Sidearms & Scatterguns Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

[RockSteady]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lovetsx</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I paid $625 for this new ruger and have been impressed.
Great crisp trigger

</div></div>

Gah! I've been trying to find one of those at a reasonable price, but near impossible!

 

[Downzero]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: asiparks</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For around $820 the Sig nitron rail offers a lot of bang for the buck:

bells and whistles and good quality parts and build... </div></div>

That's a great looking package for the money, with front strap checkering and all, especially in a US-made gun.

The slide profile and external extractors are deal breakers for me, but it'd be hard to pass one up at $800.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: asiparks</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For around $820 the Sig nitron rail offers a lot of bang for the buck:

bells and whistles and good quality parts and build... </div></div>

That's a great looking package for the money, with front strap checkering and all, especially in a US-made gun.

The slide profile and external extractors are deal breakers for me, but it'd be hard to pass one up at $800. </div></div>

Yep, some people just don't dig the Sig-ized slide profiling and the external extractor. Personally, I dig it, but I'm no 1911 purist.

Would you consider a S&W with external extractor and "conventional" slide profile? Or are you dead set on the internal extractor?

 

[Jethro21]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

I recently bought a Sig Nitron as pictured several posts above me (minus the rail), in a word Awesome. Fit and finish are specatacular, the checkering is great, comes with night sights and it feeds everything I can throw at it. Walked out with it and a Galco Summer Comfort holster for under $900 (LEO discount included). It was priced at my local store for $849. For 1911 purists the external extractor may be a turn off and yes, the slide design also departs from tradition, making some holsters difficult. With my Galco I used a product called Draw Ease that broke the holster in after about 2 applications. This gun is now my daily ccw.

I would also suggest Rock Island's tactical model. This company has been importing quality 1911's for several years and I have found little in the way of poor reviews. Beyond that, their customer service is wonderful. I picked up their GI model 2 years ago for $400.

Ruger's 1911 looks great and is American made, but as with everything Ruger puts out, I would wait for the first and second recall before buying one (it seems inevitable with Rugers).

Lastly, STI is a great gun that is made in the great state of Texas. They make an awesome 1911 and worth every penny. Be advised that the STI Spartan is made in the Phillipines however, but it does offer many of the same features of Springfield's RO.

There are a bunch of good choices with 1911's these days, with many companies putting out good, reliable products with decent pricing. Just my opinion-

Jethro

 

[MD2Colo]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

I love my Springfield 1991A1. Yah; it's a series 80 but I've never had any issues with it. I put an 18 lb spring in it and haven't looked back. I love that thing.

-edit
heard nothing but good things about STI pistols, fwiw.
I bought my 1991A1 for like 600 bucks if I remember correctly
-edit again
put a couple wilson parts on it (extended slide release, mag guide on the spine, beaver tail safety) which costed a bit more but totally worth it

 

[Downzero]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Would you consider a S&W with external extractor and "conventional" slide profile? Or are you dead set on the internal extractor? </div></div>

Dead set on internal extractor, because if it breaks or malfunctions, one of my fellow match competitors will have one to sell or loan to me. If an external extractor, which is proprietary and probably not available as a spare, breaks, nothing short of a spare gun will allow me to complete the match.

A successful and reliable external extractor could breathe new life into the 1911 design, but I'd have to shoot one for a long time before I'd believe in it 100%.

What I'd like to see, even more than a successful external extractor, however, is for Springfield to make their EMP design into a full size pistol. The EMP offers amazing performance in 9mm--way better than trying to make the full size action work with a shorter cartridge. A 9mm and .40 EMP in full size with a steel frame, magwell, 10 round mag in 9mm and 9 round in .40, and a fiber optic front sight would be absolutely awesome for IDPA ESP (9mm) and USPSA Single Stack (.40). Add a commander length slide for carry and the EMP would be the best thing that ever happened to single action aficionados like myself. But I won't hold my breath waiting for it.

 

[cvedrick]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: plong</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks again Guys! Looking forward to more....

Question regarding the Rock Island: am I correct that they are manufactured by Armscor (made in Philippines)? I'm hoping to stay with domestically manufactured. </div></div>

Right you are Plong, and keep in mind that they also include that wonderful Philippine metallurgy and heat treating on the frame slide and springs.

You get guys that rave about RIA all the time, but you never hear about them going for 1k, 10k, 25k, 250k rounds. The word I have on them is they have cheap springs and the frames tend to crack right around the bolt stop holes. Their prices are not good enough to warrant purchase, last I looked a Springfield GI was abotu $100 more.....

