Talk me out of a 1911

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32_d3gr33s

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Not really though. Maybe sway my decision... I've been interested in a 1911 for a while, and with taxes coming I'll have a few extra bucks so nows the time to buy it. I'm pretty set on a Ruger Sr1911. I can get one for just under 7 bills. Anything in this price range that would be better than the ruger? I have a few requirements that I want met.
5" barrel, stainless steel/polished, and obviously in .45

As for other things I prefer it without a rail, and with the skeletonized (correct term?) trigger/hammer. And dark wood grips. It will mainly be a carry gun, but will definitely get numerous rounds put through it regularly.

In short anything for less than $700 in stainless that would be better than the ruger? Any input would be appreciated. Seems there are so many 1911's that I've never heard of so I'm just in a pickle...
 
In short anything for less than $700 in stainless that would be better than the ruger?
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The only 1911 gun that compares to my SR1911 Commander length on price and on shootability is my STI Spartan 4. The Ruger has better sights, and is just a lot prettier. But I like the Spartan!
 
Ruger SR1911

Good choice, probably won't find anything better in the same price range. I had one and it shot great. The only reason I sold mine was I won't carry a 5 inch gun. I want the Ruger Commander but it will have to wait for now. If you intend on carrying it you might consider the shorter commander. The only thing I would change on it would be night sites.
 
32_d3gr33s said:
Talk me out of a 1911
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Go ahead and get it. Then you'll be equipped to talk the next fellow out of a 1911. You certainly will not get me interested in one. And FWIW, the ranks of 1911 competitive shooters is dwindling according to IDPA stats in recent years -- which begs the question: Why?
 
I would talk you out of a 1911 like I would talk you out of a drug addiction. Those who pick up a 1911 tend to become addicted to the platform. It's not to say that there are not better suited designs for comp, defense, or just plain paper punching, but the 1911 has a particular feel and natural point of aim that makes it a pleasure to handle.
The SR1911 is a great value in it's price range. It looks great and performs well. The trigger is very good for an out of the box 650-700$ gun. I recently cycled through a Springfield 1911-A1 believing it would edge out the SR1911. To my surprise the SR1911, hands down, out performed the mill-spec Springfield. The difference in triggers were enough by itself to edge out the Springfield.
The only warning I would give you is that after having any 1911 in that price range, you will soon start eyeing the 1000-1200$ 1911s, Soon followed by eyeing the 1200-1500$ 1911s, and so on.
 
Heh!

I absolutely refuse to talk anybody out of a 1911!

Or, for that matter, any other gun they're interested in UNLESS there is a real, practical reason why I believe such a gun isn't really in their best interests. But that's a case-by-case situation.

Go get one!

:)
 
I won't talk you out of one, but I will tell you that I have had many 1911s, and currently have none.

I don't believe in owning firearms I don't shoot, or enjoy shooting. I find the 1911 to be a beautiful, accurate piece of art - but we don't get along. I have had everything from $600 Springers to semi-custom builds. My hand doesn't 'fit' a 1911 very well. I can't get 100% positive disengagement of the grip safety with a high, thumbs forward hold. Doesn't matter the make or model, thumb safety or grip safety.

I have also found that little thing about them bother me. They can be picky with certain ammo, extractors love attention, they liked to be ran cleaner than some other guns, etc.

They aren't hard to break-down at all, but they aren't like a Sig or Glock either. It just takes more time to clean them, but not a big deal. They are sometimes picky with mags - some they work with, some they don't. If you get a 1911, don't stock-up on mags until you find out which ones it likes.

I'll probably get another 1911 down the road. And it will be a plain Colt Series 70. And it will stay unchanged and sit in my safe. But right now I don't miss owning one.

YMMV
 
Like JrWhit said, I spent $750.00 on my fist, $1000.00 on my second and like you with tax time coming I'm eyeing my third and it looks like $1200.00. Sorry, but it is an addiction!
 
32_d3gr33s said:
Not really though. Maybe sway my decision... I've been interested in a 1911 for a while, and with taxes coming I'll have a few extra bucks so nows the time to buy it. I'm pretty set on a Ruger Sr1911. I can get one for just under 7 bills. Anything in this price range that would be better than the ruger? I have a few requirements that I want met.
5" barrel, stainless steel/polished, and obviously in .45

As for other things I prefer it without a rail, and with the skeletonized (correct term?) trigger/hammer. And dark wood grips. It will mainly be a carry gun, but will definitely get numerous rounds put through it regularly.

