Best 1911 for the money?

[10 Ringer']

I'd still someday love to have a true 1911 in my collection for general no frills range/plinking use but don't have nearly the kind of green to lay down for a Les Baer or Wilson nor the need for a competition gun. With the idea in mind that the lower end Kimbers are the extreme TOP end of my budget, how do the moderate and lower priced full size 1911/1911 clones stack up as potentioal "best buys" and why?

The lower price tags of makes like the Khar/Auto-Ordinance are appealing as are some other lessor known names I've seen in local shops, but you guys (and gals) are the experts, anybody have suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Siggyboy]

The best buys for moderately priced 1911's right now IMO are the NRM Colt 1991A1 and the Kimber TLE and Custom II. The Colt costs less, uses mostly tool steel parts and is a Colt! but has sharp edges, needs a beavertail, sights are primative etc. The Kimbers have all the goodies but cost more and use MIM parts.

Depends on what you prefer. You could go cheaper but you will usually get junk if you do. The only cheaper 1911's I'd consider are a Springfield Mil-Spec, Tangfoligo Witness, or maybe a Rock Island.

 

[Berg01]

Springfield Mil-Spec with minimal gunsmith tuning thrown in is the way to go!

 

[joshlm]

I will probably get allot of hate mail for saying this but, about a year ago i bought a rock island for $350. I bought the gun assuming that it would be something i could tinker with and see how good i am with getting it to run properly. I was somewhat dissipointed because i have had no problem, ftf, or jams, with the gun. i have not had to do any thing to the gun other than cleaning it and lube. I have shot about 500 rnds of fmj and another 1200 230 lrn without a problem. the fitting seems to be tighter than my shooting partners springfield and it shoots more acurately. however the sights leave alot to be disired if the gun is to be used in a self defense situation. if someone was looking for a mil spec 45 i would not hesitate to recomend one, of course some people seem to have a differing opinion on these guns than i do.

 

[yotehunter]

I too bought one of the lower end 1911's to tinker with. I bought a Charles Daly and it had a FTRB problem at first. I put in a FLGR and 18# spring and it hasnt failed since. It in no way compares to my other 1911's in fit and finish but as far as being reliable, im around the 4000 rd mark and its still working great. Not bad for a 350.00 pistol and 20.00 guide rod and spring.
I did put on some better looking sights (I cant stand the sharp blade type) but that wasnt a necessity.

 

[cslinger]

I don't think you would go wrong with a new roll mark Colt 1991A1 mine has been almost flawless and the fit and finish is right up there with new production Kimbers.

I also think the Springfield Mil-Spec is a lot of gun for the money. I have seen these in the low $400s.

I don't have experience with the cheaper models from Rock Island or Charles Daly. I did do a lot of research and found enough bad stuff written about both to shy me away.

I am not saying those models stink or you can't get a good one I am just saying that through my research it seemed that the chances of me getting a new Colt or Springer that worked as I wanted it to was higher than the chances of the same with the other guns.

Chris

 

[Dr.Rob]

Colt, Springfield (high end of your spectrum)

Charles Daly (lower end, though it may be hard to find a stocking dealer actually offering a 'discount' price)

 

[boing]

Colt. Without going to the higher end stuff, the Colt has the highest value/cost ratio, by far. Quality of components is the thing.

 

[BigG]

Colt; besides all the other reasons stated, you can get your money back out of it if you decide it's not your cup of tea.

 

[Dorrin79]

I've been impressed with my Springfield Mil-Spec.

Lots of good things said about the new production Colt 1991A1s, too.

 

[George Hill]

I've got to say Springfield. The Mil-Spec is a good choice, but so is the "Loaded" model. I think the Loaded gives you the most bang for the buck.
I have seen and shot a Rock Island and have to agree with that suggestion as well. It's a heck of a good 1911, but I don't know the customer post purchase support there. This is important to me because I know anything made by man can fail. Springfield pays for the shipping both ways and has a 30 day turn around. I just don't like the limited amount of feedback they have.
They should let you know "Hey, we got the gun and will start it in 2 weeks or so." And "Hey, we finished the gun and will be shipping it out in the morning..." and "Hey, it's shipped "Here is the tracking number..."
I mean, come on... to them it might just be a product... but to us it's our baby!

 

[BerettaNut92]

Probably the SA Loadeds with the Novaks....

 

[Rob96]

The NRM Series 80 Colts are the way to go.

 

[rbert0005]

Dan Wesson Pointman. You will get all the doo dahs you want for the same money as the other lower end guns.
Ex quality.

Bob

 

[Bravo11]

I really like my Charles Daly. It likes to well lubed but feeds and shoots great. I know there has been some bad things said about them but I have had no problems. Some people say they look bad when you open them up, with sloppy machining but mine looks OK. I primarily shoot FMJ that may explain the good feeding. Also, have your few FFL's check prices, one will probably come back with a great price.

 

[WJR]

Siggyboy summed it up very well. In my opinion Colt is producing some of the nicest 1911's around these days. Their quality control is back where it should be and they are making reliable, well-fit, no frills 1911's. The beauty of the Colts is that you can keep them exactly as they are and have an excellent pistol or you can customize it any way you want.

The problem with Springfield and Kimber is that they have already decided how your pistol should be customized and you may not like the way they have specked it out.

By the way, the Series 80 system works well, whereas, the system on the Series II Kimbers has been known to cause problems for some shooters.

Just my opinion.

WJR

 

[J. Parker]

I've got a new rollmark Colt Commander and it's a fantastic little pistol. It goes pop everytime and it didn't cost and arm and a leg. Good, solid value these new Colts. I also had two SA Champions that were excellent pistols and reasonbly priced. Best, John

 

[Stevie-Ray]

I have 2 Colts and a Kimber. I used to have an AMT. We won't go there. Colt is the least I would spend. Heard too much bad about even the Springfields.

 

[Sean Smith]

A new Colt 01991.

http://www.colt.com/CMCI/1991.asp

 

[danelizer]

Another vote for the new Colt 1991 model. You won't be sorry about this purchase.

 

[Morgan]

I'll also recommend the NRM Colt. Very nice, reliable with everything including my duty 200gr +p Speer GD.

If you can still find 'em, the Sistema is a fine 1911, built on Colt machinery, overseen by Colt company guys. Mine was only $320 total, and has been stone reliable with ball (haven't tried anything else).

 

[Spanky McFly]

I just sold my Colt Series 70 matte nickel with adjustable sights for $550 at one of the last gun shows. I ran about 2,000 rds through it in the 9 years I owned it. Maybe you could look for a good used Colt or Kimber. Does it have to be new?

 

[RicVa]

Springfield WWII Mil-spec. I got mine for $399 recently. Saw it at a show last weekend for $369. Great gun. Great price.

 

[TRIDENT]

Another vote for the Springfield mil-spec. I have had mine for 7 years and it runs great. I liked it better than the Colt at the time because the Springfield had all metal parts, Colt had some plastic. Plus the Springfield had a lot tighter fit and did not rattle like the Colts I handled. I have been pleased with my purchase.

 

[10-Ring]

The Colt is the way to go. Very well made, a gun you won't haeto make excuses for & the heritage.