Best 1911 for first one

I can recommend the Colt Model O1991. Mine has been flawless. The price may seem a little steep compared to Filipino or Brazilian guns but save up, it’s worth it.

I recommend the American Classic II by Metro Arms. I paid $400 plus shipping for mine and it is very nice..............

I have a para superhawg. Too big for carry but a wonderful gun. Needs about 500 rounds for break-in. Good Luck no matter what you choose!

What does "Too big for carry" mean?

Honestly, I would look at one of the base models, Springfield G.I. it Mil-Spec, it's there, you can do nothing to it, add some options, etc. You said it would be your FIRST 1911. I think you should give it a fair chance to see if you like it and if you want something different on your NEXT one.

A cheap one. If you're going to make a mistake, don't let it set you back too much.

The first 1911 was a Colt. Why not make it nostalgic purchase? Colt has good quality, and if it's not a Colt, it's an imitation. I suggest the series 70 reissue:

Colt Pistols: http://coltsmfg.com/products-c5-COLT_PISTOLS.aspx

Colt Series 70: http://coltsmfg.com/products-c5-q76-COLT_PISTOLS.aspx

Geno

Whatever price range you care to go to I would recommend a GI style.

Springfield GI or Mil Spec
Para GI Model
RIA
Colt Government

I would also like to buy one from an American company made in the U.S.

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Among the major makers, that means Colt, Kimber, or S&W. S&W has the external extractor, so on your criteria they are out (they ARE good guns, though).

I'd go used Colt. A used (in decreasing price order) Series '70, Series 80, 1991a1 should all run from $600 to $750 in excellent condition. All of them are close to the original design for all intents and purposes. Don't get hung up on the Series 80 firing pin safety - it's totally reliable, innocuous, and you really don't know it's there.

A current new 01991 (mentioned above) is a great gun, too, just not polished like the Series '70 or 80 from those decades. A new one has a $700 handle on it, a used one in the $600's.

I have owned a variety of 1911s in the last few decades and the ones that give me the greatest satisfaction and quality for the dollar are Colt's. I even bought another one this morning, in fact! (An 80's Combat Elite). Other guns work fine, and others are well made. But there IS something about a Colt and if you are looking for a special "authentic" one, I say get a Colt.

If you're $600 limit is firm, look hard for a 1991a1 in Parkerized or Blued from the '90s. They are good guns and go too cheaply as they are under-appreciated. $500 to $550 is a good price for an excellent one of those.

Colt's are plentiful, and you'll certainly find a base Government model on the used market in your price range. Just be patient, search around often, and be prepared to move quickly when you spot one.


Springfield is a good choice, too. Good quality, good customer service.


Just remember that the sights on a standard Government model are the definition of minimalist. If you'd consider any one upgrade from a base model, spending a little extra to get one of the listings by either Colt or S.A. to get the better sights is definitely worth it.

Everyone loves a 1911 that runs perfectly and I am sure you can find one that will.
The other side of that coin is the more you work on one and tune it, in the end you know the gun, the 1911 platform and all its ups and downs.
I am not saying buy a lemon, just get a stock GI and break it in, learn it.
Dont be discouraged.

For a first 1911 a Colt 1991 Government or Commander would be a great choice...

I would say a RIA Tactical, that seems to be the best band for the buck these days and should set you back about $430 or so......the GI model is cheaper by $70 or $80 but the Tactical is more shootable......

There is no right answer to your question.
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There is no wrong answer to your question.

I'd go for a Taurus 1911. Mine was reasonably priced, has functioned flawlessly, is very accurate, and has been a joy to shoot.

I also started with a Taurus PT1911 for my first one, and it has ran flawlessly.

But the OP stated he wanted an American made 1911. I don't know what your price limit is, but if you're looking for something around $400 just to get your feet wet, I have to agree with an earlier post of trying an American Classic II (at least I think it's American made). I was really impressed with one I saw one at a recent gun show. I think they were running right around $399.

Although if you have a higher budget, many have already suggested very nice choices.

Buy a Colt.

i bought a used s&w 1911 it has been perfect and accurate.

On the cheaper end, the STI Spartan is the best for the price. I really regret selling mine.

simple answer: the one that you like

Too many choices and too many opinions. My first was/is a Kimber. Many here will knock Kimber and thats cool, its a free country. Mine has never faltered, with factory ammo, I have had some feed and extract issues with reloads I won't lie.

I am a big believer that you go to the store feel it in your hand, one of them will talk to you just right. Thats your piece.

Good luck!

I have a Kimber Custom Target II and I love it. It shot very well, and accurately. It looks very well built.

The only cons that I have encountered are that they only give you one magazine, but you'd be better off buying different mags anyway. The one that came with it kept misfeeding the last round. I bought a couple of Wilson Combat mags and has not given me any problems yet.

What ever you do,

get one that's NOT made by Thompson Auto Ordinance...

unless you want to get lots of practice clearing stovepipes.

a 1911 that runs is a pleasure...

a 1911 that doesn't run is a headache.

I just went through a very similar decision making process... and plopped my money down for a new series 80 Colt Commander. It should be here in a few days.