Best 1911 for under $800

[sgtredleg]

Hi all.
I'm thinking about getting into some basic combat pistol training. I'm very familiar with the Colt 1911 design and would like to stay with it. There are many different companies putting out brownings design and I would like your advise.
My criteria?

Reliability in all ways is mandatory. It needs to feed EVERY TIME.

To get that reliability a minimum of money and effort should be used.

Primarily I will use standard 230 grain jacketed ball, but I may want to use 230 grain HP's (reliability mandatory)

Full size is preferred. But I might consider a four and half inch barrel.

8 round capacity is fine, (more would be better)

Stainless is my preferred finish.

Can't think of anything else offhand. Mainly to be used for combat training courses and if all else fails will be a primary defensive arm.

What am I missing and what kind of advise can ya'll give me.

Can this package be done for under $800

Thanks in advance!

 

[docnyt]

New Springfield Armory

Used Kimber

Rock Island Armory

Norinco

I think that's more or less in order of greatest to least cost and desirability.

Also look at this thread with a slightly higher budget:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=499671

 

[Jed Carter]

Para Ordnance, STI Spartan, SW1911, Springfield Armory, Used Colt, I would narrow the field and do research on your choices, many ranges have 1911s to rent. Kimbers look great, but get mixed reviews here.

 

[PhysicsGuy]

Used Dan Wesson, end of story

 

[j21blackjack]

I would vote Springfield or RIA. I've never owned a Springfield, but I've never heard a bad word about them. I have owned two RIA's and never had a problem with either of them.

 

[PAPACHUCK]

$800.00 = Rock Island Armory Tactical + ammo or


http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=153565453

 

[INSULATION TIM]

I always had feeding issues with my Rock Island as it would only feed factory ball ammo...and sometimes not that.

My Kimber Custom Classic, once broken in, is the most reliable 1911 that I own. I bought it new on sale for $ 699, but I'm sure that prices have risen since then but you may still be able to get one for under $ 800.

 

[atomd]

Dan Wesson factory blemish RZ45 if you can find one. The last batch of them were selling at ~$775. Heck of a gun and the "blemishes" are jokes. I've seen worse blemishes from other companies on their new guns in the case.

 

[jackpinesavages]

Build your own STI or Fusion kit weapon; $1500 weapon for less than $1K. Then further build/customize it as you go.

 

[distra]

S&W 1911's are a good value. Here is one http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=154000227 I own 2 a commander and full size. Both are great guns and a great value.

 

[Rinspeed]

Series I Kimber would be my choice.

 

[ckone]

STI Spartan is it hands down.

 

[rellascout]

In the used gun market $800 can get you a nice pistol. Look around and be patient. For that $800 or less you can get a Colt, DW, Springer Loaded, S&W Pro etc..... in LNIB condition.

Most people rush the purchase and therefore pay more than they need to.

 

[Screaming .357G]

colt series 80

 

[hank327]

The Colt 1991 is a great gun in your price range.

 

[Oro]

The Colt 1991 is a great gun in your price range.

A NEW one can be had for that price with some careful shopping - someone bought one for $720 from a dealer they posted about earlier this week. There's a stainless 80 Series for that, and also the Series '70 replica.

Colts since about 1999/2000 have come with a proprietary grooved barrel throat that greatly improves reliability with odd ammo. Highly recommended. If you want 8rd capacity, the get the extended tube magazines like Wilson or Tripp. If you prefer flush-fit magazines (many of us do), just stick with the 7 round ones for maximum reliability. In that category, Colt magazines are the top of the heap and worth sticking with among flush-fit 7rd magazines.

S&W also makes an excellent product but I think you'll need to go used to get into your price range.

 

[orionengnr]

I have owned seven used Kimbers, and have not paid over $800 for any of them. Each and every one has been perfect (that's why I keep buying them).

But I might consider a four and half inch barrel.

Never saw a 1911 with a 4 1/2" barrel.
Commander size is 4 1/4"
Kimber Pro Series is 4".

 

[SSN Vet]

I just took delivery of a NIB Colt 1991 (Series 80) Commander yesterday.

Paid $740 off a listing on Gun Broker.

This is the second 1911 based pistol I've owned, and my first was not a good experience (old Auto. Ord. "stove pipe special" I purchased used long ago and eventually off loaded).

I haven't had a chance to get it to the range yet, but here's some preliminary observations and things that were important to me.

Fit and finish are really good. It's not an uber tight slide... but by no means is it sloppy loose either. I don't think uber tight is always the best way to go, anyways. Running 400 expensive rounds through a gun just to break it so it will run 100% doesn't appeal to me. (If you're considering a Kimber, I suggest you utilyze the search function and read up on them. Folks are saying that Kimber's CS has come a long ways.... You'll have to decide for yourself.)

The main spring housing is nylon... but I knew that going into it. I was surprised to see how solid and rugged feeling it feels though. I plan on bobtailing the pistol eventually, so that part is slated for replacement.

From what I've read, Colt uses less MIM than the other production guns. According to 1911forum.com, there are only two MIM parts in modern Colts.

I was leaning towards a Lightweight Commander, but didn't want an XSE and decided to get an all steel (stainless) Combat Commander. After handling it quite a bit in the last two days, I've been reminded what it's like to hold a slab of steel in my hand. This Commander is solid and rugged (I would really hate to get pistol whipped with it), and not to heavy in my hand.... but then again, I'm not planning on carrying this pistol, as I have a poly wonder 9 that I'm very happy with for my daily carry.

For all the fuss about the firing pin block on the Series 80 Colts, I have to say that this pistol has a very nice trigger right out of the box, and it looks like I should be able to improve it further with some polishing. For me, the pros outweigh the cons in this matter. But then again, I'm not seeking a pistol with a 2# trigger.

The Colt mags are really nice.

The "duck bill" style grip safety looks like it will illiminat any trigger bite issues, and is comfortable enough, though I think you can get a higher grip with a true Ed Brown style beaver tail.

I wasn't interested in the XSE line, and figured I'd put hardwood grips on the pistol after I bobtailed it. But I must say that after handling my new Commander, I really like both the appearance and feel of the black rubber grips.

Buying a 1911 that is made in the U.S. actually means a lot to me. If I got my facts straight, both Springfield Armory and Smith & Wesson 1911s are made in the third world.

I've got brass, bullets, powder and a new die set... hope to pick up large pistol primers tomorrow.... then the real fun will begin.

I would have really loved to get a DW CBOB... but the opportunity to do that at a price I can call affordable is now gone for good. I'll re-learn the 1911 platform with this Colt and after I've put several hundred rounds of fun through it, I'll decide whether or not I want to customize it in any way.

 

[MICHAEL T]

COLT they are out their just shop a little

 

[LiveLife]

+1 for Kimber.

I am actually looking to buy another Kimber for upcoming Birthday.

My range quoted me $815 plus member discount, but they said several months of wait time - I can wait.

 

[jigglyjames29]

STI Spartan is it hands down.

This.

My experience with Kimbers is about half of them have issues. I've shot about...10? maybe 15? Enough to make me not want one.

 

[jigglyjames29]

oops.

 

[Clarence]

Based on my personal experience I'd recommend a Springfield "Loaded". I don't have any experience with STI but they get good reviews from most everyone and their "Spartan" model is definitely in your price range. If you're willing to look at used guns it opens up other avenues.