peacemaker45
Member
STI Trojan?
Best entry level 1911?
- Thread starter AR15activist
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Entry-level? WilsonCombat CQB.
I can't think I've ever read a negative post about this pistol and/or the owners are so happy, we just never hear from them (again). There may be owners of similar makes/models like the Nighthawk GRP, or Guncrafter Industries "No Name".
One should research and learn about the 1911, as the OP seems to be doing, as much as practical. Even then, an individual's preferences may change over time and some folks end up with multiple 1911 pistols in their collections.
If I were to start my journey over again with what I know now and what is currently on the market, for a lower price, I'd strongly consider the Springfield-Armory TRP; any Colt in the 4.25" or 5" size; and I'd be tempted, but have no direct experience with a Dan Wesson 1911. There are probably other brands out there and individual used guns which have proven to be 100% reliable, too.
While the Wilsons, Night Hawks, and Guncrafter guns seem expensive, I believe a buyer will have a lower probability of problems. Some people have a low threshold for dealing with any problems and you'll hear them (perhaps rightfully) whine on the internet.
I can't think I've ever read a negative post about this pistol and/or the owners are so happy, we just never hear from them (again). There may be owners of similar makes/models like the Nighthawk GRP, or Guncrafter Industries "No Name".
One should research and learn about the 1911, as the OP seems to be doing, as much as practical. Even then, an individual's preferences may change over time and some folks end up with multiple 1911 pistols in their collections.
If I were to start my journey over again with what I know now and what is currently on the market, for a lower price, I'd strongly consider the Springfield-Armory TRP; any Colt in the 4.25" or 5" size; and I'd be tempted, but have no direct experience with a Dan Wesson 1911. There are probably other brands out there and individual used guns which have proven to be 100% reliable, too.
While the Wilsons, Night Hawks, and Guncrafter guns seem expensive, I believe a buyer will have a lower probability of problems. Some people have a low threshold for dealing with any problems and you'll hear them (perhaps rightfully) whine on the internet.
I've been happy with this http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=208172&d=1424840951 Remington R-1, 5" or 4.25" $550 with a $75 rebate= $475
Zerodefect
member
Winkman822
Member
I'd vote Springfield GI period, end of story. With its fully forged frame and slide coupled with Springfield's outstanding after sales support, you can't go wrong.
JTQ
Member
If only it was a gun they still made.
http://www.springfield-armory.com/1911-series/
It has been a few years since Springfield offered the GI model.
wojownik
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For those offering semi custom pistols as suggestions for an entry level 1911, your heart is probably in the right place, but I'm seeing an entry-level pistol as one which a relative neophyte to the 1911 platform can feel free to learn with ... and inflict the inevitable idiot scratch. I sure wouldn't want to do that on a Dan Wesson or Wilson. Also maybe part of the deal in looking at an entry level 1911 is that the buyer is still feeling around whether they really are going to fully commit to the platform - I personally would hate to tie up 3x the funds of a Springfield on one of these semi custom 1911s unless I really knew what I was getting myself into.
Winkman822
Member
Eeek, I didn't know they pulled it from the lineup. In that case, I'd have to give the nod to the Mil-Spec, or if you can live with putting up a little more cash and can live with an adjustable rear sight, the Range Officer.
Right now I'd go Para Ordnance Expert with some of their models going in the under $500 they're prolly as good of bang for the buck as is out there. If you have a little more to spend thr Rugers are solid guns much more than that and you can get a Colt.
Response to post 53. I admit I read and re-read post 44 and I didn't really understand it. I think I might be agreeing with you. Except for your attack on my post, perhaps we don't agree.
Why waste the time writing a completely irrelevant post? This thread is about entry-level as a category, not about your entry-level 1911. See post #44.
An OP asked for advice and I had an opinion on someone asking a vague question. To me it was vague as any 1911 bought, no matter what the make, model, or price, would be that person's "entry" into a 1911 experience. I then wanted to point the OP in the direction of a few 1911 guns which are likely to be a good experience, even if the OP never gets another one.
I try to base my opinion from my experience and don't recall stating which 1911 was my first one. My first 1911 was in 1988 and was a Colt "Combat Elite". My posts are mainly for the OP who asked a question requesting anybody's opinion. I had no intention to start an argument, especially with you.
