Entry level 1911's

[Dimitri_Donskoy]

I am in the market for a 1911, obviously this is not very descriptive so let me give some specifics.

Price Range: $400-$700

Needs: This is going to primarily be a range gun, rather than a carry gun. So the focus is on good value, accuracy/ergonomics and reliability roughly in that order. It doesn't need to be new.

I have been looking primarily at the Taurus 1911 ALR and the Springfield Mil-Spec, as well as a SW1911PD (used, and at right at the edge of my price range).

If anyone has any input, advice or suggestions I would be very grateful. Thanks.

 

[BHP FAN]

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af11/hut-man/Decorated images/45s.jpg

Left to right:
Rock Island Armory $400.00
Ballester Molina $300.00
Ballester Molina $350.00
S&W 1917 $500.00
no mine aren't for sale,just showing off, but go to J&G sales or AIM Surplus there are still deals to be had.There are some great deals out there in 9mm Makarov,too.

 

[LeonCarr]

STI Spartan

 

[JTQ]

STI Spartan. Adjustable rear site and fiber optic front site are both good for range work.

http://www.stiguns.com/guns/Spartan/Spartan.php

 

[Old Shooter]

New guns to consider would include the Rock Island Tactical and the STI Spartan, both good "entry level" 1911's that meet your requirements.

Used guns opens up a lot of doors if you are willing to look around a bit. I've seen some nice Springfields and Colts in your price range.

If you haunt the gun shops and check out the web stores you'll find something you just can't live without!

 

[Mitch from LA]

I have been very happy with the PT 1911. I have the steel frame model without the rail though.

I've heard nothing but good things about the STI Spartan, the Rock Island Tactical, and the Para GI Expert.

Springfield also seems to have some good offerings in that price range.

 

[Whirlwind06]

I picked up a Metro Arms 1911. They are imported from the Philippines (not made by Armscor) So far have been very happy with it. Has a lot of bells and whistles for $400.00

 

[rklessdriver]

I agree w/Old Shooter.

If you want new... Rock Island and the STI Spartan (any of the Armscorp guns) are good starter 1911's for the money. They fit in the mid/lower end of your price range and have a good reputation.

I also see a bunch of Springer's in your price range (new and used). Springer makes good guns, despite the fact that they are imported and IMO there's nothing wrong with getting one if thats all you can find.

I prefer to buy used COLTs for myself and have purchased MANY COLT Govt Models well on the mid/lower end of your price range. Just FYI COLT M1991A1's sell brand new for $730-$750... So getting a new COLT isn't very far out of your price range.

Keep in mind when you buy new the company fixes the gun if it don't work. When buying used most of the time YOU pay someone to fix it. When buying a USED 1911 - As long as no one has been screwing with the feed ramp you'll never regret spending more $$$ on the better pistol. IMO NEVER buy a 1911 that some unknown "gunsmith" has been polishing the feed ramp with a dremel - No matter what brand it is - or the price, unless you are prepared to pay to fix it or live with a gun that is potentionally useless.
Will

 

[BlayGlock]

STI Spartan is the best in that price range IMO.

 

[rondog]

Rock Island Armory "Tactical" model. Best value there is in entry-level 1911's. Right around $400. They recently came out with a 9mm model too.

Standard parkerized.



Satin nickel.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Any of the American Classic in Blue or new Hard chrome The new Commander model is nice.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

got me a Para G.I. Expert for a truck pistol, aint fancy but will do the job.

 

[Full Metal Jacket]

I have been looking primarily at the Taurus 1911 ALR and the Springfield Mil-Spec, as well as a SW1911PD (used, and at right at the edge of my price range).

forget the taurus.

the mil-spec & s&w are great ones.

 

[Wishoot]

I really like the RIA's and Springfield's, but I'm holding out until I can put my hands on the new Remington. Made in the USA and under $700.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

what's the latest on when the Remington is gonna be out on the market? if it dont come out soon I am gonna get me another Colt commander.

 

[Full Metal Jacket]

^^no news as to a release date.

you can read up on it on remington's website.

it's a series 80, and only has a 2 year warranty. i was interested in it until i learned these facts.

 

[Wishoot]

what's the latest on when the Remington is gonna be out on the market? if it dont come out soon I am gonna get me another Colt commander.

My local gun dealer expects one in his hands by the end of the month. Be strong and hold out for the Remington, it should be a good one.

 

[Jon Coppenbarger]

The american classic is pretty nice for the money. Did order two of the remingtons so excited and can not wait to see how they are.

 

[Litlman]

I just walked into a NIB ORM Colt 1991 A1 for a decent price. Need to pick it up and run it.

 

[trickyasafox]

I have an American Classic II from metro arms as well as a springfield armory mil-spec. both are great shooters. I'd recommend either as an entry 1911 without hesitation.

 

[Dimitri_Donskoy]

How about SW?

It seems like there is a lot of support for the STI and Rock Island guns, which is good information. But how about SW 1911's I have heard good things thus far but would welcome more information.

Thanks to everyone who has replied.

 

[boondockcrain]

STI Spartan is the best in that price range IMO.

What he said

 

[bdb benzino]

Absolutely love my Metro Arms 1911, even more than my SA Loaded!

 

[buck460XVR]

For $700 you can get a new COLT 1991. Best bang for the buck @ that price. The new Remingtons should sell for around $600, but I haven't seen one in person yet.