Best 1911 under $1500

[YZ]

Looking for a top tier (as close I can get to that under $1500) 1911. I want it to be stainless - at least the frame, slide, and barrel unless someone can convince me why I wouldn't want that. Stainless inner workings would be a plus too though I understand springs will always be carbon steel.

I'd like a Colt though I've held a few Springfield guns near the $1500 mark that look and feel pretty nice. This is intended to be a range gun and something to marvel at. I'd like target sights.

I understand there are different series of 1911s as well with different safety features. Which do I want and why?

Opinions and thoughts about brands and models?

Thanks

You can do a lot better than $1500. I sold a GC Trophy and bought a Remington R1 for 800+. I shoot it no worse than the Colt. Much of the premium they place on higher end 1911s you are likely paying for the hot air and smoke. Sexy names, badass image, accuracy guarantee (from a bench rest vise), everything machined chiseled hand polished etc etc. An exaggeration for sure, just to make a point. You won't go wrong with a $800some SIG Granite either.

P.S. Sorry I overlooked that you said stainless. Honestly, for a 1911 it's no big deal. Cleaning the blue finish may actually be easier, because stainless finishes will readily show hairline scratches, and will turn dull from powder residue. Any case, you won't go wrong with a Colt Gold Cup, MSRP just recently was close to 1K but todays market may push the price up. Any colt will hold its value, GC no exception. It also comes with two springs, one for regular or defense loads, the other for target grade soft ones. My only problem was the target sights with no outline. If the word presbyopia applies to your eyesight, you will welcome factory fiber optics like I did. Colt does not sell those.

 

[45crittergitter]

If you shop around with patience, you may find a Baer, Brown, etc. slightly used for that price. Ask me how I know

For instance:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=704823

 

[Johnny Lightning]

I would look at an sti trojan, trp, SIG, or possibly a used les baer or Dan Wesson.

 

[jamrock]

You can't go wrong with a colt

 

[JeffinPTC]

Sig Sauer 1911

I'm happy with my Sig Nitron Rail. It has an external extractor that some might not like, but has never once been a problem.

 

[MarshallDodge]

Dan Wesson Valor or a Springfield TRP would be my two choices.

I have seen them on the used market for $1,200 which would leave enough left over for a case of ammo.

 

[RCL]

MSRP $999.00

 

[orionengnr]

If you want to put a ton of rounds down range, don't go with stainless as it can gall if not properly maintained.

Has anyone actually seen any galling on a modern stainless firearm?

I've heard of it in guns that were either junk or poorly designed. Using two slightly different compositions in the two large parts should prevent all troubles.

I haven't heard of galling since early S&W M66s, and that's quite a while back. I've heard about it in S&Ws that were well used and poorly maintained. Do some more reading up, but honestly I believe you will find it a non issue.

 

[Dlowe167]

Dan Wesson CCO,Ruger SR1911,Sig Sauer 1911. In that order,by price & Quality

 

[tarosean]

Has anyone actually seen any galling on a modern stainless firearm?

I've heard of it in guns that were either junk or poorly designed. Using two slightly different compositions in the two large parts should prevent all troubles.

I haven't heard of galling since early S&W M66s, and that's quite a while back. I've heard about it in S&Ws that were well used and poorly maintained. Do some more reading up, but honestly I believe you will find it a non issue.

If you hang out on 1911 boards you still see it from time to time. Is it extremely prevalent? NO. However, when you have owners of mid-tier to semi-custom reporting on it, seems to me that it still exists. You dont see it in the cheaper 1911's cause they typically have cast frames.

Some are attributing it to the extreme tolerances modern 1911's have and of course poor maintenance, etc.

I only own two SS autos, not for worry over galling. It's just I prefer blue/black pistols.

 

[Danrutenberg]

Dan Wesson valor by far. Beats a Springfield in my opinion and the customer service from DW is sooooo good and personal they treat you like a valued customer not just another number who bought the product. My valor is so well built and locks up like a bank vault with a trigger that breaks like glass at 4.5lb but its so clean no mush you would like its 2.5lb


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[arizona_cards_11]

A post-2010 Dan Wesson Valor/V-bob that has been lightly used may get you under the $1500 mark.

 

[SwampWolf]

I don't think you can beat a SIG 1911 for the money you're looking to spend.

 

[tuckerdog1]

This is from another forum. But I understand the author is a member here as well. Interesting reading. He has grouped the pistols ( all 1911s ) by price range. So just scroll to the price range you're in and start reading.

http://www.1911addicts.com/showthread.php?511-Buyer-s-guide-for-all-you-1911-addicts...

Tuckerdof1

 

[gym]

I must comment that the R1, is an under rated gun. I had the low end model when they were 6 and change, and it shot as well as any colt I ever had. I didn't like the mags, "megar" , probably spelled wrong, but I changed them out for McCormick and it was as accurate as it could be. I foolishly traded it for a EMP.
I would like to shoot the enhanced version. The trigger was one of the best stock triggers I ever felt.