Why is finding a quality used 1911 so hard?

[Carter]

Every where I go all I can find is a bunch of Para's and Taurus's. Even on Buds the vast majority of used handguns seems to be Para's. Its rather annoying. I would never buy one of these, but are they really that bad that this many people sell them?

Anyone know anywhere to find a quality used 1911? I was thinking about a Springfield Milspec or Loaded.

 

[HappyHunting]

I would just check these forums regularly. There will be Kimbers, Colts, and Springfields that will come sooner or later that will be what you want for what you want to pay.

I would also check Thefiringline and glocktalk and snipershide (all .com) in their "for sale" sections.

 

[ET]

I am not a 1911 fanatic, but I would like one in my collection. I have run into the same situation you have. A high quality used 1911 isn't cheap & not really abundant. I kind of think that it's because the 1911 crowd loves their guns and they don't dump them the way other gun owners dump their Glocks, S&Ws or Tauruses, etc.

 

[lonegunman]

You won't find one from Remington. I bought one for a base gun with the idea of building a custom on it. It broke so badly after seven rounds it went back to the factory.

 

[MICHAEL T]

People with higher quality 1911's don't really part with them. I will not sell any of my Colts, Dan Wesson , Detonics ,
I bought in to the Para Ord thing never again. Llama made a better copy of the 1911

 

[kamagong]

Keep looking, they're out there. A few years back I found a very lightly used Les Baer for a killer price.

 

[LiveLife]

Why is finding a quality used 1911 so hard?

Because people hang onto them for dear life or they get bought quickly by friends/family when they say, "I am thinking about selling my 1911" - BAM, sold!

If they end up on consignment or gun store counter on trade by chance, they don't last long. I have seen "quality" 1911's at the range gun store sold as they were being placed in the glass counter and range staff say they are often sold within a day or two. Yes, they have a long waiting list of people wanting to buy any quality 1911's that may come in on a trade - and most never even make it to the glass counter.

If I ever see any Dan Wesson, Ed Brown, Les Baer, Nighthawk, STI, Wilson Combat for sale used at a decent price, I would consider them "tested and broken-in" and buy it as most have good factory support/service warranty.

 

[Jimfern]

Right, I wouldn't even part with my lowly Norinco.

 

[Yo Mama]

Yup, as said before myself you won't find them because they are solid heirlooms.

I'm interested that you found Paras and Taurus. The Paras have had some issues, but the Taurus have been pretty ok.

With that said the Taurus guns I have are not 1911s.

Bottom line, GO NEW!! You can pick up a Rock Island for around 400.

 

[Jonah71]

I noticed the same thing concerning Paras. I see almost no complaints about the quality or reliability of the guns but I can't help but wonder why such a huge number of slightly used Paras are for sale. Just what is it about them that buyers don't like? I've never fired one myself so I don't have a clue.

And if I'm ever lucky enough to find a nice 1911, I won't be looking to sell it either. But right now it's my weakness/addiction to older revolvers that's keeping me broke.

 

[LRS_Ranger]

Yea, I got my Springer TRP from a friend, it didn't have a chance to get on the open market... and I wouldn't sell it to bail my own mother out of jail. If you get a good 1911 it's something you hold on to.

 

[Derek Zeanah]

Here is the top post in the buy/sell/trade forum. They're available. Of course, the $1,500 pricetag might be throwing you off.

 

[Carter]

Yeah, $1500 is a little out of my price range.

When I said quality I ment a good gun for a humble price that I could customize myself.

 

[Libertatem]

Novice here, but I've heard that you need to think about maintenance costs down the line. I don't know that a cheap 1911 is worth it. They seem to be expensive machines, very elegant, but requiring a lot of care.

 

[poortrader]

Quality = Les Baer, Ed Brown, Wilson Combat.

 

[hey_poolboy]

They're not really an expensive gun to maintain in and of themselves. It's the fact that they're fun to shoot (more ammo), and easy/fun to modify and personalize.

I suppose if you install a spring kit every 2-3k rounds and shoot a LOT it could get expensive. I think a wolf spring kit is ~$15.

