Suggest a *reliable* 1911 style .45 at the lower end of the price

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

Stand_Watie

Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2004
Messages
1,506
Location
east Texas
spectrum.

I wanted one for a carry gun (primarily car carry). Doesn't need to be pinpoint accurate, or have a 'trigger like melted butter', but should be counted on to fire every time I pull the trigger.
 
What's your price range?

Under $500 = SA GI

Around $500 - 750 = SA Milspec or Loaded, Kimber Custom II, Series I Kimber

For around $750 is Colt Government, Kimber TLE, stainless...
 
Yeah, I'd say under 500. I saw a recommendation for the SA in a current handgun magazine, so I now have two votes for that.
 
I know this one won't be popular but...

I've got a New Kahr made Thompson/AO 1911 in Blue Steel and so far it's great. Goes bang everytime. Smooth action, not too tight, not too loose. It's the only 1911 I've had that doesn't push down on the bullet and cause the lead to "setback" if it gets re-chambered a few times. I'm thinking it's got a very smooth ramp. That's what I like to think anyhow. But an SA will probably beat it out. :)
 
Rock Island Armory

I'd suggest the RIA over a lot that will be recommended to you, especially where price is concerned. It's also nice to know that they have no MIM parts, but cast parts instead. I really like my RIA.
 
IMHO, from owning numerous 1911's the 5" Govt model Colts have always had the best combination of reliability and accuracy. Next most important things is to buy quality mags such as Wilson 47's.
Again IMO only, the Springers and Kimbers have too many MIM parts, often slides are too tight (everyone thinks this is where most of your accuracy comes from--wrong!) and in Kimber's case, very poor customer service.
I generally avoid external extractors, although S&W and Dan Wesson seem to have them "figured out".
Summary: do your homework and find a good used Colt before they decide to quit selling guns to the public!
 
+1 on used, + 1 on norinco

Well when you buy used you don't usually get a warranty but you do often get a good value on the gun itself. If you can find a norinco, grab it. I found a norinco that had all wilson combat parts and the norinco frame and slide for 550$ the Barrel costs (on wilsons site) 130, the sights are 120, the trigger and hammer are 40 each, it's got a bunch of other add ons and you couldn't build the gun yourself for less than 600-700 and that doesn't count the trigger job or cost of labor, so I am happy with mine.~Nathan
 
Not knocking the GI in any way but unless you're a nostalgia buff the upgraded Mil-Spec is available for $489 from Ordnance Outsellers. They were easy to deal with when I bought my PM9 from them and I am tempted to give up on my idea of a RIA or used "project" 1911 and just buy one of these for a sure thing.

no connection, just happy customer.
 
I once asked the guy at the gun counter what the best .45 auto for the money was. He said either the SA GI or the Ruger P345, but that isn't a 1911. Steer clear of Charles Daly, my friend has two that I have shot. I don't think I could get through a mag without it stovepiping or jamming. He sold one and hot rodded the other. He says if he were to do it again he would have bought a Kimber or a high end SA.
 
I picked up a Springfield GI last week for $370 (trade-in, <100 rounds through it). Took it to the range this weekend and had absolutely no problems with it - looks great, feels great.
 

Attachments

  • 1911web.jpg
    1911web.jpg
    210.7 KB · Views: 91
I have a parkerized Springfield "GI-45". Basic, no frills 1911-A1; goes BANG! every time.

Basic non-1911...Ruger KP-90. Also goes BANG! every time.

Although the Ruger is a lot uhmmm "blockier" than a 1911, quite a bit wider.
 
My Norinco has been 100% with all ammo tried (JHP, FMJ), and I can keep up with a SA Loaded. Doesn't look as pretty and it rattles some, but I've got no complaints.
 
Between the SA GI model and the Mil Spec, my vote would be for the Mil Spec. It has much better sights, and a lowered/flared ejection port. The ejection port may not be a big issue, but if the sights on the GI aren't up to snuff for you, changing them will chew up the difference in price really quick.
 
for less than $300, the Rock Island is an option. If 'upgrading' to a Springfield, I personally would pay the extra cash for the Milspec over the GI.

Between $500-1000, i'd probably go with a S&W. Blasphemy I know, but thats my $.02
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top