yet another 1911A1 question

[gburner]

I have $400.00 to spend. I want a standard sized, mil spec, parkerized model 1911A1 in .45 ACP.

What are my options, good and bad?
Thanks.

 

[Preacherman]

Springfield. No ifs, ands or buts - in your price range, that's it.

 

[Siggyboy]

Springfield Mil-Spec.

 

[Tamara]

Springfield WWII Milspec

 

[Sean Smith]

There are two SA Milspec models:

-The WWII Milspec, which is parkerized and has the tiny old-fashoned sights.
-The standard Milspec, which is blued and has larger, easier-to-see sights and a few other small differences.

If you plan to keep it stock and shoot it out of the box, the standard Milspec is slightly better since it has better sights. The WWII Milspecs I've seen have a blockier grip shape, too. However, the WWII Milspec has the advantage of being somewhat cheaper. Both are well under $500.

 

[eerw]

Here are a couple reports on the Springfield gun...seems nice..



http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=74816

http://usgi1911.tripod.com/ww2milspec/

 

[45auto]

Springfield as mentioned.

Pricing varies, but when all said and done, I think you are realistically looking at a range of $450-$550 for their two models.

 

[corruptone]

Although I would agree that the Springfield would probably be my first choice in that price range I would however offer another contender to the fray. The Rock Island 5" 1911 is really a nice piece that can be had for $277 at the moment. It does have the tiny mil-specs sights, but they can be swapped for about $25.00. Also, the RIA comes standard with a lowered and flared ejection port, round frontstrap, chromed barrel, and beveled mag well. In regards to just 1911 pistols, I own a Colt, SA, STI Trojan, and a Rock Island and I was very pleasently suprised by the Rock Island. It's not a STI, but for the money it is reliable, nicely finished and a really good bargain. You could take the money saved on purchasing this vs the SA and add some customizations if you saw fit to do so. The only two negative comments I can make concerning the RIA are as follows: 1) The majority of my 'custom' parts I added required signifigant amount of fitting. I'm about 90% through with it at this point and it turned out well, just took a little longer than it would have if I would have been working on a SA mil-spec. 2) Not really a negative for RIA, but the SA has better service in regards to repairs in the long run IMHO. Also, you would be more likely to find a reputable gunsmith to work on the SA vs the RIA ad the SA would retain it's resale value more than the RIA most likely.

 

[Brian Williams]

Look for a Sistema, they are great guns. I got mine for $345 OTD

 

[ceetee]

As a non-1911 owner who has been thinking of joining the fraternity for some time now... If I was to buy one of the RIA 1911's, what kind of aftermarket parts (except sights) would I "just have to" put on it before you would consider it a CCW/HD gun?

I like things that work right out of the box, and I'm not interested in MOA accuracy from a handgun.

 

[corruptone]

That's a tough question to answer as most 'must have' type of questions often get answered with opinions. So, I'll state that my opinion is that you will need some good magazines like the CMC Powermags or the Wilson Combat 47's. That's about all I would say you would need as a must have. Other than that, my opinion is that an extended thumb safety would be nice and I would probably think about replacing the extractor with either a Ed Brown Hardcore, Wilson Combat Bulletproof, or maybe a Caspian. I would say that most issues regarding 1911's not functioning correctly can be attributed to the ammo, mags, and extractor. If you can eliminate potential problems there, then you should be fine. Having a beavertail grip safety, combat hammer, some grippy (but not too grippy) grips would be nice to have as well. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, then everything I've mentioned here can be purchased and installed for less than $100.00.

 

[cleve land]

Springfield WWII Mil Spec. An amazing bargain They no longer are blocky,they are standard 1911.

 

[gbourne]

I became facinated with the 1911 just recently. What would be an excellant gun for CCW that cost about $800 to $1000. I am not interrested in rosewood or chrome. I want a drop dead reliable 1911 that in time will take on the patena of a master stonemason's hammer.