whatever you end up with, put in a flat firing pin stop, replace the recoil spring, and get some GI type mags, and verify the fit of the extractor (Ive owned three new 1911's, a Remington R1, Springfield GI, RIA. EVERY one had an extractor that was off. Only the Springfield could actually be fixed) and set the tension with a scale, not that stupid flap the slide around crap on the internet. A 5$ fish scale, and a string drilled into a spent case will get you there. Unless the gun is horribly dimensionaly off, that will make it very reliable. I highly recommend the Springfield. The R1 is a very well finished, pretty example with decent sites, and runs pretty good with the above modification. In that price range I don't think you can avoid 'The Billboard", and the R1 is the only billboard that I don't find hideous in person............. since reloading has been brought up, a while back we found that if you buy a lee semi-auto press, missouri bullets, and retail powder/primers, and range pickup brass, you break even at 800 rounds of 45 acp. If you don't reload, you may want to.
Thinking about a 1911
- Thread starter MidRoad
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I went looking long and hard for a colt about 10 years ago. I was told I had to pay up front, no refund, $1000 for a new production series 70 and get on a three year wait list from the local FFL's. I think this was in anticipation of their Stocking Dealer fiasco. Good they're back to reality.
MoreIsLess
Member
I would suggest a Springfield Range Officer. Excellent 1911 for the price. If I had my choice of Springfield RO or the Ruger, I would choose the Springer.
Mike .45
Member
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- Jun 13, 2017
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- 252
I'm a 1911 guy primarily. Current stable has guns from Colt, SA, Ruger and Sig.
I'm not sure about current offerings from Sig being in your budget but the other 3 all make guns within your budget.
I have the all steel Ruger CMD. It's a good gun. Accurate and reliable now. It didn't seem to like flush 8 round mags during the first few hundred rounds but that issue went away and my oldest son and I have put at least 2000 rounds through it since with no issues. All the reports I have seen on the Ruger 1911s have been pretty positive. Now it is not finisher at nicely as the Colt or SA or Sigs that i have but its a good 1911 and hard to beat for the price. I believe I paid $639. I got it shortly after the CMD model came out a few years back.
I also have a pair of SA range officers. The full size in .45 and a compact in 9mm. Both should be under your budget. I can't recall exact price but I think I was about $800 for the full size and the compact was $749. No issues with the 5 incher. Great gun it doesn't get shot all that much but I do like it. The compact though did have a few issues. Apparently The early ones came with crappy mags but eventually they switched them out. I don't really know but I went ahead and ordered some recommended by a fellow on 1911 forum and my problems went away. Again the fit and finish on these is superior to the Ruger but so is the price. They would be a solid choice assuming your willing to give some $$$ to SA.
Colt. They are hands down my favorites. They are more expensive but they worth it IMO. They just feel solid and we'll made. In my experiance they have all worked right out of the box. They do make a few models that fall in your price range. I have a WC government, a XSE rail gun, an all steel commander, a LW commander in 9mm, and a Defender in .45 which is my EDC. Of these the commanders and the Defender both fall within your price range. I wouldn't recommend a 3 " gun for your first 1911 though so I will just go over the commanders. First they are both finished and fit great and are reliable and accurate. They just work. The 9mm had a few hiccups during the first couple mags but no issues since and it gets shot a lot. The wife and daughter particularly like the 1911s in 9mm. The combat commander has been flawless. It's a working man's gun. It's nice but durable and just gets the job done. Should you choose a commander length gun (4.25) you don't need a tool to take down the colts like you do with the 4 inch guns. Colt makes a basic mil spec 1911 that runs about $750 AND the competition models run right about $850. These will come with more features like beavertails and commander hammers. Undercut trigger guards etc. A buddy of mine just picked up the competition in .45 and it's great. He did change the blue FO front sight from blue to red. But it comes with different colors in the box. Most Colt firearms are series 80 but many models come in series 70 also but they are more expensive. Series 70 guns are supposed to have better triggers and be easier to work on but for me it's a non issue. In fact my XSE rail gun is series 80 and has a better trigger than my series 80 Wiley Clapp.
I'm not including a report on the Sig pistols because one is a GSG made .22lr and the nightmare carry is out of the stated budget.
I would recommend a Colt but the others will serve you just fine. Hopefully this helps and there are too many typos in this. I typed it up on my phone. Enjoy whatever you choose but be warned 1911's are an addiction.
