1911 or AR

AR continue to drop, 1911 prices continue to climb.

I guess I had a 1911 before I had an AR but I'm not sure which I have more of now.

I think out of my AR's only one is a Colt, a couple of the 1911's are Colt's. With both platforms I own others that are nicer than the Colt versions.

If it were me with that budget I would buy enough parts to build two ARs. $800 won't quite get you there (for two rifles) but you can buy an upper, a couple of lowers and parts kits, stocks, extra bcg, flip up/iron sights etc. Of course for instant gratification you can build/buy a pretty nice one for that amount. I've built two AR15's in the past year by buying major parts when I had extra money laying around and then bought the remaining parts mostly when I saw them on sale. I have just a little over 1k in both, not including optics.

The 1911 just doesn't get me going so I'm not much help here. I have three. Everyone told me I needed one, but they don't get shot much. I have a Colt officer and commander and a Ruger full size. I've heard good things about Rock island 1911's and I see most of them go for less than $500. No experience with actually shooting one though.

Some say there are reliability issues with the officer sized 1911's. I've had no issues with mine but it also has less than 500 rounds through it. Maybe the cheaper compacts have issues.

Which one would you get the most use out of?
Only you know the answer to that question.

Nothing sexier than a 1911

1911.

Lot's of options but I wouldn't cheap out on one. I'd spend the $800 and get a good one.

Good Ol' Boy said:

Tax season's usually the one time a year where I can afford to spend SOME money on a firearm. This year I'm looking to get something I don't have.

So the question is, if you didn't have either, would you buy a 1911 or an AR/M4?

In both scenarios I'm looking for somewhat inexpensive solutions. I'd like to keep it under $800.

As far as AR's I'm considering either the M&P15 or the Colt M4. I'd like to hear why one or the other would be optimal, or other suggestions in the price range.

The 1911 situation is a bit more complicated. I don't need another carry gun but I'd like the option all the same. So I'm torn between looking at fullsize or compact version of the 1911. I'm particularly interested in responses regarding various $4-500 1911's and those that are closer to my $800 limit.


In either case I'd like to have something that's going to work, obviously. But moreover I'd like to here which you would buy if you didn't have either, and what you would suggest.


Thanks, Jon

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Most would get more out of handgun than a long gun. My vote would be or GI style CZ1911A1. There are still some in blue plastic boxes out there for $700 to $800.

The see-zed 1911s are good guns for the money.

John Joseph said:

Which one would you get the most use out of?
Only you know the answer to that question.

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I agree with John. I've had (still have) several different versions of 1911s over the years. There's one on the nightstand beside our bed right now. I didn't buy my first AR until last November, and I still haven't even shot it yet. But that's just me, personally. If this darned weather ever breaks around here I'll get out and shoot my AR - find out if it's as reliable as my 1911s.

If you get a 1911 you may discover that you prefer it over other handgun options.
With a $800 budget consider Ruger 1911's, offered in full size 5'' and commander (CMD) 4.25'' either steel or lightweight.
I bought a steel Ruger commander, have put about 500 rounds through it, feeds short blunt 185 SWC and various HP.

Edit: Your avatar is Cooper and you don't have a 1911

^^^^^^^
Agree... Good ol Boy NEEDS a 1911.

It appears that you are at least enamored with Col.Cooper if not the 1911.
I understand the feeling and shared the sentiment.
I still enjoy the Col's work but often wonder how he would view the evolution of personal defense weapons and current doctrine if he were still in the game here on planet earth.
I doubt he would be totally stuck in time.
That said, I believe we should all have at least one of each but for me the AR would be my priority simply because I have carry guns I now prefer over the 1911's that would tilt my need for a good carbine.
You say you already have a carry gun your happy and capable with so a defensive long gun seems appropriate if you are prioritizing.

I am pretty sure he wouldn't be too excited about an AR.(OK, "maybe" if it was in .308. Probably not even then).

1911
..............unless you live in one of those hoods blighted by poodle gangs

Ruger SR1911, either full-size or Commander-size. Fits your budget and you'll be glad you did.

I love the feel of the 1911 and use it weekly in casual IDPA fun. The AR isn’t quite as comfortable yet and I would shoot it less often.

What would you use more is the perfect question.

Had an AR before I ever bought my first 1911 but back then Colt was pretty much the only game in town and they were hard to come by. Nowadays if I were looking for one or the other I would go with a 1911 first (probably a Colt, Springfield Armory, Ruger,or Dan Wesson), and then pick up an AR (lots to choose from; probably a Colt, Ruger, or S&W). Would get more use out of the 1911 and eventually I would get a .22 conversion kit for it.

I would personally go 1911. My AR was fun for the first week and then I got bored with it.

AR only because of political reasons. i.e. In today's age they will always be the subject of possible bans and restrictions.
A 1911 you can pick up anywhere anytime and lack the features and capacity that politicians are afraid of.


Personally I am more of a fan of the 1911 than the AR, but my opinion is worth what you payed for it.

BearBrimstone said:

I would personally go 1911. My AR was fun for the first week and then I got bored with it.

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betcha it was swell, for that first week

I think it really depends on what "gap" you're trying to fill.

IF you've got other handguns that fill HD or CCW roles, then the 1911 wouldn't really be filling any "gap" other than the cavernous "I don't have a 1911" vacancy.

Same goes for the AR, IF you don't have an HD carbine (or SHTF or whatever else you want to prep for) I'd go this route, bu IF you've got something that fills that role .....

IF you already have samples of both (guns that fill both roles), there's no real gap to fill, then I always fall back to "which one would I shoot the most"?? Keep in mind, an $800 1911 will be pretty much complete, minus a holster(s) and a few spare mags, maybe new sights down the road. An $800 AR is just the beginning....still need mags, sooner or later will need/want and optic and mount, sling etc.

I have multiple of both, but starting over I'd have gone the AR route. Lots of handguns basically do the same thing a 1911 does at that price point (actually cheaper); launch a bullet fairly well. Few carbines do what an AR15 does as well at the same price point.

Chuck

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Nothing personal, but with the OP's avatar one would think this question a no-brainer...

Good Ol' Boy;

Hmmmm, I've got both platforms & here's my situation. Built the A/R years ago, it gets used occasionally, but not often. The most practical use I have for it would be as the back-up to the back-up coyote gun. OTOH, the 1911 platform doesn't get used much either. I'm not a big enough person to easily carry it & remain concealed about it. That duty goes to the H&K USPc .40 & has done so for about 18 years. All that being said, if I were in your shoes, I'd get another 1911. That would almost certainly be a stainless target model with adjustable sights.

900F

The 1911 without a doubt. 106 years and just getting started. Go for it. $800 will bring home a fine piece.