Looking for a good used 1911 under $800-ish

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corton93

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Like the title states, i'm looking for another 1911. Selling my Lionheart LH9 I bought awhile back, great gun, just didn't click with me. To those who didnt know, pre-December I was without a 1911, had a Kimber Grand Raptor but sold it. I was starting to go into depression without one so I decided to treat myself (having never owned a true custom 1911). So when I got my Christmas bonus I bought myself an Ed Brown Executive Elite. Awesome gun but cant bring myself to thrash on it like I would have my Kimbers or Springfields.

That being said (Ed Brown :D) I dont have a ton of cash to drop on another 1911. After selling the Lionheart I'll be looking in the $600-$800 range. Just cant decide on what to get. Going to buy used as to get the best bang for my buck. Open to most brands, I know my LGS has a pretty big selection of used Kimbers, Sigs, and Springfields. Heck, i'd even take a RIA, that was one of the first 1911's I ever bought and was an awesome gun.

Im open to whatever, but would like to get the most for my money. Would prefer a rail but not required. Full length or no guide rod, dont matter. Internal or external extractor, dont care. Bushing or bull barrel, makes no difference. Im no 1911 expert, that's why I come to ya'll.

So watch'a say? Convince me on what I should buy next. :evil:
 
If you currently own an Ed Brown, you probably have a certain degree of understanding of, and appreciation for, what a good 1911 is and should be.
That experience will likely color your buying decisions going forward.

However, depending on what you are looking for, there may be some good options open to you. You did not express a preference in barrel length, or if you prefer a lightweight 1911 (or if you did, I missed it...)
In your price range, I would be looking for an S&W PD 1911. But I am projecting my 1911 preferences upon your post...
 
A Remington or Ruger 1911 new are in your budget. I guess some of those Rock Island ones with the nicer features are a decent gun for the $, but i never messed with one. Or keep on the prowl for whatever deal you could get on a used Springfield.
 
My first choice for a $800 budget would be a Ruger SR1911. My wife has the Commander, and after trying it out, am thinking about upgrading my Para (except I can't justify replacing a firearm that hasn't given me a reason to). My next choice would be a Rock Island. Shot a few, 2 immediate family members own/owned them, and they seem to be high on a quality/price ratio. The Rock Island would also leave a lot for grips, ammo, holster, etc.
 
You did not express a preference in barrel length, or if you prefer a lightweight 1911 (or if you did, I missed it...)
Click to expand...

Standard Govt. 5". And preferably all stainless. Im fine with the aluminum and scandium frames but they just dont seem to come up for sale much in my area. Nor do any S&W 1911's in general.
 
I think all of the suggestions so far (Ruger, Springfield Armory, Colt, RIA), are great choices. If you shop around I think you should be able to find a decent one in your price range.
 
It might not be the sort of gun you are looking for, but I am extremely pleased with my Tisas 45acp 1911 that I got from Buds. It only cost $399 IIRC. I have had it for five years or so and it has never malfunctioned. It is more accurate than I am. The trigger is nice. And I don't worry about babying it because it was so inexpensive. There are nicer ones out there, but there aren't any that function more reliably. I have three other 1911's: a Colt, a Star, and an RIA - the Tisas is as good as any of them.
 
Johnny, the current "Springfield Armory" is NOT the same Springfield Armory that made weapons for our military through two world wars and countless lesser wars. THAT SA was government run and owned. It was shut down when we adopted the M-16, which was made by Colt. The Current SA in Geneseo Ill, was founded and started by Bob Reese in the 70s, and is a private company. Ole Bob was smart enough to know a good name when he saw one and he trade marked the name "Springfield Armory." He was also sneaky enough to use the phrase "The oldest name in American Firearms."

Now, this is a true phrase, or close to it, but leaves the impression that the current Springfield Armory is the same as the old one, which it is not.

Having said all that, the current incarnation of the name Springfield Armory makes some good 1911s at a reasonable price. They would be a good choice.
 
You don't have to buy used with a $800 dollar budget . I would look at the Ruger and Springfield . But if it was me , I would save about $75 more dollars and get a Colt 70 series if I was doing it .
 
You should be able to find a used S&W 1911 in that range. That is what I started shooting with, and it was a great gun.
 
As stated, I don't think you will find much difference in price between used and new in that price range. A new Colt from Bud's at $750 will sell used for $750-$800. A used DW or Les Baer will likely drop a $2200 gun to $1800 or a $1500 gun to $1200. Look at the CZ 1911 and the Colts in the new range.
 
I'd get the Ruger, "best bang for your buck" 1911 pistol, as LUCKYDAWG13 opined. I'd also add that I like the idea of having the potentially trouble-prone plunger spring housing (loosening over time) cast as part of the frame in the way the Ruger pistol is made.
 
Now that Colt is out of bankruptcy you get a full size 1911 for less the 700 at most stores.
I have a taurus pt1911 that I use in 3gun. Its awesome. Only thing I did was change the sights to 'Hi Viz'.
Since I have gotten a Para p14 1911 and love it.
Get a new one. Don't buy used. Warranty.
 
I would of course say buy a Colt. Current production is generally excellent and prices are in you ball park even for new.
If that doesn't work for you then check out Springfield. The Range Officer line is in the ball park as well.
 
The oldest firearms maker in America is Remington, founded in 1816.

The basic Colt government model is going for $700+ right now at Buds. The combat commander is $717 and is also a fine pistol. These are some of the best production Colts I have seen in a long time. Decent finish, the parts fit well and out of the 2 Government models and Gold Cup I have bought in the last 2 years, no issues with any of them.
 
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