1911 on a budget

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I am looking into getting a 1911 style pistol. I have seen some really nice examples, in fact my friend just picked up a Kimber Pro Carry. The price tag is a little scarry :what:

I have two questions.

One: Who do you consider the "best" manufacturer of the 1911? in other words, if price were no object, who makes them the best?

Two: If I were to set a budget at say... $650 would I be able to pick up a good one? Or would I be better served with a Glock or H&k?

Thanks guys.
 
Springfield Mil-Specs can be had for $400-$450 new, Colt's Government models can be had for $550-$580 new, Kimber Custom IIs can be had for $625-$675 new.

All are quality guns, that will likely serve you well.

Good luck
 
I think a Springfield Armory 1911 is going to be the best new 1911 for your dollars or possibly a Dan Wesson. You might be able to save some money on a used Colt, Kimber, or Springfield. You might also find a Sistema, which is an exact copy of the Colt 1911-A1. I would not fire much +P ammo in a Sistema, since they are old and not likely to be up to the heat treatment and alloy standards of modern production 1911's.
 
Nightcrawler,

E-Commerce is often a viable alternative to regional pricing. :D
 
that e commerce suggestion is right on. Get most of my guns fron Davidson's or CDNN. Those prices are usually at least a 100 dollars less than the local dealer.
 
Around here a Dan Wesson Pointman(1911) is $499 new.
I just bought a Colt Combat Commander for $349 used.Keep your eyes open.Also become a friend of your local gun shop employees,they can also keep an eye out and give you a call when they see something.
If money were not a consideration,I'd have a Para Ordanance LDA for about $700.
Kinber,Colt,Dan Wesson are all good.From what I hear.:cool:
If you're looking for a 1911,get one.......don't let some people talk you into a Glock!!!:D If you want a Glock,get a Glock.;)
Good hunting:cool:
 
that e commerce suggestion is right on. Get most of my guns fron Davidson's or CDNN. Those prices are usually at least a 100 dollars less than the local dealer.
Click to expand...

For some reason, I don't think that going into my shop, and asking my dealer to order me a Springfield Mil-Spec from a dealer/FFL catalog because the one he has int he case right there is too expensive is going to fly real well.

That, and I really don't like buying guns sight unseen.
 
If you want an extended beavertail, safety and better sights, you should easily be able to pick up a Kimber Custom or Springfield Loaded for $650. Those are the best buys in their line-IMO.

If you don't want those features the Springfield Mil-spec with change left over or a Colt Goverment model.

I am not familiar with most of the lower priced imports to comment.

Used is fine if you trust the gun shop/gunsmith.

Good luck
 
on the davidson site they will provide you with a local dealer who will handle the transaction for you. For example three of my local gunshops are also "davidson dealers". You get a quote at the davidsons website which is www.galleryofguns.com
from each of the local dealers as to what they are going to charge for the gun. In my area there can be as much as a fifty dolloar difference between the three dealers.Davidsons offers a lifetime guarentee in addition to whatever the manufacturer offers.

I have bought six pistols, three rifles and a shotgun from the site. it is usually delivered about four days after I order the gun.

My local dealer that I like and trust the most and is a hell of a gunsmith told me that he has been dealing with Davidsons for many years and they are stand up people.
 
SW1911

I just ordered a Smith and Wesson SW1911 NIB from www.sportingarms.com. Price was $664 plus $16 shipping.

So that's pretty close to your budget limit.

Very good deal considering my local dealer wants $809 plus $61 sales tax.
 
Springfield Loaded model is my vote. But there are certain parts that I wanted to throw out as soon as I got mine.
 
I saw a Kimber Custom II at a local gunstore recently for $635.00 (and that could be about $35.00 high); good sights, great trigger.
 
Yo "Yo"

What is your experience with Sporting Arms? is this your first purchase from them? Do you know of others who have ordered from them, and what was the experience?

I would really appreciate a reply, since I and many of my friends are interested in doing business with them.
 
Buying a gun is like buying a car, if you pay the sticker price you are probley going to pay to much, the prices I see on the guns in the display cases are asking p-rices not taking prices. How do I know I work for a gunshop, negotiations are part of the fun in buying a gun or a car. IMHO
 
I second the vote for the Springfield Mil-Spec. I never had any trouble with mine and it was pretty accurate for the money.

