love the 1911 but...

Dimis · November 4, 2009, 08:47 PM

unfortunatly cant afford one with the features id like

im really thinking about the taurus PT1911 but i have heard alot of negative responces on taurus in general it has alot of the features im looking for in a price i can afford but im scared im spending a dollar on a shiny penny

can anyone enlighten me and tell me if the taurus is a good quality pistol?

or should i save for the next millenium to get the features i want in a higher grade gun?

senior · November 4, 2009, 08:57 PM

I had a aTaurus 1911, never a problem, just sold it to up grade to a Colt LW commander and couldn't afford to shoot both. I think a lot of negative barbs on the Taurus are by a lot of folks who ACTUALLY never even owned one, and just repeating slams they heard. Just like ANY maker u can find a lemon though!

Xader · November 4, 2009, 08:57 PM

One brand that has a lot of features on higher-end guns, but at a budget price, and with proven reliability, look into the Rock Island Armory.

The GI model starts around $350 and about $400-$450 for the Tactical models.

Gunfighter123 · November 4, 2009, 09:02 PM

You may want to also think about getting a used "big name" 1911 ---- if put together by someone who REALLY knows about 1911s --- they can last for a couple of hundred thousand rounds --- NO BS !!!

I've seen , just recently --- a Jimmy Clark 1911 sell for $1000 or so , along with a older Wilson LE model for $1100 ---- both these had holsters , mags, etc. etc. also thrown in the deal.

Do a search for " custom 1911 or .45acp " at Gunbroker , GunsAmerica , Brian Enos or USPSA forums.

As to the Taurus 1911---- from what I have read , 3 out of 4 people seem to like them.

G.A.Pster · November 4, 2009, 09:44 PM

You need a Norinco.

BHP FAN · November 4, 2009, 09:53 PM

+ 1 on the RIA. The Norinco is a really under rated pistol,generally found with a kind of rough finish,but made of superior materials.They have become kind of hard to find because they used to be cheap,and custom builders snapped them up for a platform to start a ''build'' on,then They were banned from US import,drying up the supply of un modified Norks here in the States.

Beelzy · November 4, 2009, 10:31 PM

NO!

Don't do that, get a basic gun then add the features you want later.

darksidemxer · November 4, 2009, 10:35 PM

the para GI isnt bad either, there are quiet a few 1911's that are in a good price range.

mljdeckard · November 4, 2009, 11:13 PM

Yep, get a basic model, and order the Brownell's free 1911 parts catalog. Add as you want to.

rellascout · November 4, 2009, 11:24 PM

Get a good base gun. Shoot about 1000 rounds and then send it off to a good smith and turn it into the exact gun you want. I do not recommend doing the work yourself unless you are very familiar with the platform. There are already enough bubba'd 1911s in the world why make another one.

lexjj · November 5, 2009, 12:12 AM

Love my Rock Island Armory Tactical.

http://forum.m1911.org/ Check out the Armscor/Rock Island forum for the low down.

By the time I got the gun in my hand (purchase price, shipping, transfer fee) I paid $425. They are probably right around $450-475 now.

I've got ~2,700 rounds through it. I occasionally run into trouble if I don't take a brush to the extractor after about 200 rounds. Otherwise, it runs great and it is incredibly accurate. I don't the magazine that comes with the gun is particularly good, but others disagree. I use Chip McCormick and Kimber mags and the work well in the pistol.

The Tactical has:
Beaver tail
Skeletonized trigger
Commander style hammer
Lowered and flared ejection port
Factory polished feed ramp
Ambidextrous thumb safety
Full length guide rod (although apparently not all of them have this)

spd1303 · November 5, 2009, 12:23 AM

+1 on the Rock Island. I own one and I love it.

MICHAEL T · November 5, 2009, 01:24 AM

The Rock or the American Classic /Firestorm (metro Arms ) are all good $500 guns that will met your needs. I have a American Classic and it has been a great pistol and will give my Colts a match in accuracy and reliability dept.

