Need opinions - 1911's

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ambush

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Due to financial constraints, I must limit myself to 1 or 2 new firearm purchases a year. I am looking for, what is in your opinion, the "best, least expensive" 1911. You can expound on your choice if you'd like to. It's primary use will be for paper punching. I've heard some nice things about the Rock Island 1911, correct me if I'm wrong. I'd like to keep this purchase in the $500 range. Before I wasted a bunch of time looking all around, I figured this forum may be a good starting point to get some advice on what 1911's to look at first. Thanks in advance.
 
I've had the Taurus PT1911 for a few months now and I like it very well overall. It has been flawless feeding and shooting various loads both factory and my reloads for hundreds of rounds. The only thing I have had to do is tighten the rear sight set screw that was a little loose from the factory. The Rock Island is a little less expensive, but the Taurus has a great set of features for the money. I saw some Tauri at a gun show recently for less than $500, btw.
 
A buddy of mine was just offered a NIB Rock Island for $425 out the door. He is waiting until this weekend for finances to clear, and I'm doing a little research.

My intel thus far: Rock Island supplies the frames/slides to STI (usually associated with high-dollar race guns), for use in their Spartan model. The frame is cast, the slide is forged. Customer service, while rarely needed, is exemplary. Fit/finish on the model we looked at was very good, minimal slide play on the frame (tighter than my Colts), the bushing/barrel fit could have been tighter though.

Anyhow, if I were looking for a "GI spec" 1911, I would seriously consider the RIA (for around $400). I'm not sure what the "upscale" versions go for, I suspect not much more, so if that's what you're wanting, you might want to price compare, as I haven't.
 
Sarco still has Rock Island 45s for $329; the Taurus has had some issues with flaking finish but seems a good set of components overall for the price. Spartan and SA MilSpec would be the alternatives - depends what you think of the beavertail and sights. All are frequently available on Gunbroker or Auction Arms if you don't mind shipping and have an FFL to receive it ... you have to work out the cost difference vs sales tax and the value of supporting a more local business.
/Bryan
 
Springfield Armory GI or Mil Spec.

Forged frames and slides. Customer service (should you need it) is good. Great "Base" gun or can be used to build a custom. A lot of custom builders will work with SA products.
 
Springfield Armory GI or Mil Spec.

Forged frames and slides. Customer service (should you need it) is good. Great "Base" gun or can be used to build a custom. A lot of custom builders will work with SA products.
Click to expand...

Agreed,

Will also hold value better if you decide to sell.

OF COURSE, you could always look for a used Colt. A Colt is always the right answer!
 
For that price, I'd get an RIA. No Series 80, no 'ILS' or whatever it's called, no frills. Not many problems are reported with those guns.
 
Springfield Mil-Spec. They make a great base to work from if you want to customize.
 
RIA Tactical from Bellshire guns on gunbroker. If you had a little more, I'd say STI Spartan. And I've had really, really good results with my Taurus.
 
Bought a new RIA tactical for $480 - I'll be collecting it tomorrow, now that the Feds have finally decided that, after 2 1/2 years fulltime in Texas, that I've lived here longer than 90 days :rolleyes:

I'm fond of inexpensive yet decent-quality 1911s and building them up to my own requirements, Norinco being a case in point. I'd also love to have a Springfield Mil-spec.
 
I have one Rock Island in .45, one in .38 Super. Both have been fantastic guns, and well worth the money. RIA customer service is supposed to be excellent, too. However, my Taurus has about 1500 rounds through it, hasn't jammed once, and has the best trigger by far. I have 1911's that cost a good bit more than the Taurus, but none have performed as well.
 
i love sa 1911's, but i believe that the best value on the 1911 market for the money right now is the taurus pt1911 everything i have read and seen of themhave been positive. i would go with the taurus if i was in your shoes.
 
I'm hearing reports than the Taurus internals (hammer. sear etc.) are not "standard".

I know lots of folks buy the "GI" RIA to do their own upgrades with after market parts since they are cheap enough to learn on. End result is usually satisfaction and great pride from having done it themselves. The economics of doing it is dubious unless you value the experience.

I'd say buy the RIA Tactical and you don't need to do anything but shoot and enjoy it. Springfield loaded creature comforts at sub GI model prices, tough to beat, IMHO.

I'd get an RIA over a Norinco because you get service and support with it. Get stuck with a bad Norinco and it'll end up expensive indeed unless you can fix it yourself. All my RIAs are better shooters out of the box than my Norinco.

My oldest RIA has well over 10,000 rounds thru it (mostly Wolf ball) so they seem to hold up well.

--wally.
 
I just got a brand new Series 80 Colt Commander for $589ish.

Makes sense to me.

Doc2005
 
I picked up a Rock @ a gunshow for .410.00$ I find it just as accurate as the high end Kimbers ( when I do my part ) for the money & for your stated use for it, it is definetely a top contender
 
Can't say anything about any other 1911's, but I bought a RIA a year ago and have been nothing but impressed by it. Using a friends Kimber I shoot just as good with my RIA as with his Kimber. Only fault I have to the RIA is the front sight, of course I bought the very basic model, so can't really complain. Have had it worked on since and and very satisfied with this pistol. My local dealer says he has sold over 300 in the past 2 years and has only had 2 returned for not shootind and/or functioning right.

Also just read and article that says that the STI Spartan is put together by Armscor, the same company that make the RIA pistol.
 
I had a Taurus 1911, but never shot it. After a week of ownership the right side safety was loose. Took it apart and the tab on the safety was broken. I replaced the ambi with Wilsons. I sent the part back to to Taurus in the beginning of October....no replacement to this day. I sold the Taurus and now have a Loaded Springer Lightweight. I've heard many good things about the Taurus, but the main issue is the finish. Second issue is starting with the safeties.

YMMV
 
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