Battle of the cheap 1911s

[Antihero]

I'm considering getting a 1911, my wife has an ATI 22 that I bought her some cool grips for Xmas.....and for the first time a 1911 fit me and felt good.

So....I want to get a cheaper 1911 to play around with. I don't mind modding it, in fact that might be most the fun of it, but I would like it capable of +p.

What should I look for?

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Buds has a Springfield mil spec for about 5 bills right now.
I don't have any experience personally with them, but it caught my eye as a good deal.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have a Thompson M1911 purchased in the mid 1990's. It required a little TLC to make it shoot reliably, but since it has had the reliability of a light switch with 230 RN ammunition.

I'm sure with any of the budget M1911's, if they do not shoot well out of the box, it would not be difficult to get them shoot well as long as you know what your doing. It is not rocket science but there are lots of "Bubba" fixes out there that must be avoided. Knowing what modifications to avoid is the magic.

 

[LiveLife]

I would recommend RIA Tactical or Tactical II for around $500 - https://www.budsgunshop.com/mobile/...d_fs_tac_45_acp_5_8+1_black_rubber_grip_black

While Tactical already has most mods you want to add, Tactical II comes with FO front sight, adjustable rear sight, mag well and G10 grips - https://www.budsgunshop.com/mobile/product/35196/rock+island+armory+m1911-a1+tactical+ii+45+acp+5"+g10+grips+fiber+optic+adj+sgts+45+acp

 

[Obturation]

I'm no 1911 expert but for a couple hundred extra dollars I'd just get the plain Jane colt.

They may not be the best, I don't know but it's sure to be better than several others at the same or higher prices . it better be at least.

 

[MikeInOr]

Back in the 80's I bought a used Norinco much to the chagrin of my buddies. It turned out to be one heck of a 1911 after a little work on it. The RIA's look to be similar but with most of the work already done. My Norinco and I have no trouble out shooting my buddies with their colt match and sti 1911's.

One of these days I am going to pick up a RIA Tac Ultra HC - double stack 9 with the optional spare 22 tcm barrel.

The most important part of a 1911 is the shooter.

 

[Antihero]

Back in the 80's I bought a used Norinco much to the chagrin of my buddies. It turned out to be one heck of a 1911 after a little work on it. The RIA's look to be similar but with most of the work already done. My Norinco and I have no trouble out shooting my buddies with their colt match and sti 1911's.

One of these days I am going to pick up a RIA Tac Ultra HC - double stack 9 with the optional spare 22 tcm barrel.

The most important part of a 1911 is the shooter.

The 22 TCM does look pretty cool.

Having never owned a 1911, its really cool how much you can do to it. Maybe I'll try a 460rowland or a 22tcm conversion too

 

[JeeperCreeper]

I've been very close to snagging a Philipines 1911 whether it be an ATI, RIA, Citadel, etc...

But I've been really looking those Tisas from Turkey lately. I haven't heard anything bad and I love my other Turkish knockoffs.

Not sure if it's still a budget option, but the Magnum Research made by Bul are my favorite 1911 and it's on my short list.

 

[Tallball]

I paid $399 for a Tisas GI model around five years ago and it worked just fine (zero malfunctions). Earlier this year I ended up trading it towards something I wanted a lot more (S&W 629), though I liked the Tisas well enough.

I replaced it with an RIA that had a beavertail grip and improved sights. I got a very good deal on GB: NiB for around $350 OTD. It's a nice pistol and has given me zero problems.

RIA 1911 45acp

• Tallball
• Jun 26, 2019

 

[Spats McGee]

For budget 1911s, the RIAs always seem to get good reviews, so I'd look at those.

For a budget 1911 to tinker with, or as a base for a better build, I'd look really hard at the Springfield Armory 1911 Defender. Bud's has them for $506. They're parkerized with bare-bones sights (which you'd likely replace anyway), forged slides and lowered & flared ejection ports. I'm not a 1911 expert by any means, but that sounds like a good start to a build.

 

[bikerdoc]

I'm a dedicated 1911 fan. All my RIA, and ATI, guns has been great right out of the box.

 

[drband]

RIAs are great for the money. If you want an US made pistol, look at the Ruger SR1911. My son has one that is really fine. Shop for it, though. They can be had for well under $700.

 

[bersaguy]

The Ruger SR1911's are very good, and in used condition are selling between $400-$500 in my area. The Argentine Sistema Colts are easily upgraded with Colt parts and can be had for similar prices. I've heard good things about the Rock Island, Tisas and even the ATI.....I haven't meet too many 1911s I didn't like. The only ones I didn't care for were the Llama and the Metro Arms

 

[Sovblocgunfan]

Rock Island. Good as-is, and lend themselves well to modification if you wish.

 

[JTQ]

I'm considering getting a 1911, my wife has an ATI 22 that I bought her some cool grips for Xmas.....and for the first time a 1911 fit me and felt good.

So....I want to get a cheaper 1911 to play around with. I don't mind modding it, in fact that might be most the fun of it, but I would like it capable of +p.

What should I look for?

The two things I always recommend in these threads is choose what type of sights you want and whether you want a GI or beavertail grip safety. Choose wrong on either two, and chances are good somebody is going to be grinding or welding on your gun to fix your choice error.

Three key points to consider

1. The 1911 is not a Glock. Parts don't just snap into place. Currently, there are probably two dozen companies making 1911-type pistols, there have been more in the past and will probably be more in the future. There is probably the same number of companies making 1911 parts. Not all of these are the same. The old saying is "there are no drop in parts in a 1911".

