Help Selecting a 1911

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I am considering dipping my toe back into 1911 waters. I am trying to compile a list of ones to look at and since there are so many, I need a little help. Here is what I am looking for:

1) Sub $1000

2) I do not need, and do not want, a 1911 that is tight as a tick. I would like it to be a little loose. Not a rattle box but something that is easy to assemble and take apart. The 1911s I have had had such close tolerances that getting the thing back together was a nightmare. I have no need for match grade accuracy.

3) Reliable

4) I would prefer no front serrations (not a deal breaker though)

5) Beavertail

6) Night sights

7) I would prefer not to have the slide act as a billboard.... a la STI

I would use the pistol for some range fun and would keep it as my primary home defense weapon. I will not be trying to break any accuracy records and just want a reliable weapon that is fun on the range.

Any thoughts on what to consider?

Thanks!
 
I own an primary conceal carry a Springfield Loaded 1911. But it does have front serrations, look at other models. I have had it for 10 years and now I want to do some upgrades.

The Springfield Custom shop does alot and it doesnt void warrentees

Check out their list of work, I am upgrading my sights, so I just have to send my slide

http://www.springfield-armory.com/custom.php
 
I just bought a S&W 1911 Gunsite pistol (my first 1911). A commander length, scandium framed 1911. Very nice indeed. It was well under 9 bills. Lightweight, no sweat dis & reassembly (never worked on a 1911 before) accurate and 100% reliable.
#'s 1,2, 3, 5, 7 (it has a Gunsite Raven etched on the side of the slide, pretty unobtrusive) - check
# 4 - Sorry it has FCS
# 6 - Sorry, it has Novak style rear and gold bead front. While I like the sights I prefer to have some sights that will show up better in low light as it is primarily a CCW/SD pistol for me. I will be adding Novak night sights.

Be safe
Patty
 
I'm waiting on my 3rd Springfield.. a loaded.. so you know what I'm going to reccomend. ;) just don't go trying to jump in lin ein front of me.
 
# 6 - Sorry, it has Novak style rear and gold bead front. While I like the sights I prefer to have some sights that will show up better in low light as it is primarily a CCW/SD pistol for me. I will be adding Novak night sights.
Click to expand...

Mine is a 2000 Loaded so it does not have the night sights, it has Novak. I am mailing the slide to them and they will tap them in for just over $100
 
I would try to find a used Dan Wesson, any model.
Besides being completly reliable, and very attractive, there is no billboard on the slide of my DW CBOB.
GJW1911
 
Rock Island Armory Tactical Model.

It's about $450. Isn't the tightest thing on earth but is very accurate. It has a beavertail already along with a few other bells and whistles (skeleton trigger and hammer, lowered and flared ejection port, ambi-safety). It doesn't have night sights but already has Heine sights installed with Heine dovetails so you can easily slap some nightsights on it without having to machine the slide. It doesn't have front serrations.

All that and you'll still have more than plenty left over for custom grips, plenty of ammo, holster, and anything else you'll need.
 
Kimber TLE is a pretty good sub $1000 1911.

The best $1K 1911 ever is the STI Trojan IMO, but it does not meet your criteria.
 
Thanks for the helpful tips. I should not have included night sites as a must have as is seems to have excluded some options.

STI may meet some of the functional requirements but I just cannot stand how ugly it is with the huge lettering.
 
I personally have been checking out the Magnum Research 1911. $650-$700, looks great, the only thing needed to add is night sights.
 
+1 on the RIA tactical. Has everything you've asked for minus night sites. But you'll have so much money left over, you can buy some nice night sites, have them installed, and still have a ton of money left over. Very nice guns for the money.
 
I have had a few suggestions for a Colt. Any thoughts on a model.

I will withdraw night sights as a mst have.
 
I have heard mixed reviews and as a result have generally steered clear of the Sig1911s. My understanding is that their 1911 quality does not compare to that of their P series pistols. There are quite a few threads out there on the various issues.
 
I have had a few suggestions for a Colt. Any thoughts on a model.
Click to expand...
I just got this gun back from having it refinished at CCR. Colt CCO. Commander slide/Officer frame. I can't say enough about how this configuration works for me. Plenty of power and easier than the 5" to carry.
P7150013.jpg
 
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An inexpensive full-size Colt or Springfield 1911 is a great option to consider.

Back in ´91 I bought a 1991A1 model NIB, my first 1911. At that time there were far fewer 1911 clones on the market, and the 1991A1 was the least expensive 1911 in Colt´s lineup, meant to appeal to those who liked the old-timer style of the straight grips, etc.

In the years following my purchase the custom 1911 market really took off. In addition to finished models from Wilson, Brown and so forth, many more sources of custom parts showed up. At first I replaced my 1911´s stock plastic trigger with metal, changed out the plastic grips, and over time did quite a few very inexpensive internal modifications to wind up with a "functionally beautiful" work of art with an amazing trigger pull, great accuracy and 100% dependability.

These days you have a fantastic variety of options and practical guides for a modifying a standard 1911, if you want to do a little bit of tinkering yourself. If you take your time and make sensible changes you can end up with something that will shoot as good as a $3000 custom, and that you´ll have personally made your own. ;)
 
+1 Springfield. Had money down on a new Loaded, then found a great deal on a well cared for used Armory Kote TRP which i went with. Thrilled with it.

When i started looking for a 1911, everyone i talked to pointed me to springfield for "the best value". Specifically the GI as a platform to build on.
 
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