what 1911 I'm lost and need some guidance
- Thread starter snakeman
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hariph creek
Member
I only have marginal experience with the RIA. A friend has one. Seems like a good gun, for the money.
If you think you have to settle? Wait, save your money. Get what YOU WANT.
As far as buying a base gun and building it up? It's a lot more expensive, than just getting the one you wasn't. A lot more expensive. Try some out, see what you like. 1911 owners, myself included, take all kinds of misplaced pride, in sharing our "sweethearts."
10mm???
I like 1911's. I like 10mm. I like 1911's in 10mm. I love my 1911 in 10mm.
That said...unless you reload and are really interested in running "full house" loads?
Just get a .45acp.
Don't get me wrong, 10mm is awesome. But, it has some idiosyncrasies and inconveniences (mainly, price and availability of ammo and or brass).
.45acp is much more convenient.
If you think you have to settle? Wait, save your money. Get what YOU WANT.
As far as buying a base gun and building it up? It's a lot more expensive, than just getting the one you wasn't. A lot more expensive. Try some out, see what you like. 1911 owners, myself included, take all kinds of misplaced pride, in sharing our "sweethearts."
10mm???
I like 1911's. I like 10mm. I like 1911's in 10mm. I love my 1911 in 10mm.
That said...unless you reload and are really interested in running "full house" loads?
Just get a .45acp.
Don't get me wrong, 10mm is awesome. But, it has some idiosyncrasies and inconveniences (mainly, price and availability of ammo and or brass).
.45acp is much more convenient.
Just One Shot
Member
I'm partial to my Springfield Lightwieght Loaded but I don't see that as an option on the poll. 
I do reload or I wouldn't even consider the 10mm. I plan on starting with a 45 acp and I like to tinker with my toys. I can't find a stainless springer anywhere. The springfield loaded would be great but I don't think Icould afford it even if I saved for a while. I would prefer stainless. What do y'all think about hard chrome finish?
For $600 you are not looking at a lot of options. I own an RIA and have been very happy with it. I own an ATI and have been very happy with it. Neither one likes JHP but I don't use them for CCW and I sure can't afford to buy 25 different types of JHP to find what one of them likes. They both eat FMJ, factory and reloads, with no problem.
I will carrying mine along the trap line and will be using hollowpoints. Hollow point compatibility is very important when you might accidentally shoot a snare into and gut shoot the coyote leaving him free to run away, heal, and reak havoc on innocent lambs and fawns. I might have to up the price limit to maintain effectiveness. I'll see what I can do. May have sell something.
hariph creek
Member
snakeman, heck yeah! If you reload and you want to use it for "outdoor-sy" type stuff?
I would be all over the RIA 10mm! 10mm is THE round for woods carry, if you don't want to pack a wheel gun. It's no slouch for "social work" either.
If it had been available when I bought my Kimber (which replaced my Delta)? I would have gotten the RIA. You could get; the gun, extra mags, holster, dies and components. For what the Kimber costs. Probably still have money left over, too.
Now if Ruger made a 10mm 1911...
I would be all over the RIA 10mm! 10mm is THE round for woods carry, if you don't want to pack a wheel gun. It's no slouch for "social work" either.
If it had been available when I bought my Kimber (which replaced my Delta)? I would have gotten the RIA. You could get; the gun, extra mags, holster, dies and components. For what the Kimber costs. Probably still have money left over, too.
Now if Ruger made a 10mm 1911...
I don't know if I will be any help or not as I am new to the 1911 myself but I notice you said you want stainless. I just bought a new Ruger SR1911 off gunbroker that has their low glare stainless finish for $635 before shipping & transfer fees. I see you say your budget is $600. This would not be a great deal more money. Whether or not it would be worth it to spend the less than $100 dollars more I can not say due to my lack of experience but I did want to mention that it was pretty close to being in your range.
MAG-63
Member
None of the above. Ever. Save yourself some grief and take the advice of others who have recommended a used Colt or Springfield. It's too bad Springfield dropped the "G.I.", because I've always considered it to be a good base model to start with. The SA Mil-Spec is another good option. From what I've seen more recently, even the (Kahr) Auto-Ordnance 1911 is pretty good. Saving-up, the Ruger SR1911 and Remington R1s are good for a bit more money.
I would love to have a springfield trp or loaded. Colt is too expensive even used. Some people just can't make enough money or even save enough to spend that much. I am one of those people. I am trying to get a decent 1911 that is accurate and reliable for 600 or under surely they are out there. I don't believe that $1000 dollars is needed to obtain this. Just like I don't believe that it takes $1000 dolars to make a good rifle.
Colt, Springfield and Kimber all make good guns but ATI, RIA and others make good guns for a lot less.