2. Sights - folks new to the 1911 don't often realize not all sight cuts are the same even within the same manufacturer. Colt uses at least three different rear sight dovetails and some of their front sights are staked in post/tenon and some are dovetailed. The key point for rear sight dovetails is that most adjustable rears use a different dovetail than fixed rears. Choosing one and wanting to change to the other will severely limit your options unless you want to weld or grind on your slide.

3. Not all grip safeties work on all frames. If you choose a gun with a GI grip safety, and decide you want a beavertail grip safety, chances are good you need to grind on the frame to get the grip safety to fit. Unless you bought a stainless steel gun, you'll then need to refinish the frame, and probably the slide, if you want them to match.

 

[gotboostvr]

+1 on @JTQ advise. Sight work and safety work aren't usually for the home hobbyist.

I've had good experiences with RIA, and would probably recommend the TAC/TACII.

To get a base model Colt and add those features aftermarket would be MUCH more expensive.

 

[Tallball]

"The two things I always recommend in these threads is choose what type of sights you want and whether you want a GI or beavertail grip safety."


I also agree 100%. After owning a straight "GI style" 1911, I was determined that its replacement would have improved sights and a beavertail (especially the sights).

FWIW, I looked at the expired GB auctions carefully and it seemed like I could get what I wanted (45acp) used and in nice shape for $320 or so if I was patient. I ended up getting it NiB for just a little more, but that price range is probably still valid, since it was just a few months ago.

My 9mm 1911 is a Citadel, also made by RIA. I got it used at the LGS for $300, IIRC. It also has yet to malfunction.

Citadel 1911 9mm

• Tallball
• Apr 6, 2019

 

[larryh1108]

Getting the right grip safety is key if you have XL meaty hands.
Hammer bite on the 1911 is very real and very painful.
Ask me how I know!
If you've ever got hammer bite from another handgun with a hammer like a Hi Power then you sill
surely get one on the 1911. If you have meaty hands then they are likely hammer bite prone.
A beavertail is the only option unless you wish to change your grip if you like a high grip.
As other have mentioned, the sights are equally important.
Personally, I like front grip checkering. Not may offer that but if it's something you like, check around.
There are a lot of choice out there so make one that fits your needs.

 

[MedWheeler]

I bought one of the ZiG TISAS A2s when they were running about $350 a couple of years ago. It actually feels and shoots well but, as a "GI-type", the sights do leave a bit to be desired. It was my "orientation-to-the-1911 gun", and did the job well. As a good knock-around piece, it's a good choice. I'm not sure if they're still readily available.

For a step up, and into a possible carry option, I went with the Remington R1S (stainless "Enhanced Commander.") That one ran me about $630.

 

[94045]

It's not really what you asked but I would likely just get a new Colt at $799.99. But what do I know I've bought six Kimbers (although I've never paid over $700 for one). So far I've yet to have one with an issue.

 

[JeffG]

I bought an Iver Johnson Hawk 3 years ago for a little more than $500. Commander length, Cerakote finish bo-mar type sights. With 230 fmj Eagle rounds, I have not had one malfunction of any kind in 450 rounds.

 

[bdickens]

A lot of people have good things to say about the Taurus 1911s. +/- $500, fully tricked out from the factory & reliable.

I have one & haven't had any issues. My EDC is a Glock 19, but I have on occasion gotten a wild hair & packed the PT1911 without feeling uncomfortable about it.
The finish is so-so, but I buy guns to shoot, not to sit in a room & look at how pretty they are.

 

[Antihero]

The two things I always recommend in these threads is choose what type of sights you want and whether you want a GI or beavertail grip safety. Choose wrong on either two, and chances are good somebody is going to be grinding or welding on your gun to fix your choice error.

Three key points to consider

1. The 1911 is not a Glock. Parts don't just snap into place. Currently, there are probably two dozen companies making 1911-type pistols, there have been more in the past and will probably be more in the future. There is probably the same number of companies making 1911 parts. Not all of these are the same. The old saying is "there are no drop in parts in a 1911".

2. Sights - folks new to the 1911 don't often realize not all sight cuts are the same even within the same manufacturer. Colt uses at least three different rear sight dovetails and some of their front sights are staked in post/tenon and some are dovetailed. The key point for rear sight dovetails is that most adjustable rears use a different dovetail than fixed rears. Choosing one and wanting to change to the other will severely limit your options unless you want to weld or grind on your slide.

3. Not all grip safeties work on all frames. If you choose a gun with a GI grip safety, and decide you want a beavertail grip safety, chances are good you need to grind on the frame to get the grip safety to fit. Unless you bought a stainless steel gun, you'll then need to refinish the frame, and probably the slide, if you want them to match.

I knew that about the sights but not the grip safety, thanks for the info.

I was planning on something with a beaver tail, the GI models don't super interest me usually anyway.

I was actually considering a 9mm a bit too, I own quite a few 9mm and always have the ammo laying around anyway, but 45 seem much more right if I'm gonna get into 1911s

 

[ThomasT]

A lot of people have good things to say about the Taurus 1911s. +/- $500, fully tricked out from the factory & reliable.

How many rounds do you have through your Taurus? I looked real hard at those when they first came out but then started reading reports about problems with them and long waits for Taurus to correct the malfunction. But if they work and hold up they should have been very popular guns. And I have owned several Taurus revolvers and now own a TCP 380 and have had no problems with any of them so I am not bashing Taurus.

 

[evan price]

The Philippine guns are really a bargain and shoot well.