"Best" basic production 1911?

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mike56

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If I were in the market for a "basic" steel frame, blue, 5 inch 1911, say, in the 600-800 range, with reliability in mind foremost, who would it be?
Taurus looks temting to me. Just looking for a beater 45.
 
i just got my dad a springfield GI parkerized 1911. its been perfect so far. a great basic 1911.

it was $482 shipped from cdnn. difficult to find in stock though, at least it was for me.
 
For a beater range gun I'd go with the Rock Island Armory GI Model.
2nd on my list would be a Springfield Armory. It's a little nicer than a "beater".
 
For a beater 1911, the Taurus do seem hard to beat. I've heard that the finish is none too great, but for just something to putz around with? Go for it.
 
A Springfield MilSpec in blue or park would be just the ticket. www.cdnninvestments.com usually has them in stock at just over $500.

These are well made guns with decent sights that will last a long, long time. If you really get into shooting, the MilSpec makes a great base gun for future custom projects.

Sturdy and well shooting, these are a step above 'beater' status.
 
SA GI-45. Not only will this run out of the box, but it is a great base 1911 for use for custom builds.

In this price range, the fit & finish is better than the RIA. Taurus is about the same.
 
I have two Rock Islands, and two SA GI's. Both are great pistols backed by great customer service. My RIA .38 Super is quickly becoming my favorite 1911 to shoot. But, my Taurus is simply the most reliable, most accurate 1911 I own, and the the trigger is the best out of the box that I've ever shot (mine is, I'm sure there are crappy ones out there).
 
Why get a beater? You can get a genuine Series 80 Colt for $589.00 in this area of MI.
 
Doc2005 is right! I found a Stainless Colt Government model like new for $550. Get a real 1911, get a Colt.:D
 
For that money you can get a Springfield Loaded. Never had one but all I hear about RI is good.
 
For your budget, I'd pick up a Springfield and not look back. If you had wanted/needed to spend a bit less, I'd second the recommendations of RIA and Taurus.
 
For your price range get the Colt. Once it is in your hand you will never look back. A very close second would be the springer.

Look at it this way; you will get the 1911 and then you will start looking at custom 1911's, you will decide you want one of those from say Yost.

If you get the RIA you would be in the market for a second 1911 Colt or Springfield because that is the quality platform that a custom gunsmith will work on, I think that says it all.
 
RIA or Springfield.

in fact if you do a little looking around you can get a RIA tactical and have many of the features others pay over $1K for, on a gun in you price range.
 
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