AR15 vs 1911

Hello all,

So I've been saving up some cash to buy a new firearm, but I'm caught between which to buy. I've always wanted a 1911, but the AR15 bug has bitten me.

My current gun collection consists of a Glock 17, Glock 19, HK P2000, SIG P228 and a Remington 870 Wingmaster.

As you can see, I have no rifle, so that is one reason why I want the AR15. That said, I feel no gun collection is ever complete without a proper 1911, and I personally would love to own one.

I would prefer to keep the price within $1000. Totally on the fence, any advice?

Since you list all handguns in your collection I'd say go for AR. You can get a nice carbine/rifle for $1k.


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You want a rifle and have lots of pistols...but one pistol you think is a requirement is missing.

I'd buy the AR, then sell a pistol or two to fund the purchase of the 1911. That will leave you with a collection that satisfies the AR bug and also gets you the 1911 you've always wanted.

In the interest of full disclosure...I use this system all the time...except I only make a half-hearted effort to sell the guns I say I'll sell...which just leaves me with a bigger collection. I'm great at giving advice but sometimes not the best at following it.

A rock island armory would be an excellent first 1911. It would also leave you with enough money to buy an AR upper and maybe even a stripped lower.

I'll beat everyone to the usual replies:
Spend it on ammo and get better with what you have.
Sell what you have to me then buy what you want.
Why not buy both....
Now that the usual fluff it out of the way...

1911 vs AR. This caught my attention. I have both. The AR gets alot more use because I have a 22lr conversion that my wife loves. The 1911 was a cheap 45 that I bought just to have a 1911. IIRC I paid less than $400 for the gun and 6 magazines. The store just wanted it gone so I helped them out.

If you decide on the AR. Build it if you want the fun of shopping for just the right pieces of the puzzle. Winter is coming up so why not a project indoors?


Since you are looking at the 1k mark I would probably look in pawn shops and go from there. This time of the year is actually nice picking at the shops since it's hunting season. Around here not very many people hunt with handguns or AR's.

Either way you go get a 22lr conversion and have even more fun.

You have four service pistols, and a very nice pump shotgun, but you have no rifle. Any centerfire rifle would fill that gaping hole in your collection. If an AR-15 is the rifle you want, then get an AR-15.

After that, save up and get a 1911 next. I'm a huge 1911 fan, but adding any service pistol to your collection that already has four such pistols is rather impractical when you have no rifles.

AR-15 fills a need.

My favorite part of collecting new firearms is the search. Do your research and find out which brands / models you really like and then make a list. Take your dollar amount out in cash then start searching local stores, gun shows and firearms classifieds. If you find something on your list at the right price and condition then make the deal. Wash rinse and repeat as funds and time allow :)

For me, taking the money out in cash encourages some extra amount of discipline. Making the list lets me keep track of things as research adds something worthwhile or removes a whim. I've usually got a list of 3-5 going at most times. It also keeps the impulse buys at bay when going to the stores.

As to the original question. AR-15 on the top of the list, 1911 in second position.

AR

Do some reading and research and build one yourself! That should put you in a very nice AR leaving enough for some fodder to feed it.

AR15.

As much as I'd love to recommend you the 1911 (I need one myself), you have enough pistols for now and no rifle. You can buy/build an AR for around $600 like a Smith&Wesson M&P15 Sport, or PSA build.

AR15 gets my vote

Here's an interesting answer for you.

"Get the one that you will actually shoot." If you live in the city and a rifle range is far from your door, the AR will sit in the closet gathering dust and be a unused investment.

If the cost of 45 ACP puts you off from using the 1911 and it sits in the safe, well you could take it out every now and then to look at it, but will not gain any proficiency with it.

Spending $1,000 on a rifle or pistol you will not shoot, makes no sense. So.............

Get the one that you will actual shoot and use the most.
Jim

AR, no doubt about it, especially considering what could happen, soon. You know what I mean.;) The evil black rifle is always in the cross hair of the antis, and even many Zumbos. The 1911, not so much.

Get both, I would trade the H&K P2000 on a purchase of both an AR/ M4 rifle, and a good 1911 like an STI Spartan or Springfield Range Officer.

I guess it would depend which one you would use the most. If you have a need for an AR and you have a use for it then buy the AR. Personally I'm not the type that gets all crazy over AR's so I'd buy another 1911.

You've got a nice selection of handguns right now and at least one shotgun. Get an AR and maybe add a .22LR rifle as well, and you'll be set for some time to come. Then when you get enough money saved up start looking around for a M1911. And maybe consider getting some .22LR conversions for some of your other guns and for the M1911 when you get one.

Well I am fortunate In both accounts I own 1911s and a ar I couldn't afford a real expensive ar.
Look into the delton got in .556 for 800.00 otd. A sweet shooter.
As for 1911s rocks 4 times. All less than 550.00 all in my Edc rotation.
So if ya save a extra 400.00 you can have both

AR 15.