I'm not sure about current offerings from Sig being in your budget but the other 3 all make guns within your budget.
I have the all steel Ruger CMD. It's a good gun. Accurate and reliable now. It didn't seem to like flush 8 round mags during the first few hundred rounds but that issue went away and my oldest son and I have put at least 2000 rounds through it since with no issues. All the reports I have seen on the Ruger 1911s have been pretty positive. Now it is not finisher at nicely as the Colt or SA or Sigs that i have but its a good 1911 and hard to beat for the price. I believe I paid $639. I got it shortly after the CMD model came out a few years back.
I also have a pair of SA range officers. The full size in .45 and a compact in 9mm. Both should be under your budget. I can't recall exact price but I think I was about $800 for the full size and the compact was $749. No issues with the 5 incher. Great gun it doesn't get shot all that much but I do like it. The compact though did have a few issues. Apparently The early ones came with crappy mags but eventually they switched them out. I don't really know but I went ahead and ordered some recommended by a fellow on 1911 forum and my problems went away. Again the fit and finish on these is superior to the Ruger but so is the price. They would be a solid choice assuming your willing to give some $$$ to SA.
Colt. They are hands down my favorites. They are more expensive but they worth it IMO. They just feel solid and we'll made. In my experiance they have all worked right out of the box. They do make a few models that fall in your price range. I have a WC government, a XSE rail gun, an all steel commander, a LW commander in 9mm, and a Defender in .45 which is my EDC. Of these the commanders and the Defender both fall within your price range. I wouldn't recommend a 3 " gun for your first 1911 though so I will just go over the commanders. First they are both finished and fit great and are reliable and accurate. They just work. The 9mm had a few hiccups during the first couple mags but no issues since and it gets shot a lot. The wife and daughter particularly like the 1911s in 9mm. The combat commander has been flawless. It's a working man's gun. It's nice but durable and just gets the job done. Should you choose a commander length gun (4.25) you don't need a tool to take down the colts like you do with the 4 inch guns. Colt makes a basic mil spec 1911 that runs about $750 AND the competition models run right about $850. These will come with more features like beavertails and commander hammers. Undercut trigger guards etc. A buddy of mine just picked up the competition in .45 and it's great. He did change the blue FO front sight from blue to red. But it comes with different colors in the box. Most Colt firearms are series 80 but many models come in series 70 also but they are more expensive. Series 70 guns are supposed to have better triggers and be easier to work on but for me it's a non issue. In fact my XSE rail gun is series 80 and has a better trigger than my series 80 Wiley Clapp.
I'm not including a report on the Sig pistols because one is a GSG made .22lr and the nightmare carry is out of the stated budget.
I would recommend a Colt but the others will serve you just fine. Hopefully this helps and there are too many typos in this. I typed it up on my phone. Enjoy whatever you choose but be warned 1911's are an addiction.
rskent
Member
If I was looking for a 1911 in that price range I would be looking at this:
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog...ucts_id/71978/S&W+SW1911+E-Series+8+1+45ACP+5
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog...ucts_id/71978/S&W+SW1911+E-Series+8+1+45ACP+5
Panzerschwein
member
Could never warm up to the fish scale pattern on the S&W slides.
Looks like a shiny trout.
That would be a good choice IMHO. Fish scales notwithstanding.
rskent
Member
Really, I think they look cool.
OP
OP
MidRoad
Member
I did stop by both of my LGS today and put my hands ona few 1911's. I decided that I actually prefer the commander size. Now between 9/45/.38 super ill have to figure that out at somepoint. Between the two stores they were mainly rugers,sigs,kimbers ,and a few random used brands in the mix.but I was there to window shop. And feel better that i got my hands on a few variations.
However I did hold a cz p-01 today. And i must say, aside for my revolvers that gun fit my hand better than anything else ive ever handled. It felt like an extension of my arm. Maybe I should not have picked it up....
However I did hold a cz p-01 today. And i must say, aside for my revolvers that gun fit my hand better than anything else ive ever handled. It felt like an extension of my arm. Maybe I should not have picked it up....
Zerodefect
member
Agreed. That 1911 is 100% ugly. At least a Glock is black. That 1911 doesn't even have that. It's got the fish look down perfect though. Would go great with a tuna shaped FN FS2000.
