Good 1911 .45ACP for $500-$700

[jmorris]

It’s been a couple of decades but I bought this Armscor from the back of Shotgun news, new for $299. I use it more than any other 1911 I have because it was cheap and runs everything, from my shot loads, JHP’s skinny/fat SWC and good old ball ammo.

With the right mag it will feed an empty case.

 

[LiveLife]

Armscor ... 1911 ... runs everything ... will feed an empty case.

Even my railed Sig 1911 with tightest chamber I have seen would feed empty cases from the magazine, so would my Glock 22.

 

[Mark_Mark]

It’s been a couple of decades but I bought this Armscor from the back of Shotgun news, new for $299. I use it more than any other 1911 I have because it was cheap and runs everything, from my shot loads, JHP’s skinny/fat SWC and good old ball ammo.

With the right mag it will feed an empty case.

debating on another SDS 1911 for $319 + $25 (gun sin tax) + $32 (city tax) = $377 or a RIA

what you guys think, already got a SDS. Should I diversify? end goal is to take it apart (again) and practice my GunSmithing

 

[CapnMac]

Should I diversify?

We are constantly told that Diversity is Good
You might want a Commander or a Compact as multiple sizes can be their own reward.
After all, Goldilocks had three choices . . .

 

[Mark_Mark]

We are constantly told that Diversity is Good
You might want a Commander or a Compact as multiple sizes can be their own reward.
After all, Goldilocks had three choices . . .

I got a baby Colt that throws .45 brass at my forehead, love carrying it

 

[CapnMac]

that throws .45 brass at my forehead

Ah, so, you actually need a Commander in 38 super . . .

Saw one in full barbecue guise, engraved and with colored insets, today at the gun show--had that legit patina of being from "years ago and kept well." $2800 was bit out of my price range, though . . . that's a lot of chopped beef sammiches.

 

[jar]

We are constantly told that Diversity is Good
You might want a Commander or a Compact as multiple sizes can be their own reward.
After all, Goldilocks had three choices . . .

Loved my SDS Tisas Enhanced Carry (Commander).

Let my Brother-in-Law try it.

Sucker wasn't satisfied just taking my little sister now he has my carry 45 as well.

Waiting for a Tisas Tanker (plain Jane no frills lousy sights commander size) to get here.

 

[Jim Watson]

I "learned" this week that the Metro Arms is a superior pistol "made in the old Colt factory in the Philippines." All you have to do is to have the extractor replaced after 400 rounds.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Ah, so, you actually need a Commander in 38 super . . .

Saw one in full barbecue guise, engraved and with colored insets, today at the gun show--had that legit patina of being from "years ago and kept well." $2800 was bit out of my price range, though . . . that's a lot of chopped beef sammiches.

So easy to BBQ a 1911! Buffing Wheel, Colt Fake ivory everything. And NO Holster for goodness sake. Extra large Cowboy hat, Corona, DONE

 

[Mark_Mark]

I "learned" this week that the Metro Arms is a superior pistol "made in the old Colt factory in the Philippines." All you have to do is to have the extractor replaced after 400 rounds.

I can’t be a affishinatoe of cheap 1911’s unless I’ve dremel a Metro and RIA

 

[rdmercer]

Tisas or RIA (Rock Island Armory).

It's well worth it to pay an extra $50 for bigger sights than the tiny GI sights.

This was around $400 OTD a few years ago and has never malfunctioned.

RIA 1911 45acp

• Tallball
• Jun 26, 2019

Don't discount those "tiny Sights". This gun is a point to shoot and always has been. But from 25-50 yds those sights are easy to use and right on target. Put that tiny front post in that tiny rear notch and put it right on top of the target and use good trigger control with the pad only of your finger. The designer had it right all along.

 

[citizenconn]

Check out the Springfield Armory Garrison or Mil-Spec 1911. My BIL is looking to get a 1911 and has been looking at those. Very nice for the money.

https://springfield-armory.com/1911-series-handguns/1911-mil-spec-handguns

https://www.springfield-armory.com/1911-series-handguns/1911-garrison-handguns/

The Springfields mentioned above were the first two 1911s I purchased, and I really like them. The Mil-Spec Defender is right in your budget range. But for only a couple hundred more the Garrison has a lot of great upgrades. I now have 3 Garrisons (2 .45 ACP, 1 9MM). The mil-spec compares very favorable to my recently acquired Colt Government model. One great thing about the Springfields is all forged slides and frames.

https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/706397926588

 

[JCSC]

So, as I read this am I correct in saying that RIA guns are good to go, but they require additional work for upgrades, based on their design.

SDS imports is similar and reliable, but easier to upgrade and can give you hammer bite?

I have been following along and have an interest in a budget model 1911 to play with.

I often hear that 1911s have great triggers. Is this due to design, or just the higher end units?

