Springfield Mil-Spec, and am very happy with it.

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

 

[Bat Guano]

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.

 

[H Richard]

+1 on the RIA being a good solid value.

 

[J. Galt]

Now is the extra $150 worth having a used Colt?

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.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

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