The problem with the 1911 is that they are notoriously picky about ammo types and, while magazines are abundant, it is not uncommon for a name brand magazine to need a little work.
My low price 1911s do not RELIABLY feed the 3-4 different types of JHP I have tried but since I never plan to use them for anything other than plinking I have not gone to the trouble and expense of finding the JHP they will shoot. I have no doubt there are plenty of them out there but, for me, it isn't worth the effort since they both shoot FMJ flawlessly. At over $1 a shot($20 a box) for most JHP in .45 it can get mighty expensive trying out different ammos.
I would be a little afraid of a used semi if it was going to be one of only a few guns I owned. I own a bunch of used pistols but it is pretty common to get one that someone else had trouble with. Often that trouble can be fixed with just a little work and a few dollars. I had one 9mm that wound up going back to the factory and basically being rebuilt by KelTec. Apparently someone had boogered it up pretty bad and had the wrong barrel in it! They fixed it for free.
The problem with the 1911 is that they are notoriously picky about ammo types and, while magazines are abundant, it is not uncommon for a name brand magazine to need a little work.
My low price 1911s do not RELIABLY feed the 3-4 different types of JHP I have tried but since I never plan to use them for anything other than plinking I have not gone to the trouble and expense of finding the JHP they will shoot. I have no doubt there are plenty of them out there but, for me, it isn't worth the effort since they both shoot FMJ flawlessly. At over $1 a shot($20 a box) for most JHP in .45 it can get mighty expensive trying out different ammos.
I would be a little afraid of a used semi if it was going to be one of only a few guns I owned. I own a bunch of used pistols but it is pretty common to get one that someone else had trouble with. Often that trouble can be fixed with just a little work and a few dollars. I had one 9mm that wound up going back to the factory and basically being rebuilt by KelTec. Apparently someone had boogered it up pretty bad and had the wrong barrel in it! They fixed it for free.
wow6599
Member
I voted RIA, but I wouldn't go that route. Your money, your firearm....right?
You said you won't spend more than $600, but yet you plan to build on it - a base gun, no?
Night sights, trigger-jobs, grip safety, etc. all cost money. I still don't understand why not just save-up $100 more and get in to a whole different class of 1911.
IMO, when you get in the $700 range, slightly used Colt, Sig Sauer and S&W come in play.
$700, if you look around, can get you a new Springer or Ruger.
I would have voted for the Tisas, but since you're also considering stainless in the mix might I point you to the Tisas/Umarex R200? Skip a lot of the upgrade paths and just get a right priced 1911 that shoots well and has all the bells and whistles. Can be had at street prices under $600 due to lack of brand recognition. Bought mine, never looked back.
...10mm is always sexy tho.
...10mm is always sexy tho.
JTQ
Member
I think it is a good idea. I'll be interested to see how well they execute the idea. RRA had a good reputation for quality 1911's when they produced them in the past.
I faced this dilemma many years ago, when there just weren't that many non-Colt 1911s around. The gun shop had an AMT Hardballer and a Colt Mk. IV sitting side-by-side. Other than a Randall or Llama (shudder), the AMT was the only alternative to the Colt. The Colt was about $100 more, and I just couldn't make myself part with the extra money.
Well, the AMT worked for a while and then just stopped, and the factory never could (or would) fix it. I sold it for a song (actually, just one chorus) and bought one of the first Glock 17s. I've had more Glocks, a few revolvers, and am currently tinkering with a Rock Island GI model 1911.
The Glocks are dead-nuts reliable, easy to work on, light to carry, completely rust-proof, and can take a serious beating. But I do enjoy shooting the 1911--it's hard to beat even a mediocre 1911 trigger.
And the other night I wondered what would have happened if I'd just ponied up the extra cash for that Colt all those years ago. I'd probably still have it, and never have had to spend all that cash on all those other guns. Spending more up front would have saved me far more money in the long run.
Even though I like my RIA, my advice is this: spend more money and get a Colt 1991 in .45 ACP. No Rock Island, no Kimber, no Ruger, no Springfield. And no 10mm.
And go easy on modifications. Spur hammer? Beavertail safety? Front cocking serrations? Meh. Good sights and a good trigger are the things you really need. The rest? Not so much. You're better off modifying yourself, with training and practice.
Don't just spend your $600. Make that $600, plus maybe another $300 or $400, last you the rest of your life.
Well, the AMT worked for a while and then just stopped, and the factory never could (or would) fix it. I sold it for a song (actually, just one chorus) and bought one of the first Glock 17s. I've had more Glocks, a few revolvers, and am currently tinkering with a Rock Island GI model 1911.
