Entry Level 1911

[EHCRain10]

looking for some advice on my first 1911

Ill be turning 21 within a year and i really want to get a 1911 in 45acp
ive already got a snub nosed 38 that will be replaced with a 22lr for the basics of marksman ship

so im looking for a 1911 that will be relatively easy to upgrade with better parts once ive gotten the basics down.

I know that i want a full size 5" barrel, what are some features that I should be looking for?

Also what manufacturers would be good to look at? Ive seen and handled some from Springfield and really like the two that i got to play with plus the price was sub $600 which is a big plus.?

I could swing up to $800 on this one and would like to have a light rail so where should i look?

[TRUE GRIT]

Take A look at the Charles Daly, it's a nice 1911 for the proce tag of $644, if you have $800 to spend you may be able to swing a Kimber.

[Big Tool]

Check out the Taurus PT 1911. I got mine brand new for 540.00 "I believe, I know it wasn't over 550.00.

Mine has been fantastic and has gobbled up everything I've fed it without a single problem.

Far right in Picture.





I also have a springfield which is a very nice gun. Very smooth gun. Sadly I've had problems with mine since day one. Good thing is springfield has excellent customer service and has taken the gun back to be repaired.

Hopefully they can make it right. I bought this one for 510.00 brand new on gun broker. Has a smoother feel than the taurus, and also looks better imo.

[GlockMeister]

If you want entry level 1911, I suggest High Standard. Like either of these.
GunBroker.com guns: High Standard GI Model 1911 45 ACP NIB 45ACP (item: 98159426 ends: Apr-30-08 03:51:27 PM)

GunBroker.com guns: High Standard 1911 Crusader Compact 45 NIB (item: 97663411 ends: Apr-24-08 11:52:10 AM)

For my first one, I paid a little more then the $800 you're willing to spend, on this one and I'm dam pleased with it I tell you what. lol
Product: Model SW1911PD Pistol

[stitchclimber]

FYI, I had nothing but problems with my High Standard. Failure to fire, stove pipes, you name it. I traded off real quick.

[stalebiscuit]

Originally Posted by TRUE GRIT

Take A look at the Charles Daly, it's a nice 1911 for the proce tag of $644, if you have $800 to spend you may be able to swing a Kimber.

ive seen kimbers for 600 and charles dalys for 450 to 500

marked up much where you are?

[madcratebuilder]

Just don't buy one with a cast frame. The Springfields seem to be at a fair price, but the really cheap ones are cast. I have seen Colts in your price range, hard to beat the real deal.

[ander254]

I've been looking at the springfields and the para-ordinance for an entry 1911. I looked at the Rock Island Armory 1911's but I think I want something with a few more bells and whistles than that.

Glock- yeah that is a little above 800. sweet looking gun. does your have the laser grip?

[Big Tool]

Originally Posted by ander254

I've been looking at the springfields and the para-ordinance for an entry 1911. I looked at the Rock Island Armory 1911's but I think I want something with a few more bells and whistles than that.

Glock- yeah that is a little above 800. sweet looking gun. does your have the laser grip?

If you want a bunch of bells and whistles get the Taurus, and don't look back.
Guide Rod
Poilshed ejection port
POlised feed ramp
Front and Back strap checkering
Heine "sp" Sights
Beavertail
Upgraded trigger/hammer
Ambi saftey

Gun with same options from springfield, Kimber, etc will easily run over a grand.

The springfield Mil spec is a very nice gun that is affordable, but it is a plane jane classic. You can get the taurus completely loaded out for just a few more dollars, and from my experience the Taurus has been 100% reliable, and the springfield has been maybe 70%. I can't wait to get the SA back. i hope they fixed my problems.

[GlockMeister]

Originally Posted by ander254

I've been looking at the springfields and the para-ordinance for an entry 1911. I looked at the Rock Island Armory 1911's but I think I want something with a few more bells and whistles than that.

Glock- yeah that is a little above 800. sweet looking gun. does your have the laser grip?

Yes, it has the laser grips. Yea, slightly over the $800 limit you set. I set a limit also. But after I saw it, and then held it, I was sold. Remember, you will find it for less then the MSRP. I got mine for $975 + tax so a little over a grand. About 400 round figures less then the MSRP. And it shoots and feels great.

Another one I'd suggest is the Sig 1911 clones. The Nitron is a good one. MSRP of like $1143.00 so you could definately find if for slightly over the $800 limit.