OP
OP
MidRoad
Member
Tuna shaped! Made me lol
LiveLife
Member
If you want reliability under $850, go with 5" Government size RIA Tactical.
Why?
RIA Tactical (made by Armscor) is the "Glock" of 1911s due to generous chamber mouth that will reliably feed even sloppy 200 gr lead SWC reloads. After firing several hundred rounds of dirty reloads, looser tolerance RIA Tactical will keep feeding and chambering rounds while my tighter chamber Sig 1911 will slow down and require help putting it into full battery due to tighter tolerances.
As to accuracy, around 1" groups at 15 yards on par with my Sig and slightly larger than 2.5"-3" at 25 yards when my Sig will produce around 2" groups. A friend bought a RIA Tactical about the same time as I bought my Sig and after 7000+ rounds, no parts breakage other than recoil spring replacement for both pistols cleaned only with Hoppes #9 and lubed with BreakFree CLP/motor oil.
Of course, since your budget is $850, I would suggest a 5" Sig 1911 which are all made on stainless steel frame/slide regardless of finish with match grade barrel and trigger. Like S&W 1911s, Sig 1911s have external extractor which is way more reliable and frame-to-slide fit is soooooo silky smooth, even on the base XO model. The black "Nitron" finish over stainless steel is very durable and my Sig doesn't even show hardly any wear while my friend's RIA is showing "character".
How about Sig 1911 Texas Star model for $679? - https://www.smga.com/p-127976-sig-sauer-1911-45-tx-1911-texas-star-45acp.aspx
(Don't worry about the barrel sticking out, the slide is pulled back on the picture)
And here's my railed Sig 1911 XO. Notice the "thicker" muzzle of match grade barrel that fits tight with the bushing (RIA and even most domestic brand 1911s will not have internal fit/finish as nice as Sig 1911 and most do not use match grade barrel/trigger). None are made from stainless steel unless they are specified. Some won't feed SWC reloads reliably and shorter commander size models will have more reliable feeding issues.
Match grade barrel with no leade to reduce gas leakage
Clean finished internals with smooth transition from ramp to barrel to reliably feed even SWC bullets
Checkered frontstrap and beveled slide that many other 1911s lack. With aggressive factory "sand paper" grips and checkered frontstrap, you get a firm grip even with sweaty hands. For RIA and other 1911s without checkered frontstrap, you can add Wilson Combat checkered frontstrap for $10 - http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Checkered-Frontstrap-Blue/productinfo/100B/
Slide-to-frame fit is tight yet slide racks with buttery smoothness.
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Panzerschwein
member
Klint Beastwood
member
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2017
- Messages
- 622
For sure a lot of it is cosmetic. Slide serrations, have a purpose though. I'm curious if they are aggressive or not...you know..the fish scales.
rskent
Member
To pick up and handle, I would agree. To shoot, I don’t think so. The full-sized guns shoot so much smother and softer. I sold off my commanders and officer a long time ago. I kept three government models.
Not knocking the 9 or the super duper but 45 is the way to go.
Creature
Member
If you're going to consider a budget 1911 like the majority of comments are recommending, I assume you mean to keep it forever. Because the resale value of a budget 1911 will not be anywhere near the resale value of a stock Colt 1911.
Creature
Member
Meh. I disagree. My Combat Commander shoots like a dream.
bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 26,302
rskent
I also prefer the Commander size version of the 1911. For me the gun just seems to balance better with the shorter slide configuration. One way I found to have a Commander or Officer's size gun in .45 ACP "shoot softer" is to use lighter weight bullets, like the 185 and 200 grain variety, when I handload my ammo. There's less muzzle flip and muzzle blast when I use loads that were made for the shorter guns.
I also prefer the Commander size version of the 1911. For me the gun just seems to balance better with the shorter slide configuration. One way I found to have a Commander or Officer's size gun in .45 ACP "shoot softer" is to use lighter weight bullets, like the 185 and 200 grain variety, when I handload my ammo. There's less muzzle flip and muzzle blast when I use loads that were made for the shorter guns.
Kano383
Member
The biggest problem with the 1911 is that you don't just "buy one and that's it". Once you start on that slippery slope, you may very well end up with a cabinet full of them...
There are so many manufacturers and models around that it's very difficult to draw a map for someone else. Tastes, expectations, personal standards, budget, needs (real or wishful), all in all there are too many variables.