At least buy a lower or lower assembly and put it back.

With your multiple good handguns and no carbine, I say AR or AK for sure.

AR15. Every American household should have a semi-auto rifle in a military caliber.

A rock island armory would be an excellent first 1911. It would also leave you with enough money to buy an AR upper and maybe even a stripped lower.

+1

You can pay a lot more for a 1911 but you really don't need to if all you really want is to appreciate shooting one!

Once again I say get both, Doublestar M4 at Bud's http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411537957 and one of the best lower price point 1911s, an American Classic http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/49736

Since you said "prefer to stay under $1000" maybe you have a little wiggle room on that?

Just a quick look on around on the internet yielded RIA GI 1911's at mid $400, and I think one of the best "first AR's " out there is the S&W M&P 15 Sport, frequently available in the mid $600's.

If you do not want to go for a double buy now, I'd do the M&P 15 Sport, half a dozen P-Mags, maybe a Primary Arms red dot, Blackhawk carry bag, and ammuntion. $1000 done this way has you very nicely set up.

AR complements your pistols, adding the ability to "reach out and touch".

This is what I would do in your place with your collection. I would add a Ruger 10/22 and a 22LR pistol first. I would then add the 1911. The Rock Island was a good suggestion. Personally I have one and have put somewhere in the vicinity of 11,000 rounds through it with no problems. From there I would finally add the AR. As to what caliber you want it in depends on what you plan to use it for. Of cpurse if you can get your hands on a S&W Model 610 I would highly suggest you do so. A 10MM revolver is sweet. Of course if you did get a S&W 610 you would have to team it up with the Glock and Colt offerings in 10MM.

AR. Just to have a rifle. I'd look at PSA, they may be sold out of lowers but their uppers are very reasonably priced. I bought my last complete rifle with them, with magpul grip/stock/handguard for $750 total. You could probably build a great AR under $700. The S&W sport is also generally favored and go on sale from time to time to $600 in some places. Then see about a .22 conversion kit or just buy a 10/22 or Marlin 60 so that you can get even more rifle-trigger-time in.

Everyone should have a long rifle, and the AR is a fine all-around choice.

You need a rifle. Every man needs a rifle. Centerfire, and rimfire. For the price of a top shelf 1911 (and I do mean top-shelf) you can get a decent AR and a Ruger 10/22 or a Marlin 60. Lot's of rifle shooting fun and utility right there.

The handgun is for personal defense. The rifle lets you go on offense. Focus on the rifle and play around with 1911's later. Put $25 a week into a sock until you can buy the 1911 you want. Good 1911's are expensive. I do recommend the Colt XSE and Springfield Armory (number 9109).

Dump the HK and the SIG. The Glocks cover your defensive and action shooting needs. Perhaps even swap the 17 out for a 26. Use the cash to buy an Aimpoint with magnifier or lower end 1-4x (or 1-6x) illuminated optic. The optic makes the gun, so don't go too cheap with the variable. Buy a quick detach mount (Bobro, ADM, or LaRue preferred).

You can get a Bravo Company rifle for around $1,100 that is built properly. This is more important than saving $200.

Use Magpul P-Mags and nothing else.

Once again I say get both, Doublestar M4 at Bud's http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411537957 and one of the best lower price point 1911s, an American Classic http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/49736

I recommend against buying cheap crap.

Pick one and do it right.

I recommend against buying cheap crap.

Pick one and do it right.
+1 Buy once, cry once.....

+1 Buy once, cry once.....
In general, yes. However, I bought a RIA 1911 and it did pretty good at Gunsite (http://www.shootingreviews.com/rock-island-armory-1911a1/). After talking with the head of operations at Rock Island I'm not surprised -- they work hard at quality control, and IIRC they expect (due to statistics they track) that one out of every 2,000 they put out will have a flaw in it.

Not perfect, but not bad.

As to 1911 or AR, I think you should have both. The question to me is "what would you use the most, and which would bring the most pleasure?" It seems like you like shooting pistols, so I'd probably start with the 1911.

I agree with building one. If I had know it was that easy I would have done it years ago. If you really can't see yourself doing that, look at a Colt 6920.

Buy whichever one you'll use the most and save for the other. Far to many makers/manufactures in the "types" of guns you listed, ranging from crap to top of the line.

Get yourself a Rock Island 1911, decent gun for around $500, then get you a Entry level, Bushmaster or DPMS. Problem solved.

Get yourself a Rock Island 1911, decent gun for around $500, then get you a Entry level, Bushmaster or DPMS. Problem solved.