I'd highly suggest creating an account on GunBroker.com Online Gun Auction and then searching and saving to your watch list any 1911 or 1911 clones you like that are in or near or slightly above your price range. You just, scratch that, you will find many with in your price range. It will probably be the shipping and or transfer fees that will take you over your limit. But they are out there in your price range.

[rondog]

Rock Island Armory Tactical model. Has all the bells and whistles, great guns and great shooter, under $400 from Sarco. Don't believe the BS about cast frames. Ain't nobody out there can show you a broken one.

[EHCRain10]

What are the reasons to avoid a cast frame? (even if they are myths)

[Apollo Morelos]

Taurus 1911 is what I have. Taurus custom-builds the following features into each 1911-at no additional cost:

full- lenght guide rod and reverse plug, heine straight eight sights, serrated slide rear and front, checkered 30-lpi trigger guard, checkered 30-lpi mainspring housing, checkered 30-lpi front strap, ambidextrous safety, beavertail grip safety with memory pad, target hammer, skeleton serrated trigger, trigger job, custom fit barrel (with gauged bushing) custom-slide-to-frame fit, polished feed ramp and barrel throat, lowered and flared ejection port, custom internal extractor, extended mag release button, bevelled mag well, supplied with second 8 round magazine.

Originally Posted by Big Tool

Check out the Taurus PT 1911. I got mine brand new for 540.00 "I believe, I know it wasn't over 550.00.

Mine has been fantastic and has gobbled up everything I've fed it without a single problem.

Far right in Picture.





I also have a springfield which is a very nice gun. Very smooth gun. Sadly I've had problems with mine since day one. Good thing is springfield has excellent customer service and has taken the gun back to be repaired.

Hopefully they can make it right. I bought this one for 510.00 brand new on gun broker. Has a smoother feel than the taurus, and also looks better imo.

Awesome pistols. Can you teach me how to put pictures on here, please. I am computer illitirate. Hahaha. Thanks, Apollo

[tlarkin]

My buddy got a Taurus NIB for around 500 dollars. His boss owns like 4 1911s, colt, kimber, you name it the expensive ones. I went out the range and literally (with the same ammo) shot a colt, a kimber, then my buddies taurus. All of them shot the exact same in my mind. They felt pretty much about the same and shot pretty much about the same.

So, if you want to pay more for a stamp or for good looks (and its your money, so do whatever you want) go ahead and do so. If you want the most cost effective look at a Taurus, in my limited gun shooting opinion.

[Apollo Morelos]

I am pretty happy with my Taurus 1911 and Charles Daly. My Taurus is super accurate, same with my Charles Daly. You won't be sorry. I also have a Colt Commander, but i think I like my Taurus more than my Colt.

[ouch]

Look for a standard 1911. john browning wouldnt have it any other way. Make it stock and 100" reliable. Same goes for any weapon. Stay away from upgrades ore accuratizing. Almost all mods make them less reliable.

I like wheel guns but shoot many other semiautos.

[billy]

Originally Posted by tlarkin

My buddy got a Taurus NIB for around 500 dollars. His boss owns like 4 1911s, colt, kimber, you name it the expensive ones. I went out the range and literally (with the same ammo) shot a colt, a kimber, then my buddies taurus. All of them shot the exact same in my mind. They felt pretty much about the same and shot pretty much about the same.

So, if you want to pay more for a stamp or for good looks (and its your money, so do whatever you want) go ahead and do so. If you want the most cost effective look at a Taurus, in my limited gun shooting opinion.

yeah,
i have got to agree.
i have fired a bone stock colt and my stock S.A. one after the other and couldnt tell the difference.

but they both looked good!

[madcratebuilder]

Originally Posted by EHCRain10

What are the reasons to avoid a cast frame? (even if they are myths)

The rails on the 1911 take a beating, IF you shoot a lot, it can be a wear problem. For the gun that sees a few hundred rounds a year, probably not a problem. I have about 3k through my 1911, it has remained tight. I shoot fmj's only, what ever is left over from the M1927A1.

[tlarkin]

madcrate

that is a pretty colt. I want to get a 1911 pretty bad also, probably going to get one of the $500 and under ones though, can't spend too much money....

Until I find and steal Knightriders money tree, then me and squirrel will go out and buy the HK catalog.

[racdrof]

Still like my RI.