 

[tarosean]

So easy to BBQ a 1911! Buffing Wheel, Colt Fake ivory everything. And NO Holster for goodness sake. Extra large Cowboy hat, Corona, DONE

Sounds like the Waffle House version not BBQ special.

 

[tarosean]

I often hear that 1911s have great triggers.

Design for the most part, trigger moves straight back with very little take-up/reset.

 

[LiveLife]

So, as I read this am I correct in saying that RIA guns are good to go, but they require additional work for upgrades, based on their design.

Buy the Rock Standard model for $415 and no need to upgrade - https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/4806015514312

• Bearvertail grip safety
• Full length guide rod.
• Low profile angled rear sight (Novak style)
• Skeletonized hammer
• Skeletonized trigger with adjustable over travel stop
• Ambidextrous safety
• Checkered rubber grips
• Crisp factory 4 to 6 pound trigger

 

[JTQ]

So, as I read this am I correct in saying that RIA guns are good to go, but they require additional work for upgrades, based on their design.

SDS imports is similar and reliable, but easier to upgrade and can give you hammer bite?

I have been following along and have an interest in a budget model 1911 to play with.

Make sure you read my post #4 on page one of this thread before you proceed.

 

[jar]

So, as I read this am I correct in saying that RIA guns are good to go, but they require additional work for upgrades, based on their design.

SDS imports is similar and reliable, but easier to upgrade and can give you hammer bite?

I have been following along and have an interest in a budget model 1911 to play with.

I often hear that 1911s have great triggers. Is this due to design, or just the higher end units?

Whether or not you get hammer bite from the SDS Tisas US Army 1911A1 really depends on your hand. I've never gotten any hammer bite with mine but I do get a slight bruising almost all the way back to the joint when I shoot a full box or so. It's never broken the skin or caused any pain but does show up.

The 1911 (and many similar non-pivoting designs) I find very good but I also have found great pivoting triggers as well. The triggers on the Tisas low budget 1911s I've tried have been great and came from the manufacturer with just under 4# pull.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Whether or not you get hammer bite from the SDS Tisas US Army 1911A1 really depends on your hand. I've never gotten any hammer bite with mine but I do get a slight bruising almost all the way back to the joint when I shoot a full box or so. It's never broken the skin or caused any pain but does show up.

The 1911 (and many similar non-pivoting designs) I find very good but I also have found great pivoting triggers as well. The triggers on the Tisas low budget 1911s I've tried have been great and came from the manufacturer with just under 4# pull.

I got hammer bit on my SDS, funny how you don’t feel it until you see the red busted skin. Learned quickly not to grip so high

 

[JCSC]

Make sure you read my post #4 on page one of this thread before you proceed.

Thanks JTQ

I don’t want to hijack this thread, but can you explain a little more about grip safety vs beaver tail safety? All the pics you supplied basically looked the same to me.

 

[JTQ]

Thanks JTQ

I don’t want to hijack this thread, but can you explain a little more about grip safety vs beaver tail safety? All the pics you supplied basically looked the same to me.

You will almost never get hammer bite with a beavertail grip safety. It is nearly impossible. If someone is going to get hammer bite, it will be with a GI grip safety.

Note how this RIA grip safety turns down at the back, it is a GI type grip safety https://www.armscor.com/firearms-list/m1911-a1-fspgi-standard-fs-45acp-8rd

another GI grip safety equipped gun, this one from Colt https://www.colt.com/detail-page/1911-classic

The grip safety on this RIA is a beavertail grip safety. Note the back of the safety sweeps up. https://www.armscor.com/firearms-list/m1911-a1-fs-tacrock-standard-fs-45acp-8rd

here is another Colt with a beavertail grip safety https://www.colt.com/detail-page/competition-ser70-45acp-bl-81

 

[Skylerbone]

Thanks JTQ

I don’t want to hijack this thread, but can you explain a little more about grip safety vs beaver tail safety? All the pics you supplied basically looked the same to me.

Do you see the difference? A beaver tail prevents contact with the web of your hand by shrouding the hammer. This also necessitates a different style hammer or a bobbed original.

 

[JCSC]

Got it! Thanks!

 

[Mark_Mark]

Thanks JTQ

I don’t want to hijack this thread, but can you explain a little more about grip safety vs beaver tail safety? All the pics you supplied basically looked the same to me.

let me help with backwoods terms.

GI or old fashion Grip Safety is short - So your meat bits get pinch in-between the hammer

Beavertail is extended so it guard your meaty bits from the hammer

 

[LiveLife]

explain a little more about grip safety vs beaver tail safety?

A beaver tail prevents contact with the web of your hand by shrouding the hammer. This also necessitates a different style hammer or a bobbed original.

And beavertail grip safety allows you to move the grip higher/closer to the bore for improved recoil control and less muzzle flip.