1911 help

[7.62NATO]

So a friend of mine is looking to buy a 1911 in .45 ACP. He has the money to buy a nice Springfield or even a Kimber but he is stuck on keeping his budget as close to $500 as he can. We have been looking at the Para G.I. Expert which seems to be pretty decent for the price. Also looking at Legacy Sports/Citadel 1911-A1. We have also considered a Rock Island Tactical model and even Taurus but not greatly. None of these come with night sights or adjustable sights but He would like to upgrade someday so he needs a model with a changeable front sight. I would like to hear of some personal experiences from someone who owns one of these pistols. Let me know of any other 1911's one could pick up realistically for 475-600 bucks.

Later I will be posting asking for advice on a 1911 for me but I will be willing to spend a little more money, perhaps on a Springfield, Kimber or STI but please try to keep this aimed towards lower priced brands.

 

[robmkivseries70]

Good Day,
You can go to http://forums.1911forum.com/ and review many brands of 1911 clones in all price ranges. HTH
Best,
Rob

 

[rellascout]

Tell him to read the link in my signature...

 

[neilin]

I do not care for the quality or lack of quality in the Rock Island. I believe the best buy for a sound .45acp would probably be the Springfield Armory Model 1911-A1.

 

[7.62NATO]

Oh I also forgot to ask about Magnum Research' new 1911. Anybody know anything about them?

 

[rellascout]

At right around $600 NIB I would get the Spartan. They run from $600 to $650...

They are basically an Armscor pistol which a forged frame that is assembled with some nicer STI parts.

Good budget gun. The real question is how much is he going to shoot the gun? What type of shooting etc.

 

[Zerodefect]

Spartan
Kimber Custom II
Colt Series 70
Springfield GI

 

[milefile]

$7-800 minumum on a new 1911. Colt, Springfield, Kimber. Otherwise save your money. $500 is for a used plastic gun.

 

[Body Mass]

I bought an American Classic II made by Metro Arms in the Philippines. Lots of extras, very tight fit and great finish. Check it out, I really love mine and the price was $450. Here is the website: http://www.americanclassic1911.com
Good Luck

 

[Magoo]

Someone already asked, but does it have to be new? There are deals out there.

I bought a used NM Springfield, no longer made model, but in between a mil spec and a loaded in today's models OTD for <$350. Had it dehorned and high cut trigger guard for another $125. Then had it atranite (melonite like) coated. I've had zero problems with it but know I've always got Springfield's reveered service dept if I do.

 

[MattTheHat]

$7-800 minumum on a new 1911. Colt, Springfield, Kimber. Otherwise save your money. $500 is for a used plastic gun.

Sorry, but there are plenty of new, $500 range 1911s out there.

 

[Zach S]

I'll echo the used recommendation. I don't expect your buddy to find a $500 Kimber (like I did), but an ORM Colt 1991 should be in the price range. I think I gave $500 for my stainless 1991.

 

[surjimmy]

For $500, Rock Island Tactical hands down.

 

[MICHAEL T]

American Classic Deluxe around 500 and if you want night sights they can be swapped for the factory . Only thing people dislike in the AC pistols are the factory grips. I agree they suck and replace first thing. Of course I think Springfield with the ugly US grips run a close 2nd in ugly.

 

[Strahley]

$500? Rock Island + ammo is your best choice

 

[TonyT]

Yourfriend should also consider the Dan Wesson and Smith & Wesson 1911's.

 

[cyclopsshooter]

quality with night sights for under 500? you dont ask for much do you?...

 

[Cop Bob]

cyclopsshooter: "quality with night sights for under 500? you dont ask for much do you?... "

Kinda what I was thinkin..... I haven't seen good 45's for cheap in a while.. at least not one that I KNEW I wasn't gonna have to work on..

I've looked at the Rock Islands... Even Thought about buying one.... to use as a base for a buildup....

Kimber, Springfield and $500.00 don't generally go in the same sentence..

Experience tells me.... if your gonna play......eventually you gonna pay..!!

 

[Madcap_Magician]

Yourfriend should also consider the Dan Wesson and Smith & Wesson 1911's.

Smokes, do you have a line on any Dan Wesson 1911s for under $500 in any functional condition?

 

[bobnailer]

Springfield Armory Champion commander sized 1911, all steel or alloy frame version.
Bob

 

[milefile]

Sorry, but there are plenty of new, $500 range 1911s out there.

I'm just talking about ones worth buying. There is a practical minimum price for everything before it's quality is in serious question based solely on price. There is always a reason why cheap is cheap.

 

[Kingofthehill]

Metro Arms American Classic II

$425-$480

 

[orionengnr]

scroll down to post #17

settle in, and enjoy...

http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1269683

 

[tomwalshco]

For me, anyway - 1911s are fun and recreational. When I go large on a gun, it's for one I stick in my pants and count on to save my life.

Range fun and messing around is another deal. Have four 1911s. One expensive Colt and 3 foreign jobs. The cheapies run perfectly fine and are entertaining to tinker with.

For every hour I shoot, I'll spend 10 cleaning, tinkering and tuning. So the filipinos fit the bill for me. And I won't go into a suicidal funk if I scratch one of them.........

Have a polished nickel Rock that's my favorite gun - $439.

 

[Caliper_Mi]

I bought a Para GI expert recently. Have about 300 rounds through it so far and love it. Came with the features I wanted (good sights, good trigger, rounded hammer, series 80 action) and none of the stuff I didn't. Feeds Remington Home defence JHP with no troubles (230GR golden saber, only HP I've tried yet)

The Para-kote finish is getting some polishing from my Bianchi hip holster, but nothing bad, although it has chipped very slightly at the rear lower corner of the slide where it comes to a sharp point.

Very happy overall, and it is made in the USA, which was a plus.