Best cheap 1911 in .45acp?

[albanian]

I have been thinking about getting another 1911 .45acp for general plinking and just to have a 1911. I am tempted by the 1927 Sistema Colt because it is a C&R and has the classic look and feel but it costs at least $400. I have seen some new 1911s that look decent but I don't know which ones are good and which ones are junk.

What is the absolute cheapest 1911 that is still a decent gun? I have seen some Charles Dalys that look nice and also some Auto Ordinace 1911s that are well below the $400 mark. I want a rounded mainspring and I want it to look as much like a WWII 1911 as possible. What is out there for little money?

 

[care-less]

I think you'd have a hard time beating the Auto Ordnance since Kahr has taken over. Quite a good basic 1911.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

Auto-Ordnance still has a long way to go to prove itself to me. That Kahr now owns it is not particularly reassuring.

The new Mil Spec Sprinfield Armory 1911 can be had for about $369, and is from a proven company.

 

[Brian Williams]

I think My Sistema is great.

$325

 

[jojo]

While I am not a 1911 expert by any means, my son has a Llama 1911 clone and it's functioned nearly flawlessly for over 500 rounds. The fit is good, the feel is good, and it takes 1911 mags.
They regularly retail for just over $200.

jojo

 

[RonGoode]

Rock Island Armory is Nice

I have one and love it. Rock Island Armory!

 

[Baba Louie]

If you can find one, the Norinco Model of 1911 is a pure WWII copy (except the sights). It'll probably be used since they quit importing them in the early 90's, (but still bring them into Canada) and bang per buck are very hard to beat.
If you can find one.
Some people swear by them.
I'd love to try the mil-spec SA tho, since I've heard nothing but good about them and the price point is right for my budget, 'twere I in the market for another 1911.

 

[dsk]

I have had a LOT of experience with the current crop of new 1911s. In my opinion the new "WW2 Mil-Spec" from Springfield Armory is the best bang for the buck out there. If you shop around you can often find one for under $400. They have the WW2 look you're after as well. The Auto Ordinance isn't as authentic looking because the slide serrations are angled.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

Sistemas and Norinco 1911's sell for more than new Springfield Mil specs.

 

[Quartus]

Yes, and when you buy a Springfield, along with your 1911 you have the opportuninty to experience some of the worst customer service in the industry, should your piece ever need to go back to the factory.

OTOH, with a Sistema, you get a bit of history.

With a Norinco, you get to show your support for a Communist regime! What better way to support the 2A?

 

[Tropical Z]

http://www.shootersarms.com.ph/

 

[Bren]

Tree huggers,,,

 

[Lone_Gunman]

Quartus,

Sorry you have had bad experience with Springfield customer service...

but just how good is Sistema customer service these days?

 

[Mr Jody Hudson]

I've had good luck with Stars, not everyone has and I understand that the parts are hard to find...

I have a Bersa .45 and it seems to be a fine, fine, pistol, if you like a very small one!

 

[Quartus]

but just how good is Sistema customer service these days?

I can honestly say I have not been disapointed. Nobody there has lied to me, kept me waiting a ridiculous amount of time, or in any other way given me less than stellar service.

 

[Blackcloud6]

I just recently got on eof the Springfield WWII Milspec reporductions M1911A1 pistols. I just fired about 75 rounds thorugh it yetserday. Good solid gun.

Only thing I didn't like about it was they they did not mark it like a WWII US gun like Colt did with their repro.

 

[macd]

Having owned all three, a Sistema, a Norinco and a Springfield you cannot even compare the Sistema or Norinco to a Springfield. The Springfield is tight, doesnt rattle, fit and finish are great. Cant say so for the Sistema or Norinco. Both have marginal finishes, rattle like a box of bolts and have bad triggers. Lets put it in perspective, I paid $325 for the Norinco and the Sistema (individually) and I paid $395 for my Springfield. I get no warranty with the Sistema or Norinco, I get a lifetime warranty with the Springfield.

Spend a few more bucks and get a Springfield. You wont regret it.

 

[SnWnMe]

Best and cheap are mutually exclusive qualities.

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

Best and cheap are mutually exclusive qualities.

I think the Makarov is the best of the cheap 9x18 Mak shooters!

As for 1911, SA Mil Spec, good buy.

Seems Rock Island Armory has been good lately too.

 

[aircarver]

Another vote for Springfield......

 

[Sean Smith]

Springfield Armory Mil-Spec. The "WWII replica" Milspec is cheaper still, but not necessarily a better choice.

 

[Kodiak AK]

Well if you are not worried about loseing a little bit of the top end call up CDNN and get a Griffon. I got both of mine for $369 out the door . They have all your standerd bells and whistles includeing tritium on them , and with a replacment of the mags Mecgars I have had no problems for about 1000 rounds thru either of them .

 

[Jakes10mm]

Another Springfield Armory Vote

I'd invest my money on a Springfield Armory 1911A1 WWII Edition. They are a great value for the money. You can probably find some others for a little less, but you won't get the quality of materials that SA offers. They use forgings instead of castings fro their slides and frames. I have used one of their 1911A1 Mil Spec for USPSA competition since 1989. A rock solid pistol that has been beaten with rounds from hypervelocity 152grainers to 230 grain slowballs (and everything in between). The pistol is still tight and functions perfectly. I have also had lot of luck modifying the pistol with aftermarket parts with little or no additional modification (to make the parts fit). Not sure if the same can be said about the "other" budget pistols. I have heard positive comments about Charles Daly's customers service and responsiveness to customer problems, but I haven't needed to test the customer service with my Springfield Armory pistols.