rellascout
member
Dan Wessons are $900+ guns these days. Not in the same price range as a Taurus.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=477915
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=477915
love the 1911 but...
- Thread starter Dimis
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I carry a Les Baer and wanted a 1911 that I wouldn't be sick if it got a ding on it when I took it to the woods. Asked a lot of questions from other high end 1911 owners. 100% told me Rock Island Tactical. I bought one, now I'm not going to say this sub $500 gun will do everything my $1700 plus gun will do (cause I'd look like a fool) but Dang! 15 yards one ragged hole. Will eat anything you feed it. Outstanding weapon. The only thing, the mag it came with did not even get through 8 rounds FTF. Changed to Wilson mags not a problem since. I like Taurus but in my experience and have read a bunch others their customer service is non existing. ( Could anyone PM me and tell me about the Norinco, I have a chance to buy one in the box for under $500)
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mljdeckard
Member
Really. Exactly what is it that your $1700 gun will do that the RIA won't do?
Demitrios
Member
You might want to look into Citadel. They're the same company as RIA (owned by Armscor) and you can get one with some nice bells and whistles for a very good price, about $400 I think. Look under Legacy Sports as well.
gyvel
Member
What features do you need besides a trigger, hammer, frame, slide, barrel, magazine and safety?
I bought a Dan Wesson Heritage factory blemish model for $779 this year. The blemishes are hilariously small and some people can't even find them. Heck of a gun for the money. Well...heck of a gun regardless of the money.
For less money I would look at the STI Spartan. I would also consider a Springfield Mil-Spec. For less than that I would then look at the RIA Tactical. People are saying the Metro Arms models are comparable to the RIA. Some say nicer. Personally, I don't go for the out of spec crap and all that 80 series nonsense or guns with stupid locks in them. They can keep all that junk.
For less money I would look at the STI Spartan. I would also consider a Springfield Mil-Spec. For less than that I would then look at the RIA Tactical. People are saying the Metro Arms models are comparable to the RIA. Some say nicer. Personally, I don't go for the out of spec crap and all that 80 series nonsense or guns with stupid locks in them. They can keep all that junk.
Rellascout my realistic budget would be a MAXIMUM of 700 but i dont want to come that close if at all possable
gyvel i like some of the features of the taurus like forwrd cocking serrations checkered front strap trigger gaurd and mainspring houseing ambi saftey beavertail grip saftey and beveled magwell
and im thinking (complete sacrolidge here) the frame with the rail as well
i KNOW without a shadow of a doubt i can run a mil-spec or basic GI 1911 but what alot of people are going to argue is i dont need all that fancy stuff on my gun but my argument back will always be i dont need it i WANT it
gyvel i like some of the features of the taurus like forwrd cocking serrations checkered front strap trigger gaurd and mainspring houseing ambi saftey beavertail grip saftey and beveled magwell
and im thinking (complete sacrolidge here) the frame with the rail as well
i KNOW without a shadow of a doubt i can run a mil-spec or basic GI 1911 but what alot of people are going to argue is i dont need all that fancy stuff on my gun but my argument back will always be i dont need it i WANT it
DAVIDSDIVAD
member
LOL, The spartan is pretty much the same thing as an RIA.
cyclopsshooter
Member
700 will get you a good used colt
FYI: STI, Rock Island, Citadell, and any other Armscor's frames are cast
does anyone know if the Springfields are forged or cast?
FYI: STI, Rock Island, Citadell, and any other Armscor's frames are cast
does anyone know if the Springfields are forged or cast?
Demitrios
Member
FYI, while it's true that STI Spartans are cast that's because they are the lower end of STI. If you get yourself a Trojan you're getting yourself a quality piece. But don't take my word for it, talk to the guys who use them in competition shooting (I am talking about the STI Edge which I'm well aware is a polymer frame).
redactor
Member
For around $700, you should be able to find either a Springfield "Loaded" or a Kimber "Custom II." You may have to look around a bit to find them at that price, or go with a "Gently Used" one.
The Kimber has MIM parts, but big deal. It is made in the USA... well at least if you count NY as the USA.
The Springfield is made in Brazil (like the Taurus), but big deal. They have a lifetime warranty.
These have some out-of-the-box features you'd probably want to add to a standard "GI" version, namely a beaver-tail safety (most people like), decent sights, and good triggers.
If you buy new, it is a toss-up between the two. If you buy used, get a Springfield simply because of the warranty.
You also have the option of buying the Rock Island Tactical for around $400. It also has everything you need, and much of what you want. The frame is cast, but again, so what? As long as you don't tear it up, the RI will probably hold a higher percentage of its value than the other two... There's just not much room for them to get any cheaper. Spend the rest on finding out which magazine works best with your particular gun. I seem to remember that these ship with Novak's magazines, which are high quality, though not all guns like them. You should also try Chip McCormick "Power Mags" (not "Shooting Star"), and Wilson Combat's 47D.
Rumor mill has it that Ruger has a budget, high quality 1911 in the oven. You could wait for that.
The Kimber has MIM parts, but big deal. It is made in the USA... well at least if you count NY as the USA.
The Springfield is made in Brazil (like the Taurus), but big deal. They have a lifetime warranty.
These have some out-of-the-box features you'd probably want to add to a standard "GI" version, namely a beaver-tail safety (most people like), decent sights, and good triggers.
If you buy new, it is a toss-up between the two. If you buy used, get a Springfield simply because of the warranty.
You also have the option of buying the Rock Island Tactical for around $400. It also has everything you need, and much of what you want. The frame is cast, but again, so what? As long as you don't tear it up, the RI will probably hold a higher percentage of its value than the other two... There's just not much room for them to get any cheaper. Spend the rest on finding out which magazine works best with your particular gun. I seem to remember that these ship with Novak's magazines, which are high quality, though not all guns like them. You should also try Chip McCormick "Power Mags" (not "Shooting Star"), and Wilson Combat's 47D.
Rumor mill has it that Ruger has a budget, high quality 1911 in the oven. You could wait for that.
redactor
Member
Oh, and for what it's worth, the Taurus owners I know are happy. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one (except for that pimped-out looking one, that thing is hideous).
I have seen places like one of my local gun shops and Gander Mtn charge $750 for the standard bottom-line PT1911. Don't fall for that. I think you can still find them around for $525.
I have seen places like one of my local gun shops and Gander Mtn charge $750 for the standard bottom-line PT1911. Don't fall for that. I think you can still find them around for $525.
Quack
Member
all Springfields are forged by IMBEL in Brazil
but the difference is that IMBEL forges them for Springfield and have been doing so since Springfield Armory (Geneseo, IL) started selling 1911's
The Trojan is also a cast frame, though it is made in the USA.
i say a Springfield mil-spec. it's a great gun to use as it is, or for a base gun for a future build.
gyvel
Member
Well, THAT'S different.
That I can understand.
To be honest, 99% of the stuff in my gun room are things that I wanted, not needed.
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