Looking for my first 1911

[SolaScriptura139]

I'm looking to buy my first handgun, and the best fit for my hand so far is the Model 1911. I've been looking for a 1911 in the $500-600 range, in stainless steel. I was wondering about quality differences between Dan Wesson, Kimber, Charles Daly, and Springfields. I would like to spend more on the gun, but I don't have the financial resources. I tried to use the search function to find 1911 threads, but it didn't seem to like me very much.

 

[SHOOT1SAM]

I don't think you'll go wrong with a Dan Wesson, Kimber or Springfield. I can't address the Charles Daly-I have zero experience with them. Try all of the others out for feel, bells & whistles, & which one just plain seems best...to you.

 

[abdrdude]

One of my 1911's is the Springfield Mil-Spec 1911A-1. Great shooter and reliable to boot. I've yet to have a failure of any kind. They can be found in OD Green, Parkerized and Stainless in the price range you are looking at. Scott

 

[45Badger]

Some great deals now on used Springers over on AR15.com. You cannot go wrong with a Springer milspec in the $400-450 range.

Also for a bit more ($750) there is a NIB stainless series 70 over on Glocktalk.com

 

[wally]

Charles Daly 45ACP single stack are made by Armscor. I prefer the Armscor.

Definitely worth a look. Springfield "loaded" features at a bit under GI prices

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=113465

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=120682

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=106541

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=94564

--wally.

 

[nico]

Does anybody know of a shop in MD that sells Armscor, Rock Island Armory, or the other cheaper 1911s? I've been under the assumption that the Springfield Loaded models were the cheapest around with those features. ~$400 or less for a reliable shooter is MUCH more in my price range and I might be able to convince myself to shoot Wolf through a cheap gun like that (although probably not ).

I also haven't been able to find much info or pricing or the models available from any of these companies. Is it safe to assume that one of these guns would accept standard 1911 aftermarket parts? The 1911 aftermarket is one of the big things about these guns that appeals to me and a 1911 that can't accept 1911 parts would be a big downside for me.

 

[Ala Dan]

For 'bout $389 therebouts you can have a NIB Springfield WW-II G.I.
replica .45 with parkerized finish or OD green; for a bit more ($429)
they are available in stainless steel. A great 1911 introductory type
weapon for the money.

For $589 you can get a Para Ordnance SSP or LTC. Another great
firearm, but with "bells and whistles". The only negative thing I can
(and will) say 'bout these fine firearms is the fact that Para Ordnance
magazines are kind'a cheezy; throw them away and replace 'em with
Wilson 47D's and all will be well.

 

[albanian]

I have had a few of the high dollar 1911s and they were great but now I have a Rock Island Arms 1911 Mil-Spec and it is pretty good as well. It is not as accurate as the $1000-1500 guns that I have had but it is still accurate since it is a .45acp and a 1911. It is reliable and I think it is quite well built. I have added as much in extra parts as the gun itself originallly cost but that is what cheap 1911s are all about. You can get these for about $350.

If you can pay the extra cash, a Springfield will have more resale value but may not do anything better. I doubt the SA 1911s are any more accurate or reliable than the Rock Island Arms guns. They are just mil-spec 1911s and they do what they are supposed to do.

For my money, I would go stainless if I could. A SS SA 1911 in the $500-600 price range that you speak of may be just the ticket. Gunbroker sells brand new Springfield 1911s starting at $400. They are the parked ones and not SS however.

 

[Kevinch]

Both of my 1911 pistols are made by Kimber, a 5" Stainless Custom & a 3" Ultra CDP. Both fine guns, as far as my pistols are concerned. While the CDP is not in the price range, I believe the Stainless might be & I'd recommend it.

However, I'll admit to being intriqued by both Daly Field models & the Springfield WWII G.I. Of the 2, I'd probably go for the Springfield - only because I dislike the HUGE lettering on the side of the Daly slide. If it is your first handgun, you might want to spend a few less $$ & determine if a single action 1911 is what you want.

Along those lines, a 1911 can be more complicated to handle safely for someone not familiar with handguns - please proceed with caution! There is no hammer drop, the internal extractor can be damaged with poor handling, the only way to activate the safety (other than the grip safety) is when the gun is cocked, etc. I've offered a few people their first shooting experiance with a handgun, & each time used a revolver to teach proper handgun safety.

