Most reliable 1911 for under 1000.

[RA40]

I'd suggest the Springfield Loaded model in the $700 range. The Sig Target model I've been pleased with. Hasn't been picky with the ammo I've run through it. The fit finish is quite good. The Springfield Loaded or Range Officer are on my list if I decide on another 1911.

The 70 series 1911's are a bit easier to work on, the 80 series has a few more parts. That's speaking when you would do a detail strip to clean or replace any springs when needed. Not very difficult once you've taken it all down a handful of times to familiarize yourself.

My two:

 

[9mmepiphany]

I'd recommend that, being your first 1911, you look at getting a 5" model. It is the classic length...even though I prefer the Commander length...and has less quirks than any under 4"

Decide up front if you want a beaver tail and/or burr (rounded) hammer.
Decide if you want fixed or adjustable sights

 

[Deanimator]

I've been extremely impressed with my 3 1/2" Citadel 3.5cs.

It's reliable with McCormick magazines and with the OEM magazines loaded to one less than capacity.

It has easily the best out of the box trigger of any M1911 I've ever owned.

If they made a 5" gun in .38 Super and nickel (or hard chrome or bright stainless) I'd be buying one next week.

 

[bannockburn]

I think nowadays you really can't go wrong with a 1911 (in your price range), from Ruger, Springfield Armory, RIA, Colt, SIG, and S&W. As 9mmepiphany pointed out: see if you want a beavertail grip safety, rounded hammer, and fixed or adjustable sights. Try them out (a well stocked dealer or a local gun show), is a great place to get a feel for the various design features that are out there. For instance I don't like the feel of the Bobcat style mainspring housing. I much prefer a flat mainspring housing on my 1911s.

As far as my personal preferences go I have always been a Colt fan and have a soft spot for Commander size guns.

 

[BILLG]

Colt anything else is just an imitation.

 

[Zerodefect]

Yep. 5" and 7 round Tripp and Wilson mags. Not 8, definitely not 10. And don't go too easy on lube.

 

[red rick]

70 Series Colt Government model .

 

[cfullgraf]

I prefer Colt M1911s over other brands, but I guess I'm a brand snob. I've built several 45 ACP M1911s that perform well and I have not bought any m1911's in 45 ACP that were not Colt models except for one Auto Ordinance.

I have Kimber, Springfield, and Sig M1911s in chamberings other than 45 ACP. All of these have been reliable.

I suspect any of the name brand offerings in 45 ACP would be good shooters particularly with 230 RN ammunition. High performance, HP ammunition may be hit or miss. I'm happy shooting 230 FMJ or 230 RN ammunition in my 45 ACP M1911s.

My Auto Ordinance M1911 required a bit of TLC to make it reliable but it cost half what a similar Colt would of cost back in the day. A little polishing of the feed area and making sure the barrel to slide fit up under feeding did not have a restrictive step helped with feeding issues. Also, I replace the OEM barrel with a used Colt Series 70 barrel pulled from a Colt Series 70 pistol that was converted to 38/45 Clerke. The Colt barrel installed in the Auto Ordinance pistol fixed all of its reliability problems.

Finally, if the slide has an internal extractor, it requires tweaking from time to time.

There is lots of good information out there on improving the operation of an M1911. Get some of it, not necessarily to do some repairs/modifications, but it is good information for you to work from a position of knowledge when you have a problem.

 

[ID-shooting]

I am going to side with the Ruger kids here. I love mine. Had several 1911's over the years, Kimbers, Colts...Ruger is the only one I have kept.

For your $1000, you can get a new/really nice used SR1911, few extra mags, nice 1911 holster and a bunch of ammo.

The stock Novak sights are great, the matched bushing and barrel are very accurate, trigger is crisp, comes with rounded hammer and beavertail. All 1911 accesories have fitted and installed without needed adjustments. Grip panels, lights, holsters, magazines, all fit like they are supposed to.

 

[paulsj]

I looked at good number and of the ones examined I thought CZ-USA were the best. They made a run (Dan Wesson owened by CZ) several hundred and are marked CZ USA 1911 A1 or CZ 1911 A1 on slide. I came across two NIB at show last year for $750 each. These were the nicest 1911 I have examined for < a grand. I didn't buy only because I already owned M45A1.

Another decent one was BUL from Israel but I know zero about them.

 

[wanderinwalker]

If you're a Glock guy, the 1911 world is going to be quite a big change for you.

Throw me in for another voice in the choir for a Colt 1911. Specially, find yourself a Colt Competition Model in .45 ACP. It's a 5" Government sized pistol, with Novak slide cuts and an adjustable rear sight. Get the .45 as it's much easier to find ammunition and magazines. I actually don't know how many rounds I've put through mine to date, but it's more reliable than any Glock I've had except perhaps my first Gen 3 Glock 17. Seriously, keep it clean, keep it lubricated, and it will work.