If the post is irrelevant, just put me on your ignore list then I won't bother you ever again.
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4x4moses
Member
I bought a Ruger SR1911 Commander just before Christmas. It has certainly dulled my love affair with my M&P9. Viagra and Cialis have nothing on a beautiful 1911!!! And it only cost $650.00!
AR15activist
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Thanks for the replies guys -- at the very, least we've created a good resource for future members/searchers.
deadeye dick
Member
I feel like the red headed stepchild in this thread. I own a Taurus 1911 in .45acp. have it for 5 yrs and many rounds thru it with no problems. Hits where it's aimed. One vote for Taurus
Old Dog
Member
I always thought "entry-level" meant a pistol with everything one needs -- but no extra features -- at a low price point. So to me, with regard to the 1911, that's always been the Springfield Armory Mil-Spec. Inasmuch as the SA GIs and Mil-Specs have been favorites of a lot of 1911 custom shops for many years for use as base guns, that's been good enough for me.
At a higher price point, but what I see as the ultimate entry-level 1911, is the Colt repro Series 70 ...
At a higher price point, but what I see as the ultimate entry-level 1911, is the Colt repro Series 70 ...
alexander45
Member
The rock islands are great I love my ria tactical it's how all the newer ones come with the rubber grips and small roll mark
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weedsnager
Member
Rock island
doubleh
Member
Entry lever denotes low priced to me. Or cheap. Same thing but entry level sounds better than cheap. Lots of the suggestions don't qualify for my definition.
anothernewb
Member
A thought. What all american made entry level 1911's can be had?
STI spartan is American - but IIRC the frame is armscor. that being said, I love mine
Ruger I believe is all American made.
Remmington I believe is also US made.
are the entry level colts still made in the US?
springer is made in brazil I think?
kimber I think is all US. and a custom II is a pretty decent price IIRC
just thoughts. I'm sure there's a list of US made guns out there - probably on the forum somewhere.
STI spartan is American - but IIRC the frame is armscor. that being said, I love mine
Ruger I believe is all American made.
Remmington I believe is also US made.
are the entry level colts still made in the US?
springer is made in brazil I think?
kimber I think is all US. and a custom II is a pretty decent price IIRC
just thoughts. I'm sure there's a list of US made guns out there - probably on the forum somewhere.
My last three 1911s have all been RIA Tacticals in 9mm. Excellent shooters right out of the box.The rock islands are great I love my ria tactical it's how all the newer ones come with the rubber grips and small roll mark
wojownik
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All American entry level 1911s? Well the fuzziness of "entry level" still persists, but All-American helps narrow things a bit.
Entry level shouldn't merely mean "cheap" or low cost.
To me, entry level = affordable, decent quality, upgradable if needed, but has all the "basics" a relative newbie to the 1911 platform may need, and can keep playing with this level pistol if they want (or move up to sink in more cash if they desire).
Colt 1991 series (O1991s can currently be found as low as $699).
Ruger SR1911
Remington (I think)
STI
Is another way of categorizing this as follows (and the OP is really about a good consumer/mass production pistol?)
Personally, given my shooting habits and preferences, I could happily stay at the consumer/mass production/entry level, though the multple 1911 threads have me salivating for a Dan Wesson CBOB ...
Entry level shouldn't merely mean "cheap" or low cost.
To me, entry level = affordable, decent quality, upgradable if needed, but has all the "basics" a relative newbie to the 1911 platform may need, and can keep playing with this level pistol if they want (or move up to sink in more cash if they desire).
Colt 1991 series (O1991s can currently be found as low as $699).
Ruger SR1911
Remington (I think)
STI
Is another way of categorizing this as follows (and the OP is really about a good consumer/mass production pistol?)
- Budget level
- Auto Ordnance, Metro Arms etc... - Consumer/mass production
- Colt 01991, Ruger SR1911, Remington R1 - High End "Production"
- Colt Gold Cup, Colt Series 70 reissue (??) - Semi Custom/Limited Production
- Dan Wesson - Custom
- NightHawk
Personally, given my shooting habits and preferences, I could happily stay at the consumer/mass production/entry level, though the multple 1911 threads have me salivating for a Dan Wesson CBOB ...
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