johnnydollar
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I like the Rocks (Rock Island Armory).
Best model 1911 for the dollar
- Thread starter smlake
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armorplate
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Best Model 1911
I am looking at a High Standard Crusader. Can I get a range review from anyone?
I am looking at a High Standard Crusader. Can I get a range review from anyone?
Indy_Tim
Member
I have a Rock Island, Springfield, 2 Kimbers and a Sig and the Rock is, by far, the best bang for the buck. It cost $475 new and has been a great gun. Being a compact, it has a short spring life but at $8 for springs, I can live with that. I run a 22# Wolff spring with a 400 round change. The Kimbers are a compact and ultra and Kimber is able to get 1500 rounds out of a recoil spring. But, the Kimbers cost $300-$400 more which is a lot of springs. The trigger on the Rock is every bit as good as the Kimbers and almost as good as the Springfield. The downside of the Rock is that it uses a non-standard set of sights. Both of my Kimbers also have plastic main spring housings, and the Rock does not. I don't know if that makes any difference, but I'd be lots happier if they came with aluminum main spring housings.
I've only had the Sig for a day, so I really can't say whether it's the greatest thing since sliced bread or if it's simply better than a sharp stick to the eye. Time will tell there, but it sure looks good so far.
I've only had the Sig for a day, so I really can't say whether it's the greatest thing since sliced bread or if it's simply better than a sharp stick to the eye. Time will tell there, but it sure looks good so far.
weeniewawa
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Detritus
Member
trying not to get my hopes up TOO high over that. I've been all but preaying for Rock River to re-enter the 1911 game. So i hope like heck that the above is an indicator that they are doing exactly that. But if it's just to produce this polymer frame version... well i wish them all the success with that, but i'm unlikely to be a buyer.
I bought a new Norinco 1911 in 1992. It's the only 1911 I own and have owned. It's a basic, forged frame GI style 1911 with a lowered ejection port, flat finish, and 3 dot sights. Mine is incredibly reliable and is pretty accurate. No, it's not the most accurate 1911, but it is accurate enough for self defense and general target work. I understand good to excellent condition ones go for about $500 these days.
Skinny 1950
Member
Not sure if you can get these in the U.S. or not but here is my latest gun...a S.A.M. Commander-E 1911 .45ACP which cost me $410 delivered to my door.
SAM is Shooters Arms Manufacturing in the Philippines,pretty solid gun and nicely finished.
SAM is Shooters Arms Manufacturing in the Philippines,pretty solid gun and nicely finished.
Hondo 60
Member
Beer Budget 1911s
In the current edition of American Handgunner, there's an article about Beer Budget 1911s.
What the writer found, (same as me) is that the American Classic II is the best of the under $650 1911s (grand total less than $500).
It has an extended thumb safety, extended slide release, lowered ejection port & extended beaver tail, so no gotcha's.
I've put several 1000 rounds down range & still love it.
Round Nose & semi-wadcutters
I get lotsa good compliments from any one else I've let shoot it too.
The only thing I've done to it, is change the hideous grips it came with.
These are Altamont grips
http://altamontco.com
In the current edition of American Handgunner, there's an article about Beer Budget 1911s.
What the writer found, (same as me) is that the American Classic II is the best of the under $650 1911s (grand total less than $500).
It has an extended thumb safety, extended slide release, lowered ejection port & extended beaver tail, so no gotcha's.
I've put several 1000 rounds down range & still love it.
Round Nose & semi-wadcutters
I get lotsa good compliments from any one else I've let shoot it too.
The only thing I've done to it, is change the hideous grips it came with.
These are Altamont grips
http://altamontco.com
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harmon rabb
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- 2,699
well, a RIA will be reliable and be combat accurate, for like $400. for the money it's probably the best 1911 you can get.
second place is probably a dan wesson. it's pretty much a semi-custom for 60% the price.
and if i can be honest.. eh. i have a RIA and i have a dan wesson. the dan wesson is a lot prettier, a decent amount tighter, has a better trigger... but at the end of the day, i shoot them about the same, and both are equally accurate and reliable (i.e. flawless). if i actually wanted a 1911 to serve as a self defense pistol, honestly, i'd have to give zero advantage to my dan wesson over my RIA.
second place is probably a dan wesson. it's pretty much a semi-custom for 60% the price.
and if i can be honest.. eh. i have a RIA and i have a dan wesson. the dan wesson is a lot prettier, a decent amount tighter, has a better trigger... but at the end of the day, i shoot them about the same, and both are equally accurate and reliable (i.e. flawless). if i actually wanted a 1911 to serve as a self defense pistol, honestly, i'd have to give zero advantage to my dan wesson over my RIA.
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S@W E series 1911
What vvander posted abobe. That is one of the best looking 1911s I have seen. That does not mean we can buy it here in California
I'll check the doj list and if that is on, it will be on top of the wish list for me. I am no expert, but now a days with all brands using very accurate CNC machining equipment, one would have to try hard to find a 1911 that is really a bad shooter in the mid range price. It really comes to liking the looks of the gun for the price. Thanks for posting the picture.