Guillermo · November 5, 2009, 01:38 AM

Nothing against the tuners, customs and low riders but a good basic 1911 is a joy to behold. (my 16 year old daughter has asked santa for a Rock Island for christmas)

cyclopsshooter · November 5, 2009, 01:53 AM

i cant afford the 2 or 3000 dollar 1911s so...

mine are colts, or made by me with colt parts from 1950s, 60s, and 70s... and a few other high end parts by wilson, smith and alexander, fusion, and the like

if you want a long lasting pistol you really need to seek one out that is made from forged steel. cast parts are acceptable in some areas- but IMHO stay away from the metal injection molded parts (MIM) which have become ever so common in the last 10 years-

i recommend an original 70 series government or gold cup- their metallurgy is very fine and the fit and finish is quite acceptable- just make sure you dont buy one that was hacked up by a bubba with a dremel

for the record, i have screwed up my fair share of parts

Dimis · November 5, 2009, 02:34 AM

thanks for all the great advice guys
yea i am my own smith but i wont tackle things beyond my abilities so no "bubba'd" 1911s made by me lol

can anyone point me to a website for the rock islands and norincos?

i always end up getting generic sites with little or no details on the products

ive fired the 1911 platform enough to know what i want already a friend has a GI springfield and ive put a generous amount of ammo through it

the taurus has everything im really looking for with the exception of tritium sights (add them later so no biggie)

ive read up on the taurii and was to understand they were forged frames and not cast
i dont know about MIM parts so please inform me because i dont think (but im known to be wrong lol) that taurus has any in the PT1911

cyclopsshooter · November 5, 2009, 02:46 AM

taurii of all models are loaded with mim

lexjj · November 5, 2009, 04:40 AM

you aren't going to find a website for RIA that tells you what you are looking for. That is why you should go to the forum I linked in my earlier post. You can read THOUSANDS of posts specifically about the RIA guns and the various models. I think there is also a review in that section. Rock Island Forum on m1911

K9american · November 5, 2009, 09:26 AM

Springfield GI or Mil-Spec.

TheNev · November 5, 2009, 10:03 AM

I love my PT1911. Other than the one issue with the safety, it's been perfect. I don't plan on modifying mine in any way, which is why I bought the Taurus. It had what I wanted already at a decent price.

I guess my only major complaint would be the finish is pretty weak.

Walkalong · November 5, 2009, 10:24 AM

I can't get past the screw/safety in the hammer of the Taurus. Wouldn't have one for that reason. I have read where you can't just swap it for a new hammer, but I don't know.

196scoutmaster · November 5, 2009, 11:17 AM

I have a Springfield Armory GI model 1911 and love it. Not many features but that's not why I bought it. Its simple, its accurate, its powerful and while a tad big for CnC it works there too. I paid $500. If CnC is a key reason for a 1911-style gun look around for a Tactical model. Smaller, easy to conceal but only 5 rounds so don't take on too many bad guys at once. I saw a few at a local gun show for $550-$600 this past weekend. I was drooling but promised the Mrs. I wouldn't come home with another gun. I agree with mljdeckard - order Brownell's 1911 catalog and treat yourself every B-day and Christmas until you have what you want.

Dimis · November 5, 2009, 12:22 PM

deffinatly want more than just the gi model and the milspec is tempting

i dont want another CCW piece so a full size will be in order

as for the customize it down the road idea im looking for something that i dont have to modify i already have a big enough bday and christmas list to fullfill for the next few decades

so whats MIM on the taurus? internals? controls?

rellascout · November 5, 2009, 01:11 PM

Do not get the Taurus. It will not hold up and will not hold its value in anyway. You are better off in a milspec. What is your realistic budget.

I would also look at the Spartan from STI. It is an armcor frame finished by Sti with Sti components. I would get one of these before I would buy a Taurus and the are a nice step up from RIA. IMHO

They run under $600 OTD NIB http://www.stiguns.com/

Caliber .45 ACP
Frame Government length, standard width, Steel, checkered mainspring housing and magazine release
Grips Hand checkered double diamond wooden grip panels, Philippine Mahogany
Slide Five inch (Government) overall length Steel barstock
Slide Features Traditional 1911 styling STI serrations
Trigger STI Patented Black Polymer
Barrel 5.0" bushing barrel w/fitted bushing
Hammer STI square style
Safeties STI single sided extended thumb safety
STI High-rise beavertail grip safety
Guide Rod One piece full length
Sights Adjustable rear, fiber optic front
Overall Length 8.5"
Weight 35.3 oz.
Finish Parkerized
Competition Approvals IDPA, USPSA

DRYHUMOR · November 5, 2009, 01:26 PM

Look here

http://cz-usa.com/products/by-brand/dan-wesson/

Then look for a used one. They have many of the features you would want to upgrade to.