If you ignore his budget and, further, don't mind cheaping out on the quality of the AR. And assume that, even after going over budget, things like ammo and magazines and other basic accessories are not a $$$ concern, either.

get the 1911 first , that will make picking witch others to sell a snap, then get the AR,:)

AR all the way. Right now all your pistols use the same caliber. If you are going to add another caliber to the collection, it should bring a platform with it that gives you something too. A 1911 won't do anthying that you can't do with what you have. An AR on the other hand, opens a whole new world of possabilities. You can hunt small to med game, target shoot, varmit shoot, or even get into 3 gun. Then there are the "zombie civil war" applications too, if that matters to you. Get the AR

I just took a look at your gun list again ,, oh oh you need a good wheel gun too !! S&W 357 or a Ruger 44mag ,:what: time for a 2nd job lol ,
and stay away from 22lr auto pistols, or you could end up like me with 5 or 6 of them and a few bricks of ammo, and not knowing witch to load frist , aawhhh the stress !!:eek:

Get a 1911. They can explode tanks. I saw it in a movie once.

http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv239/BlayGlock/06B8CEA5-B6F6-4B9C-B39C-94806D47D5B1-2041-0000016B4F8EB63A.jpg

Get a 1911. They can explode tanks. I saw it on a movie once.

Only if it's a 10mm 1911, I'd get both you can shoot tanks with the 1911 and quarters at 1,000 yards with the AR. :D

Get the AR, then sell your Glocks and get a real good steel gun, a 1911. Can you tell I don't like Glocks.:D

Sell the HK and the G17 and buy both and AR-15 and a 1911.

You already have a Glock, so why do you need a 1911?

Buy the AR. Sell the Sig and the HK and buy a Glock 26.

Use what is left over and buy ammo.

Easy-Peasy.

I have both.

I could get thought the rest of my life not owning a 1911.

I would really miss my AR15.

I would sell my 1911 & keep the AR if I had to get rid of one.

Get the AR first is my advice. Now the term AR leaves a lot of room for variance. A 20" NM AR is a great all around rifle.

Several nice handguns and no rifle?


Get the AR now.

Get a 1911 later.


Full disclaimer - I've got no direct experience with the Smith & Wesson Sport, but by all the accounts of those who do, it's a perfectly fine rifle for the casual shooter. It'll come in under your budget nicely, leaving you enough for a few more magazines and ammo to actually enjoy it with.

WNTFW wrote:

I could get thought the rest of my life not owning a 1911.

I would really miss my AR15.

You and me both!

recipe for quality AR at a reasonable price:

Aero Precision or Spikes lower
Price: $79 via aimsurplus.com
Quality: CNC Machined from a 7075 T6 MIL-H-6088 Forging. Spikes is a good name, Aero is a military supplier.

CMMG AR15 Lower Parts Kit
Price: $59.95 via aimsurplus.com

Spike's Tactical 6-Position Mil.-Spec. Buffer tube kit
$59.95 via aimsurplus.com

Magpul STR Carbine Stock Black Mil. Spec
$94.95 via aimsurplus.com

Now you have a quality complete lower for $294

For the upper I'd recommend

M&A Parts Mid length
Price: ~$300.
Quality: Same factory as LMT (top military supplier) but batch testing instead of individual. Some configuration differences as well. It's the workmanship that matters to me most.

Sights:

Magpul Gen. 2 MBUS Back-Up Rear Sight
$55.05 @ aimsurplus.com

will get the job done but I believe

Troy sights for $109.00 are worth the extra cash.

Roughly $700 and you can spend the rest on magpul magazines and ammo.

Don't have a rifle range?

You can get a .22 LR conversion bolt. No comments from me on that one as I went with a dedicated .22LR upper that I use at the pistol ranges. It's a bit more expensive but *theory* says dedicated devices are more reliable. Dunno what the reality of conversion vs dedicated upper is.

recipe for quality at a reasonable price:

Aero Precision or Spikes lower
Price: $79 via aimsurplus.com
Quality: CNC Machined from a 7075 T6 MIL-H-6088 Forging. Spikes is a good name, Aero is a military supplier.

CMMG AR15 Lower Parts Kit
Price: $59.95 via aimsurplus.com

Spike's Tactical 6-Position Mil.-Spec. Buffer tube kit
$59.95 via aimsurplus.com

Magpul STR Carbine Stock Black Mil. Spec
$94.95 via aimsurplus.com

Now you have a quality complete lower for $294

How much is shipping?

What FFL transfer fee are you assuming for the lower receiver?

You often lose a lot (if not all) of the cost savings when you have to pay a bunch of different shipping fees.

i second the colt 6920 or the 6940 for the free float bbl. for a 1911,i would recomend the colt ss rail gun . even better,the full sized glock 45(can't hit squat with the 1911)
glock is lighter,cheaper,built in comp,and better factory service.less chance of accidental d/c.higher capacity mags.
ratworxusa.com has decent prices on colt and free shipping

Get the AR15. It's a great rifle!

