Which 1911... Read thread first

you know how to make a tough thread, I personally would not get any of the above because for the money there are better 1911 choices IMO, but since you asked.....Springfield

First I'd need to know what you want to do with it. You kinda have 3 different platforms with a 1911 IMHO GI, combat and target. While any of the three will work in any of the situation some are more suitable. The Remington and Para just don't do a thing for me either give me a GI clone or modify it, these seem 1/2 a$$ to me.
The Ruger is again IMHO a nearly perfect set up combat 1911 and the SA is a very nice entry level target gun. So for you I'd figure out which way you want to go.
For me and my money I already have 5 1911s with target setups so I'd go for the Ruger.
Which will be my next 1911.

Just brought a Remington R1 home on Saturday, great gun and shot flawlessly out of the box. You can eliminate the Ruger SR1911 from your list, no one on the planet has them. Our local shop has a waiting list of 15 people, and the last one they got in (6 months ago) was sold before it hit the case.

LD

Arch, Para wanders off the old GI 1911 dimensions far more than any other maker. Many standard 1911 parts can't be fitted to a Para as a result.

The Ruger looks good on paper, but it's still very new, with little track record either way. It's also a cast frame gun for the price of a forged frame gun (Springfield, Kimber, and S&W base models).

I don't know enough about the Remington R1 pistols to give a definitive yes or no opinion.

That takes us to Springfield Armory. They start with IMBEL forgings for the frame & slide. IMBEL has a long established track record of making in spec, consistent, high quality firearm frame / receiver forgings (1911, as well as their very well regarded FN licensed FAL receivers). Some of SA's 1911s are fully made in Brazil by IMBEL, and the others are finished to varying degrees here in the US. SA sells many 1911s in the US every year. Every now and then a bad one slips past QC/QA. The important thing is that SA has a near spotless, and very long track record of fixing even the most minute flaw at no cost to the owner. Back to that dimensionally in spec frame. That means any good 1911 smith can easily customize your Springfield if you ever want to change even the slightest thing. Between the solid foundation, and excellent customer service Springfield Armory is the one I'd choose - and have chosen myself not long ago.

Remington R1

Remington R1.
It's American made, it works, it's not expensive and it looks GREAT!

It's hard to beat a Springer for the money. A lifetime warranty that they actually stand behind is nice to have, even though you'll probably never need.

Other; STI Spartan or Trojan. Any reason you didn't consider them?

Otherwise the Ruger.

I wouldn't pick any of those.

But since I like classic 1911 lines and rattles when choosing a cheaper 1911, I'd choose the GI looking Remington R1.

If you're after more custom features and better fit, then I suggest jumping to the $1500-1800 price range. Or look into some Colts.

I voted for the SR1911, but that is probably because I really want one. I think it gives the most versatile set of features for both range and defense work.

Any of the Springfield, Remington, or Ruger would work great for what you want and I'd stick with those as I understand they stick to the traditional specs better than Para.

I have to say Springfield. I don't have any experience with the new R1 or Rugers 1911, and I've had less than stellar experiences with Para.

On the other hand, I've had nothing but good experiences with Springer.

Zero defective

But since I like classic 1911 lines and rattles when choosing a cheaper 1911, I'd choose the GI looking Remington R1.

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My R1 definitely has classic lines, but no rattles thank you. If your's rattles, I would suggest you stop dropping it.

Don't buy the GI. I just bought one 3 months ago, and that parakoat finish is chipping off, not rubbing off, not looking like it's getting used, but fully chipping off.

The Springfield is tried and true, but I would most likely try to pick up a Ruger because they are American made. If I'm going to buy an all-American gun, I would like it to at least be made in this country

I voted for the Range Officer but the less expensive Loaded model is more like the other options.

Like I said in post 2 for the money I would get the STI Spartan......Just a really great inexpensive gun, where you are not paying for the name for a change.

bjs1187 said:

Don't buy the GI. I just bought one 3 months ago, and that parakoat finish is chipping off, not rubbing off, not looking like it's getting used, but fully chipping off.

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I've heard of that happening with Paras finishes, though I've never witnessed it myself.

Which 1911

I've only fired the Ruger SR1911, my local shop has it available as a rental gun. But I would take it and in fact do have on on backorder for under $600. Might take a while to get it but I will get it. It has a nice feel to it, nice and solid and it's great shooting gun. I had no issues with the 100 rounds I put thru it and by the looks of it, it had seen many more that day (needed a good cleaning). I've only held the other 3 choices, but none of them measured up in my opinion. I own 2 Kimbers so I do know what a good 1911 feels and shoots like. But that's just my opinion and we all know the saying about opinions. LOL In a perfect world I'd say buy all 4........ good luck with your decision.

If I were restricted to choosing from among those listed above, I'd go with the Springfield.

I'd also inspect it for fit prior to shooting.

Ruger

The Ruger was not available when I got my R1. Had I seen one for under $600 back then I probably would have snagged one. Seems like a lot of value for the money.

I didn't vote as I'd call it a dead heat between the Ruger and Springfield based on the following criteria:

Warranty, both companies stand behind their products with excellent service and the proper attitude about it.

Experience, both Imbel and Ruger (Pine Tree Castings) have excellent records in regards to producing quality parts. An investment cast frame would not scare me off nor do I feel I could put enough rounds through it to damage it.

Dimensions, while SA has a great track record as being an acceptable candidate for a custom build several well known smiths have already "sized up" the Ruger and found the same. Joe Chambers comes to mind.

I wouldn't say either holds an edge in my opinion, nor would I likely ever purchase either unless it was a gift. As mentioned, buy the one which most closely meets your intended purpose.

As many have said, I would not pick any of them.

However, for your requirements of a "range shooting" gun, the Springfield Range Officer is the only one that has adjustable sights and would be the best option to fill your needs.

Personally, I'll never own a 1911 with adjustable sights, but I'm not you and I don't have your requirements.

I am biased. I voted Springfield..

Out of those four, Springfield all the way. However, when I actually bought a 1911 I picked the Regent R100 over all of the ones listed and a few others.

I would go with the Springfield Range Officer. Of the cheaper guns, it is one of the few that offers a forged frame. The Remington R1 & the Ruger SR1911 are cast frames. The Range Officer was designed for target shooting. The sights are the basic all black target sights with the rear sight adjustable. The trigger is a smooth 4 to 5 lbs pull with a very quick reset. I'm probably going to drop mine to a 2 lbs trigger and change out the sights. (Yes I do own one) The frame to slide fit is very tight. The stainless barrel & bushing are competition grade. Plus the extended beaver tail with the bump & skeletonized trigger & hammer combine to make this a fine choice for an inexpensive range 1911. I bought mine for $750 locally. I had narrowed my choice to the Remington, Ruger & RIA until I ran across the Springer. You could do a lot worse.