Looking at 1911's

First, Springfield doled does not make a commander.For the range you have quoted the STI Spartan is reliable (it is their import, not a domestic made). Good luck in your search.

Used Colt

This^^^^^^^^^^^

Rural King by me is selling the Ruger Commander 1911 for $659. I would snap it up in a hurry is I didn't have a bunch of 1911s already.

Feed ramp, extractor, ejector, return to battery,barrel, if you don't know, you should have a good smith do the looking

I'm in the Remington camp. 100 years later and they still do it right.

Not a fan of the Ruger, however. Experienced too many failures over several different pistols.

^ you should find a range that rents them so you can feel the differences between the two.

Concealing them is about the same.

I've decided that a full size 1911, to me, feels and shoots best. A 1911 of pretty much any variety that is not a light alloy frame is going to feel kinda chunky unless you get a good belt.

I prefer the look and feel of a full size as the little bit off the barrel doesn't make it any easier for me to carry.

I like my Springfield Loaded full size, but I would probably get a Ruger Commander if I had the money and fell into one. I've not been a huge fan of the Officer model.

I can carry a full size 1911 all day without much issue IWB. I usually prefer something lighter in the 24-28oz range instead of the 40oz, but it's really not a big deal, and there have been times when I was glad to be carrying that cannon instead of a pocket pistol.

I recently bought a Ruger commander length. Really good buy for the cost IMHO. VERY reliable and has been from round #1. Really good accuracy too. I think that, for the money, it would be hard to top it. Very solid 1911 and will last through your great grandkids' lives.

Rock Island and ATI ( both made in the Philippines) are a tremendous value. Inexpensive yet reliable and accurate with good customer support.
I have both and have a couple thousands rounds down range with no problems.
Dont get me wrong, the other are good also, Im just relaying my experience and using your budget as a reference point.

Good luck in whatever you choose.

Used Colt.

In your price range, if you can't find a good used Colt, get a Ruger.

As far as size, I find the Commander sized pistols a bit handier and a bit easier to carry concealed. A bit. Shoot just as well as the full size. The ultimate for carry is a lightweight Commander.

First, Springfield doled does not make a commander.

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Technically only Colt makes a Commander. Springfield makes one that is near Commander in size. 4" barrel.. My buddy has one.. it's GREAT. My Springfields are great

I have an STI Spartan IV.. 4.25: barrel.. 9mm.. bobbed tail.. it is FANTASTIC. Best sear hammer faces I've seen in any factory gun.

I've heard good things about Rock Island.. I wouldn't hesitate.

mountain_man said:

I have looked at some Para's, Rock Island's, one Ruger, and I want to see a Springfield and Remington but haven't found one locally. I want it to be reliable since I plan on carrying it one day but I don't want to go much over 750 but could probably make 800 work. Right now I am leaning towards the Ruger, but how do the Remington and Springfield's compare.

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I'd stay away from Para. I had one, it wasn't made well, and the company has made a lot of people frustrated.

Remington and Ruger are new models. I don't know if they got the bugs worked out.

Springfield makes or used to make a 4", which is their version of the commander.

I say Springfield is the best brand you have listed. Lifetime warranty, well made. I've Mil-Specs for six bills or a little more online. It's the full-size one.

If you don't mind online sales, you can get the Remington at buds and the ruger on slickguns.com, right around $600 each, no tax, my guy gets $30 for the transfer, and most like Buds are free shipping, So for $630 you in.

Look at Sig for a good 1911. I have a Sig 1911 compact and if you compare features, Sig makes a great 1911 with a lot of extras that you would not get with another manufacturer. I have about 300 rds through mine without a single hitch.

That's a good price for the Ruger. I bought one recently and am very happy with it. I also own two full size Springfields, a Mil-Spec and a Loaded. Been happy with those as well.
A Commander isn't really that much easier to carry, unless you go lightweight. (My Loaded is a lightweight). I do find that they handle and point a little better, and are slightly faster on the draw.

RIA, invest the savings in ammo.

I've well over 15,000 rounds through my first RIA .45 1911, still a favorite!
But I'm shooting my RIA 9mm Tactical more these days, its catching up quickly in round count.

I am reading the Para Ordnance that was in Canada had some issues, but the Para now in North Carolina have made the pistols quite well. They have good features and are quite reasonable.

I just ordered my first 1911 after doing much research like you.

CDNN now has the PARA Expert, for $513 shipped to your FFL and you get a $100 rebate(mail) so for $413 plus you transfer fee. You get one heck of a first 1911. Check out the features on Para-usa website.

its hard to find this one its very rarely seen..

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Chocolate Bayou said:

First, Springfield doled does not make a commander.For the range you have quoted the STI Spartan is reliable (it is their import, not a domestic made). Good luck in your search.

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They did at one time, it's called the Champion. Has a 4" barrel instead of the 4.25 on Colt's. I had one in stainless that was an excellent pistol.

I would look for a used Colt Government or Combat Commander.