Best 1911 under 1500 and why

Kano383 said:

For that budget, go with a Dan Wesson.

Don’t take my word for it: search specialized 1911 sites for “Dan Wesson”, and see what’s the general opinion from owners and 1911 nuts.

1911addicts.com and forums1911forum.com come to mind.

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While at those sites, search for "Duty Treat and cleaning products issues," and "Dan Wesson and galling", and see if anything pops up.

I'm not sure they're any worse than anything else, but probably more a reflection of the folks using them.

1KPerDay said:

Great guns for $400. Not so great for $700. Entry level and mine have been very good performers. But you get a lot more refinement, fit, finish, features from the major names. At $700-1000 level I'd go Colt, Springfield, SIG, Ruger. $1000-$1500 Dan Wesson every time. Then move into Ed Brown, Baer, Wilson. Above that I'd need to have won the lottery.

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Thanks, 1KPerDay! I had no idea that 1911's were made in such a range of quality and prices. Probably because when they are brand new, they all look alike to me, unless the finish is pretty. It makes sense, though, in the same way that the Colt SAA copies came in a vast range of prices and quality.

In a small sample of 1 my Springfield RO Elite has been through about 2500 rounds in 11 months and not one issue. I paid under $1000. For a couple hundred more I was looking at get the already suggested Dan Wesson. I've never shot a DW, but handled a number of them at the LGS. They sure seem nice, I had to go lay down so the fever would go away.

-Jeff

I have a bunch of 1911 s and my favorite are the Rock Islands and ATI's from the Philippines.

George P said:

I just went checking; cheapest used Baer was $2K on average

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new baers can be had for less than 2K check out crazy john.

“Duty treat” is Melonite, which is used by other makers an custom shops, same as Hard Hat. Extremely hard and long-lasting, but all these finishes don’t like some solvents. Not only on Dan Wesson.

Galling, yes, once in a while there are galling issues: stainless does have a tendency to gall, especially on tight-fitting parts - and Dan Wesson are fitted tighter than most production guns. But... DW Customer Service is stellar, and they’ve always fixed any issue quickly.

Again, Google is your friend. Search, and read what the owners say...

If you love 1911's doesn't matter what it costs . My first was a Colt Combat Commander in 45 ACP perfect balance , that was back in the 70's . I now I'm in my 70's and love shooting the Colt New Agent , came new with CT Laser grips , bought it 3 years ago for $ 800. no sights , if you love shooting 1911auto when your eyes land on one it's like love at first sight , can't get it out of your mind . Pick a winner . It won't be your last .

There are tons of good 1911s under 1500, it's the same as asking who makes the best chocolate chip cookie.