Which 1911?

[Lone_Sheep_Dog]

I'm thinking about getting my first 1911. I don't want to spend more than $700 or $800. Which is the best to go with? I'm leaning toward a Ruger SR1911. They are made in the USA and I have read good things about them. What do you think? This might end up being the only 1911 I get because I'm not much of a pistol shooter. What do you think?

 

[colt1911fan]

Nothing wrong with a Ruger. I'd also look at a Remington R1 I'm pretty sure their American made as well.

 

[Scimmia]

The only thing wrong with the Ruger is availability, there's a whole lot of them on backorder right now. If you want something right away, the Remington R1 and STI Spartan are both good choices in the same price range.

 

[Shmackey]

Base-model S&W 1911 will be a little step up from the usual lowest-end stuff.

Personally I'd get a used old-school 1980s Colt, but that's because I'm used and old-school.

 

[Lone_Sheep_Dog]

Thanks for the replies. If I had more money I would get a Colt. I will probably get the Ruger since I'm not a pistolero and I don't want to spend serious money.

 

[Shmackey]

You can find a used Series 80 plain-jane Colt Gov't easily enough in your price range.

Not saying that's what you should do, as you might like a new factory warranty. Just saying it's in your budget.

 

[squarles67]

I paid $770 for a new Colt O2991 at the last gun show I went to in Houston

 

[Frankl03]

You could get a Springfield RO in your price range or STI Spartan! STI makes great 1911s!

 

[Shmackey]

Come to think of it, I paid $800 for a used Series 70 Repro. And they are Awesome Old School.



Again, they're a great choice if that's your style. I went through a lot of 1911s before I realized that it's mine. If you want a swoopy beavertail and such, you will like a Ruger or S&W.

 

[rklessdriver]

I bought my brand new COLT 04691 Commander for $730 out the door (MSRP $699+tax and background check) here in Northern VA.

The 01991 Govt Model is the same price if you want a 5" gun.

For that kind of $$$ I'd recomend you buy a new COLT.
Will

 

[chains1240]

Bought my American Classic Commander for $480 out the door. Plenty left over for high quality magazines and bullets.

 

[mdThanatos]

Well I think you need to figure out what you want to do with the pistol. Range gun? Safe queen? Carry option? What features do you want, do you not want?

Have you gone and held, at the least, any? Each one will be different. Some sights you will like, some you won't, same with some of the safeties. For me I found out that on my first 1911 that I get I will want an extended thumb safety and since I am already used to a 3 dot sight system I want to find one with sights I like already. You can customize the pistol to your liking but ultimately what is it you are looking for is what you need to ask yourself.

If you want something American made you are limited in your budget. Ruger will probably be the lowest cost, then Remington (think they are considered made in the USA), and then maybe a used Colt or Kimber. After that it goes past your budget. If you are open to foreign made 1911's the Rock Islands get good reviews, at least 90% good reviews. They have a repair center in the US if you should need to use it, and come with a lifetime warranty. Springfields also come with a lifetime warranty and have some nice models that will fit your budget as well.

 

[Scott F]

I spent $500 for a new RIA 1911 A1 in May. A couple of hours of work tuning the trigger and it has every bit the feel and function of my buddies $2,500 Wilson. I have nothing but tune and polish the factory parts. It has worked flawlessly through the first 1200 rounds. I like it a lot.

 

[JTQ]

If I'm only getting one 1911, it's going to be a Colt.

Model 1991, Series 70 Repro, or Commander model 04691.

 

[Dr-Science]

Springfield Mil-Spec or a Colt Series 80 are my votes!

 

[wisconsin]

there maybe some taurus haters but my PT 1911 is shooting great. its a good gun for the money

 

[Get R Done Guns]

The Ruger (if you can find one) would be a great gun for you. Your biggest hurdle will be getting one. Colts are awesome as well.

 

[john5036]

I'm committed to picking up a Rock Island Armory 1911 "tactical" in the near future for mostly financial reasons but also to learn the platform before jumping into even the $700+ offerings. RIA seems to have the best bare bones 1911 out there for its cost and consistently good reputation.

But that's just me

 

[Jed Carter]

I would skip the letter R and go directly to S&W, SIG, STI and Springfield Armory. If you can spend $800 then you can scrounge up $1000, choices get better.

 

[mossy424]

I say look for a used colt. I just saw a really nice 80 series at my lgs for 660. Went back to get it and it was gone.

 

[Cowboybootnut]

+1 on the Taurus.

 

[Jonah71]

I've been waiting for over 3 weeks now. If not for the great price I'm getting, I would have given up. But I want another 1911!! NOW!

 

[Scimmia]

I've been waiting for over 3 weeks now. If not for the great price I'm getting, I would have given up. But I want another 1911!! NOW!

Waiting for a Ruger? I've been waiting over 9 weeks now, and there are plenty of people who have been waiting longer. Personally, I'm in no hurry and knew it was going to be a long wait. I am hoping I get it before it snows, though.

 

[Cards81fan]

I paid in the $700s last summer for a new Series 70 reproduction, blued. Deals are out there on Colts if you look. You can find many very good used ones in the $600s even. Not knocking the Ruger, I am sure they will prove themselves fine pistols, but a Colt is a solid and storied pistol.

​

 

[chez323]

I'd go with the Ruger and in fact I did. OMBexpress had them for $591.16 w/free shipping, so I put one on order/backorder yesterday. Not sure what the lead time is, but I haven't been able to find any in stock anywhere and the price is good.