Which 1911??

[JDR]

My budget is limited and I can't afford the $1,000 guns (or $800 for that matter unless I trade something and I do have a few to trade...)

If you can find an STI Spartan V anywhere close to the original $650.00 asking price when these were new and still in production, then “IMHO” this is the 1911 to go for.

There is an STI Spartan V sitting at an LGS out here and the owner has it on consignment for $850.00. I offered $650.00 then I offered $700.00 and the consignor / owner won’t budge off of eight & a-half. That Spartan V has a trigger you’d dream about, actually better than my 9mm STI Trojan which is still darn good but at 2X the original price of that Spartan!

 

[HisSoldier]

New I have a Citadel (RIA) 1911 in .45.
While not as nice as my Colt of Springfield it is a good gun.

I've found the RIA's I've owned to be exceptional guns for about half what a Colt costs, few things these days offer as much value for the price as RIA 1911's.

 

[wojownik]

RugerSR1911 or Springfield would be options in the OPs budget, particularly "gently used". There can be deals out there. Over the past 18 months, I've picked up a like new Colt Commander for $575 and a Dan Wesson Guardian for $800.

I love my Sistema 1927, but for the money (bang for the buck), take a look at the Ruger - they load a lot of options into a nicely priced package. I think that Sistema's are priced way too close to NIB commercial 1911s (unless you really want a classic retro A1 configuration).

Also, don't confuse the Ballester Molina 1911 from Argentina, with the Sistema Colt - I've seen Ballesters down in the $400 (even $300) range, but remember these are not interchangeable with the 1911 - they are different animals. The Sistema 1927's are Argentine made clones of Colts. The Sistema Colt (made by Colt itself) can be pricey - they are "real" Colts made in CT and exported to Argentina. After that, the Argentines built their own Sistema's locally, under license from Colt.

 

[Bo]

How about a SA Range Officer in 9mm. Not only cheaper to shoot, they're dead nuts accurate.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I'd get the 10mm Ruger 1911. But if 45 is your thing the standard would suite you I'm guessing.

 

[lsudave]

I'm thinking about adding another 1911 to the safe.

Question for me: which one?

I have a near-new Colt 9mm 1911 with all the bells & whistles and a hard-used Taurus 1911 that works just fine. But I think I'd like to add one more, something with a bit more "character" or history or interest.

My budget is limited and I can't afford the $1,000 guns (or $800 for that matter unless I trade something and I do have a few to trade...) and I won't be carrying it...it's for the range and to gently fondle and to sit next to my P-08, Colt 1903, BHPs, and Walther P4 and S&W 39-2.

I was thinking of perhaps a Sistema Colt...but I'm wondering if there's something else I should be looking for (the hunt is part of the fun). I can be new (RIA) or old or police surplus or military surplus or whatever. I'm looking for a shooter grade pistol...as long as it works it's good for me.

Suggestions.....

I stumbled across a High Standard 1911A1 on auction recently, was very pleased. There are 2 "High Standards" out there; one is US made and not very highly regarded in quality, and tends to be a little bit pricey (not for 1911's, but you get the point). Then, there are Armscor High Standards, which were made about a decade ago. This is the one I found.

It's basically a USGI clone, parkerized and with High Standard rollmarks instead of RIA. It has a straight mainspring housing, instead of arched. I inquired from the parent company, and it's still covered by the lifetime warranty.
I picked it up for $288, which I consider one of the better deals I've gotten in firearms.

 

[SSN Vet]

70 series Colt Gold Cup.

You will not be disappointed.

 

[wojownik]

Really, a Colt Gold Cup for under $800, per the OP's budget? Show me the link, have a credit card in hand now !

70 series Colt Gold Cup.

You will not be disappointed.

 

[Armored farmer]

I am well pleased with my SR1911CMD Ruger.

 

[94045]

I know Kimber gets a lot of bashing but I bought a CDP II Pro when Cabela's had them for well.under $700 and I've been thrilled with it.

Bud's has the Kimber Custom II for $680.