For the ultimate best results with respect to reliability, I'd suggest feeding your 5" .45 ACP Colt 1911 from 7 round magazines. I've had intermittent failures to lock the slide with some 8 round magazines, but not a hint of trouble with any of the 7 round magazines I have on hand (Colt, Wilson 47, MecGar). On the ammunition front, factory 230gr FMJ is generally the best feeding, though I reload 230gr lead round-nose bullets with 100% reliability. I also like to reload 200gr semi-wadcutters for low-recoil steel-plate shooting, though those may require a little fussing to get to 100% reliability. One of the fun things I've found with my .45 is that it WILL feed ammo loaded with SWC bullets perfectly fine, and cycle with fairly light loads. For hollowpoint ammo, the only one I've tried so far is 230gr Remington Golden Sabers, and they feed as well as hardball in my gun. But don't take it as a given that any mentioned JHP load will feed in your particular 1911/magazine combination.

Back to the 8-round magazines; many of them work just fine, and many 1911 shooters have preferred brands and models. It's nice to get the extra round in if you can. Just be sure to test the magazines to make sure they do in fact work. I haven't had a failure-to-feed from any of the 8-round magazines I've tried, but I have deadlined a couple that simply refuse to lock the slide open when empty.

OK, I've gone on long enough. I'll leave you with a picture of my blued Competition Model in it's natural habitat. Home on a range somewhere eating up buckets of ammo.



PS: The stainless pistol in my avatar is a Colt Competition in .38 Super. A lot of fun and a great head-turner at the range with warm loads.

 

[JR24]

I've owned a number of Colt 1911 pistols over the years. I currently have an even dozen 1911 pistols. Five of them are Colts. I've broken more parts on Colt 1911 pistols than any others. In fact, every part I've ever had break on a 1911 has been on a Colt.

Get a Ruger. Chances are Ruger will still be around in five years.

I agree. I've had most of the major brands and Colt has been the biggest let down. I think you end up paying extra for the pony and name and stupid slogan.

For my money under 1K, I think Ruger gets you the best value.

 

[Michael A Ferber]

I agree. I've had most of the major brands and Colt has been the biggest let down. I think you end up paying extra for the pony and name and stupid slogan.

For my money under 1K, I think Ruger gets you the best value.

You do realize Ruger leads the pack in call-backs! Not my idea of a great company. Ever since Bill Ruger's passing noting is the same anymore.

 

[Michael A Ferber]

If you're a Glock guy, the 1911 world is going to be quite a big change for you.

Throw me in for another voice in the choir for a Colt 1911. Specially, find yourself a Colt Competition Model in .45 ACP. It's a 5" Government sized pistol, with Novak slide cuts and an adjustable rear sight. Get the .45 as it's much easier to find ammunition and magazines. I actually don't know how many rounds I've put through mine to date, but it's more reliable than any Glock I've had except perhaps my first Gen 3 Glock 17. Seriously, keep it clean, keep it lubricated, and it will work.

For the ultimate best results with respect to reliability, I'd suggest feeding your 5" .45 ACP Colt 1911 from 7 round magazines. I've had intermittent failures to lock the slide with some 8 round magazines, but not a hint of trouble with any of the 7 round magazines I have on hand (Colt, Wilson 47, MecGar). On the ammunition front, factory 230gr FMJ is generally the best feeding, though I reload 230gr lead round-nose bullets with 100% reliability. I also like to reload 200gr semi-wadcutters for low-recoil steel-plate shooting, though those may require a little fussing to get to 100% reliability. One of the fun things I've found with my .45 is that it WILL feed ammo loaded with SWC bullets perfectly fine, and cycle with fairly light loads. For hollowpoint ammo, the only one I've tried so far is 230gr Remington Golden Sabers, and they feed as well as hardball in my gun. But don't take it as a given that any mentioned JHP load will feed in your particular 1911/magazine combination.

Back to the 8-round magazines; many of them work just fine, and many 1911 shooters have preferred brands and models. It's nice to get the extra round in if you can. Just be sure to test the magazines to make sure they do in fact work. I haven't had a failure-to-feed from any of the 8-round magazines I've tried, but I have deadlined a couple that simply refuse to lock the slide open when empty.

OK, I've gone on long enough. I'll leave you with a picture of my blued Competition Model in it's natural habitat. Home on a range somewhere eating up buckets of ammo.

View attachment 819592

PS: The stainless pistol in my avatar is a Colt Competition in .38 Super. A lot of fun and a great head-turner at the range with warm loads.

Best 1911 for the money!

 

[JR24]

You do realize Ruger leads the pack in call-backs! Not my idea of a great company. Ever since Bill Ruger's passing noting is the same anymore.

I can only compare the models I've owned. The Ruger is the best value IMO. I've got a pile of Rugers and zero issues ever so far.

Well, the R1 I got for $300 was the best value, but I prefer beavertails and extended safeties.

 

[JR24]

You do realize Ruger leads the pack in call-backs!

Would you care to expand on this statement with some type of data or sourcing? I am aware of the early issues the Sr1911 had years back. What time period are you using, which data source?

