Beginner 1911

[miles1]

Ive recently decided to get a 1911 and didnt want to spend a ton of money as im not looking for all the bells and whistles that go with them.In order of priority...
1.cost $350-550
2.reliable
3.looks
4.prefer full size
5. shoots 45acp
Im not concerned with fancy sites or a "trigger job'.Dont care either way for an ambi release or if it has mim parts or forged..I dont plan on making any mods to the gun.I just want something that will work.Not looking at shooting hollow points either.At the moment im considering either a RIA 1911 or possible a Springfield GI 1911.looking for any suggestions or if the folks here think those 2 that im looking at will meet my basic requirments.

 

[Baba Louie]

Those are the 1st two I'd recommend at that price point. (Or a used Colt 1991 and/or maybe an orphan Norinco if you come upon one.)

Depending on your eyesight (old age sucks some times) the sights might want upgrading at some point, tho the tiny original milspec sights do work, albeit somewhat slower than big bright sights.

Springfield's step up from the GI, their MilSpec... better in the "sights I can use department" but costs a tad more. Check out the for sale forums here, maybe someone has a lightly used 1911 for sale or you can post a WTB ad (if you don't mind buying used).

Good luck in your hunt. Trying to find a SAI GI is hit or miss depending on their production runs. RIA 5" FS are in stock at Davidsons.

RIAs are cast, SAIs forged, if that matters (it shouldn't affect a thing other than cost)

 

[Skylerbone]

Based on your shopping list I'd say the RIA would be your cup of tea. You could buy the upgraded model and still be well within budget. Most of them work, the rest they fix without hassle.

I'd second a used Colt but why cheat yourself out of the warranty and risk getting someone else's oops project. For no frills, no further bells and whistles you're on the right track.

 

[surjimmy]

Rock Island Tactical, you won't be sorry.

 

[Baba Louie]

Rock Island Tactical, you won't be sorry.

True, but one will have to deal with the FLGR (full length guide rod) which... some like, others, maybe not so much. Just a point to ponder on RIAs Tactical line (other makers as well) but by no means a deal stopper. Just another consideration and alteration to JMBs original design.

 

[HDCamel]

The Regent R100 seems right in your wheelhouse.

MSRP $499
The frame is cast but the slide is forged.


The Barrel is stainless hammer forged.


The finish is quite nice and holds up well. (Pardon the rust on the grip screws, I have sweaty hands and I handle it fairly often)

 

[Apocalypse-Now]

True, but one will have to deal with the FLGR (full length guide rod) which... some like, others, maybe not so much. Just a point to ponder on RIAs Tactical line (other makers as well) but by no means a deal stopper. Just another consideration and alteration to JMBs original design.

simply take it out and replace it with a $5 GI plug. a 2 minute procedure.

 

[Hunterdad]

I'll second the Regent. Its been a great gun for me with no problems. Mine was great the way it came, but I can never leave well enough alone.

 

[miles1]

Ill cetainly take a look at the norinco and regent as well.Thanks for the input so far.Ive been reading up on the RIA and Springfiield GI reviews as well.

 

[ugaarguy]

In order of priority...
1.cost $350-550
2.reliable

Let me get this straight, your top two priorities are a reliable 1911, and you want it for the price of a Glock, if not less? Let me be brutally honest: Your expectations are unrealistic. Even with a cast frame look at how much machining is required to make a 1911 frame. Then look at all the necessary slide machining. Now factor in hand fitting the barrel's upper lugs to the slide, and lower lug to the frame. This isn't a plastic frame pistol where the frame comes out of the mold 99% finished, and every part is completely drop in.

If you can find a Springfield GI under $600 that's your best chance to get what you want.

 

[jahwarrior]

Let me get this straight, your top two priorities are a reliable 1911, and you want it for the price of a Glock, if not less? Let me be brutally honest: Your expectations are unrealistic.

this is, simply put, a load of bull. there are plenty of 1911s in that price range, that are as reliable as you'd need it to be for duty use or personal defense.

1. Taurus PT1911
2. Rock Island Armory
3. Metro Arms.
4. ATI
5. STI Spartan
6. Springfield GI 45
7. Remington


not to mention the huge choice of 1911s on the used/secondary market, like Colts, Norincos, Springfields, Ithaca, etc....

 

[Derek Zeanah]

I bought a RIA, took it to a Gunsite 250 course, and ran 1,200 rounds through it without cleaning and without any malfunctions.

I'm not sure how definitive that is though. We tried shooting an American Classics (the frame/slide come out the same factory as RIA) Commander that was absolutely terrible. It averaged a malfunction every 20 rounds or so.

 

[ugaarguy]

this is, simply put, a load of bull. there are plenty of 1911s in that price range, that are as reliable as you'd need it to be for duty use or personal defense.

1. Taurus PT1911
2. Rock Island Armory
3. Metro Arms.
4. ATI
5. STI Spartan
6. Springfield GI 45
7. Remington

Not in my experience. I'll stand by statement that the SA GI is the best option in the price range. I'd forgotten about the STI Spartan. With STI QA/QC going over it that's the only RIA I trust out of the box. I can't say yeah or nay on the Remington because of my limited experience with them. The rest of the guns you list are likely going to need work. I've seen inconsistent bbl lock up, and inconsistent small parts fitting across those brands (save listed exceptions). They're fine as hobby guns, but they need serious T&E before being used for duty or carry.

not to mention the huge choice of 1911s on the used/secondary market, like Colts, Norincos, Springfields, Ithaca, etc....

