Calling all 1911 Experts - Need advice and opinions!

[mosttoyswins]

I may pick up this gun for $399.00. Here is the description.

"Rock Island Armory 1911A1 45ACP 5"barrel, parkerized finish. Mil-Spec pistol in excellent condition.



My question for the 1911 crowd, is this a reasonable price for this gun (it looks almost new) and what are the upgrades I should do to this gun to "customize" it at a reasonable price.

So...based on what you see, what if anything would you do to this gun and how much would it cost...OR should I just leave it alone?

Since this will be my 1st 1911, I thought I would pick up a nice "minty", used, affordable 1911 and trick it out a little instead of spending $1000.00 on something else.

SIDE NOTE: I have a deposit down on a Taurus 1911 in stainless at my local gun shop. I am #3 in line to get one when they come in. However, I am under no obligation to buy it.

So what say you 1911 experts?

 

[daysleeprx]

My question for the 1911 crowd, is this a reasonable price for this gun (it looks almost new) and what are the upgrades I should do to this gun to "customize" it at a reasonable price.

I think they can be had new for cheaper if you look around online. And upgrades should wait until you've actually shot the gun. The only thing I ever change on 1911s before I shoot them are grips.

 

[Canuck-IL]

You can find them for 310 - 349 just about anywhere .... I believe Sarco still carries them, Red's Trading Post on Gunbroker always has a few.
/Bryan

 

[mosttoyswins]

I think they can be had new for cheaper if you look around online.

I should have mentioned, the shop gives me at least $50.00 off any gun I buy because I have bought several from them. Also, they offer a lifetime warranty from their on-site gunsmith, no questions asked...this adds a certain "value" to their guns.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[mosttoyswins]

You can find them for 310 - 349 just about anywhere .... I believe Sarco still carries them, Red's Trading Post on Gunbroker always has a few.
/Bryan

Thanks for that.

What I could do is print out the cheaper RIA's on line and see if they will price match, or do a little better. Like I said, I have a great relationship with the shop.

 

[Chuck Perry]

What do you want to end up with? If you just want a basic blaster, the RIA's have a good reputation. But, if you're going to upgrade, I recommend buying what you want right from the get go. It may seem more expensive, but to me it's a better investment. A $300 RIA with $600 in upgrades does not equal $900 in resale value. An $800 Springfield that comes with everything from the factory will hold it's value much better. If you want everything on the cheap, I don't think anyone can touch what Taurus has to offer right now. Saw quite a few at the last gun show here, all were going around $450.

 

[mosttoyswins]

A $300 RIA with $600 in upgrades does not equal $900 in resale value.

Great point, that is exactly what I am trying to decide...

So far, it looks like I will wait for the Taurus.

 

[10-Ring]

Shoot it before you start modifying! You might like it the way it is Now, if after 500 rounds or so you want to change a few things, change those things that will make it right gun for you
Thos RIA's look like some guns by the way...congrats

 

[Nimitz]

i just bought one from gunbroker should be here by the end of the week...I'll be shooting it hopefully this sunday.

It is also my first 1911 but I've had the opp. to shoot high end ones such as wilsons, browns, les baer, etc... the RIA is a no frills GI pistol that you can do anything with if you want...so is the SA mil-spec if you want to customize a gun.

i chose the RIA because resale value in a pistol doesnt mean a whole lot to me...the only changes i plan on will be a commander hammer and ed brown beavertail...and a fluff & buff by yours truly...should be good to go and if not i'll work from there.

edit: eventually some better sights to...novaks I believe.

Chad

 

[1911 guy]

Not a great price, but not terrible, either.

Price has already been covered by others.

My advice is to get a stock gun and decide what you want done to it. If a certain maker has one in their lineup that meets your criteria, great. If not, get the basic Gov't Model and make a wishlist. My Springfield G.I. is that gun for me. The RIA might be that gun for you.