 

[doubleh]

I'm going to be the contrarian here and tout the Taurus PT 1911. I have two. One a 45 and the other a 9mm. Both just shoot, cheap and expensive factory ammo, jacketed handloads, and lead handloads. The 9mm is definately combat accurate and the 45 is better. I have a Colt series 70 Gold Cup to compare them to and they have stood up to it pretty well. If I were in the market for another 1911 I would give the Colt shown at the start of the thread a serious look.

 

[wanderinwalker]

Would you care to expand on this statement with some type of data or sourcing? I am aware of the early issues the Sr1911 had years back. What time period are you using, which data source?

Ruger Product Recalls and Warnings here . I knew about the early SR-9 issues (shades of SIG P320 anyone?) and the LC9S and LCPs. I didn't know about some of the others. Though I have an early Ruger 77 in .308 Winchester that would drop the striker when the bolt was run briskly. Luckily I caught that before using live ammo.

Additionally, the brief time I worked at an LGS, Rugers were probably #1 on the return to manufacturer for corrections out of the box. Interestingly enough, Smith and Wesson was the next most frequent in trips back to the mothership. Luckily, customer service and warranty turn-around were pretty good at both companies.

 

[JR24]

Thanks. I was just looking if there are figures indicating that there were more returns. Recalls could be another metric to call them the leader, good point.

Though I'd prefer a manufacturer just call back a product instead of digging heels in and doing a "voluntary upgrade" (320) or quietly change things without saying (Glock) or pretending theres no problem at all for 40 years (Remington).

As for your anecdotal gun store experience, would you say you sold a higher number of Ruger and S&W as well?

 

[crestoncowboy]

On paper the taurus is at least as good or better value as anyone. Forged frame and slide, hand fitted and number matched barrel, slide, and frame. Ventilated over travel adjustable trigger, Novak or heinie sights etc. Ruger backs their guns great, but you sure see a lot of their autos going back. TAURUS too. I do have one taurus 1911 but not enough rounds to say much (a few thousand) so I'm not recommending anything just saying that "on paper" doesn't mean much. When people talk about their super reliable gun and it looks new you better take it lightly.
To many people, the best gun is the one THEY have. The best evidence of this is the xxx gun vs yyy gun threads. 80% of the responses will say xxx and yyy suck but aaa like mine is the greatest ever. I fired 27 rounds and not one problem.
An unfired clerke 1st has zero malfunctions. My smiths have developed problems in thousands of rounds. Is the clerke more reliable? Ive personally had 4 guns actually break within 1k rounds. None of them lasted 200 rounds. All 4 are mentioned many times online with the exact same problems. Find one you like and google that model. But low round counts shouldn't weigh heavily on reliability. Nor should pristine guns with "50 thousands rounds".
With a 1k budget you can take your pick from many. The guys who want a reliable 500 dollar 1911 are the ones who struggle. You should have many options.
ETA by ruger autos I mean collectively, not just 1911s. Their returns post p89, 90,97, 95 days seem to have jumped considerably.

 

[357 Terms]

Don't overlook used guns.

Three years ago I found a TRP for $800 and a DW C-bob for $1000.

Both shoot excellent, we'll worth what I paid.

Other than the idiot scratch on the Springfield both are in great shape.

 

[JR24]

Don't overlook used guns.

Three years ago I found a TRP for $800 and a DW C-bob for $1000.

Both shoot excellent, we'll worth what I paid.

Other than the idiot scratch on the Springfield both are in great shape.

Good prices on good guns. A while back I was looking at a nice used Guardian in .45 for $850. It looked to be in perfect shape and a screaming deal, but I couldn't justify ANOTHER .45 1911 to my wife.

 

[GRIZ22]

I'm going to be the contrarian here and tout the Taurus PT 1911. I have two. One a 45 and the other a 9mm. Both just shoot, cheap and expensive factory ammo, jacketed handloads, and lead handloads. The 9mm is definately combat accurate and the 45 is better. I have a Colt series 70 Gold Cup to compare them to and they have stood up to it pretty well. If I were in the market for another 1911 I would give the Colt shown at the start of the thread a serious look.

I have a PT1911 in 45 for over 10 years. It runs 100%. All my other 1911s are Colts but when I carry a 1911 I carry the Taurus.

 

[ATLDave]

1911's are not Glocks. They just aren't. When someone asks "what 1911 will be like my Glock, but a 1911," it's usually best to tell them to borrow a friend's for fun time shooting, and then decide whether they are willing to deal with all the 1911 stuff with the full knowledge that they are not Glocks. If you will only be happy with a Glock-like level of standardization of drop-in parts, then stick with Glocks.

 

[drband]

^^^^This is good advice.^^^^

However, knowing how your firearm works and how to repair it is a good skill to acquire. Follow the above advice for most folks. For the rest of us, maintaining our 1911 is not a chore, or even difficult.

It’s an easy choice if you have good mechanical skills. Sometimes, Glocks need a little extra love, too.