Entry level 1911 Which one?

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stinger 327 said:
No this isn't the model. The Tactical model I was looking at has wooden handles and it's fine just as it is. It's one step up from the standard GI model that has those terrible tiny sights.
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OK, then you are looking at the regular non-railed Tactical model which my friend bought and we range tested. My friend paid around $475 for his but I think they are $500+ now.
 
I've got one of the Cimarron 1911's in high polish blue. Very reasonably priced, and the fit and finish rival or exceed any Colt I've owned. Functioned flawlessly right out of the box. It's also one of the Philippine guns.
 
zoom6zoom said:
I've got one of the Cimarron 1911's in high polish blue. Very reasonably priced, and the fit and finish rival or exceed any Colt I've owned. Functioned flawlessly right out of the box. It's also one of the Philippine guns.
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I have never heard of Cimaron 1911. Is it identical and comparable to RIA Tactical? Price on it?
 
Bought a Rock Island Tactical last week and took it to the range yesterday. Dead on accurate right out of the box. Good fit and finish. Has a full length guide rod that makes takedown a bit difficult so a shorter guide rod is the only mod that I'm currently thinking about. All said, I'm very satisfied with the RI.
 
I have two Rock Islands and have never had a problem with either one. I bought the GI version first and liked it so much that I bought the Compact a month later.
 
*
Another thing I find puzzling about this 1911 is why does it have a following?
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Price point.
I thought about one just for ha ha, for half a second since they are so cheap. However, fit and finish were too lacking for me..
 
Never shot one, but I've handled the Cimmaron high polish blue 1911.... VERY NICE. Looked and felt very well made, and the blueing is the best I've seen in a looooong time! Awesome price too
 
Have you considered a Springfield GI or Mil-Spec? They are in the general price range that you are contemplating. Springfield has top notch CS.
 
Rock Island has top notch customer service also and the RIA tactical non rail is a very good buy EXCEPT FOR ONE THING. The sights look like they are dovetailed in but they are not the standard size. For some reason Armscor used a slightly different size but here is everything you need to know about it's size.

Having said that I have an RIA tactical now for about 3 years and no problems. Considering I am over the 1000 rounds mark with it, might be time for a review on my web sight.
 
Everyone is going to have an opinion one this one so I might as well too :) . I've said it time and again, RIA is the absolute best bang for your dollar PERIOD! I've owned both guns the OP has mentioned and it's a no contest. The RIA wins hands down. I'll even go as far as to say I'll buy an RIA over any other 1911 under $1k. Para I've had so so luck with. They are "nice" (more attractive so to speak) than an RIA but when it comes to reliabilty and accuracy out of the box RIA wins again. Heck RIA's have performed better for me than the Springer, Colt or Remington Mil-specs. I haven't got a hold of a Ruger yet so I can't comment there though. Buy the RIA or even a Citadel or STI Trojan if you want to spend a dollar or two more and would like a few more features and flare. Off my soap box now.
 
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Springfield Mil-Spec. That's what I would go with in that price range.

*edit*

Nevermind. Looks like someone beat me to it.
 
I have the Para. I urge you to do research into both the specific model and the company in general. Para's quality has been down the tubes in recent years, although they appear to be making a bonafide effort to improve.

My 2010 GI Expert has been a lemon, though the factory serviced and improved it, at least. In the past 275 rounds it jammed 4-5 times. 3 times with the new OEM magazines (ironically) on the last round only and 1 or 2 times with flush-fit 8 round Checkmate mags. It has functioned perfectly my extended tube 8 round Checkmate mags.
 
Metroarms American Classic.

American Classic impressed me. I sold several of the Deluxe models and two GI's. Very smooth and all had good triggers. Not crazey about the grips but I can change those. Next step up would be a Springfield.
 
Another vote for RIA Tactical. I have the one with the rail on it. Cheaper than Dirt just got them back in stock for $507 I think. Great gun. No issues through 2000ish rounds. Very accurate. Capable of 5 shot 1 hole groups at 10yds freehand when I do my part.
 
I have a Para Gi expert and I like it. It has functioned flawlessly and is a fun shooter. I got a great deal on it and it was used. Havent had a single failure yet in just over700 rounds. It does have a nice GI look and feel I dont think I would have paid full price for it at $599 it does seem a bit high? For that price i would look for some used better options. Get what u want, and like you will be ok either way its a 1911 and they are an amazing gun to shoot!
 
I've owned three (3) Para's, and I've been cured of the desire to ever have one again. Their small part quality is frankly appalling, and their adherence to standard 1911 dimensions and tolerances is, um, liberal. I still own one (GI ExSpurt) but it was the only keeper of the bunch, and only with work.

I am reasonably fond of the Armscor offerings, although I have found that they, also, trend towards liberal dimensions. At least in their instance, the guns are solid enough that you won't feel compelled to do much bits-swapping and run into issues as a result. As shipped, their guns just pretty much work and will likely continue to work for a reasonable time. Can't really say that's been my experience with the Para's.

If you want a gun to which you can readily fit 'standard' replacement bits, I have found that you really need to move up-market into at least the Springfield/Kimber/Sig range.
 
The RIA's are pretty hard to beat for the price. If you can afford to spend a few extra bucks I'd check out the STI Spartan. You get a better fit/finish, and what not, But for a "beater" gun, the RIA's can't be beat.
 
Several months ago "American Handgunner" magazine had an article entitled "Beer Budget 1911s"

One of the guns they reviewed was the American Classic from Metro Arms.
It's a Philippine-made 1911.

Anyway, the bottom line was the writer said of the guns he reviewed , he liked the AC the best (he bought it).
I have one as well & got way more gun than I expected.
It runs flawlessly with $5 magazines, doesn't care what ammo I feed it & hasn't given me a lick of trouble.

But I do, VERY STRONGLY recommend replacing the awful grips.
Mine felt like they were sanded by a gorilla, too much in one area & not at all over the rest of the grips.
Got these grips from http://altamontco.com/experimental/products/pistol/1911/#1911_Premier.php

ACII.jpg
 
I worked on a friends RIA M1911 and I was impressed with the overall quality of fit and finish on an entry level M1911. Also was quite pleased with the reliabilty and accuracy of the gun as well.
 
roccoracer said:
Have you considered the Remington R1? I have one and I would highly recommend it.
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Having seen and handled several of these I would recommend almost anything else as an entry level 1911. Ruger's 1911 is a bargain at $800 msrp. STI Spartan is another $800 1911 that works well and is tough enough to survive competitions.



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