best 1911 for $700

I'm a big fan of the pt1911. Nice trigger, no hiccups, alot of the bells and whistles folks really seem to want on a 1911 at a decent price. I also hear good things about the STI Spartan and the RIA tactical. Some folks really seem to like the S&W offerings.

used colt

You're nipping at the heels of a new Colt, mayby add something in a trade?

RIA's are great bargins for less than $500 new.

For Range and target use: STI Spartan.
For carry and all around use: Used Colt 1991/ Springfield Mil-Spec 1911.

Used Colt

I second the Spartan. Also RIA is a great pistol for uder $400, in which case you can take that extra $300 and buy ammo or reloading equipment.

STI Spartan, or depending on your area, a Springfield Loaded Parkerized

I just purchased a brand new Taurus PT1911 for $550. It has all the upgrades needed for it to be worth so much more. I am very pleased with it.

used colt

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Three months ago, I bought a brandy new stainless Colt Commander (1991a series) for $740.

You can pick one up in Blue for ~$30 less than that if you shop...

500 rounds later, the pistol has provided 100% flawless function

Add another vote for the Taurus PT1911. I just bought a used one for $400, find a used one and spend the rest of the $700 on ammo or reloading components.

Look for a Norinco. You can find new and used ones for far less than $700. Check the headspace and maybe swap out a few parts. Sights, grips, grip safety, as you like. By the time you get the total up to $700, you'll have a very fine, reliable AND durable 1911.

Save up a little more and get a Colt or a DanWesson.

springfield champion.

Bud's has the Colt 1991 Government at about $730 or so. That's what I'd get.

+1 on the Springfield Loaded parkerized. I just picked one up. Love the classic look, parkerized with wood grips, with nice to haves like Tritium sights and ambi safety.
Paid a little over that $700 at $715.

Oh, shoots dead on. 250 rounds so far with no problems with the pistol. One mag follower got stuck at the bottom the first three times used, but the problem seems to have worked itself out.

This past weekend I purchased my first 1911, a Colt Defender, 3" barrel. I really like the idea of a 1911 I can comfortably carry. A little out of the price range you indicated but not by much. I too was looking in the $700 range but after handling everything from Kimbers, SA, Colt, etc., I decided I just wouldn't be happy with a bare bones 1911 - not that the Defender is fully loaded (so to speak). Anyway, I felt like it was a good value for what I got and it just felt better than any of the Kimbers. I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, and hopefully I won't experience any of the issues I've read about the under 4" 1911's. Common complaint is that the Defenders throw out spent cartridges back at your head but I'll deal with that one way or another. So if you are looking for something for CC give the Defender a look. I've read many good reviews of it.

uspJ said:

the ria 1911's seem to be getting good reviews are they any more dependable than the taurus pt1911? i've seen some talking about the ambi-safety breaking on the taurus. i owned a mil-spec 1911 years ago and it was a great gun, even without all the bells and whistles of the taurus and ria would another mil-spec be a better value in the long run? this will not be my ccw and will not be designated for home defense unless i can't get to anything else at the time. this will primarily be a range gun and shot just for the enjoyment.


btw thanks for all the responses

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My Taurus has been very reliable. In my opinion the Taurus is probably the best value going, but many people swear by the Springfield Milspec. When it comes to 1911's you have folks that swear by Colt, folks who think a good one can't be had for less than $1500, folks who hate Kimber, and folks that realize there are several budget-friendly offerings that said folks are very happy with.

Smith & Weson by far!!Best bang for the buck, no doubt.

Like others have said a new Colt basic series 80 Gov't model can be had in blue for around your budget.

Used pre 80's colt.

I have both the Taurus PT1911 (just under $600) and Springfield Loaded in stainless (just under $800). The Taurus isn't fit quite as tightly and the trigger is merely adequate. That said, the Taurus is less picky about the ammo I feed it and is a great value.

i've shot the Taurus PT1911, the RIA Tactical, a Colt Officer's, and a Para GI Expert. i own the Taurus, and carry it everday.

Colt.