Upgrades to Inexpensive 1911's

[Skylerbone]

If you're looking for a defensive carry pistol and you aren't sure what it needs have a look here (at the picture galleries): http://www.rodgerspistolsmithing.com/.

That's as good as they get for parts, fit and reliability. If you don't see it there you don't need it. Quality parts are important but most premature parts failures have more to do with fit or geometry rather than how "cheap" they are. If you cannot afford the 1911 you want, you won't be any closer buying one you don't want.

 

[emtpacker]

Gentlemen, thanks again for the replies! I have to say that I'm leaning heavily toward the ACII. I don't have a whole lot to reference to, but the bluing on the metro pistols seems very well done and attractive!

 

[9mmepiphany]

Ghost Tracker: I appreciate your insight, and the way I read your advice is that I should save up to buy the 1911 that I really want and get it right the first time. I agree with this principle, but at this point I don't know what it is in a 1911 that I really want other than some basic enhancements that I listed in the opening thread. I know that this will not not be my last 1911, so I dont want to save up and break the bank and end up with a pistol that I want to change, but can't afford to.

This actually makes a lot of sense. It is how I started to discover what I wanted and then what I need in a 1911...it takes a while. You have to understand that folks often try to warn you about their own mistakes...forgetting that we don't all want/need the same thing.

I started with the cheapest 1911 available...a Colt Combat Commander...and just kept adding and taking off stuff I wanted to try. I knew I'd never get my money back out of it...but the experience was invaluable. I shudder to think of all the things I've tried over the 35 years on a number if 1911s just to see if it would work for me...this was before the days of the internet. When Springfield came on the market, it was a godsend as it really bought the price down while rising build quality. Then Kimber really turned the market upside down offering the most commonly desired options.

This is the article I usually refer folks to who are just starting out. It is a good read even if you don't follow what it recommends. There are many more options available to a new 1911 shooter today than ever, but it really makes the choice harder...because someone starting out really doesn't know what they want/need.

There is nothing wrong with starting with the cheapest 1911 that will function and going from there....I'd recommend a RIA over the AC. The only really good advice is that you look for a gun that has most of the machining already done that you might want (lower ejection port, dovetailed sights, radiused tangs) because everything else is pretty much swappable.

At this point in my life, acceptable starts at about $1200-$1500 in a mid-priced production 1911...but it took me years to figure that out. I'll warn you that this journey leads to a custom 1911...because the more you know, the more you'll demand

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

Not everyone can afford those, and your statement was about as helpful as a poke in the eye!

Sorry that you don't like taking out a second mortgage for a handgun. Sheesh!

 

[CapnMac]

Huh? What was the question again?

You mean that there is a different way than:
See .45 you like.
If you have the cash, buy it.
Repeat as occurs.

Ok, I know I'm biased, I've probably bought nine 1911's so far. Some were good, some less so (like the LCDR thet never quite worked out). Only have the two right now, and those are keepers.

 

[Olympus]

I would recommend the full size American Classic over the RIA. But that's just my opinion.

 

[essayons21]

I wouldn't mind picking up an American Classic, but the logo on the side of the slide is horrible.

I know its petty, but why would you ruin a good looking 1911 like that?

 

[Olympus]

I wouldn't mind picking up an American Classic, but the logo on the side of the slide is horrible.

I know its petty, but why would you ruin a good looking 1911 like that?

The RIA billboard isn't much better. But I know what you mean. I had the billboards milled off the sides of mine and had the whole gun reblued.

 

[Greg528iT]

Oops

 

[essayons21]

I had the billboards milled off the sides of mine and had the whole gun reblued.

If you don't mind me asking, how much did that run you?

I can deal with the RIAs better than most, it has a more classic font. Although they added a (TM) on the newer ones, which ruins it for me. Again its kinda silly but there are a number of 1911 manufacturers I won't even look at because of their awful billboards. If milling it off isn't too expensive that may open some new options for me.

 

[Olympus]

I don't remember, but it was cheap. The problem is you'll have to have the slide completely refinished afterwards.

 

[Body Mass]

+1 for the American Classic... I love mine. Best "bang" for the buck IMO.

 

[Olympus]

Here's a couple photos of the Ameican Classic Commander after I had the billboards taken off and completely reblued. I had quite a bit of other work done too.

 

[0to60]

A good 1911 isn't a good 1911 because of the parts list. A good 1911 has had a lot of hand fitting and tuning from the mfg. This is the problem with getting a $400 RIA and swapping in quality parts from Nighthawk and Wilson. Without the hand fitting, you won't necessarily end up with a better gun.