If you can't find one locally for less than 480, then checkout Gunbroker.com. You should be able to get one for 430 or less. I got mine from there for $415, if I remember correctly. After shipping and receiving charges, comes up to 475 or so.
 
I would very much like to check out the new S&W 1911's, moreso than the Springfields. Thanks for the great web links guys, I appreciate it. I will probably try to pick up a S&W or possibly a used Kimber. The end of the summer will find me W/ a Michigan CCW and a new 1911 (new for me at any rate :D )

Thanks again for the replies, and please keep them coming.
 
My very favorite 1911 that I own, I paid $670 for. Springfield Loaded Stainless Target. It has Bomar-type adjustable sights. The same gun with a Novak sight was $630. Prices do vary but any shop outside of a major $$$ metropolitan area can sell for these prices. Not saying they will, but they can.

Some 1911s I've bought in the last
Springfield Lightly Loaded $350 used in 95%
Springfield MilSpec $440 NIB ($375 used in 99%)
Colt New RollMark 1991A1 $550 NIB ($500 because of a scuffmark on the grips)
Colt Gold Cup Trophy $650 used in 98%
Kimber Custom Classic $600 NIB (525 used in 95%)
Springfield MilSpec 38 Super $400 Used in 99%
Springfield Loaded Blued $600 NIB
Springfield Stainless Target in 45ACP $670 NIB
Springfield Stainless Target in 9mm $600 used 99%

Friend of mine just got an ugle rollmark 1991A1 for $210 in about 90% condition and a S&W Model 10-2 heavy barrel for $60 and both prices were more than the pawn shop was willing to pay.

In California, I'd expect to pay significantly more. But times are hard and folks are selling some nice guns. Pawn shops give NOTHING most gunshops don't give much. Just gotta have cash at the right time.
 
I'm a huge bargain hunter. Definitely look for used or unusual deals. But alway ask yourself "why are they getting rid of this nice pistol?" Usually, for money, but they could be selling a headache.


Downsides (should be mentioned):

Kimber II: Reports of brittle MIM small parts cracking. Problems with the firing pin plunger not disengaging. Excellent fit and finish, though.

Springfield: Mostly good, but occasional reports of very loose tolerences and out of spec fit. Look for a recent thread about a pricey SA Longslide with terrible accuracy.

Colt: A 40+ year reputation for teeter-totter quality control. Every new release is hailed as "Colt's return to quality" and is later stated to be a bit of a hasty judgement. Much ado was made of the 1991 pistols when released, but the story changed later. Take your chances, the finish can be nice.


The new S&Ws and Dan Wessons are doing well, but haven't been out long enough to have gotten bad recommendations, should any be deserved. The Kahr AO 1911s may change some people's minds, but it's also too early to tell.

Personally, I would be curious to examine one of those $350 Argentine Sistema Colts. These pistols come from the era that made the Colt 1911 reputation, and may be the most quality for the dollar going.
 
Since you live in Marquette. The last time I was in Gander Mountain, they had quite a few 1911s. Two Colt 1991A1s in there (one blue, one stainless) that they've had for awhile ($600 each, I think), and their price on a Springfield Mil-Spec WAS $515, last time I checked.

As for a Springfield loaded...not for me. I don't fancy paying two hundred dollars more for front cocking serrations (ick!). I need an ambi safety, but I can have that done for a lot less than that.

Thing is, if you want Gander Mountain to ORDER anything, their prices are often ridiculous. Prices up here are high enough as is.
 
There are a lot of manufacturers jumping on the 1911 bandwagon; None of them makes one better than COLT. My opinion of course. Good luck.
 
Hey NightCrawler,

I get all my Ammo at that very store :D

They were also the ones who supplied me w/ my Glock 17.

I won't be making this purchase for a few weeks, so I thought I'd take advantage of the smart shoppers here on THR. I'll check out the glass case at GM before I order anything online... only pistols for miles :rolleyes:

Truth is I haven't been in there for a few weeks, finals and all.

look's like spring is finally here :D :D
 
Well I understand the meaning of the word "budget." Two suggestions:

The best "budget buy" is often a good used gun.

It is better to buy a "plain" high-quality model then a lesser quality one that's loaded with gadgets. They may be attractive, but they are seldom necessary.
 
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