1911 suggestions please

[bamabluesman]

I'm in the market for a cheap but good 1911. It will be my car gun. It will see lots of range time. 90% of which will be with a .22 conversion kit and the other 10 with .45. So which gun and which .22 conversion do you guys suggest? I'm looking for accurate and practical. Not pretty.

 

[crankshop1000]

Rock Island 1911A1 or Springfield 1911A1 Both inexpensive,but quality shooters.

 

[KI4LIV]

Taurus PT-1911 - Mine's got well over 2000 rounds - I haven't been able to malfunction, no matter how much i've tried!

 

[HM2PAC]

I vote for the Rock Island. Mine gave me major FTF and FTRB problems until I switched over to Chip McCormick mags. The Novak mag is not so good IMHO.

 

[High Planes Drifter]

I have no experience with the above guns, I do however own a Springfield GI which has been extremely reliable.

 

[citizen510]

I have 2 Rock Islands and for under $400.00 each they cannot be beat for functionality and accuracy. I carry the GI model every day. The Commander gets carried to the range and back to the bedroom where it is stationed for any late night emergency that might arise. Check out the Rock Island section of the M1911 forum here: http://forum.m1911.org/forumdisplay.php?f=17

 

[farscott]

I would look for a used carbon steel Springfield Armory Mil-Spec (hard to find) or GI (easier to find). Why used? Because the pistol is less expensive. Why carbon steel? Because carbon steel guns are a bit smoother than stainless guns and can be finished in such a manner as to eliminate corrosion or rust worries. Why SA? Because they offer a lifetime warranty on the gun and many modern 1911s need some professional attention. Thus, a used SA is less expensive and still under warranty.

My preference for the Mil-Spec over the GI comes down to the Mil-Spec having the lowered ejection port and higher visibility sights.

As for .22 conversion kits, the Marvel Unit 1 is the best but it costs as much as a Mil-Spec. Unfortunately it is the only conversion kit with which I have substantial experience. I have heard good things about the Advantage Arms kit but I have never fired one.

 

[Rinspeed]

STI Spartan.

 

[farscott]

The Spartan is another very good choice but it is a bit harder to find than the SA and will cost a bit more. On the other hand, the Spartan has some very nice parts, including the STI hammer and trigger, and it comes with a real beaver tail grip safety. For a car gun, the adjustable rear might be a minus as the sight blade is sharp.

 

[crankshop1000]

Another possibility would be the new Firestorm 1911.I have not handled one yet,but they seem to fit your request.