Budget 1911's

[lucky-gunner]

Getting just a bit higher in price will get you a into a STI Spartan or the new Ruger (once the price gouging goes away).

I'm starting to think we're in a golden age of personal firearms. Everything from tiny pocket pistols to custom 1911 pistols.

 

[CZ223]

I also have two RIA's

A 3.5" barreled compact Tactical and a 9mm FS Tactical. I like them both though they are not as refined as a lot of other guns out there. I also have two Taurus PT1911's in the Duo-tone finish. They are great looking guns with all the bells and whistles you could want. They are exremely reliable and shoot very well too. They range in price from $450 to $600 depending on finish and caliber. Right now I am wanting an american Classic Commander, preferably in the Hard Chrome finish. The blued version does look pretty nice, and sells for about $80 less. The new Ruger is very nice if you like stainless gun, and I do. I currently have a S&W ES on Layawy and for the money it has a lot of nice features.

 

[Byrd666]

Not having read alll the responses, but I did glance over them, I've read nothing but good obout the Armscor/Rock Island Armory 9mm and .45ACP Tactical versions. They actually make the frame, slide and barrel for the STI Spartan, in .45ACP. I have been looking into a 9mm Tactical version myself and was lucky enough to run into a guy at the range the other day that was ever so nice to offer me a chance to shoot his .45. It sold me. I'll be ordering my 9mm in about two weeks, if I don't get one at the next gun show first. For the money, they are worth it.

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

I leaning pretty hard towards a Rock Island Commander. Springfield or Colt in good used. I don't like all the extra geegaws. Just straight.

The guy with the Ballester Molina has a pretty good idea too. Once you get used to the pivoting trigger its kind of cool. Some are made with steel from the Graf Spee. I think they're a bargain.

 

[Usmc-1]

@ RugerMcMarlin:

Tangental Reasoning: For every point I make, you bring up 2 unrelated subjects.

Freedom of Speech,....how can I say this without being censored?

I love it!!!!! The first one is about talking to the wife , the second one is our government!!!

 

[dragonchaser]

I don't think they make the frame and slide for STI. Armscor is not the same company as Armscorp....which i believe is from South Africa. They are the ones who make stuff for STI.

 

[ol' scratch]

I also own a Rock Island. It has been a great pistol. If you want a no frills 1911, it is the way to go. I have never had a problem with mine and it eats JHP's and SWC's with no problem.

 

[jon_in_wv]

My budget 1911 choice was a American Classic II. I was able to compare fit and finish against a few competitors and it was way nicer than the others I saw. The Para that was in the case was not a weapon I would buy. The safety was totally mushy. The feed ramp was unpolished and the slide/frame/barrel fit was really loose. My AC is "tight as a drum". The slide to frame fit is perfect and the barrel was perfectly fitted with almost no movement. The ramp was nicely polished and the finish it a really nice blue. The only changes I've made to it are to fit a nighthawk medium trigger, grips, non extended slide stop, and a stronger plunger spring for more positive safety action. Most guys I showed the gun to said it was perfect already but I like my safety a little stiffer. I've have 5 different 1911s and this is the only one I've had that works 100%. I wouldn't trade it for another 1911 whether it was more expensive or not. It is also the only pistol I've found that I shoot as well as my M&Ps. It will probably even replace my M&P for winter carry and I intend to compete with it as well. The other 1911s I've had almost made me swear off the 1911 but the ACII has made a convert of me. I plan on getting a compact model for summer carry next year. My M&P will have over 10,000 rounds through it by then and its starting to whine about retiring.

 

[possum]

I am in the market for a budget 1911 as well. I went into the local shop to see if they had any RIA Tacticals in stock, they did not, however they did have some "American Classic" Models. They were pretty nice, and blued instead of Parked, not bad for about the same price. Just one more choice added to an already long list.

Right now I think The RIA is going to be the one, good track record, I have shot some, and their record of customer service.

 

[jon_in_wv]

I've only had a chance to handle a RIA briefly and it was some time ago. From what I read on line they get very few complaints. From what I hear the customer service is also very good. I don't think you can go wrong. The bigger question to me is if the RIA and the Metro Arms work so well, why spend the money for a higher end 1911? Other than the name I don't think it would be worth it for me at all.