What should i get
- Thread starter JBadgley
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I'm a first time buyer myself, and I went with the affordable Taurus PT1911. This gun shoots far better than I do haha. Great solid gun, great warranty, great price. I would definitely recommend it. I haven't had a single issue with mine yet. Here is a review of this model if you're interested:
http://gunblast.com/Taurus-PT1911.htm
If you like .45s alot and want to consider non-1911 style autos then I would check out the XD .45, S&W M&P .45, Taurus 24/7 .45, or if you don't mind the price definitely look at the H&K or Sig .45s.
If you aren't set on getting a .45, based on my experience I'd recommend a 9mm if nothing else than for cost of ammo and shooting. Being your first gun you're going to want to shoot it alot and 9mm is significantly cheaper than .45 ammo from what I've seen. But if you want to get into reloading your own rounds you can get about 2x the .45 rounds for the same cost.
http://gunblast.com/Taurus-PT1911.htm
If you like .45s alot and want to consider non-1911 style autos then I would check out the XD .45, S&W M&P .45, Taurus 24/7 .45, or if you don't mind the price definitely look at the H&K or Sig .45s.
If you aren't set on getting a .45, based on my experience I'd recommend a 9mm if nothing else than for cost of ammo and shooting. Being your first gun you're going to want to shoot it alot and 9mm is significantly cheaper than .45 ammo from what I've seen. But if you want to get into reloading your own rounds you can get about 2x the .45 rounds for the same cost.
Quoheleth
Member
I just ordered my first 1911 last week and am EAGERLY awaiting it's arrival. I ordered a Rock Island Tactical from Sarco via my friendly neighborhood FFL owner. OTD was a few nickles under $390, plus the transfer on my end.
The GI version is around $325-350, I believe.
They are getting good reviews at various gunshows and mags. Do a websearch on them...some fellow absolutely abused a handful of 1911s (including firing under water
) and the RI hung right with Kimbers, etc., for WAY less cash.
It's a high-quality gun at a low-budget entry price. Although it's not made to hang with Baer, etc., from what I am reading it does pretty durn well, considering its price market.
My #2 choice was going to be a Auto Ordinance. But when I compared features - chief of which was a ambi thumb safety, a BIG plus for a lefty - the RIT won out. Choice #3 was the Taurus.
Spend less money on a quality gun = more ammo & range time.
My $.02 worth...refunds available upon request...
Quoheleth
The GI version is around $325-350, I believe.
They are getting good reviews at various gunshows and mags. Do a websearch on them...some fellow absolutely abused a handful of 1911s (including firing under water
) and the RI hung right with Kimbers, etc., for WAY less cash.It's a high-quality gun at a low-budget entry price. Although it's not made to hang with Baer, etc., from what I am reading it does pretty durn well, considering its price market.
My #2 choice was going to be a Auto Ordinance. But when I compared features - chief of which was a ambi thumb safety, a BIG plus for a lefty - the RIT won out. Choice #3 was the Taurus.
Spend less money on a quality gun = more ammo & range time.
My $.02 worth...refunds available upon request...
Quoheleth
RNB65
Member
A first pistol should be one that you're going to practice with often and in high volume, so I'd suggest something towards the cheaper end of the ammo cost range. A Browning/Ruger 22LR or any of the popular 9mm's (Sig, Glock, CZ, XD, Ruger, etc.) would be my recommendation.
+1 on the .22LR recommendation. If you pick up a .22 as well as a 1911, believe it or not, the .22LR will essentially pay for itself quickly.
For example, suppose you only buy a 1911 .45 and go the range once a week and shoot 100 rounds. That first year, you'll have spent $2,206 and shot 5,200 rounds:
pistol = $750-ish
ammo = 52 weeks x 100rounds/wk x $0.28/round = $1456
total = $2,206
total practice = 5,200 rounds
Now suppose you also pick up a .22LR semi-auto. You go to the range once a week and shoot 250rounds of .22LR and 50 rounds of .45. In this scenario, your first year costs you $2,063 ($143 less): and you'll have shot over 15,000 rounds rather than 5,200:
pistols = $750-ish + $325-ish = $1,075-ish
.22LR ammo = 52 weeks x 250 rounds/week x $0.02/round = $260
.45 ammo = 52 weeks x 50 rounds/week x $0.28/round = $728
total = $2,063
total practice = 15,600 rounds
For less money, you get 2 pistols, much more practice (3 times more!), and by doing the majority of your shooting with a .22, you'll become a better shot quicker, since you're better able to focus on the basics and less likely to develop bad habits.
For example, suppose you only buy a 1911 .45 and go the range once a week and shoot 100 rounds. That first year, you'll have spent $2,206 and shot 5,200 rounds:
pistol = $750-ish
ammo = 52 weeks x 100rounds/wk x $0.28/round = $1456
total = $2,206
total practice = 5,200 rounds
Now suppose you also pick up a .22LR semi-auto. You go to the range once a week and shoot 250rounds of .22LR and 50 rounds of .45. In this scenario, your first year costs you $2,063 ($143 less): and you'll have shot over 15,000 rounds rather than 5,200:
pistols = $750-ish + $325-ish = $1,075-ish
.22LR ammo = 52 weeks x 250 rounds/week x $0.02/round = $260
.45 ammo = 52 weeks x 50 rounds/week x $0.28/round = $728
total = $2,063
total practice = 15,600 rounds
For less money, you get 2 pistols, much more practice (3 times more!), and by doing the majority of your shooting with a .22, you'll become a better shot quicker, since you're better able to focus on the basics and less likely to develop bad habits.