The 1911 is a gun that turns many people into addicts... My personal opinion would be, for a first gun, to go for a solid, budget priced entry model (repeat "solid"), Rock Island Armory comes to mind, or a used Colt, or.... Well, it already starts. These are guns that generally work out of the box, and are great bases for improvements and customization. Then, as your understanding and knowledge of the platform grows, you'll have a better idea for the "next one", and the next, and the next...
For a sure shot at a quality-doesn't-need-anything production gun, you can't go wrong with a Dan Wesson.
Check also specialized forums, like 1911addicts.com and 1911forum.com. The first one is more convivial, with lots of people gravitating towards high-end models, the second one has more members and lots of tech knowledge but moderation is heavy-handed.
There are so many manufacturers and models around that it's very difficult to draw a map for someone else. Tastes, expectations, personal standards, budget, needs (real or wishful), all in all there are too many variables.
The 1911 is a gun that turns many people into addicts... My personal opinion would be, for a first gun, to go for a solid, budget priced entry model (repeat "solid"), Rock Island Armory comes to mind, or a used Colt, or.... Well, it already starts. These are guns that generally work out of the box, and are great bases for improvements and customization. Then, as your understanding and knowledge of the platform grows, you'll have a better idea for the "next one", and the next, and the next...
For a sure shot at a quality-doesn't-need-anything production gun, you can't go wrong with a Dan Wesson.
Check also specialized forums, like 1911addicts.com and 1911forum.com. The first one is more convivial, with lots of people gravitating towards high-end models, the second one has more members and lots of tech knowledge but moderation is heavy-handed.
Creature
Member
Not always. I owned a Colt Govmt model for several years. Then I picked up a Combat Commander for a song. After I realized that my Commander was perfect, I sold the Govmt to a friend. That was over twenty years ago. Haven't bought or owned another 1911 since.
sabbfan
Member
Bds nice pictures and write up of the Sig, always wanted to try one out. To the op, I had a Ruger SR1911 lightweight commander, nice shooter and good looking too with he black frame and stainless slide. Had some malfunctions on the first couple mags I ran through it, then flawless after that. I did end up trading it, but I would recommend one. It wasn't the guns fault it found a new home.
Deanimator
Member
I've owned five, and have four of them now, a 5" Series 70 wadcutter gun (my first handgun) in .45acp, a 5" Springfield ball gun in .45acp, a 5" Colt in .38 Special, and a 3 1/2" Citadel in .45acp.
I've only sold one, a Norinco which I sold when I was out of work and needed rent money. It was a good gun after a modicum of gunsmithing and small parts replacement, but I didn't have any emotional attachment to it. Unlike the Colt Official Police I traded away back in the '80s, I knew it could easily be replaced with an identical gun. After I was working again, it was replaced with the 3 1/2" Citadel.
I'm on a six month contract to hire gig. Assuming things go well, there's a 5" .38 Super in my future.
If1HitU
Member
I own seven 1911's here's a look at four of mine, SA, Ruger SR, RIA,& Kimber. You might want to take a look at these 1911's.
Reloadron
Contributing Member
That covers it nicely. The only person you need to please in buying a Model 1911 is you. Everyone has had good and bad in about every manufacturer out there so one man's treasure is another's nightmare. A gun, like a good truck or motorcycle becomes an extension of one's personal taste. If my dogs had a face as ugly as some of the guns I have seen people like I would shave their butts and walk them backwards. Then too nothing says I need to like a gun belonging to someone else. Damn, I love this country. Your budget is fine as you don't need a $2,000 Model 1911, you need a gun that functions well and that you are comfortable with and enjoy. Any of the mentioned guns in your price range which members have mentioned should serve you well and I wish you the best of luck with whatever you choose.Bottom line is the OP, like the vast majority of us, has a budget to stick with, so advise on pistols in that price range would be appreciated by him.
I've drooled over some high priced 1911s, and I am sure they are outstanding, but I don't have any. I'm very happy with the ones I have though, and enjoy them thoroughly.
The SA in my pic was in the $400/$500 range when I bought it, and I have had many enjoyable hours shooting it. It will feed empty brass from the mag.
Ron
OP
OP
MidRoad
Member
That dog line gave me a good laugh. And you hit the nail on the head.
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