The Glocks are dead-nuts reliable, easy to work on, light to carry, completely rust-proof, and can take a serious beating. But I do enjoy shooting the 1911--it's hard to beat even a mediocre 1911 trigger.
And the other night I wondered what would have happened if I'd just ponied up the extra cash for that Colt all those years ago. I'd probably still have it, and never have had to spend all that cash on all those other guns. Spending more up front would have saved me far more money in the long run.
Even though I like my RIA, my advice is this: spend more money and get a Colt 1991 in .45 ACP. No Rock Island, no Kimber, no Ruger, no Springfield. And no 10mm.
And go easy on modifications. Spur hammer? Beavertail safety? Front cocking serrations? Meh. Good sights and a good trigger are the things you really need. The rest? Not so much. You're better off modifying yourself, with training and practice.
Don't just spend your $600. Make that $600, plus maybe another $300 or $400, last you the rest of your life.
Im not sure what your wanting to "build" but be advised that those value 1911's dont conform to specs and removal of metal from cast frames can reveal voids.
There is a reason 99% of custom builders use Springers or Colts for their builds and its got nothing to do with costs.
LeonCarr
Member
Take your 600, eat Ramen for a week or two and get an STI Spartan.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=355648306
IME/IMO the best of the "Budget" 1911s.
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=355648306
IME/IMO the best of the "Budget" 1911s.
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
MOUNTAIN WILLIAM
Member
I'll be honest here, I'd pass on everything on your list and look around for a higher grade of gun, used would be fine. Why sink a lot of money into a build if the base weapon is less than desirable? But if the list is all that you're considering, I'd have to go with the Para.
Another option in the same price range that you've outlined is a forged Norinco. You'll have to hunt around for one though, they're fairly scarce.
Another option in the same price range that you've outlined is a forged Norinco. You'll have to hunt around for one though, they're fairly scarce.
tomrkba
Member
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You will learn, on your own, that "low cost" and "1911" do not go well together. You will spend the difference in testing; ammo, different mags, shipping and gunsmithing fees will chew through the $300 you saved very quickly. You will need to test any 1911 you buy and verify the gun and mags function properly. The difference is in the amount of testing required. But, it sounds like you need to learn this yourself.
If you need JHP, buy the Colt. It has a dimple in the barrel ramp that allows the bottom edge of the JHP bullet to pass. I have had great luck with Colts that have the dimple. On the other hand, four Springfields and two Kimbers caused nothing but grief.
You can save yourself a whole bunch of grief by skipping the 1911 and going with a SIG P220, Glock 20, 21, 29 or 30S, HK USP Compact or S&W M&P 45 Or 45 Compact. I speak from (expensive) experience.
Ruger makes good stuff.
I bet that's not too far off your budget.
Thing is right now almost EVERYONE makes 1911's. Clearly, in spite of the availability of hip-cap wondernines there are more 1911's mfg's than EVER, and that makes pricing competitive.
I bet that's not too far off your budget.
Thing is right now almost EVERYONE makes 1911's. Clearly, in spite of the availability of hip-cap wondernines there are more 1911's mfg's than EVER, and that makes pricing competitive.
Old Shooter
Member
The only one on your list I have experience with is the RIA but mine is the GI model. I also have a Colt Commander and some trigger time on my SIL Kimbers.
I'd go RIA for a starter (mine is very good. For what it's worth, my RIA eats hollow points with no problems.) and if the budget could be stretched, go for a Colt.
I agree the 45 is the better round to begin with in the 1911.
My next purchase will be a RIA in 9mm, just for the less expensive cost of ammo.
I'd go RIA for a starter (mine is very good. For what it's worth, my RIA eats hollow points with no problems.) and if the budget could be stretched, go for a Colt.
I agree the 45 is the better round to begin with in the 1911.
My next purchase will be a RIA in 9mm, just for the less expensive cost of ammo.
wally
Member
Nice option, but 9mm 1911s are not as reliable as they are in .45ACP because of the short rounds in a long magazine issue. But my RIA runs great as long as I use ammo with enough OAL. I did have to futz with a few magazines too.
I'd only buy a Colt if you plan to resell it, I think they have been living off their reputation for years and are way over-rated today. I've five Colts and two of them have been my most problematic 1911s ever.
I second the recommendation of getting a .45ACP instead of 10mm as a first 1911.
Zach S
Member
Shop used. A few years ago I picked up a stainless Colt 1991A1 for $500. Overall fit and finish was about the same as Armscor offerings, but the small parts were much higher quality.
Eat Ramen for a few more weeks, have the slide dehorned and refinished...
I like my STI Spartan 9mm. But out of the box, the cocking serrations chewed my hand and holsters up. One of two pistols that cut me, the other was a BHP, while shooting high-thumb...
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