Somebody gives $600 or maybe $1000. So you buy this 1911

[GeneH]

Hi,

A month or two ago when I started looking I really didn't think deciding on a semi-automatic handgun would be so hard. After a long deliberation I decided I want a 1911 instead of a polymer gun.

After reading many threads, (including Xavier's great post #34 in this thread from a year or two back), I decided I want a 1911 that's made as close to the M1911A1 specs as possible.

I have seen "what's best for the money?" threads, but no amount is mentioned. Well, I have two options. Please give me only one 1911 that you would buy
if your total budget were $1000
and
only one 1911 you would buy if your total budget were $600

Please give me the maker and model and since I am new, please don't use abbreviations that would be obvious to more seasoned members, but not to me.

Thank you,
Gene

 

[Galadren]

Springfield Armory Mil-Spec.

 

[Techsan]

$1,000 - Dan Wesson Classic Commander Bobtail (the "CBOB")

$600 - Taurus PT1911

The CBOB is outstanding for the price and I really haven't seen any complaints about it.

The PT1911 has had some well documented issues, but the early model I have, with the exception of having to replace the ambi-safety, has been problem-free. I agree that the safety falling out is a serious problem that would lead many to toss the Taurus, but since it was Taurus' first foray into the 1911 venue, I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt.

 

[DevilDog0402]

$1K - Springfield Loaded and spend the rest on ammo

$600 - Rock Island Tactical and spend the rest on ammo

 

[SeanMTX]

Techsan,

While I agree with both of your recommendations, the OP is asking for ones that are

made as close to the M1911A1 specs as possible.

Galadren is right...Springfield Mil Spec is likely the best option....and well under $1000.

 

[2TransAms]

Great minds think alike. I too would pick a Dan Wesson, although they do have several 5" styles for $1000 if you insist on a Government model.

Then I'd pick the Taurus as the best 1911 for $600, although as pointed out it's not built to original mil-spec options (it's set up better IMO, but set it up how you want...God bless America). It has no more mim (non-issue to me anyway at that price point) than any other $600 1911, and mine never failed me once which is more than I can say for some other brands I've had.

 

[XavierBreath]

As close to government specs as possible?

For $600, the Springfield GI45. With a few GI parts swapped into place and some GI grips, it's a reasonable facsimile of a M1911A1.

For $1000, the Colt M1911 WWI reproduction.

Follow the hyperlinks.

 

[BlindJustice]

Colt '70 Series repro - goes for $855 at Buds NIB
I didn't price the WWII repro but it can't be far off that
price.

Randall

 

[don95sml]

For $1,000 you can get one of several STI models at
www.brazoscustom.com/ .

 

[GLI45]

$1000 - STI Trojan in a heartbeat.

$600 - Save another $400 and see above.

 

[Techsan]

...1911 that's made as close to the M1911A1 specs as possible.

That's what happens when I read too fast.

Disregard my recommendations regarding the DW and Taurus unless you widen your parameters. If you do, then re-consider my recommendations regarding the DW and Taurus. You're also in good shape going with a Springer, Rock Island or Colt. Researching that new 1991 is half the fun, so enjoy it!

 

[Floppy_D]

Hey GeneH, welcome to The High Road! I can give the Springfield GI.45 a nod, I picked one up a while back and I love it. I carry and shoot it often. XavierBreath's links are good, do some reading on the finish and part swaps (if you want to get closer to original.) It's a great 1911, you can't go wrong.

 

[CWL]

$1000 - Dan Wesson Pointman 7

$600 -whichever Springfield Armory M1911 in that price range

 

[DeepSouth]

$600: Springfield Mil-Spec

$1000: Springfield Loaded

You might guess that I like the Springers. Remember it is Hard to beat a lifetime warranty. Especially when you don't have to use it, as in my case.

 

[sohcgt2]

$600: Springfield Mil-Spec

$1000: Springfield Loaded

You might guess that I like the Springers. Remember it is Hard to beat a lifetime warranty. Especially when you don't have to use it, as in my case.

I agree with the loaded for $1000 but I think the Taurus for $600 is the best buy on the market. As for Springfields warranty, IMHO its not worth the paper they used to print it. The gun wont break, but if it does it will be your responsibility.

 

[lanternlad1]

RIA 1911, and keep the rest in the bank.

Hey, there's a recession on!

...besides, I'm a cheapskate...

 

[smartshooter.45]

1911- good choice

for a $1000 budget id go with the Dan Wesson CBOB. beautiful piece with all the goodies, hand fitting, match grade parts.

for the $600 budget id go with the Rock Island Armory Match Pistol. you get RIA reliability, simplicity, beauty with a match grade barrel and bushing. they also upgraded the sights. the front sight is a red fiber optic while the rear is a standard sight that is adjustable for windage and elevation. also RIA hand fits the slide to the frame on the match pistol. and to top it off it ships with custom double diamand pattern wood grips. tons of great extras and still under $600.
the RIA Match can be found here: www.centerfiresystems.com/1911

good luck in your search

 

[71Commander]

Haven't heard anything bad about Para's new GI Expert.

http://www.para-usa.com/new/product_pistol.php?id=73

 

[waterhouse]

Close to gov't specs, I agree with Xavier Breath's suggestions.

Otherwise for $1,000 I'd pick the STI Trojan (although my DW CBOB would be a close second) and for $600 I'd go with the STI Spartan.

 

[Evenflo76]

If your TOTAL budget includes ammo, holsters, spare magazines and Lots more ammo...

Then buy an inexpensive, not cheap 1911. RIA ( Rock Island Armory ) or Springfield GI are very close to original A1 specs.
A Springfield Mil-Spec would be an excellent choice as well, as these come with many upgrades that eventually end up being installed.

If your Total budget is just for a pistol. Buy the COLT

 

[krs]

Bud's price for the 1911 WW1 repro is $925. whenever they get one in. It's a nice pistol but if I had to buy one 1911 for $1000. it would be the Dan Wesson Pointman 7. I have one, both of these mentioned actually, and I don't think there's a finer 1911 made for the bucks than a DW.

Last count I own 25 1911 pattern pistols.

 

[GeneH]

I didn't want to thank every poster, so I waited a day or so. Thank you all so much for the replies.

I have some researching to do. When I make a decision, I will post.

If more of you will comment, I am thanking you in advance.

Regards,
Gene

 

[deputy tom]

SA Mil-spec period.Either way you get $ left over for ammo.tom.