Cheap 1911

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I believe that rock armory makes a really nice inexpensive military spec. 45 and 38 super around that range. I think they also have a upgrade model in the 45. I know that Taurus makes a 1911 as well. My buddy has one and has no problems with his. I think the Taurus is around $500 and the rock armory is a little over $400. Go on gunbroker and you can see what both pistols look like. Hope this helps.
 
I suggest the Taurus...the slide and receiver are both forged steel.
 
I love my Rock Island Armory 1911. I've seen them still going for $379 range at gun shows around my area. Depending on where you are, that's either a good price or too high.

I had some issues at first due to what appeared to be a weak recoil spring and poor choice of cheap magazines (my fault) but once I replaced the recoil spring with a 16lb Wolff spring and switched to using Chip McCormick mags, the gun has functioned flawlessly.
 
Try and find a used Norinco. It's based on the original 1911a1 design but also uses a harder steel.
 
But a lot of custom pistolsmiths won't work on Norincos because of that.

I second the Taurus. You get a lot of 1911 for your money. Mine came with the sights way off and I had to get that fixed,but it had no malfs for the 200 or so rounds I shot.
 
But a lot of custom pistolsmiths won't work on Norincos because of that.
Click to expand...

Most gunsmiths I've heard refuse to do frame work do so because it is a frame made of steel they consider too weak, not too tough. Personally, I wouldn't want any gunsmith that refuses to work on a frame because it is too durable doing any work for me.

In fact, Norincos are famous among custom 1911 builders for their forged steel and out of the box accuracy. I have one and, out of the box, it is every bit as durable and as accurate as any of my $1000+ 1911s. As for getting them worked on, they are the cheapest 1911 on Wilson's approved list of guns they will work op.

Another option to consider is the Spartan by STI. It goes for around $600. IOf you aren't familure with STI, they are famous for their $1500+ custom 1911s and 1911 parts. STI manages to keep the cost down on their Spartan model by using Rock Island frames to build on.

http://stiguns.com/guns/Spartan/Spartan.html
http://www.dawsonprecision.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=6DC0000-1161707138
 
that Taurus 1911 is probably the sweetest one you can get for around 5 bills. CZ makes a real sexy .45 too I don't know if it would be considered a 1911 but it still looks really nice for about the same price as the taurus
 
Rock Islands can be had for just under $400, High Standard run $450ish, The Taurus PT1911 for around $500 is a bargin. I love my PT1911! Heres a photo with a target shot at 25yrds weaver stance. The 22 holes are from my AR.

pt1911wtarget.gif
 
A "cheap" 1911 sounds to me like something to avoid. However, as someone stated above, best cheap ones I've seen are the Norincos. Better parts and fitment than a cheap Springer for sure. The Tauri look interesting esp at the price. I'd take my time and hunt around for a deal on a used Colt, IF you can find one priced reasonably (big IF) and IF you can find one that hasn't been worked on by Bubba.
 
Rock Island is the way to go. $425 shipped to your FFL on Gunbroker. I have about 1000 rounds through mine without a hiccup. I love mine and Rock Island has excellent customer service. Check out the 1911.org forum and you will find a lot of information.

PS - Cheap is not the best way to describe these pistols, unless only referring to the price.

carboncreations006wq1.jpg
 
A mention that nobody else brought up and I think is great is the Charles Daly EFS. Made from quality materials with a great finish for $400-500. I had one but traded it only to scratch an itch that I had ( HK45).
 
I'd say go with a Springfield G.I., I see them for about $450 around here, $500 in stainless. Main reason being is if you ever go and sell it, you'll get alot more for a SA GI than an RIA. I have a G.I. and love it, no malfs ever, only thing I dislike is the crappy GI sights. However if you do wanna keep the gun forever, go with a Rock Island, for the price you can't beat them, and with the extra cash, stock up on ammo.
 
I picked up a Rock Island Armory GI-spec 1911A1 from Sarco about 3 weeks ago.


Probably the best quality to cost ratio I have in a firearm at the moment. I got my advice from the people on THR, and was not let down by it.


-- John
 
A couple choices.

A used Norinco. Prices are slowly going up due to demand. Can be had for around $400.

Rock Island Armory. Castings, but durable. About $400.

Taurus. Seem to be getting good reviews, about $500.

High Standard. Similar to the RIA, similar in price.

Sprngfield G.I. Best of the bunch for the money. Forged frame and slide, they go for $430 in my neck of the woods.
 
I second go with the NORINCO if you can find one in your area. TAURUS, too young in the 1911 market. So far they seem to get positive reviews. Springfield have been with the 1911 for quite some time and you do seem to hear good and positive reviews as well as the negatives. RIA, they seem to require a break-in period to make them work as they should be. The only 1911 I've 'heard' so far that live with the break-in myth.

Goodluck anyway.
 
I found a Springer used for $350. Needed a bit of work but was reliable from the start.
 
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