What vvander posted abobe. That is one of the best looking 1911s I have seen. That does not mean we can buy it here in California
I'll check the doj list and if that is on, it will be on top of the wish list for me. I am no expert, but now a days with all brands using very accurate CNC machining equipment, one would have to try hard to find a 1911 that is really a bad shooter in the mid range price. It really comes to liking the looks of the gun for the price. Thanks for posting the picture.
The trick to buying a 1911 is to get one that actually runs out of the box. (This removes Kimber from the equation. ) Having owned many and shot most, here are my suggestions:
Dirt Cheap ($400): RIA
Mid-Range (sub-$1000): S&W
Getting Fancy ($1000-$2000): Dan Wesson, Fusion (no MIM, hand-fit)
Obscene (above $2500): Wilson or a custom job on a Colt
I consider S&W to be the best-kept secret in the 1911 world. The internal parts, like those in Springers and Kimbers, are nothing to get excited about, but S&W 1911s just run and run--a feature that's hard to find with consistency until you hit the Getting Fancy level.
) Having owned many and shot most, here are my suggestions:Dirt Cheap ($400): RIA
Mid-Range (sub-$1000): S&W
Getting Fancy ($1000-$2000): Dan Wesson, Fusion (no MIM, hand-fit)
Obscene (above $2500): Wilson or a custom job on a Colt
I consider S&W to be the best-kept secret in the 1911 world. The internal parts, like those in Springers and Kimbers, are nothing to get excited about, but S&W 1911s just run and run--a feature that's hard to find with consistency until you hit the Getting Fancy level.
marine 97-03
Member
Ati... Or rock island
sgtstryker
Member
There are alot of new model 1911's out now, but, for the money, I like my Kimber Custom II. Then I see what a TLE/RL model costs, it's crazy.
scottyp
Member
Another vote for Metro arms american classic...I have the basic mil spec w/no bells n whistles and I paid 453.00 total from Davidsons. Our local shops are selling the ac2 for about thirty dollars more if you can find them. Ive put only 400 rds through it since christmas with 0 issues other than I cant shoot it enough. Check out the american classic forum and get some opinions other than mine. They make a good selection but it appears the they are hot items and the prices are starting to creep up.
rellascout
member
This used to be the best value in 1911s. They were sub $900 guns and you find them LNIB for right around $700.
I completely agree with Schmakey response (except withholding the comment on Kimbers-as I don't like badmouthing other manufacturers.) I would add Les Baer to the "Getting Fancy" to "Obscene" Categories. When I was looking for a 1911 in the same price range I had it narrowed down to either Springfield Armory or Smith & Wesson. Ended up finding a deal on a S&W and have been very happy with the performance, quality and features.
I am unable to see the Billboard or Caution wording while firing.
Just another vote for the STI Spartan. Great budget 1911. Target sights, good factory trigger, good accuracy, runs right out of the box without issues. Seems like people overlook STI.
My other 1911 is a Les Baer PII 1.5"G and the Spartan, while not as good in any area, compares favorably to a gun costing three times as much. I've been very happy with the Spartan as a backup to my Les Baer.
My other 1911 is a Les Baer PII 1.5"G and the Spartan, while not as good in any area, compares favorably to a gun costing three times as much. I've been very happy with the Spartan as a backup to my Les Baer.
wojownik
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Depends on how you define "value"
Value for features bundled in the pistol, in the under $1000 range, I would list the Springfield Mil-Spec, Springfield Loaded and Sig 1911. You can get any of these well below a grand. Dan Wesson used to be in this category, but I don't see many of those below $1400-$1600 these days.
The Sig 1911 includes a lot of features, but I'm personally not partial to the "European flair" they've added (as Sig marketing would say).
For future resale value, you might look at the Colts, but you pay an initial premium for the name, relative to other manufacturers.
- the most features bundled in?
- potential future resale value?
- just plain inexpensive - a 1911 on a shoestring budget?
Value for features bundled in the pistol, in the under $1000 range, I would list the Springfield Mil-Spec, Springfield Loaded and Sig 1911. You can get any of these well below a grand. Dan Wesson used to be in this category, but I don't see many of those below $1400-$1600 these days.
The Sig 1911 includes a lot of features, but I'm personally not partial to the "European flair" they've added (as Sig marketing would say).
For future resale value, you might look at the Colts, but you pay an initial premium for the name, relative to other manufacturers.
MYREDTAIL
Member
I am still looking for my Ruger SR1911 for the last year,? no one has them in stock until maybe this summer.? & then maybe for less than $600.00 bucks.?
91 whiskey
Member
I owned a Taurus PT 1911 for a while and absolutely loved it. Only reason I sold it was because I needed cash. I found that one for around just under $650.
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