If the used gun from those brands is verified unaltered go for it. If not, it's going to be hard for a newbie to evaluate the quality of those modifications.

I'm not sure how definitive that is though. We tried shooting an American Classics (the frame/slide come out the same factory as RIA) Commander that was absolutely terrible. It averaged a malfunction every 20 rounds or so.

Derek, that illustrates the inconsistencies I've seen with the lower end 1911s. My info comes from selling them, and evaluating reviews from trusted sources. Why they get it right, they hit it out of the park. When they get it wrong, it's ugly. Most of the time, it's somewhere in the middle. Often it's little things that someone new to 1911s, having no basis of comparison, may not even notice.

In the $350-$550 price range there are simply better options than a 1911 for duty and/or SD carry use.

 

[miles1]

Which ever 1911 i end up picking will not be used for HD or carry as i have a ruger gp 100 that handles that nicely.I was gonna use the 1911 pretty much just for range time(and just wanting a bare bones 1911).

Locally i found a metro arms for $469 and a ria for $429.No luck so far with any regents or norinco's yet.Kinda wanna stay away from used as im most definitley a newb when it comes to 1911's and dont wanna "pick" a lemon.

 

[ugaarguy]

I was gonna use the 1911 pretty much just for range time(and just wanting a bare bones 1911).

Cool, that lets you buy pretty much whatever you want. I'm still going to recommend a Springfield GI or Mil Spec. 1911s have a way of growing on you, and making you love them. With the SA you'll have a good base gun to build on, or a gun that will hold resale value if you decide to trade up. If you keep in as is, you'll have the comfort of knowing you bought one of the best basic / GI style bare bones 1911s short of a Colt or a real USGI pistol.

 

[fbr09]

I was going to get the Taurus PT1911 for a full size one but I don't like the Heinie Sights it has and by the time I added some Mepro sights I figured out I could get a Sig 1911 Tac Pac for a hundred bucks more and they feel really good in the hand

I have a 4" GI Champion and well the military style sights on them really aren't that good they work but take longer to get on target, I had the front sight painted to help until I can change the sights

 

[1911 guy]

Both Springfield and RIA are good options. The RIA used to cost a bit less, don't know about right now.

 

[bdb benzino]

I bought a RIA, took it to a Gunsite 250 course, and ran 1,200 rounds through it without cleaning and without any malfunctions.

I'm not sure how definitive that is though. We tried shooting an American Classics (the frame/slide come out the same factory as RIA) Commander that was absolutely terrible. It averaged a malfunction every 20 rounds or so

As far as I know Armscor and Metro Arms are not made in the same factory. I love my Metro Arms 1911 and have read alot about them. Ed Minshew from STI now works over at Metro Arms and apparently brought some of their quality with him.
The Government sized Metro Arms 1911's have a reputation for great reliability, but the newer Commander sized ones have a couple bugs to be worked out. It seems common that the Commanders need a Colt spec mag catch, as the one in them lets the magazine sit low and results in failures like you talked about.
I also changed mine out as it sat lower than my other 1911's but it never caused a FTF.
With that said I have also owned a full size, mid size, and officer sized RIA 1911's and have never had any problems, maybe I am just lucky. I traded off a Springfeild Loaded model and kept my Metro Arms 1911, because it was better fit and ran smoother. YMMV.

 

[LiveLife]

I would recommend the RIA Tactical but replacing factory mags with Chip McCormick Power Mag for reliability.

For 1911 around $500 range, RIA will be hard to beat in terms of accuracy, function and features. Slide-to-frame fit is tight yet cycles smoothly with no snag or grittiness.

 

[chains1240]

I recently bought an American Classic commander. Only 300 rounds through it but runs like a dream. Great fit and function.

 

[miles1]

Wanted to thank everyone for there suggestions and response.I was able to locate a springfield gi($650),a metro arms($469),and a ria gi($409).There was a norinco used asking for$575.Unable to locate a regent.After handling them all and going thru a safety check with 1911's the grip feel was nice frankly with all of them which kinda surprised me.After handling glocks and xd's im not gonna lie...it was nice to hold a piece of steel for a change.I ruled out the norinco d/t im a newb with 1911's and wasnt gonna take a chance.I ended up getting the ria gi.The springfield was definitley runner-up and if i get a second one i can say that will be my next 1911.Thanks to all for the help again.Gonna go stare at my new gun again.

Next step is to get a couple of good mags.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I don't think you'll be sorry, the RIA seems to be a very solid gun.

Personally I would have gotten the Norinco as it is an outstanding platform to build on and their steel is superior

 

[HDCamel]

A solid choice. Welcome to the ever-expanding society of 1911 owners.

 

[viking499]

You made a good choice.

 

[HisSoldier]

The Regent, made in Turkey, which was once a friend if Israel and the West. That's no longer the case. I know I'll get flack for saying it but it's true. Maybe truth still has some value to some folks, it sure does for me.