Best model 1911 for the dollar

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smlake

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I want to tap the expertise and opinions of the members of this site. I am seriously seeking to find the best model 1911 .45 cal pistol for the money. A little background. I have owned and shot guns for 40 plus years. I reload for my shotguns, rifles, and pistols/revolvers. I own more than 20 pistols and revolvers. They range from .22 to 44 mag (Redhawk and S&W 629-1). I do not currently own a model 1911 and only desire to own this in .45 caliber since I already own 7 pistols in 9mm and .40S&W.

I became interested in the Ruger SR1911 but cannot find one to buy face to face. The few that I see on Gunbroker have sold for $750+/- and then you have to pay shipping and FFL fees so the gun will run at least $800.

Given the scarcity and price of the SR1911, I began to step back and survey the field of 1911 pistols from different manufacturers. I desire a full size pistol since I will not carry this concealed, although I have a concealed carry permit. I spend a lot of time on the internet reviewing model 1911's and there are so many different brands and models that it gets confusing.

I desire a reliable gun that is accurate, but I will not shoot in matches. I will shoot this gun on a shooting range only. I like adjustable sights but that is not a mandatory requirement since many of my pistols do not have adjustable sights and they shoot fine (eg Beretta 92fs, Beretta 96d, Sig 229, Ruger P85, Glock 17 gen 3, Springfield XDM .40 cal). I would just as soon buy a good used 45 as a new one. I am constantly looking for good used guns in LGS and at gun shows as well as the internet.

I would really like to get the input of the readers regarding the best buy- value received for price paid- for a model 1911. Likewise, are there current brands/ or models to avoid. Thanks in advance.
 
How much are you looking to spend? People often equate best value to lowest price point but do not. IMHO there is a price point where you are ahead of the law of deminsihing returns. This is not a fixed point and will vary from person to person. My sweet spot will certainly be different than yours or the next guy.

If you can give a price point that will help people give you recommendations that meet your expectations.
 
This is easy. STI Spartan. Easily best bang for the buck in the 1911 world.
 
I like pretty much everything from Springfield. The Mil-Spec, Rangemaster and Loaded models seem to be very good for the money.

Colt Series 70 are also pretty nice, more expensive than a SA Mil-Spec though.

Might look at RIA, they are well regarded around here and are inexpensive.
 
Personally I believe gthe best value for the dollar in a mid priced gun is the Dan Wesson Pointman - tight frame slide fit, excellent factory trigger and sights.
 
I desire to spend no more than $800 but would prefer to spend less.
 
I desire to spend no more than $800 but would prefer to spend less
Click to expand...

At that price range anyone is just about as good as any other. What you are really asking then is what budget 1911 is best. Not what is the best value in 1911s.

If you want do not need adjustable sights the best bang for the buck is the RIA tactical which is a $450 gun.

People like the Ruger and even with its cast frame it seems like a good value. These are $600 guns. Let the hype die down and that is where these will settle out at.

From there the next step is the STI Spartan which is basically a RIA same frame, slide and barrel fitted with some STI parts in the same factory RIAs are made in. Armscor. $650 I personally hate the styling of these pistols so I can never bring myself to get one.

The SA range officer also fits the bill. These are $700 to $750 guns and should serve you well.

If you push to the $800 Budget than I like the Colt 80 series Govt. It is a basic shooter without the fills bells and whistles but it will hold its value better than other 1911s which IMHO is a sign of its value. A sound shooter can take a govt 1911 and rip one ragged hole in a target at 15 to 20 yards all day long.

IMHO you are below the sweet spot for the best value in 1911s but that does not mean you cannot get an accurate reliable gun. By accurate I mean it should hold 3.5" to 4" groups at 50 yards from a mechanical rest. 1.5" to 2" at 25 yards from the same rest. Reliable in that it will go bang 99% of the time with good mags, good springs and proper maintance.
 
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~$400 Rock Island
~$600 STI Spartan
~$800 Springfield (loaded combat or Range Officer)
For a little more
~$900 Colt
~ $1000 STI Trojan
 
If it was me I would go under 800 and get the Rock Island Match model for 600, The STI spartan for the same price range or go up a little and get a colt.
 
I had a problem finding something that I was happy with at this price point, I solved it by adding more money.

Also, 750 is too much for the ruger. You can get a base model S&W E-series for a little more if you shop around. Unless you are a purist, it's probably the best 800 dollar 1911 I saw.
 
From my own experience I'd have to recommend a S&W 1911, used or new, they have GREAT customer service, which is key. I've put just under 3000 rounds through mine (bought NIB), with exactly one FTF, a stovepipe that I'm pretty dang sure was just a weak round (winchester white box from wallyworld if I remember correctly). Very accurate gun, very reliable, great trigger, great slide to frame fit, great bushing to bbl fit, did I mention great customer service? They just sent me two free recoil springs (just showed up in my mailbox this very afternoon), because I called the other day and asked 'em how many rounds my recoil spring was good for :evil:
purists don't like the external extractor, but it hasn't been a problem for me yet, I'll let THR know if it ever does,

I am very happy with the bang for buck my SW1911 has given me :)

I am looking to buy a Cimarron (souped up Armscor/Rock Island) in high-polish blue next. Mostly because of that gorgeous finish and old-school look, but I wouldn't consider it if it weren't for the reliability and overall great performance i've heard about from so many happy customers.


Also, shot a few Springfields when the opportunities arise, and never had any reliability issues, very accurate too.
 
I just picked up a Remington R1 and it's a nice gun for the money. I haven't shot it yet, but I expect I will like it even more once I do.
 
Range Officer or Spartan. Both fit the price and both have adj sights. My Range Officer is a "tadd" more accurate than the Spartans I've shot.

I don't need all the frills, and I'm guessing you don't either if it's going to be a range gun.
 
There's a lot to like about the Ruger (cast frame with barstock slide) based on professional reviews and though difficult to pin down currently you've waited quite a spell already.

Setting aside the unicorn for now, I give the current S&W a solid thumbs down. As an owner I've had zero problems with mine but having read horror thread after horror thread by fellow E-Series owners I firmly believe all's not well yet in Maine.

As a Colt owner and son of a Colt owner I can honestly say there's more to a Colt than just nostalgia. They aren't all $900+ though prices this past year have given it that perception. I think many owners will concur that what Colt gets right, from frame dimensions to material selection far outweigh some of the trick features others offer. Keep in mind that getting one spiffed up with say new sights or front strap treatments can easily push the total cost well past a Dan Wesson and that's without the additional fitting DW puts in.

You may be the type of shooter who's looking for a "Spartan" range toy and STI's offering actually offers more creature comforts than its name implies. I can only reason the moniker refers to the model's price.

Having bought more than a few handguns over the past few years I can honestly say I gave pause last year to give more consideration to what I chose to add and after 30+ years of shooting I'm convinced that having what I want, the way I want trumps having three of what I almost want.

My suggestion: expand the budget. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to start a proper affair with the one model of pistol sure to win your heart.
 
saying this because of two posts back, I highly recommend the standard full-size & weight SW1911, but I can't say the same for the E series, haven't even held one, and they haven't really interested me.
 
Norinco 1911. The one I have is stock except for the checkered walnut grips I added. It's accurate and dead reliable. Paid $385 for it.
 
Norinco 1911. The one I have is stock except for the checkered walnut grips I added. It's accurate and dead reliable. Paid $385 for it.
Click to expand...

That is a good price on a Nork. When you can find one LNIB for under $450 they are a great value. Unfortunately these days a lot of people ask north of $500.
 
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