November 4, 2009, 08:47 PM	#1
Dimis Member Join Date: August 28, 2008 Location: Delaware Posts: 705	love the 1911 but... unfortunatly cant afford one with the features id like im really thinking about the taurus PT1911 but i have heard alot of negative responces on taurus in general it has alot of the features im looking for in a price i can afford but im scared im spending a dollar on a shiny penny can anyone enlighten me and tell me if the taurus is a good quality pistol? or should i save for the next millenium to get the features i want in a higher grade gun? __________________ When the Zombies come will YOU be ready? No man wants to stand in front of a "JUDGE"

November 4, 2009, 08:57 PM	#2
senior Member Join Date: May 5, 2005 Posts: 200	1911 I had a aTaurus 1911, never a problem, just sold it to up grade to a Colt LW commander and couldn't afford to shoot both. I think a lot of negative barbs on the Taurus are by a lot of folks who ACTUALLY never even owned one, and just repeating slams they heard. Just like ANY maker u can find a lemon though!

November 4, 2009, 08:57 PM	#3
Xader Member Join Date: December 9, 2008 Posts: 45	One brand that has a lot of features on higher-end guns, but at a budget price, and with proven reliability, look into the Rock Island Armory. The GI model starts around $350 and about $400-$450 for the Tactical models. __________________ "Life is an excellent teacher: Too bad it kills all of its students..."

November 4, 2009, 09:02 PM	#4
Gunfighter123 Member Join Date: October 26, 2005 Location: IL/WIS State Line Posts: 893	You may want to also think about getting a used "big name" 1911 ---- if put together by someone who REALLY knows about 1911s --- they can last for a couple of hundred thousand rounds --- NO BS !!! I've seen , just recently --- a Jimmy Clark 1911 sell for $1000 or so , along with a older Wilson LE model for $1100 ---- both these had holsters , mags, etc. etc. also thrown in the deal. Do a search for " custom 1911 or .45acp " at Gunbroker , GunsAmerica , Brian Enos or USPSA forums. As to the Taurus 1911---- from what I have read , 3 out of 4 people seem to like them. __________________ Oderint dum metuant "Let them hate,as long as they fear"

November 4, 2009, 09:44 PM	#5
G.A.Pster Member Join Date: August 3, 2006 Posts: 135	You need a Norinco. __________________ A====.,--=--¬ ........../_/*¯¯`

November 4, 2009, 09:53 PM	#6
BHP FAN Member Join Date: September 23, 2008 Location: Northern California Posts: 2,141	+ 1 on the RIA. The Norinco is a really under rated pistol,generally found with a kind of rough finish,but made of superior materials.They have become kind of hard to find because they used to be cheap,and custom builders snapped them up for a platform to start a ''build'' on,then They were banned from US import,drying up the supply of un modified Norks here in the States. __________________ Make yourselves sheep, and the wolves will eat you. - Benjamin Franklin

November 4, 2009, 10:31 PM	#7
Beelzy Member Join Date: August 15, 2009 Location: Cen-Cal Posts: 198	NO! Don't do that, get a basic gun then add the features you want later. __________________ Guns are like Lay's chips........you can't have just one.

November 4, 2009, 10:35 PM	#8
darksidemxer Member Join Date: October 12, 2009 Posts: 76	the para GI isnt bad either, there are quiet a few 1911's that are in a good price range.

November 4, 2009, 11:13 PM	#9
mljdeckard Member Join Date: June 5, 2006 Location: The Holy City of Ogden, UT Posts: 4,969	Yep, get a basic model, and order the Brownell's free 1911 parts catalog. Add as you want to. __________________ ALL I NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED BEFORE HE RAN FOR PRESIDENT: Scholar John Lott recalls Obama saying, "I don't believe that people should be able to own guns."