 

[Sharpdogs]

I was in your place a few months ago. I had a deposit down on a RIA .45 while I patiently waited 3+ months for my NJ pistol purchase permit. When I went to the FFL dealer to pick up my RIA, I asked him if he had any other .45s before I purchase the RIA. He pulled out a Colt Gold Cup that was $350 more than the RIA. I went with the Gold Cup. An old grizzly shooter once told me, "once you have purchased the basics buy quality only, it will be a worth while investment in the least." I cannot comment on the RIA but I am estatic with the Gold Cup.

 

[cstreu1026]

I went through a similar situation a couple of months ago. I decided I wanted a 1911. It was to shoot and I had no intentions of carrying it, so I knew I wanted a full size verson. At first I wanted an inexpensive model. I was looking at the GI mil spec SA that was $99 at a local shop. I then went to the shop to check them out. Thats what I got into a bit of trouble. They probably had 50+ different 1911's in he case. I decided that maybe I should spend a little more as it was going to be a graduation present to myself. I really didn't have a whole lot of interest in the Kimbers. I like the look and feel of a few from Para Ordanance but the staff of the shop said that some of the less expensive models have had some issues, at least the ones they have sold. I looked at a really nice S&W. I even looked at a Les Baer, which I dearly loved the feel of. In the end, practicallity sort of won out and I bought a used loaded SA in sainless for $599. So far I am very happy with it. I have only put about 200 rounds through it but its is a great joy to shoot which is what I really wanted. Now I think I need to get another 1911 or more even.

If you prefer new guns the stainless mil specs were going for about $510 around ehre when I bought mine in December. The loaded models were about $200 more. You may also want to wait to check out the taurus 1911 thats coming out.

 

[SolaScriptura139]

Dan Wesson and Para-Ordnance

I've actually started to consider the Dan Wessons and the Para-Ordnance 1911's. I looked at Taurus, but they only seem to make pimp 1911's. The Dan Wesson's I'm considering are models the RZ-10, PM-XSS, PM1-S, and the PM7-S. I'd pretty much take any Para-Ordnance LDA. Any suggestions out of the Dan Wessons?

 

[mauser98]

Hello Sola!
I too wanted my first 1911, and went with the Rock Island 1911A1. Mainly due to cost, and also due to good feedback I found online. Please view a web page log I created of my experiences I have had with my RIA. Note also, I paid the indoor range a visit today, shot CCI ball, as well as Lyman 452460 SWC 200 gr handloads @ 750 fps. This is now about 400 rounds through this pistol without a feed or eject failure.

RIA 1911A1 Web Log

 

[Rinspeed]

I would look for a slightly used series I Kimber. I would skip the Charles Daly, RIA or Armscor just because it seems to be more of a hit and miss purchase.

 

[paul45]

I would look for a slightly used series I Kimber. I would skip the Charles Daly, RIA or Armscor just because it seems to be more of a hit and miss purchase.... that is great advice

 

[nico]

I would look for a slightly used series I Kimber. I would skip the Charles Daly, RIA or Armscor just because it seems to be more of a hit and miss purchase.

the more info I find about those guns, the more that (or looking for a used Springfield Loaded or Dan Wesson) makes sense. It seems like some Armscor produced guns are great shooters right out of the box and others have to go back to the manufacturer half a dozen times to get them working.

Does anyone know how much a slightly used Series I Kimber Custom or Springfield Loaded with fixed sights should go for?

 

[Black Majik]

For a first 1911 I would recommend a NRM Colt Government.

Compared to the Springfield Milspec, the Colt has a better finish, better fit IMO, and no Brazil Timestamp. Furthermore the Colt has a better Rollmark instead of the blocky rollmark of the Springfield guns. Both will shoot great out of the box, but for the extra $100 or so difference, the Colt is worth it.

Charles Daly, Armscor, RIA aren't even in the same league.

 

[cstreu1026]

I paid $599 for my used loaded stainless Springer with fixed sigts. I saw a beautiful blued version, also used, for $575 when I picke dup my Neos about a week and a half or so ago.

 

[deltaopwong]

I would go with the Springer Milspec and if you can spare more funds then go with the L oaded model....

 

[Technosavant]

I'll also recommend the Springfield Mil-Spec route. They are good guns, and a great spot to start out with a 1911. After shooting it for a while, you will have a good idea what else you might like in a 1911, and then it can serve as a superb platform for building up your dream gun.