Then you can get into 3 gun shoots!

I have a DPMS sweet 16. It's a great gun.

"Get the one that you will actually shoot."

I go with this. If it is going to sit in the safe, it's nice to have, but essentially a decoration (unless you believe that anther AWB is imminent. In which case a stripped lower might provide some insurance).

Wacki, The S&W Sport comes in at the same price point before shipping.

Once you add in shipping all those parts, it's less.


Plus you get a warranty, which you don't have when you assemble it yourself.


For a guy like the OP . . . look real hard at the Smith & Wesson Sport. It's a nice deal for a casual shooter.


even better,the full sized glock 45(can't hit squat with the 1911)
glock is lighter,cheaper,built in comp,and better factory service. less chance of accidental d/c <discharge> .higher capacity mags.

Whatever.

:rolleyes:

That full sized Glock doesn't properly fit anyone who doesn't have hands the size of Lurch from the Adams Family. And a negligent discharge is just as easy with a Glock.

Since he said either a 1911 or an AR . . . .


Get the A/R dude.

I'm actually leaning towards the S&W M&P Sport at the moment. Does the absence of a dust cover and forward assist make a big difference? I've heard varying opinions on this, some saying it doesn't and some saying they wouldn't buy a rifle without it. While I don't plan on rolling around in the mud, I may find myself in a situation where the gun is subjected to the elements (perhaps mildly), such as if I were to hunt with it.

Hypothetically, if in the future I were to swap out the upper receiver, is it a difficult and expensive task?

I appreciate all the insightful responses!

And on the Glock discussion, I love my Glocks. I used to carry the HK P2000 (actually bought it to replace my old P229), but I find that I shoot the Glock better (probably has to do with the shorter trigger reset, the LEM trigger just didn't jive to me). The HK was a great gun though, loved the ergonomics. My big hands allow me to grip the relatively large Glock grips easily though. Of all the guns I own, I'll probably sell the HK P2000 if any of them. The P228 was a gift from a family member and my first handgun so I don't see myself selling that one.

So I've been saving up some cash to buy a new firearm, but I'm caught between which to buy. I've always wanted a 1911, but the AR15 bug has bitten me.

Do some reflection on what your needs are for a new gun. Once you find that answer, let it guide your purchase choice.

Far too many people buy X or Y model of gun just because they can, with no actual thought put into the why of the whole thing.

The S&W Sport is, by all accounts, a great rifle.

I don't understand the cost-cutting on the forward assist and the dust cover. Those are two of the least expensive parts on an AR upper. Yeah, you really don't need them. But, damn, they do have their place.

If it were me I'd buy the AR and then sell the two Glocks to fund a decent 1911.

JMO

Does the absence of a dust cover and forward assist make a big difference?

No. Most people will never use the FA, and the dust covers are left open 99.9% of the time.

Hypothetically, if in the future I were to swap out the upper receiver, is it a difficult and expensive task?

Difficult? No. Two pins and your done.

Expensive? That depends. Complete uppers range from ~$400 to however much you want to spend.

I'm actually leaning towards the S&W M&P Sport at the moment. Does the absence of a dust cover and forward assist make a big difference?

For the casual shooter? Not at all.

Any tiem I get the urge to buy a new gun, I look at what I have and ask myself, "What niche is this gun going to fill that I don't already have covered?" In my opinion, any proper household needs:

-- .22 pistol
-- .22 rifle
-- small game / varmint centerfire rifle
-- large game centerfire rifle
-- CCW handgun
-- Home Defense handgun
-- sport-shooting shotgun
-- Home Defense shotgun

Many of these categories overlap. For instance, my "birding" shotgun, with the addition of a shorter, cylinder-bore barrel, is also my home defense shotgun. A CCW pistol can also be a HD pistol - I just prefer to have no flashlight on my CCW pistol and I like to have a light on my HD pistol - that's all.

In my opinion, you have a lot of holes to fill. You're pretty set for 9mm pistols, but you need to work on the rest. If you choose to start with the AR in .223/5.56, that's not a bad thing. If you choose to start with the .22's and work your way up, you can do that, too. I'm a huge fan of the 1911 pistols (I just got my 2nd one), but if I were you, I'd work on filling up the holes in your lineup before you pick up another version of what you already have several times over.

My dust cover never gets closed. I am either shooting it or the chamber flag is in. I used to always close the dust cover. Now the chamber flag goes in as a matter of habit.

My dust cover never gets closed. I am either shooting it or the chamber flag is in. I used to always close the dust cover. Now the chamber flag goes in as a matter of habit.

At the range I am usually in the same boat.

Much of the rest of the time, though (it's an HD gun), it's loaded with the dust cover shut.

An AR-15 without a 1911 is like corn flakes without the milk. You know what you have to do. Get it done.