Best M1911

That's an impossible question to answer, there's just to many 1911's being produced by a gazillion different companies. The better question is can I land a decent 1911 in that price range?

Yes, you can! Bud's has a stainless steel Springfield Armory Government "Loaded" model listed at $756.00, I think that's a pretty damn fine pistol at a remarkable pricepoint....

If you knew where to look, ie scour the for sale ads on internet forums, you can find a colt gold cup around that price

For that price, you cant go wrong with a nice condition used Colt. You can find a Government model for under $700 in good shape if you look around.

The 'best" 1911 for that price range for me, would have to be a Colt, Kimber or Springfield. It also depends on what you intend to use the pistol for .... range, carry, etc.
But be very careful ..... because once you have a 1911, you want to add another ... and then another .....

In that price range, I'd check out the Springfield Armoury Range Officer.

Find a Colt.

I saw a used Colt just a few weeks ago for $650 at my LGS. It was in decent condition and I had a heck of a time forcing myself to walk away from it. Alas, it was sold two days later.

Nothing really stands out in that price range.

I'll recommend a Colt. Especially if all you need is a standard mil-spec M1911. But the Colts with modern features are still in that price range. The black 100 aniversary GI model is sharp. So are the new XSE, and Special Gov. models. They look better in person, Colts website needs some work (like most gun co. websights). I wouldn't buy one sight unseen, check out barrel fit etc.

Kimber Custom, TLE, Pro.
Dan Wesson Heritage, CCO (a bit more expensive but worthwhile, allthough I have seen basic SS Heritages well under $1000)

+ one about what executive said and Id say Springfield or a used colt

I'd go with a Springfield, they make a very good 1911 that comes with a lifetime warranty and great CS to back it up in the unlikely event you need to use it.
Kimbers are beautiful, but honestly seem to be hit or miss as far as reliability and a CS that sucks with a warranty that sucks, if you have problems your basically on your own. As others have said if you can find a used Colt they are nice to.

It will all depend on what you are looking for in the pistol, as well as if you want new or used. Your best bet is to find used in that price range. As many others will tell you, bumping the budget to around $1000 can help your decisions on new.

It all depends on what you are looking for in a 1911. Range toy? Gun games? CCW or home defense or a combination of all the above?

IMHO at $800 you are sort of in no mans land. You are not in the low end but you are not into midrange guns either.

In that price range I also recommend a Used Colt 80 XSE or a LNIB/NIB Colt 80 Govt. I prefer Colts. I like the way they are built and the way they look. They also hold their value better than any other 1911. Buy a used Colt for $650 and shoot a few thousand rounds and you can still sell it for $650. This is not true for other name plates.

If you want to bump down in price the STI Spartan $650 is a proven performer and even further down in price $450 is the RIA Tactical. Both of these will do what most $800 1911s will for less money. They are cast frames but have proven themselves durable and reliable.

There is also the Ruger which is new and comes in at $650 if you can find one.

If you can squeeze out even $100 more and get to $900 the new S&W E series look great if you do not mind the external extractor.

There is not clear cut winner in the sub $1000 market anymore IMHO. There is a lot of preference but not a lot of clarity.

It depends on your definition of best. Do you want the best build quality in a pistol slim on tactical features, or do you want the most features with acceptable materials?

New?

I really like the new Sig pistols, which are around that price range, for being loaded with features. They offer a lot of features for the price, but are not as "pure" as other models (external extractor, proprietary slide profile that can affect holster fitment). As to the model, they vary a bit. The C3 is very popular and is under $800 from what I see online.

Others like Springfield, which combines forged frames with nice feature sets for the price.

Still others like Rock Island, which gives you acceptable (by most measures) but by no means "superior" quality, well-regarded customer service, good features if you opt for the Tactical, and a hell of a price ($450 give or take depending on you location). TO some, the savings make them the "best."

I believe a Colt 70 series reproduction is just hair over $800, but would be my choice. In fact, it was. But hard and fast under $800, and/or I wanted more features than basic Series 70, I would get a Sig. Blasphemy I know

Moose458 said:

In that price range, I'd check out the Springfield Armoury Range Officer.

Click to expand...

That's a very good option, though if you intend to carry it you may want to dehorn or swap the target sight.

Mine with aftermarket grips:


Mine with a Harrison rear sight and different grips.

if I hadn't just bought a Range Officer, I would have bought this:

http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum...-sa-combat-loaded-blackened-stainless-sc.html

NIB for under $800.
Springfield Range Officer
Ruger SR1911 (if you can find one)
STI Spartan

Remington R1
Try one, match barell, great trigger.