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Best Entry 1911

Which entry1911

  • Para GI

    Votes: 13 9.2%

  • Springfield mil spec

    Votes: 79 55.6%

  • RIA

    Votes: 39 27.5%

  • Taurus

    Votes: 11 7.7%
  • Total voters
    142
  • Poll closed .
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I

InkEd

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Like most of you I have a small collection of guns I enjoy shooting as often as possible. One of the gums missing is the iconic and fan favorite 1911.

I'm looking for a nice entry level model. I will not be carrying this gun and it will be mostly just used at the range. I don't want t spend alot of money on this gun.

So which of these would you recommend for just a fun gun. Please mention any other suggestions you have as well.
 
Before I went and bought a Dan Wesson CBOB I was thinking about going with the SA milspec. It was highly recommended throughout the boards I visited.
 
Sorta depends on what draws your interest, and how much money matters to you.

There are several that still sell in the $400 range if you are looking for an inexpensive start. OTOH, if you like the history aspect there are some "reproduction" style guns from Colt, Springfield, that are worth the $600 or so they start at. I can't explain why, but I like the springfield G.I. in stainless, which both is and isn't one of those reproduction style guns.

If you lack funds, don't let a gun salseman put a good slicked up 1911 in your hands or you may find yourself out $2300 or so. They aren't even a bad choice for range toy or working gun, but the hole they burn in your wallet will hurt.
 
Ill not spend more than about $500ish. I have shot some really nice 1911s and they are sweet. They just are nowhere near my favorite gun. It is more of a "yeah I have one" type of deals. It the whole American icon thing. There are several other guns I will probably get first.

If I was going to drop alot I'd get A nighthawk ladyhawk withou the name on the slide. Which reminds me do you know of entry level 9mm 1911? Thanks.
 
Colt 1911 is the best entry level 1911. If you know where to shop a 80 series gun will cost less than $700 OTB NIB and will still be worth $700 if you decide to sell it. This cannot be said about any other 1911 on the list.
 
Belonging to the Colt cult does not mean anything to me. The extra $$$ does. I don't but guns I don't want, so I rarely ever sell them. Resale value is not a concern. Shootabiltity and quality are of concern. Unless you have a Colt NIB for basically the same money as the others; you can keep it. I'm not a cowboy and don't really care about a little horsey on my gun.

The Springfield and RIA seem to be the more popular choices.
 
I have a RIA Tactical, and I'm pleased with it. The finish sucks, though. I have considerable holster wear, and the gun is less than a year old.

Also consider the Citadel (basically the same as a RIA, with different markings and some minor changes, like the cocking serrations,) and the American Classic II.
 
Your money so buy whatever you want but value does not equal lowest price point. Every gun on your list comes up short compared to what Colt offers. Colts are really not that expensive but most people have no idea where to buy them at what constitutes a good price.

Yes the RIA are very popular. People like them. They are fine but I prefer forged vs cast. I am not a fan of powder parts and I want my guns finish to last longer than a year. I also expect the internals of my guns to be clean and professional. All RIAs I have handled are rough looking internally. They run but they are not well finished IMHO.

If you ask most people they will tell you they never sell their guns but then you can look at the classifieds and see tons of people doing what????? Selling guns. You never know what the future holds and in any evaluation of value resell is a good indicator of overall market value.

Yes you can get an RIA for $450 and you will be lucky if someone would give you $300 for is used if you ever have to sell it. Even if you don't it is a good indication of what the market thinks of the pistol.

I love people who post polls soliciting answers to a question that they have already got the answer to. You seem to have already chosen what 1911 you think is the best entry level gun. So honestly I have to ask why are you bothering asking the question.

Milspec from SA is going to cost you $600+ OTD but you are only about $50 away from a Colt. So why get the SA.

If you just want the cheapest thing you can put you hands on them RIA it is. Again I am not bashing the RIA. They are a decent gun but they are what they are. A rough, poorly finished, large scales mass produced cast 1911.

IMHO that does not = value.

P.S. It has nothing to do with any Cults. It has to do with value.
 
$700 is a bit more than $600 and I don't really want to spend $600.

Colt is to the 1911 what Smith Wesson is to revolvers. They were one of the first to make the design and for a while were the definitve best. Now there are other manufacturer (like ruger in revolvers) that are just as good for less money. And this is coming from a life long loyal S&W owner. Also, I KNOW there are better ones than what I listed! FCOL! Read the &$@&ing post. I want a cheap 1911 that won't suck. I have nice guns already that I like it's just going to be a plinker. Great you love colt. Good for you. They make a good gun. I think equally priced SA's and SW's are just as good but I am not interested in them. If I really wanted a good 1911 I'd buy one but it is a waste of money for my purpose. FIW if I wanted to spend $700 I'd buy a used kimber or something. MIM parts are fine I doubt too many people on here will ever shoot a gun enough to wear one out. And if you do warranty will replace for free on pretty much every new gun you yet now days. No matter how you slice it colts are rarely the best value for the money.

Thank you all for the suggestions. I will look into the American Classic And the other recommendations. Also it looks like new norinco 1911 aren't available or am I not just looking hard enough. Also are they better than there Ak's because those don't impress me
 
Of the guns you listed SA

Your post ask for Best Entry 1911. You ask for options

To your question I would also say Colt

If you do not want options don't ask.
 
I'd buy a used kimber or something. MIM parts are fine I doubt too many people on here will ever shoot a gun enough to wear one out. And if you do warranty will replace for free on pretty much every new gun you yet now days. No matter how you slice it colts are rarely the best value for the money.
Click to expand...

This statement says all I need to know. Kimber......:barf: Cohen ruined that company.

The problem with MIM is not really logevity it is that when they fail the failure is catastrophic. Ask how many Taurus 1911 owners have had the safety sheer right off the pistol.

Your ignorance is on full display here. If you want a cheap 1911 get one. If you want value for your $$$ get a colt.

Norincos are banned from importation into the US. There are like NIB examples everywhere. They are much better guns then the RIA or other bottom feeder 1911s you are looking at.
 
and Kimber's have had MiM since the beginning...but I hear you on the over saturation and ruination of many good companies of late...

Bill
 
I'd love for someone to tell me where I can buy a Colt .45 at a decent price in Missouri or other area and have shipped to a Mizzou FFL.
 
Sistema Colt..True Colt clones built on Colt equipment...Available in you price range if you look..
 
Sistema are great but hard to come buy unmolested at a good price these days. Most of the time I see them they have been bubba'd in one way or another.

Has anyone seen one of the new IAC Norincos made in Turkey?
 
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