BADUNAME13
Member
A .22.
OR, a .22 conversion for a Kimber or Springfield.
OR, a .22 conversion for a Kimber or Springfield.
Lonestar49
Member
Personally
...
If you like the style, grips, and safety release, and a gun technically designed to be carried cocked and locked, then I would go for a Colt Commander in 45cal.
Perfect size, and thin, for both accurate and CCW use, along with a history of doing the job.
Personally, I'm going Sig P220R, as I like no safety, decocker only, and usage of it, without sacrificing a good 2-hand grip, while it is loaded with one in the chamber, full mag below, and hammer down, in DA mode, while a manual drawing the hammer back to SA mode is clean and easy, or pulling it thru a DA mode to fire straight-away is comforting, for me, in that it is not cocked and locked, which I personally would not be comfy with carrying like that, along with, holding down the safety release to fire is also, not a natural feel, but something that has to be learned/acquired movement with your thumb and, is not my cup of tea. But thousands have, and do, love it so.. and I can't argue with that fact.
IMHO, good luck in your choice of 1911
LS
...
If you like the style, grips, and safety release, and a gun technically designed to be carried cocked and locked, then I would go for a Colt Commander in 45cal.
Perfect size, and thin, for both accurate and CCW use, along with a history of doing the job.
Personally, I'm going Sig P220R, as I like no safety, decocker only, and usage of it, without sacrificing a good 2-hand grip, while it is loaded with one in the chamber, full mag below, and hammer down, in DA mode, while a manual drawing the hammer back to SA mode is clean and easy, or pulling it thru a DA mode to fire straight-away is comforting, for me, in that it is not cocked and locked, which I personally would not be comfy with carrying like that, along with, holding down the safety release to fire is also, not a natural feel, but something that has to be learned/acquired movement with your thumb and, is not my cup of tea. But thousands have, and do, love it so.. and I can't argue with that fact.
IMHO, good luck in your choice of 1911
LS
crebralfix
member
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2004
- Messages
- 1,356
Ruger 22/45. It has the same grip angle as the 1911. It is a great training gun and tons of fun.
However, I don't recommend 1911's for new shooters. They can be frustrating to get working properly. You may get lucky...perhaps one of the members here with thousands of trouble-free rounds will offer to sell you their 1911. People really do have problems with their 1911s.
Read this first.. Then get Sweeney's Gun Digest Book of the 1911 (only volume 1). Read that and understand WHY these guns can be difficult (and expensive) to get working (the answer is in Sweeney's book). Get on m1911.org and start reading. Get on the 1911forum.com/forums and start researching the model you want. I *highly* recommend (as an internet keyboard commando) that you purchase a more expensive 1911 from a shop that has excellent service (Les Baer, Wilson Combat, Nighthawk, or one of the custom gunsmiths).
One exception is the Kimber Warrior. You still will need to do some work on it, but a family member has had excellent results with his (versus the two Springfield Armory M9109 Loaded jam-o-matics we had). The Warrior had a few problems within the first 200 rounds, but they've gone away.
However, I don't recommend 1911's for new shooters. They can be frustrating to get working properly. You may get lucky...perhaps one of the members here with thousands of trouble-free rounds will offer to sell you their 1911. People really do have problems with their 1911s.
Read this first.. Then get Sweeney's Gun Digest Book of the 1911 (only volume 1). Read that and understand WHY these guns can be difficult (and expensive) to get working (the answer is in Sweeney's book). Get on m1911.org and start reading. Get on the 1911forum.com/forums and start researching the model you want. I *highly* recommend (as an internet keyboard commando) that you purchase a more expensive 1911 from a shop that has excellent service (Les Baer, Wilson Combat, Nighthawk, or one of the custom gunsmiths).
One exception is the Kimber Warrior. You still will need to do some work on it, but a family member has had excellent results with his (versus the two Springfield Armory M9109 Loaded jam-o-matics we had). The Warrior had a few problems within the first 200 rounds, but they've gone away.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
What Type Of Budget?
On the lower end, perhaps a Springfield WW-II G.I. replica or a MIL SPEC
model' perhaps the aforementioned Taurus PT 1911?
On the high side, starting with the Kimber Warrior or Springfield MC Operator;
and advancing to possibly a Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special*, or an Ed Brown
Executive Target would be nice~!
*FootNote: I own one of these personally, and I'm here too tell you that
this is one fine handgun; with NO MIM parts. Absolutely, the most accurate
handgun I have ever owned; and there has been a bunch of 'em~!
On the lower end, perhaps a Springfield WW-II G.I. replica or a MIL SPEC
model' perhaps the aforementioned Taurus PT 1911?
On the high side, starting with the Kimber Warrior or Springfield MC Operator;
and advancing to possibly a Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special*, or an Ed Brown
Executive Target would be nice~!
*FootNote: I own one of these personally, and I'm here too tell you that
this is one fine handgun; with NO MIM parts. Absolutely, the most accurate
handgun I have ever owned; and there has been a bunch of 'em~!
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