Best entry level 1911?

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AR15activist

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By definition, this gun would be either the 1st or 2nd most basic/plain model offered by a given company. Any barrel/frame length/construction materials used are fine. This gun will likely be deriving it's reliability from a looseness in it's fit. She won't be real pretty, but this should be a serviceable weapon -- a gun one could upgrade in a piecemeal fashion.


Go.
 
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I'm starting to hear a lot of good things about the Ruger SR1911, but it's probable street price of $800 puts it on the far outer edge of what most would consider "entry."
 
Bersa makes some serviceable guns, but I don't know anything about its 1911.

I was going to include the STI Spartan, an Armscor-manufactured gun with STI small parts, but it has apparently been discontinued. That presently leaves the Ruger SR1911 without competition as the best entry-level 1911, in my opinion. They can be had for less than $650 on Gunbroker. I don't know whether STI has plans to replace the Spartan with another entry-level model, but I would bet on it to be a good one if they did.

For something even cheaper, Rock Island's Government model can be found for less than $400. A better-appointed model that I don't see on their website, the 1911A1 Tactical, is all over Gunbroker for just a few dollars more. Rock Islands seem to deliver a very good value.
 
I bought a Les Baer three weeks ago for $500 (20%) less than MSRP. Handgun MSRPs are always inflated.
 
You won't beat a Armscor Rock Island M1911A1... its a basic, entry-level, mil-spec 1911 for under $400... excellent, no-frills shooter... It's a well made pistola and the Company is A+ for repairs, returns, and handling problems.
Then if you want to start stepping-up... Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec... excellent, no-frills gun made by an excellent Company... about $550-600.
 
Springfield mil spec at $600 or Colt O1991 ... Saw the latter at $699 last week.
 
I would go with a RIA Tactical. That was my intended purchase when shopping for a 9mm a few years ago.

9mm 1911s were hard to come by, I ended up with an STI Spartan and went from there with modifications. I spent a little more, but it already had small parts upgraded, and the pistol itself was available...

Don't overlook the used market at local stores (deals go to quick online). Several years ago I picked up a stainless 1991A1 for around $550 out the door.
 
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Another vote for the STI Spartan.

It is not on the STI website anymore, so it looks like for some unknown reason they have discontinued what was probably their top selling 1911.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr
 
I'm starting to hear a lot of good things about the Ruger SR1911, but it's probable street price of $800 puts it on the far outer edge of what most would consider "entry."
Click to expand...

A couple of years ago when the Ruger was selling like crazy the only place I could find one locally wanted $800. I went to Gunbroker & got one for $635. I still had to pay for shipping & a transfer but came out a lot cheaper buying online.

If someone is looking for an entry level 1911 they can go to slickguns.com or Gunbroker & get an idea of real world prices.
 
What caliber are you looking for? I assume a .45, but if not a GSG 1911 .22 only costs about $325. I have one and other more expensive pistols, but the GSG is one of my favorites.
 
I just picked up a Ruger SR 1911 for $680(that was including tax) last week and couldn't be happier right now.
 
Give me a basic Colt 1991, it'll do everything you need to start and makes an excellent platform to build on in the future.
 
Id go colt 01991 for a first. Due to lower cost and true build specs. Also resale value if you end not liking it. Id also go .45...not other calibers unless .38 super. Far better platforms for 9mm and such..but to each their own.
 
The SR1911 MSRP is $859. but in reality, the street price is much less. I bought mine on sale a year ago For $630 sale price at the LGS. So far, I'm liking it a lot.
This from the Sturm Ruger website;
6700 8+1 Low-Glare Stainless 5.00" 8.67" 39.00 oz. $859.00
 
Ruger or S&W....

Id say the top choices for a NIB(new in box) 1911 .45acp in my view would be either a Ruger, SIG Sauer or S&W.
Smith & Wesson offers a lifetime service warranty. :D
SIG had many SAO 1911s at one point but the new senior leadership may have cut back a few 1911 models in the last few years.
Ruger took their time with the SR series and had noted gunsmith/designer Wayne Novak, www.novaksights.com , help them with the R&D. ;)
I would not feel unsafe or undefended with a Ruger SR1911 pistol.
S-A models aren't bad but there are so many to pick from, it's hard to say what you might want or need.

Rusty S
www.Ruger.com www.gunsamerica.com
 
Springfield Armory. The current RIAs are pretty good for the money. The early were not.
 
I own several 1911 types, But I really love my RIA. If cost a third of what some of them cost each.
 
I've had really good results RIA. They are affordable and reliable as the day is long.
 
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