AR15 vs 1911

[Paincakesx]

Hello all,

So I've been saving up some cash to buy a new firearm, but I'm caught between which to buy. I've always wanted a 1911, but the AR15 bug has bitten me.

My current gun collection consists of a Glock 17, Glock 19, HK P2000, SIG P228 and a Remington 870 Wingmaster.

As you can see, I have no rifle, so that is one reason why I want the AR15. That said, I feel no gun collection is ever complete without a proper 1911, and I personally would love to own one.

I would prefer to keep the price within $1000. Totally on the fence, any advice?

 

[rikman]

Since you list all handguns in your collection I'd say go for AR. You can get a nice carbine/rifle for $1k.


Sent from my iPhone 4s using Tapatalk

 

[gspn]

You want a rifle and have lots of pistols...but one pistol you think is a requirement is missing.

I'd buy the AR, then sell a pistol or two to fund the purchase of the 1911. That will leave you with a collection that satisfies the AR bug and also gets you the 1911 you've always wanted.

In the interest of full disclosure...I use this system all the time...except I only make a half-hearted effort to sell the guns I say I'll sell...which just leaves me with a bigger collection. I'm great at giving advice but sometimes not the best at following it.

 

[TAKtical]

A rock island armory would be an excellent first 1911. It would also leave you with enough money to buy an AR upper and maybe even a stripped lower.

 

[offroaddiver]

I'll beat everyone to the usual replies:
Spend it on ammo and get better with what you have.
Sell what you have to me then buy what you want.
Why not buy both....
Now that the usual fluff it out of the way...

1911 vs AR. This caught my attention. I have both. The AR gets alot more use because I have a 22lr conversion that my wife loves. The 1911 was a cheap 45 that I bought just to have a 1911. IIRC I paid less than $400 for the gun and 6 magazines. The store just wanted it gone so I helped them out.

If you decide on the AR. Build it if you want the fun of shopping for just the right pieces of the puzzle. Winter is coming up so why not a project indoors?


Since you are looking at the 1k mark I would probably look in pawn shops and go from there. This time of the year is actually nice picking at the shops since it's hunting season. Around here not very many people hunt with handguns or AR's.

Either way you go get a 22lr conversion and have even more fun.

 

[ugaarguy]

You have four service pistols, and a very nice pump shotgun, but you have no rifle. Any centerfire rifle would fill that gaping hole in your collection. If an AR-15 is the rifle you want, then get an AR-15.

After that, save up and get a 1911 next. I'm a huge 1911 fan, but adding any service pistol to your collection that already has four such pistols is rather impractical when you have no rifles.

 

[Eric M]

AR-15 fills a need.

 

[clocker]

My favorite part of collecting new firearms is the search. Do your research and find out which brands / models you really like and then make a list. Take your dollar amount out in cash then start searching local stores, gun shows and firearms classifieds. If you find something on your list at the right price and condition then make the deal. Wash rinse and repeat as funds and time allow

For me, taking the money out in cash encourages some extra amount of discipline. Making the list lets me keep track of things as research adds something worthwhile or removes a whim. I've usually got a list of 3-5 going at most times. It also keeps the impulse buys at bay when going to the stores.

As to the original question. AR-15 on the top of the list, 1911 in second position.

 

[hso]

AR

Do some reading and research and build one yourself! That should put you in a very nice AR leaving enough for some fodder to feed it.

 

[justice06rr]

AR15.

As much as I'd love to recommend you the 1911 (I need one myself), you have enough pistols for now and no rifle. You can buy/build an AR for around $600 like a Smith&Wesson M&P15 Sport, or PSA build.

 

[Warp]

AR15 gets my vote

 

[jim243]

Here's an interesting answer for you.

"Get the one that you will actually shoot." If you live in the city and a rifle range is far from your door, the AR will sit in the closet gathering dust and be a unused investment.

If the cost of 45 ACP puts you off from using the 1911 and it sits in the safe, well you could take it out every now and then to look at it, but will not gain any proficiency with it.

Spending $1,000 on a rifle or pistol you will not shoot, makes no sense. So.............

Get the one that you will actual shoot and use the most.
Jim

 

[12131]

AR, no doubt about it, especially considering what could happen, soon. You know what I mean. The evil black rifle is always in the cross hair of the antis, and even many Zumbos. The 1911, not so much.

 

[Jed Carter]

Get both, I would trade the H&K P2000 on a purchase of both an AR/ M4 rifle, and a good 1911 like an STI Spartan or Springfield Range Officer.

 

[Roadking Rider]

I guess it would depend which one you would use the most. If you have a need for an AR and you have a use for it then buy the AR. Personally I'm not the type that gets all crazy over AR's so I'd buy another 1911.

 

[bannockburn]

You've got a nice selection of handguns right now and at least one shotgun. Get an AR and maybe add a .22LR rifle as well, and you'll be set for some time to come. Then when you get enough money saved up start looking around for a M1911. And maybe consider getting some .22LR conversions for some of your other guns and for the M1911 when you get one.

 

[kyletx1911]

Well I am fortunate In both accounts I own 1911s and a ar I couldn't afford a real expensive ar.
Look into the delton got in .556 for 800.00 otd. A sweet shooter.
As for 1911s rocks 4 times. All less than 550.00 all in my Edc rotation.
So if ya save a extra 400.00 you can have both

 

[Walkalong]

AR 15.

At least buy a lower or lower assembly and put it back.

 

[Noah]

With your multiple good handguns and no carbine, I say AR or AK for sure.

 

[Caliper_Mi]

AR15. Every American household should have a semi-auto rifle in a military caliber.

 

[wally]

A rock island armory would be an excellent first 1911. It would also leave you with enough money to buy an AR upper and maybe even a stripped lower.

+1

You can pay a lot more for a 1911 but you really don't need to if all you really want is to appreciate shooting one!

 

[Jed Carter]

Once again I say get both, Doublestar M4 at Bud's http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411537957 and one of the best lower price point 1911s, an American Classic http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/49736

 

[Steve CT]

Since you said "prefer to stay under $1000" maybe you have a little wiggle room on that?

Just a quick look on around on the internet yielded RIA GI 1911's at mid $400, and I think one of the best "first AR's " out there is the S&W M&P 15 Sport, frequently available in the mid $600's.

If you do not want to go for a double buy now, I'd do the M&P 15 Sport, half a dozen P-Mags, maybe a Primary Arms red dot, Blackhawk carry bag, and ammuntion. $1000 done this way has you very nicely set up.

AR complements your pistols, adding the ability to "reach out and touch".

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

This is what I would do in your place with your collection. I would add a Ruger 10/22 and a 22LR pistol first. I would then add the 1911. The Rock Island was a good suggestion. Personally I have one and have put somewhere in the vicinity of 11,000 rounds through it with no problems. From there I would finally add the AR. As to what caliber you want it in depends on what you plan to use it for. Of cpurse if you can get your hands on a S&W Model 610 I would highly suggest you do so. A 10MM revolver is sweet. Of course if you did get a S&W 610 you would have to team it up with the Glock and Colt offerings in 10MM.

 

[holdencm9]

AR. Just to have a rifle. I'd look at PSA, they may be sold out of lowers but their uppers are very reasonably priced. I bought my last complete rifle with them, with magpul grip/stock/handguard for $750 total. You could probably build a great AR under $700. The S&W sport is also generally favored and go on sale from time to time to $600 in some places. Then see about a .22 conversion kit or just buy a 10/22 or Marlin 60 so that you can get even more rifle-trigger-time in.