1911 newb, need advice

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Buckeyeguy525

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Hey everyone. I was at the range yesterday testing a Ruger P345 that I picked up...well I hated shooting that gun so I thought I'd take the opportunity to try shooting a 1911 for the first time. While I have always thought the 1911 is the best looking pistol of all time, I haven't gotten one because they are expensive, and being born in the early 80's I've always used the more reliable polymer pistols. Well, needless to say I fell in love with the way the 1911 shot and am looking to save up for my first. I've pretty much decided on the Springfield loaded stainless model, but how reliable are these sub-$1000 1911s? I shot a Springer loaded at the range, fired about 75 rounds and it failed to go into battery at least 15 times. The gun was filthy and bone dry, so I would like to think that was the problem. However, it seems the majority of 1911 users on the forums have had to send one back to the factory. Is that just something I should be prepared for with a 1911? Coming from the world of Glocks, XDs, etc; I have NEVER had a problem with one of them and don't even know how to go about shipping a gun to the factory. I will be very upset if I pay nearly $1000 for a pistol and it has to spend 3 months getting work done that should have been completed before leaving the factory. I guess my question is, who seems to have the best quality control in the 1911 market these days (sticking to sub -$1000 guns)?
 
There are a number of good sub-1k 1911's. I personally like STI. I've got a Spartan that is surprisingly accurate and very reliable when compared against my Les Baer.
 
I've owned several dozens of them over my lifetime and never had to send one back to the factory. Of course I've never tinkered with any of them either...
 
I had a Springfield 1911, a Mil-Spec model. It was reliable and much more accurate than I was with it. I have consolidated my collection to fit my needs and it isn't with me anymore. Mine was bone stock but no issues with it at all.
 
Have 2 SA 1911's... the 5" GI-45 and 4" Champion.

Only issue was one mag with the Champion had the wrong spring in it. After replacing the sping, no problems.

Not sure what the going MSRP is now, but both were well under $1K each.
 
My old "cheapo" Springfield just runs and runs and runs. The Springfield "loaded" models are good guns.
 

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STI Trojan or Spartan: Real bang for the buck under $1k.
ATI: Great fit and finish in a value 1911 under $450

I will not buy another Springfield "N" serial number 1911 unless it was dirt cheap. I'd consider an "NM" though at the right price.
 
You might hear or read that 1911s are not for beginners (not sure what that means but I heard a salesman say it to a potential buyer) or that they all need work to be dependable. As far as I'm concerned - that's a myth. All of the 1911 pistols I've owned (Springfield, Colt, Kimber, Sig Sauer, and Rock Island Armory) have run fine right out of the box. For what it's worth, I have never sent any back for service.
 
I've owned a taurus and Smith and Wesson 1911. Both were good shooting guns but the Smith was a major step above in quality and a absolute tack driver.

Whatever you do get the one you want the first time around. I learned that lesson the hard way. I paid less then 1k for both of them and I've never had any ftf's that were the gun's fault.
 
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