Looking For a 1911

[Armedleprechaun]

I'm in the market for a 1911. My Budget is $800. The two I've been considering are the Springfield Range Officer, and Ruger SR1911. It will be for target shoot and possibly home defense. I'm open to suggestions. However, I'd like to stay away from Taurus, RIA, and the like. I've considered Colt but, they're extremely hard to find where I live.

 

[BleysAhrens]

Have you seen any reviews on them? Check out Hickok45, he has done an extensive review on both.. http://www.youtube.com/user/hickok45#g/c/8CE4BD157EC4D0DF I must say that both the Ruger and the Springfield are very nice, but I would go with the Springfield. http://youtu.be/-V2eFMBe1P0

 

[Armedleprechaun]

Yup, saw both reviews. I still cant decide. I got to check out the SR1911, It felt pretty good. If I had the money I'd get both.

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

I'll admit I don't have any experience with the Ruger, but if you are considering the Range Officer for mostly range duty, you have a winner. The fit and accuracy on them is outstanding. The only downside to them in my opinion is if you are planning to carry, the sights or if you are left-handed, the safety. Other than that it is a nice pistol that shoots as nice as the TRP. I like the TRP much more, because it has most of what I'd want on a 1911, but the Range Officer is great for the price.

I'm sure the Ruger will also make you happy, but like I said, I can't really speak to that one.

 

[Armedleprechaun]

Thanks Snow.

 

[Zerodefect]

Colt XSE
Kimber Custom II


I'd consider a bigger budget.

 

[GCBurner]

Between the two choices you give, I'd go for the Springfield. My own 1911A1 is actually a Chinese Norinco I got NIB for about $300 a few years ago, when they could still be imported.

 

[Armedleprechaun]

Zero, I would love to increase my budget. However, I'm a college student and cant afford to.

 

[carbuncle]

I want 'em both, voted for the Ruger because at this moment I want to get that one first. I think you're well-served by either gun, honestly!

 

[Armedleprechaun]

Thanks for the replies, keep them coming!

 

[CTGunner]

I voted for the RO because I have one and so far it has been 100% reliable and extremely accurate. My only issue with it is the finish which scratches easily. The RO however is not ideal for carry due to the adjustable rear sights. You may also want to look at the SA Loaded model for a few more bucks.

 

[Clifford]

I'm a Colt kool-aid drinker myself, that said id pick the Springer. For me the Ruger hasn't been out long enough to prove itself. Besides I've shot a SA range officer and it was pretty nice. I've actually been looking for one in .38 super for building another match gun.

 

[Armedleprechaun]

I'm considering a Colt. I'm just not sure where to find one in my price range. I'm willing to buy lightly used.

 

[Jed Carter]

STI Spartan or Trojan, they should out shoot and be more reliable than anything in their price ranges, 3 calibers to choose from too. Colts are decent 1911s but are not what they used to be. What they, (like a lot of 1911s) are, is overpriced because of the Colt name. Currently have 6 1911s, including a Colt MK IV Series 70 9mm. I shoot my STI and a SIG RCS more often than the others, With the STI getting the nod most often. I would have a seventh 1911 this weekend, but the Les Baer Premier II at the LGS was sold before I could make a move on it. Of your 2 choices I would get the SA RO, Ruger makes good revolvers, my only wheel gun I still own is a Ruger. I do not own any of their pistols, but have had oportunity to shoot several over the years, unimpressed, there are better choices IMO. All features and materials being equal the STI should have at least a better trigger, better QC and build quality. At this price level you just cannot beat an STI, tie maybe. At $1600 on the Les Baer vs $999 for the STI Trojan, for the same level of performance, I would be paying $600 for a name. Good name though, Les Baer...

 

[JDGray]

I waited around for the new Ruger, but patience ran out and I picked up a SA Mil spec.....Best 1911 I've owed to date!

 

[Apocalypse-Now]

the ruger isn't in the same class as springfield armory 1911's (being it has a cast frame...). brand new too, so it's unproven.

 

[tiro6]

I would go with the SA range officer. While I have not shot either, comparing them in the gun shop, i was not impressed by the fit/finish on the ruger...but the RO seemed well built though I'd get it refinished, but thats just personal tastes

 

[Creature]

Don't settle. Take the time and look for the Colt.

 

[Pilot]

Either buy a slightly used Colt or save a few more bucks and get a new one. They can be had in the sub $900 range, new, if you look around.

 

[Johnny Lightning]

I have a Loaded Springer and it has been a great .45. My only regret is that I didn't wait a little longer to buy a Range Officer since I am slowly converting my loaded into a Range Officer!

 

[ichiban]

I voted for the SR1911 simply for the sights. I dislike target sights on a defensive weapon. Otherwise, I think the RO is a better gun.

 

[silversport]

you should be able to find a fine pistol in your budget with what you want...out of the two, I can only say what I read on the errornet for the Ruger...should be a very nice pistol...don't worry about it being cast...

I have an NM prefix Mil-Spec and it is a very fine 1911 pattern pistol so I would expect the same for the RO since it will have the "extras" that make it less the GI and more the modern 1911 and is also an NM (finished in Illinois) Springfield pistol...

...I shot my new Taurus PT1911AL yesterday and I wouldn't discount it if the price is right as well as checking out the SiG Tac Pac that I have been hearing about but SiG's are just a little different than the traditional 1911 pattern pistol (external extractor) but should also be a good choice in that price class...

Don''t pay any attention to those who tell you to pay more or raise your limit (I bet you would if you could) or you can get this or that for $300 when you check around you and they are $800...you seem to have your head on straight and I bet you would do fine with either of your choices...

Bill

 

[SSN Vet]

Don't ever pass on the opportunity to field strip a Series 80 Colt.

They really do know how to make a quality, reliable product right out of the box.

I've been very happy with mine and they can be found NIB for $800 on GB

 

[rellascout]

At $1600 on the Les Baer vs $999 for the STI Trojan, for the same level of performance, I would be paying $600 for a name. Good name though, Les Baer...

So not true... the STI is a nice gun the Baer is hard fit. You might not be able to push the two guns to the point where you notice a difference but there is a difference. I cannot shoot 3" groups at 50 yards but my Baer can... The STI is still a production gun. The Baer is semi-custom almost custom due to the hard fitting.

There are a lot of good choices at that price range. I personally would look for a Used Colt combat Elite. You should be able to get one for right around $800.

 

[Apocalypse-Now]

Don't settle. Take the time and look for the Colt.

i wouldn't settle for a colt either. their quality is not on par with their price. i'm not paying extra for the stamping of the little pony.