I am looking for my first 1911

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heavyshooter

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I recently decided that I am only going to buy guns that I REALLY like (no more utilitarian purchases). I am emphasizing revolvers and 1911's. I know what kind of revolvers I want (Rugers, older Smith & Wessons, and Colts). But I am not as familiar with 1911's. I appeal to your expertise on this one.


If I am buying my first 1911 and my budget is about $750, what should I buy? I do have a few requirements.

1) I prefer it have some of the contemporary upgrades (i.e. skeletonized trigger and hammer).

2) I want my first 1911 to be full sized (5 inch bbl)

3) Limit suggestions to .45 ACP (I know I did not have to say this, just making sure)

4) It must be a shooter. I am not getting it to collect dust; accuracy is a must.

5) It MUST be reliable. I am a little concerned by how often reliability or lack thereof, is brought up when discussing 1911's. I am perfectly willing to put it through a reasonable break-in process. But I have no need for a gun that does not go bang every time.


Can you help me; any suggestions?
Heavy
 
Well, IMO.......you can't have champagne taste with beer money.
For $750.00 I'd actually opt to wait and try and save a few more bucks. In this game you mostly get what you pay for. For around 1K your choices will be much better and you won't end up with some new Cast Frame 1911 with inclusions in the metal or internal parts of second quality.

You might even consider a Pre '80s Colt for around the 1K price.....mine are just the best and I love them.
 
The new Springfield Range Officer is proving to be popular--available between $700 and $800 depending on where you are. It really has proven to be accurate and unusually tight for a 1911 in that price range. It does have an adjustable rear sight, which is a little clunky for some.

Unbeatable Customer Service if you need it.
 
for a little more $800 you can get a colt, top gun supply had one for that price. if your set on that price i would look for a para gi esp, or used you can find a good colt or s&w. i have a kimber ss pro carry that has been great but i love the ss colts.
 
Looking for used, you should be able to find Colt, Springfield Armory, maybe even Kimber in that price range.
If you have to have to have new, RIA, or any of the imports would be well under that price, but you could still find Taurus and some SA guns, but may not have the options that you want. For just a bit more, you should be able to find Colt, SA, Smith & Wesson, even a Remington.
 
Get an RIA Tactical ($430 from Centerfire Systems) and spend the rest of your budget on some spare mags and ammo.

Its easy to spend twice as much for a 1911, but you don't have to.

The STI Spartan ($630) is basically the same gun with a different rollmark, slightly better finish, and adjustable sights. http://www.dawsonprecision.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=6DC0000-1161707138 Its well worth the extra if you want a red fiber optic front and adjustable rear as opposed to the fixed Novak sights of the RIA Tactical.
 
I prefer it have some of the contemporary upgrades (i.e. skeletonized trigger and hammer).
Click to expand...

Meh...I don't...skeletonized triggers do nothing but look strange...

This fits you budget and everything else...Colt 01991:

Colt1991002.jpg
 
Sounds like you're in the market for an enhanced entry level 1911, which is a logical place to start. Given your criteria, three models immediately come to mind for me. STIs Spartan, Desert Eagles new 1911, and Springfields new Range Officer. All three of these models have been highly acclaimed as some of the best 1911s in their price range, and they all fit your budget. :)
 
Don't discount the RIA Tactical. It is a fine weapon for the price. It is very reliable and accurate. There was no break in period with mine and I have sent about 700 rounds downrange without any malfunctions.
 
The R.O. is in upgrade in features (sights, grip safety,trigger function, and most importantly fit-up) over the G.I., and Mil-Spec models. Springfield promotional stuff states that the fit-up is comperable to their TRP models. The performance of my R.O. would imply that is correct.

Operator is a designation used by Springfield to designated models that have a light rail.
There are Loaded Operators, TRP Operators, and Professional Operators. There used to be a Mil-Spec Operator, so the term "Operator" doesn't apply to specific model.
 
^ i'll add my few posts to 38 super's one and agree. i'm deciding between an sti spartan and springfield range officer for my first 1911 next year...i havent read anything bad about either yet..

the spartan is gonna be ~$650 and the springfield is gonna be ~$750...you get more accessories (that I won't use..gun/mag holsters) with the RO, and the spartan comes with fiber front sights to go with the adj rear (which I really like) plus STI stands behind their guns something fierce...and then of course its springfield on the other hand which basically is nuff said.
 
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A bit cheaper than your price range, but still very good guns for the money:

Para Expert
American Classic II
Full sized Citadel

I own a colt in that price range ( a Stainless LW commander made in the late 1970s) that I paid about 700 for. It is NOT better than my mil-spec, my ACII, or my citadel. It also is the pickiest of the four.

1 instance does not a trend make- but whatever you choose- inspect your selection closely.
 
Avoid Kimber? Really?

Wow! Kimber guarantees 1/2" accuracy from a machined rest at 25 yards. There are plenty on the shelf, but try to order one and you will see just how popular they are. They are all made in the USA and every part is made by Kimber.
 
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Another vote for an STI Spartan, I have 5 1911s so far, and my STI is the best of the lot. For the money the STI cannot be equaled, other good sub $1K 1911s are Springfield Armory, Para Ordnance, S&W, SIG and Colt. For $628 the Spartan can run with pistols much higher in price. I would recommend spending around $1000 and step up to the STI Trojan, it has a Wilson ramped barrel and will feed anything from ball to lead semi-wadcutters.
 
please dont forget the ria i own 2 and a colt80, all are in my edc but the rocks are outstanding. I put my life on em everyday
 
Price would not be my primary concern. I have heard a lot of good things about most major 1911 brands regardless of all the bad info floating around out there. What seems to be the general concensus is that there is a trade-off between accuracy and functionality. If you are looking for a 1-2 MOA 1911 and are not willing to pay 3-4 grand you will find yourself in trouble in terms of reliability. For myself I find that any handgun is more accurate then I am with it (I think of my handguns as offhand only weapons). How accurate of a gun are you looking for?

Other than that, I'm sure all of the examples given are good guns, even most of the kimbers as long as you have a 5" barrel. Happy hunting.
 
Avoid Kimber? Really?

Wow! Kimber guarantees 1/2" accuracy from a machined rest at 25 yards. There are plenty on the shelf, but try to order one and you will see just how popular they are. They are all made in the USA and every part is made by Kimber.
Click to expand...

LOL... yes for a single shot 1911 they are very accurate.
 
I also have the SA "Range Officer". If nothing else, you should at least consider it.
Mine has 300rds through it. No issues with FMJ or HPs.

my price was 678.00 delivered to my FFL.
 
Both of my Kimber's are great, don't know about finding one in that price range unless it was used. I wouldn't be afraid of any Kimber unless it had the external extractor.
 
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