My first 1911

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DML2007

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Affordable 1911's

What are your top 5 picks to look at for my first 1911. My price is going to be 650 (if possible to 900).

What do I need to look for, what do I need to watch out for?

Thanks THR.
 
This would probably get better responses in either the General Handgun forum, or the Auto-loader Forum.


That said, I love my Rock Island Armory 1911A1. And I can almost get two of them for the low-end of your price criteria.


-- John
 
in my opinion all of the following would make great 1st 1911s

colt 1991a1
any kimber
any springfield
any wilson combat (although pricey)
any older colt combat commander

in my experiences, tighter does not always mean better in 1911 guns.

i think you would really like the colt 1991a1. not the tightest, but very reliable.
 
In 2002 I spent $630 on a NIB Kimber Custom II, and another $120 having night sights installed. No regrets of any kind.

In the price range, I would tell you to look at the Taurus 1911s, RIA, Springfield, and the Kimber.

There will be some that tell you, any 1911 in this price range is crap, because of looser spec assembly, MIM parts, etc, and I will tell you that I have had absolutely none of these problems.
 
The RIAs are good and you can find a used springfield for around 45-50. I just bought an STI spartan for 550 including tax, and it feels pretty good.
 
S&W 1911 for that price. I own a full size and a commander. Springfields are great as well, nothing wrong with $$$Kimber$$$ they just cost a bit more. You can't go wrong with a Smith in that price range.
 
The current-days Colt 1911A1s are certainly nice pistols.

Looking back, I wish I had purchased a WWII era 1911, Colt or perhaps Remington-Rand.
 
I've had good luck with my Taurus PT1911 so far (1000 rounds +).

I bought it when they first came out for $499, before they raised the price.

All the usual custom goodies, but straight from the factory.
 
What's it for? Before you go deciding on what bells and whistles, you need to decide what you're buying it for. Work/duty, target, competition or just plain fun?

When you know that, look at (in no particular order) Colt, Springfield, Kimber, RIA, Taurus and S&W. Avoid Para Ordnance like the plague that it is.
 
Someone else mentioned STI, I will get behind them because of their great support and activism against the new legislation in CA. I should look for a reason to buy one and support them, as well as steer others in that direction. They have a fantastic new economic line, and this is as good a reason to break a tie as any.
 
Taurus parts inter-changeability problems...

I'm told if you go with the Taurus you're stuck with only Taurus parts... anyone?
 
It's not a .45 unless it has a Horse on it................

Look for a good Series 70 1911 for sale on the web.

Don't want no stinkin' Firing Pin Block on any pistol I own.
 
You should be able to find a Springfield 1911A1 Loaded stainless for $7-800. If you are looking for excellent quality for cheap, you can get a Springfield GI or Mil Spec 1911 for between $550-650.
 
I own a Springfield Loaded and a Taurus PT 1911 in that range. Both fine guns, although the edge does go to the Springfield. The guns are both more accurate than I am, but the Springfield's fit, finish, and overall tightness make it a little better. Of course, the Springer was $150 more than the Taurus.
 
Dan Wesson
STI
Colt
Springfield
RIA

Dan Wesson being the top and RIA being the bottom on that list. The rest are a toss up depending on the model. Will you be happy with any of those as a first 1911? Probably.
 
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