 

[gwnorth]

http://www.gunsinternational.com A lot of the pistols listed may be quite pricey though. But there is a Colt IV officers for $650, severs SIG's for $900'ish, a Colt series '80 Gold Cup Natinal Match for $775, and numerous nice looking (by the pics at least) old, old Colts but those typically are $2K-$6K. There's even one Colt in .40s&w (a Nowlin Custom stainless).

There's a Colt series 70 (not a reprod., but the original deal) in NC for $1299 (Mackeys Landing listing it).

http://www.gunsinternational.com/SAI-1911-A1-SS-MILSPEC.cfm?gun_id=100151211 - in VA but they ship.

 

[Zerodefect]

You never, ever, sell a good reliable 1911.
You customize it, refinish it, or let it sit in the safe if it isn't needed. But never get rid of one that works well.

I avoid used 1911's like the plauge. Usually buying someone elses problem. Unless it's someone I know, or a shop with a range that will let me shoot it before buying. (It's allready used so why not?)

Stick with DW, W, LB, EB and you'll be in good shape. But I'd pony up and get a new one.

1911's aren't like Glocks and AR's, you can't fix everything cheaply, buyer beware.

 

[420Stainless]

I think the massive list of Para's on Buds are from a big selloff of the companies' display and demo guns, not from individuals trying to get rid of them. I've shot a few Para's and like them quite a bit, but never owned one though. They seem to catch a lot of flack on this forum so they may not be the most reliable.

 

[DRYHUMOR]

They are out there, just takes a bit of time to come across them. You might consider partial or full trades for one. Always worth asking; and it could save you a few bucks out of pocket.

On the upside, if you keep saving your money until you find the right deal, you'll end up with enough cash to buy new..........

If you buy used, unless someone removed material or modified the frame or slide, most any "Dremel Dan Gunsmithing" errors can be corrected.

 

[Magnumite]

The reason so many Paras, etc. are out there is buyers are moving up the quality range. Most will run and shoot acceptably for what they are meant to be. It is when the tinkerers muddle up operation and those buying a base level gun nitpick the gun like it is a full blown custom that the bad raps come out. Sure, there are less reliable makes out there, but for the most part all the entry level 1911's run.

I'd be wary of the term "match grade" also. It is so bad the term match grade means nothing except they want you to buy the guns - or parts if you get to that point. Look for match "quality and fit" if the term "match" pops up in an advertisement.

What "entry" level 1911's lack is refinement. Refinement in enhanced performance as well as fit and finish is what most buyers look for when they sell those guns you are referring to. Good match quality parts, sights that work well for the eyes, better grips are all part of an upgrade model gun.

I can say my experience with PO has been lack of refinement, especially in areas where they advertise refinements. Like match grade barrels that don't group well and match grade triggers with creep and inconsistant pulls. And they are difficult to get to warranty their guns for those complaints...been there, done that.

Match fit and quality...that's another meaning all together. Those guns are formatted differently to yield a more discerning product. Nothing snobby intended.
I personally feel the best buy out there is a good used SA Trophy Match for around $750 - $800. They pop up from time to time. Comparable models in other makes also surface.

Kimbers are good, some models are kinda yuppie for my tastes, but good. Same guns with different aesthetics many times, so buy the features you want, stay away from fluff and you'll get a good gun for the price with a Kimber.

The SIG 1911's are good value for the dollar. So is the STI Spartan. Dandy for its price.

Check a couple of those, look at other guns to feel the function and observe the finish difference and shoot some if you can. You'll start to see pattern's within given price tiers, as with any product, and you'll recognize a good buy when opportunity presents itself. Low round, unmolested good guns are out there.

 

[poortrader]

I bought two Les Baer's used. Just keep your eyes open. They're out there.

 

[benderx4]

Finding a good used Baer is like finding a 5 year old Honda Accord with 20,000 miles on it. They are out there, just hard to find.

 

[Zach S]

Why the hate on Paras? Mine ran great, after I swapped out the crap stock extractor for a Wilson bulletproof, which you cant do now with their proprietary extractors...

 

[Damon555]

I waited 10 years for the perfect deal.....I'm glad I waited. Don't worry and keep your eyes pealed. One will turn up.