Budget Priced 1911

[greener]

I like the way an all steel pistol feels in my hand really, the polymer guns are allright, but theres just something about a 1911.

Yep, there is something about a 1911 that just feels right. As I said, I like the Taurus PT1911, loads of features and a good shooter and under $500. I've shot the SA MilSpec with 3 dot sights. It shoots very nicely. The RIA's get excellent reviews. I personally don't like the "GI sights" on some in that class because my aging eyes don't see them very well.

And I know Im about to get some guy whose life is polymer pistols come in here and breath fire on me

When you ask for advice, you will get all kinds, but I doubt anyone will breathe fire about polymer pistols. I have an M&P9 and like it. I've fired XD's, Glocks, an H&K (under $500 used) and a Sig P226. All shoot darned well and are worthy of consideration. However, it's your money and your choice. It's hard to go wrong with a 1911.

 

[hawkeye1]

How about the used market? I picked up recently, a para ordnance LTC, mint condition-practically unfired, for $500. Is hands down, my favorite.

 

[trbon8r]

A good lightly used Colt IS in your price range. Two years ago I sold a 1991 New Roll Mark Colt for the princely sum of $550. I wish I had that gun back.

The are lots of Colts in great shape to be had for the right price. This will give you the highest odds of getting a good pistol out of the box. If it were me I'd skip the south of the border pot metal guns. Say what you will about Colt, at least they use good quality parts for the internals on their guns. In the unlikely chance you have a Colt that does have a functioning problem, it's my understanding Colt's customer service is very good (unlike Taurus).

 

[foghornl]

I have the 4" Champion and the 5" 'GI-45'.

To me, even with the "as issued in WWII" super-mini-micro sights, I still like the GI-45 better.

There is just Something about a 5" 1911-style handgun.....

I haven't had any issues with the GI-45, the Champion had mag spring problems at first, but with some help from THR's "1911Tuner", those problems went away.

 

[Rob96]

Here is what I did for $786 total. that is $366 for the base Mil-Spec and $420 for the work done at the Springfield Custom Shop. Now I have looked at the Taurus PT1911 and they do not compare.

 

[TimboKhan]

How don't they compare? Do you mean price? Because for about $450-500 bucks, I have a pistol that has all the bells and whistles yours has, shoots great, and was good to go right out of the box. Your right, for the extra $286.00 you spent, they don't compare at all.

 

[Rob96]

How don't they compare? Do you mean price? Because for about $450-500 bucks, I have a pistol that has all the bells and whistles yours has, shoots great, and was good to go right out of the box. Your right, for the extra $286.00 you spent, they don't compare at all.

You miss the point. I did it the way I wanted it. I wanted some parts that don't come on a stock gun. Also, if you compare the way the parts are fit at a custom shop to that of a production gun, you see the difference. I will even say that of comparing the Springfield Loaded to mine or any other gun that went through a custom shop.

Now granted, the Taurus was a pretty decent deal when they were selling at $500. But given that a lot of places are now selling them at $600 - $650, you are better of doing it the way I did it.

 

[FORTHELOVEOFGUNS2nd]

I am not trying to ofend the Taurus lovers but there is an amazing article written in a magazine called GUN TEST they don't have advertisers so they tell it like it is and owe nothing to nobody. In the article the compared the Taurus 1911 with 3 other 1911's and the Taurus got on a scale from A-F an F. They had a number of problems numerous jams that came from the magazine and the sights were off. An excellent choice for a 1911 under $500 is the Rock Island they have a 5" standard and 3 1/2" Tactical model. You can find these on Centerfire.com website ranging from $360 to $399 and all there parts are interchangable with the colt. The Tacticle has novack sights, skeloton hammer and trigger. For the money you can not beat that!

 

[Baba Louie]

For the money spent, you'd have to look long and hard to find a better value than the Springfield GI when coupled with SA's warranty service and Custom Shop. Read some of this guys mishap and SA's response. Makes you wonder if Taurus (or any other mfg) would go so far.

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=174946

 

[Maj.Striker]

If you are looking for a budget priced 1911 then there are plenty of options available to you, ESPECIALLY if you decide to go with a slightly used model.

For example, I got my Colt Mark IV Series 70 two years ago with 1700 rounds of .45 acp for $500, it had never even been fired. Now that's an extremely good deal, don't expect that, but you can absolutely get a 1911 for $500. If you want a new model then you are a little more limited in your options. As others have mentioned, the Taurus model should be right around $500 or less. If you are willing to spend an extra $200 then you can get a Kimber from www.aimsurplus.com. I've never owned or fired a Kimber but I've heard nothing but good things. If you're wanting to spend less than $500 and still want a new pistol then check out the Auto Ordinance models, I believe they are around $430-$440 or so. I can't speak to their quality. Just me personally but if I were going to buy another 1911 I would get a Para Ordinance, simply because I would like a higher capacity model (that's just me).

 

[ojibweindian]

Springfield, hands down.

Better base pistol, and great customer service. The 'net is awash with Taurus Customer Service horror stories.

In fact, I'd grab a RIA 1911 before a Taurus. Again, customer service is the determining factor.

 

[1911 guy]

Springfield quality.

For the money and gadget level of 1911 pistols, the GI is the way to go. If you want doo-dadds, you'll have to go up in price. I have one and sent it off as the base for a custom build. It ran fine, but I wanted another "uber-reliable" packin' pistol.