November 4, 2009, 11:24 PM	#10
rellascout Member Join Date: December 22, 2004 Posts: 1,427	Get a good base gun. Shoot about 1000 rounds and then send it off to a good smith and turn it into the exact gun you want. I do not recommend doing the work yourself unless you are very familiar with the platform. There are already enough bubba'd 1911s in the world why make another one. __________________ “It’s just a tool box. You pick the tool for the job.” -Sam from Ronin "It's just a gun it does not define you as a human being. Don't make a bigger deal out of it then it needs to be. It just a tool."

November 5, 2009, 12:12 AM	#11
lexjj Member Join Date: January 15, 2009 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 62	Love my Rock Island Armory Tactical. http://forum.m1911.org/ Check out the Armscor/Rock Island forum for the low down. By the time I got the gun in my hand (purchase price, shipping, transfer fee) I paid $425. They are probably right around $450-475 now. I've got ~2,700 rounds through it. I occasionally run into trouble if I don't take a brush to the extractor after about 200 rounds. Otherwise, it runs great and it is incredibly accurate. I don't the magazine that comes with the gun is particularly good, but others disagree. I use Chip McCormick and Kimber mags and the work well in the pistol. The Tactical has: Beaver tail Skeletonized trigger Commander style hammer Lowered and flared ejection port Factory polished feed ramp Ambidextrous thumb safety Full length guide rod (although apparently not all of them have this)

November 5, 2009, 12:23 AM	#12
spd1303 Member Join Date: October 8, 2009 Location: joplin missouri Posts: 51	+1 on the Rock Island. I own one and I love it.

November 5, 2009, 01:24 AM	#13
MICHAEL T Member Join Date: February 3, 2004 Location: outback Kentucky Posts: 3,378	The Rock or the American Classic /Firestorm (metro Arms ) are all good $500 guns that will met your needs. I have a American Classic and it has been a great pistol and will give my Colts a match in accuracy and reliability dept. __________________ Colt LTW Commander, Colt Defender, , Colt Mustang DW bobtail,1973 S&W Mod 49 ,PPK/S,Bersa 380 You must learn to be.....Slow in a Hurry Wyatt Earp 1849-1929

November 5, 2009, 01:38 AM	#14
Guillermo Member Join Date: February 20, 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,115	Nothing against the tuners, customs and low riders but a good basic 1911 is a joy to behold. (my 16 year old daughter has asked santa for a Rock Island for christmas) __________________ God created man, Samuel Colt made him equal

November 5, 2009, 01:53 AM	#15
cyclopsshooter Member Join Date: May 13, 2009 Location: Ellensburg, WA Posts: 679	i cant afford the 2 or 3000 dollar 1911s so... mine are colts, or made by me with colt parts from 1950s, 60s, and 70s... and a few other high end parts by wilson, smith and alexander, fusion, and the like if you want a long lasting pistol you really need to seek one out that is made from forged steel. cast parts are acceptable in some areas- but IMHO stay away from the metal injection molded parts (MIM) which have become ever so common in the last 10 years- i recommend an original 70 series government or gold cup- their metallurgy is very fine and the fit and finish is quite acceptable- just make sure you dont buy one that was hacked up by a bubba with a dremel for the record, i have screwed up my fair share of parts __________________ The number of people who mix up the words "than" and "then" boggles the mind... (Than - comparisons) (Then - timing)

November 5, 2009, 02:34 AM	#16
Dimis Member Join Date: August 28, 2008 Location: Delaware Posts: 705	thanks for all the great advice guys yea i am my own smith but i wont tackle things beyond my abilities so no "bubba'd" 1911s made by me lol can anyone point me to a website for the rock islands and norincos? i always end up getting generic sites with little or no details on the products ive fired the 1911 platform enough to know what i want already a friend has a GI springfield and ive put a generous amount of ammo through it the taurus has everything im really looking for with the exception of tritium sights (add them later so no biggie) ive read up on the taurii and was to understand they were forged frames and not cast i dont know about MIM parts so please inform me because i dont think (but im known to be wrong lol) that taurus has any in the PT1911 __________________ When the Zombies come will YOU be ready? No man wants to stand in front of a "JUDGE"

November 5, 2009, 02:46 AM	#17
cyclopsshooter Member Join Date: May 13, 2009 Location: Ellensburg, WA Posts: 679	taurii of all models are loaded with mim __________________ The number of people who mix up the words "than" and "then" boggles the mind... (Than - comparisons) (Then - timing)

