Recommend a 1911 for $500

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mcsewnab

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Hey all,

Can anyone recommend a quality 1911 for right around $500. I understand that 1911's can far exceed this price. Used gun are fine, my only requirement is a quality firearm and a .45.

I am going to a gun show in Oct and plan to look then but don't have any experience 1911's. I need a few models to research so I can make an educated purchase.
 
RIA Tactical should be just under $500 and you'll get Springfield "Loaded" features.

Best buy out there in a 1911, my oldest is approaching 15,000 rounds.

--wally.
 
Used Colt series 80. Then save your duckets and upgrade it the way you want it a little at a time.
 
Think used.
Click to expand...

Only if you know enough about them to avoid someone else's hack job problem child.

The easy tool-less detail strip and large supply of aftermarket parts while an advantage in general, unfortunately makes the 1911 the most commonly butchered pistol by wannabe gunsmiths.

--wally.
 
I don't know anything about 1911's. I would prefer new but due to my budget I was considering used. Maybe used is a bad way to go with my limited 1911 experience.

I will start researching the recommendations from everyone.
 
Used for $500 is not the way to go unless you have some experience; 500-750 range is better. Not to insult you, but spending a bit more will be less risky; +1 on used Colt, (I'm shopping for a used 1991a1 Commander, and they're running around 7-8 on GB, SA Mil Spec. are a bit cheaper; I prefer Parkerized to GI, see Xavierthoughts comments here.

Cheers, TF
 
para gi expert! most gun for the money $500-$550

the feed ramp and barrel throat are highly polished, the extractor is even highly polished.

the muzzle is precision crowned, and the slide is HAND fitted to the frame. there is no play whatsoever in the slide to frame fit it. also has a match grade 4-4.5 lb trigger pull.

it always fires with no problems and shoots one hole groups. tell me of another 1911 out there that has these features and capabilities for $550 (what i paid) for a straight from the factory 1911.
 
Taurus PT1911

You'll hear that model the most and you'll hear a lot of people saying don't buy it, get the 1,100 Brand X custom shop instead...

A lot of people still can't accept the fact Taurus put together a great 1911 with a ton of features for 500.00

You won't regret buying one.

TaurusPT1911-1.jpg

I wouldn't pay 500 for a Springfield mil-spec, unless I wanted a mil-spec. Why not pay the same amount and get the much better sights, beaver-tail, serrated grip and it comes with a couple of really nice mags.

A Mil-spec pistol will probably leave you wishing you bought a Taurus.
 
+1 on used Colt
Click to expand...

I'm only two out of four with new Colts working out of the box. They hold no special attraction or value for me. My first Colt was such a lemon that I ended up being a pretty competent 1911 mechanic by the time I got it reliable.

--wally.
 
Tom Fury no insult. I always get caught up in the "just another $100" and I end up spending twice as much. I am a true believer of you get what you pay for.

I do like the look of the Taurus and will take a look at the others mentioned.

I guess I can give you a little background on the budget. I want a .45 and started looking at the Springfield XD-45 and the Glock G21. Both run somewhere around $500. Since I am saving and plan on picking something up at a gun show in Oct this is has been my target price point.

I do love the look of the 1911's but always though they were out of reach. I figured I would ask and see if there were any quality options our there.

I have an XDM in 9mm so I familiar with the feel of a polymer gun. I thought the 1911's recoil would be a little easier to handle with the extra weight.
 
Not that I have much experience with the 1911, I would try and save up a little more for the springfield Mil-spec or saving up even more for the "Loaded" model.
 
spend another $100 and get an STI Spartan, maybe a little more and get a Springer Loaded
 
I agree, the Para Expert is the most 45 that works for the money in the $500's range. I shot one this past sat and was highly impressed with it, has a lot of featured you would normally pay dearly for.

I lifted a Charles Daley Vs A Para... you can just tell the quality and robust built design of the Para. The Dailey felt like a cheap saturday night knockoff.

Regards,
Mike
 
I want to thank everyone for the feedback but I really want to stay at or close to $500. This is the happy medium for the wife, she accepts it and doesn't fight it.

I am still researching everyone's suggestions. I need to get up to speed on 1911's before the gun show.
 
Last edited:
You know what I didn't like my Para compared to my Springfield Loaded but for the price it is the best gun for your money.
 
Answers will vary considerably depending upon your intended use for the pistol but I would suggest looking at used Colt or S&W 1911's. both are excellent products.
 
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