In short anything for less than $700 in stainless that would be better than the ruger? Any input would be appreciated. Seems there are so many 1911's that I've never heard of so I'm just in a pickle...
Click to expand...
Why?
 
To paraphrase the old Lays Potato Chip commercial, "You can't have just one."

Luckily for those of us who find the 1911 to be our favorite there are also those out there for whatever reason choose to dislike and or disparage this historical weapon thereby not creating a shortage of them. To each his own, I don't particularly care for Glocks but I wouldn't talk you out of owning one of those either.

Buy the Ruger, if you're disappointed in it you'll be able to turn it with little if any financial loss.
 
And FWIW, the ranks of 1911 competitive shooters is dwindling according to IDPA stats in recent years -- which begs the question: Why?
Click to expand...

Limited classes would be my guess. Unless your running a 9mm version.

Course the top dogs in our sport or USPSA are generally running a form of 1911's
 
Buy it. And before you walk out of the store, have someone show you what an "idiot mark" is, and how to NOT put one on your brand new toy.

When you get home, go to one of the many videos that show you how to disassemble and reassemble that beauty. Do it over and over until you can almost do it blindfolded. Don't stop at field stripping; learn to tear it all the way down. While you're practicing, you will inevitably gain some insight into how it functions, and what makes it such a timeless design.

Finally, go out and enjoy the hell out of shooting it.
 
Why would I try to talk you OUT of the most fun-to-shoot, naturally-ergonomic handgun I've ever picked up?
 
I'd look for a used Colt. I picked up a Combat Commander a while back for quite a bit less than your price limit.
 
Not going to try to talk you out of purchasing a 1911. Look into a STI. I shot one a few years ago in 38 Super with a Serindipity Red Dot sight. What a piece. You put that dot on something and apply a little pressure on the trigger and you hit it. If I were in the market for a 1911 pistol this would be where I'd look first. My only 1911 style pistol is a Colt Service Model Ace which was built for 22rf.
 
Thanks for all the input so far. I've really wanted the ruger for a while now, and was just starting to second guess myself. But after the responses on here, sounds like it will be a good choice. I've never shot one before so I'm excited to get one. I have held numerous at the lgs though.
 
Well I'd like to help... :D

Sorry, but I just picked up an SR1911CMD - should have an elephant hide holster (charcoal gray) arriving in a few weeks from R. Grizzle Leather.

All my guns are black - figured it was time to dive back into the 1911 pool - might as well do it with a stainless.

This will be my first BBQ gun / rig - now all I gotta do is get invited to a BBQ!

BTW - price in my area was $649.99.
 
I bought my first 1911 this past summer. I had been on an overtime job working 6 days a week 12 hours a day. About halfway through the job I promised myself after it ended I was going to buy myself something I wanted just 'cause. I got my SR1911 from Gunbroker & it has been fine but I have seen some posts on the forums by folks that have had issues. The good news is it seems that Ruger Customer service has done a good job of taking care of them. I would suggest looking the gun over though. Also if they have more than 1 example on hand & will allow you to dry fire you may want to try the trigger on more than 1 as I believe some have better triggers than others.
 
There is a lot of truth and wisdom being spoken here. 1911 is a fun, ergonomic, accurate gun to shoot. Never had a Ruger, but they look very nice for the money. Already traded the $850 Sig on the $1100 Kimber. Then traded the $1100 Kimber on the $1450 Springfield TRP. Love the TRP, but still, I have been eyeing up the "Custom Club" offerings. (Ed Brown's, Nighthawk, etc) So.... Buyer beware!!!!:)
 
I can't think of a single reason? Get one!

The 1911 is my favorite handgun. No matter what new stuff comes down the road, I always keep a 1911 handy even though I own several Glocks, Sigs, etc.

If you are looking for a shooter, a range gun with a little nightstand duty, at the $700 mark, I would not have any problem, a Springfield Range Officer (RO).

A really quality piece, good, easy, reliable right out of the box. Plenty of tweaking left to do on it for those of use who can't leave good enough alone.

If this is for CCW, you may want to go to a Commander or Officers Model gun. They make the decision a bit more difficult due to your budget.

If this is also an investment purchase, the advice to find a used Colt is good. They hold their value well, but you may have a little trouble finding a decent one at your price point.

I have never owned one but have heard good things about the Rock Island Armory 1911's. For the money, they seem to be a good value and well under your $700 budget. Leaves a bit of money left for ammo etc.

Good luck, shopping for 1911's is one of my favorite pastimes!
 
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