November 5, 2009, 04:40 AM	#18
lexjj Member Join Date: January 15, 2009 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 62	you aren't going to find a website for RIA that tells you what you are looking for. That is why you should go to the forum I linked in my earlier post. You can read THOUSANDS of posts specifically about the RIA guns and the various models. I think there is also a review in that section. Rock Island Forum on m1911

November 5, 2009, 09:26 AM	#19
K9american Member Join Date: June 24, 2007 Posts: 45	Springfield GI or Mil-Spec. __________________ Happy Trails K9

November 5, 2009, 10:03 AM	#20
TheNev Member Join Date: August 2, 2009 Location: Missouri Posts: 29	I love my PT1911. Other than the one issue with the safety, it's been perfect. I don't plan on modifying mine in any way, which is why I bought the Taurus. It had what I wanted already at a decent price. I guess my only major complaint would be the finish is pretty weak.

November 5, 2009, 10:24 AM	#21
Walkalong Member Join Date: November 20, 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 12,871	I can't get past the screw/safety in the hammer of the Taurus. Wouldn't have one for that reason. I have read where you can't just swap it for a new hammer, but I don't know. __________________ Help turn the tide of Socialism. Taking control of the House and Senate from them is key in 2010. Finish the job in 2012.

November 5, 2009, 11:17 AM	#22
196scoutmaster Member Join Date: August 3, 2009 Posts: 7	I have a Springfield Armory GI model 1911 and love it. Not many features but that's not why I bought it. Its simple, its accurate, its powerful and while a tad big for CnC it works there too. I paid $500. If CnC is a key reason for a 1911-style gun look around for a Tactical model. Smaller, easy to conceal but only 5 rounds so don't take on too many bad guys at once. I saw a few at a local gun show for $550-$600 this past weekend. I was drooling but promised the Mrs. I wouldn't come home with another gun. I agree with mljdeckard - order Brownell's 1911 catalog and treat yourself every B-day and Christmas until you have what you want.

November 5, 2009, 12:22 PM	#23
Dimis Member Join Date: August 28, 2008 Location: Delaware Posts: 705	deffinatly want more than just the gi model and the milspec is tempting i dont want another CCW piece so a full size will be in order as for the customize it down the road idea im looking for something that i dont have to modify i already have a big enough bday and christmas list to fullfill for the next few decades so whats MIM on the taurus? internals? controls? __________________ When the Zombies come will YOU be ready? No man wants to stand in front of a "JUDGE"

November 5, 2009, 01:11 PM	#24
rellascout Member Join Date: December 22, 2004 Posts: 1,427	Do not get the Taurus. It will not hold up and will not hold its value in anyway. You are better off in a milspec. What is your realistic budget. I would also look at the Spartan from STI. It is an armcor frame finished by Sti with Sti components. I would get one of these before I would buy a Taurus and the are a nice step up from RIA. IMHO They run under $600 OTD NIB http://www.stiguns.com/ Caliber .45 ACP Frame Government length, standard width, Steel, checkered mainspring housing and magazine release Grips Hand checkered double diamond wooden grip panels, Philippine Mahogany Slide Five inch (Government) overall length Steel barstock Slide Features Traditional 1911 styling STI serrations Trigger STI Patented Black Polymer Barrel 5.0" bushing barrel w/fitted bushing Hammer STI square style Safeties STI single sided extended thumb safety STI High-rise beavertail grip safety Guide Rod One piece full length Sights Adjustable rear, fiber optic front Overall Length 8.5" Weight 35.3 oz. Finish Parkerized Competition Approvals IDPA, USPSA __________________ “It’s just a tool box. You pick the tool for the job.” -Sam from Ronin "It's just a gun it does not define you as a human being. Don't make a bigger deal out of it then it needs to be. It just a tool." Last edited by rellascout; November 5, 2009 at 01:17 PM.

November 5, 2009, 01:26 PM	#25
DRYHUMOR Member Join Date: July 6, 2008 Posts: 1,315	Look here http://cz-usa.com/products/by-brand/dan-wesson/ Then look for a used one. They have many of the features you would want to upgrade to. __________________ "Until the day of his death, no man can be sure of his courage"

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