If you're dying to get started with a 1911 but you blanch at the $900 price tag, its a tough spot to be in. I was there also a few months back and got a Springfield Mil Spec, and in all honesty its my least reliable gun. The 1911 is a design that can't be done cheaply.

 

[Byrd666]

Olympus

Man, I Really like the looks of those smoothed and polished slides. Not being a machinist myself and not trying to sound dumb, even if I am on occasion, can any gunsmith do that? Or does he/she need to be more specific in nature, like a full fledged machine shop?

 

[Zach S]

Any respectable gunsmith will have the tools and knowledge to do that. I don't know if face mills are common for gunsmiths to have in the shop, so they'll likely have to make a few to several passes with an end mill.

A full fledged machine shop will likely have faster turnaround time, if they'll take it in.

 

[AJumbo]

The parkerizing on my RIA GI has held up wonderfully, and it had been carried in every climate Arizona had to offer, with many of those miles on horseback. Horses sweat like pigs. No salt damage thus far.

Mechanically, the Rock is solid as a rock. I have slowly turned my GI into a Tac-like thing by adding a beavertail, Commander-style hammer, etc, and would buy a Tactical if I had to do it all over again.

 

[emtpacker]

9mm, thanks for the insight. The 10-8 link was much appreciated as well. Of the more basic 1911's available - colt 1991, springer mill spec, etc - which would you recommend and why?

Olympus, plus one on the gorgeous pistol!

To you guys who have endorsed one model over others, how much use have you put on your guns in terms of rounds fired, classes attended, amount of time carried, etc? Have you had any problems? Thanks again for your help!

 

[9mmepiphany]

Of the more basic 1911's available - colt 1991, springer mill spec, etc - which would you recommend and why?

I recently attended a 1911-centric class. We only shot about 1000 in 5 days, but I watched as various different brands of 1911s went down or bit their owners...Bandaids and Mortrin were in high demand.

I've always recommended the basic Springfields (how basic depends on which features you want), because their QC is very consistent and the IMBEL factory in Brazil has a great reputation.

I was impressed by how well the Filipino 1911s have held up. The problems I saw ranged from easily fixed to very worrisome. The top two I've had experience with have been the RIA and STI...their prices really reflect the work put into them. If I were to buy a RIA, I'd want to inspect it closely, or have someone who knows something about 1911s look at it, before I bought it

I would not personally recommend a Colt, 1991 or otherwise, except as the base gun for a custom build. They are famous for being built to loose tolerances and the line above the trigger guard is just irritating

 

[Joshua M. Smith]

Hello,

The STI Spartan is a rebadged RIA.

WRT the RIA Tactical, be prepared to replace the thumb safety if you're a lefty. It's not high quality and I managed to snap two of them in short order.

I'd recommend a Caspian as a replacement.

Josh

 

[9mmepiphany]

The STI Spartan is a rebadged RIA.

Maybe a bit more than re-badging.

The frame slide and barrel are manufactured in the Philippines. The rear sight is Italian. All the other parts are from STI in TX. It is assembled in the P.I. with final inspection in TX

 

[jblackfish]

I know you said $600 is your limit but a couple of nice 1911's that are just beyond that figure (there are always choices just beyond what you want to spend) are the STI Spartin (under $700) and the Ruger SR1911 (I've heard of good deals under $700 - the gun itself is still a little scarce) - you might find a deal on one of those and consider it. Good luck.

 

[pinstripe]

Second that. If i wanted something nice and shiney that I had to keep spotless in order to have any joy in it, i would collect coins. I use my 1911 for what it is intended to be, a tool. If I have to have a pretty gun in order to show off to my friends, then I am running with the wrong boys. Get the RIA and let nature take its course. if kept long enough and close enough, it , with its scrathces and dings, will become an old friend.

 

[emtpacker]

Jblackfish, I would be much more interested in the ruger if there were any to be had! There is so much to like about them except for the fact that there are none available. I may hold off on my purchase a few months to see if production can meet demand.

Pinstripe, I'm not so interested in having anything shiny or blinged-out. No nickel-plated sissy pistols for me! I am mostly concerned about the sweat resistant properties of parkerised guns. I carry just about every day, all day, and can get to be a really sweaty dude real quick. Both of my xd's had rust problems on the magazine release buttons from this. If a parked gun can hold up, I'm all for it. I actually like the look of holster wear and the 'character' that usage and enjoyment gives to guns.

 

[Jaymo]

emtpacker, "nickel plated sissy gun". Great quote from "US Marshals"
Too bad the gun in question was stainless steel slide/aluminum frame, not nickel.
I blame the writers and/or prop house for that mistake.
Not like movie writers are known for knowing anything about guns or cars.