American Classic 1911

[miles1]

Miles, the point wasn't snobbery, it was that many people buy twenty Glocks and post that they can't see the point in "wasting" money on a 1911. Further, as you prepare to spend $400+ on a 1911 that, for all intents and purposes is a carbon copy of the one you have, you're also contemplating the next (nearly identical) one for around $500. Instant gratification doesn't a savings plan make.

It's absolutely your money and your decision to make. My contention is not that an expensive 1911 feels soooo much better or shoots soooo much straighter rather they are built better, hold value better and tend to be more reliable. I only proffer that few people reach the end of the road and lament not owning a fifth Yugo.

FWIW I wouldn't go near an Auto Ordnance (even with Kahr at the helm) or Cimmaron. Consider an STI Spartan as a smart buy in a next tier 1911. Brazos Custom has great prices and inventory.

Apologies skylerbone,My rant wasnt directed at you.It was just a general observation that i have about those 1911 elitist that looks down on any 1911 that cost less than X dollars.

As far as the Khar(AO)1911.I do undertand the quality problems people had with them in the past but current reviews seem to be improving from what im gathering.Im quickly undertanding that it seems regarless of which 1911 i pick their's gonna be someone that will have negative things to say about that gun(FTF,FTE,poor finish).Im trying to not let that deter me from buying another 1911 as im finding it to be the gun i want more than anything else out there.What scares me is like another poster mentioned on this board said,Im looking at my other guns wishing they were 1911's too.Think im caoming down with the 1911 sickness........

 

[CZ223]

Miles

While I don't know which plants all the Philippine imports are made in, or what they are made out of, I do know that most, including the American Classic, are good basic guns. I have two Rock Islands that I like very much and they shoot about as well as any defensive gun out there. I am one of those guys who has a dozen 1911's, including five Kimbers. I may or may not ever own a $3000 dollar gun like the Baer, Wilson or Nighthawk but if I do I will probably end up selling a couple of the lower priced guns in the process. It is much easier for me to save up five or six hundred than it is $3000 so, when a gun is a good deal I buy it and use it as a sort of savings account.

 

[Skylerbone]

If you want a savings plan then I-Series savings bonds are an easy choice that have a guaranteed return rate. They will always be worth face value plus inflation vs. selling $450 firearms for $275 each. Buying one $500 bond in lieu of another basic 1911 then waiting 8 or 9 months and saving that same amount can really change the landscape so to speak.

Some examples of what can be had (and I just verified online prices and availability with some searches). For $635.00 you can buy a parkerized STI Spartan. $789.95 will get you a Colt 1991 Series 80 in blue. $901.00 bumps you up to a STI LS9 and $1,008 gets you the STI Trojan. That also puts you in the neighborhood of the Colt XSE and Combat Elite and at around $1,150 the Dan Wesson Herritage in stainless with night sight.

The other great way to save is by reloading. While I don't cast bullets I can buy (locally) a box of 500 for $45, add $17 for primers, use a few dollars in powder and re-use brass I have. A basic Lee press is under $30 and a 4-die set is under $40. Under $150 for 500 rounds to start or .30/round then half that price thereafter.

I don't own any $3,000 1911s, just middle of the road fare professionally modified to my liking. That can easily double the price on some but it does make a difference. Buying bonds also helps if things go South, as they sometimes do, and cashing them in means not having to sell firearms instead. It's a plan that may work for anyone, it may not work for everyone.

 

[smalls]

Yeah, that makes no sense. If you want a high end 1911, save up for one. Don't buy 10 crappy ones to "tide you over". Buy one decent budget one if you'd like, then save, invest, trade up, whatever till you get the nice one you want.

Since you have the decent budget gun, start saving.

 

[jon_in_wv]

Theres a good chance it was made in the same plant by the same people that made your Ria .... and ATI too

It isn't silly to say the Metro Arms is a better gun because it is NOT made by the same company or in the same plants. RIA does make parts and produce pistols under a few names but Metro Arms isn't one of them. I have no idea why you are trying to tell everyone it is.

The American Classic is a really well constructed gun. I had one and it was the best shooting 1911 I've every had, I just decided 1911s aren't for me and sold it to buy a 3913. If you like 1911s I am pretty sure this one would not disappoint you. As far as buying a "high end" 1911, I didn't think the American Classic gave up anything to much more expensive pistols. The fit and finish was really good.

 

[mnrivrat]

The price is a bit high for the GI model gun in my opinion. I have owned a number of 1911's including 4 Colts .

Like most advice that comes thru these forums a lot depends on who had what, and what happened with their gun. I only own one American Classic gun . It is all steel and Commander in size. This particular gun is impressive in fit and very good in finish. It is the most accurate 1911 I have owned out of the box.
So far it has been 100% reliable with ball ammo. I have not gotten a chance to shoot the hell out of this gun, but I would at this time buy another without hesitation. I paid just over $400 for this gun and it has nice sights, a trigger stop, beavertail, extended slide safety.

 

[jon_in_wv]

I've had several other 1911s and I was about to consider myself cursed because NONE of them worked right when I had a chance to handle an ACII at the local gun store. It was fitted SOOO nice and the slide felt like it was on bearings. There was NO slope anywhere on this gun. The only criticism was the safety was a little soft but a new plunger fixed that. It was 100% reliable with everything I fed it and it was very accurate. I could have spent a lot more and got a lot less. I think its the best 1911 in its price range and better than a lot of more expensive ones. That being said, I decided 1911s just are not for me so I traded it off.

 

[miles1]

Very good read so far.Ive decided to hold off on a 1911 at this time.I was going to save up for something more when a CZ 75B 9mm became available.So i bought it.