Looking to buy my first 1911

[SouthronBoy]

I think I can get a Rock Island Tactical for about $450 or maybe a Taurus PT 1911 for a little over $500.

I'm left-handed so I want the ambi-safety, and I'm old so I need the bigger sights.

Any advice?

Thanks.

 

[20yearvet]

Do your research and search old threads here for discussion - there's lots of it.

Also - if you have access to a range where you can rent their handguns, you can try different models before committing to any certain one.

 

[Autolycus]

Consider Springfield armory as well.

 

[10-Ring]

As a 1st 1911, I'd look at the Taurus & its lifetime warranty.

 

[XavierBreath]

The Taurus 1911 has not stood the test of time, but it looks to be a good package. The ambi safety is your goocher. On 1911s you usually don't see one until you hit the $700 mark, unless you go with a Philipino gun. The Taurus, though has both good sights and an ambi safety.

Your other option is installing what you need on a Springfield Mil-Spec, and the end cost would be more.

Consider the Taurus.

The Taurus PT1911 has been getting good reviews on the internet forums, as well as the gun rags. It just may be a good thing.

 

[Matt King]

Buy a Springfield Mil-Spec, and then add on whatever you need. The Mil-Spec is a great gun to build on, as well as being a great gun out of the box. I have seen them range in price from $350-$600.

 

[doubleg]

My first 1911 was a custom II. I love it.

 

[McCall911]

As a 1st 1911, I'd look at the Taurus & its lifetime warranty.

What 10-Ring said!

 

[CPLofMARINES]

Do it right, get a Kimber or a Springfield, you won't be dissapointed.

Semper Fi!

 

[Walkalong]

Taurus gives a lot for the money and is getting good reviews.

 

[Shootcraps]

I've had the Taurus for several months now and it's a great gun and an awesome bargain. Almost 600 rounds through it with zero problems. You can't buy a gun from any other manufacturer with the same features for even CLOSE to the price. I will be buying the stainless model when they come out.

 

[Geno]

Base-Kimber only!

No way in Hades would I buy an Custom Shop Kimber. I would buy the most basic used Custom Classic Target (series 1) or, a Warrior (series 1 style). My Custom Shop Kimbers were ALL defective. Just my .02 cents, and others will tell you I'm crazy.

Doc2005

 

[aubie515]

I paid $449 for my PT1911 and I couldn't be happier. I owned a Kimber that I never shot and traded it to a friend. The PT1911's trigger was very close to the Kimber trigger. The only complaint of the PT1911 is that the finish wears fast. I am going to refinish mine in Norrell's Moly Resin or send it to Tripp Research to have it hard chromed.

 

[SilverState]

Get the Taurus or a Springer GI if your budget is around $400. For another hundred, you can get a series 80 Colt LNIB. For around $700 you can get a scandium-framed S&W 1911PD.