Get the STI, They are what Kimber claims to be and totally fail at. They are made 100% in Austin texas by guys that know what they are doing. Take a count and look at the guys shooting 3-gun and IPSC at a pro level. Most of them shoot STI for one reason or another. Only drawback to STI is they do not use stainless steel. Happens I am a bit favored towards them cause the IPSC regionals are held at my local club and STI has a large pavilion they set up to check out all of their stuff.

 

[Downzero]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cvedrick</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You get guys that rave about RIA all the time, but you never hear about them going for 1k, 10k, 25k, 250k rounds. The word I have on them is they have cheap springs and the frames tend to crack right around the bolt stop holes. Their prices are not good enough to warrant purchase, last I looked a Springfield GI was abotu $100 more.....</div></div>

And the Springfield GI is made and assembled in a factory owned by the Brazillian government. That is superior how again?

Cheap springs? Really? Have you ever priced what a complete set of springs goes for? You can get ever spring in the gun, even the one in the mag catch, for under $30...and still have spares for a few of them.

If you've never heard of an RIA going for a high round count, it's because nobody you know has shot one enough to matter. They have a lifetime warranty and are an excellent value. I probably wouldn't buy one because the STI Spartan, which is made in the same factory, offers a better bundle of features for a slight increase in $$$, but it does NOT follow that the RIA is junk, or that for some reason one will last substantially longer than the other.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get the STI, They are what Kimber claims to be and totally fail at. They are made 100% in Austin texas by guys that know what they are doing.
</div></div>

I love STIs, too, and I have a US-made Eagle and a Armscor-made Spartan. Both have STI's name on them. If a company like STI will put their name on a Philippines gun, and back it with a lifetime warranty, why aren't they good enough.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Take a count and look at the guys shooting 3-gun and IPSC at a pro level. Most of them shoot STI for one reason or another. Only drawback to STI is they do not use stainless steel. Happens I am a bit favored towards them cause the IPSC regionals are held at my local club and STI has a large pavilion they set up to check out all of their stuff. </div></div>

There really is no such thing as "pro" level 3 gun. There isn't really a uniform sanctioning body for 3 gun at all.

STI is popular with match shooters for a number of reasons, the most important of which is that they're the only company that makes factory, mass-produced guns for certain types of competition, especially USPSA.

All sorts of guns are popular in IPSC. IPSC is the international-rules USPSA. The USPSA rules favor American style guns and STI does really well there. STI doesn't really make IPSC-specific guns, although custom builds based on STI's design are often used.

 

[Bob munden]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

My good buddy has a magnum research 1911. has a nice trigger for factory and runs good with all kind of cheap ammo. i think it says desert eagle 1911 on the side that looks stupid and needs to be removed but other than that its a winner. out of a couple rounds like 2000 the only problem was a couple of primers that didnt go. Or save your money and jump on a Ed brown and you wont have to worry about upgrading later!

 

[Bob7608]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

sig makes a solid 1911

 

[takeaim1st]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

Para, Para, Para !

 

[RoosterShooter]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: plong</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So lately I've had a hankering for a good 1911. I have my share of tupperwares (9mm, and .45) and a P229 in .357 Sig but I’ve been wanting to pick up a good solid 1911 and really don’t know what to look for. I’ve read some less than flattering reviews of the sub $1,000 Kimbers. I’ve been considering Springfield Armory and Sig but I’ open to whatever so please school me:

What would be the best choice for a 1911 priced under $1,000.00; under $750.00? If that turns out to be the same gun I’m fine with that too…thanks for the help!
</div></div>

Well ... you've opened Pandora's Box. One thing about 1911s is that you can't have just one!

First off, what have you read that is bad about the Kimbers? I've owned Kimbers for several years and have never had an issue with ANY of them. The funny thing about the internet beast is that you only hear about the bad apples that make it through the cracks, but you rarely hear about the praises of the same product.

I would suggest a Kimber Stainless Custom II to fit your bill. One can be had with Tritium night sights for around $850 + tax if you shop around.

Springfield Armory, Para-ordnance, and Rock River have been making sloppy pistols as of late. Sigs ... well ... they're more of a 2011 than a 1911 in my opinion. Remington .. mehh, I wouldn't waste my time unless you just want a run of the mill. Ruger is #1 in my book if you can find one. But, there again ... why pay $600 for a mid-line Ruger when you can have a $850 Kimber with more features?

So ... from my order of importance of the <span style="font-style: italic">only</span> pistols I would consider buying in your price range. From most expensive to least.

1) Kimber Stainless Custom II (5") or Kimber Stainless Pro Carry II (4")

2) Ruger SR1911

3) Taurus PT1911 (Most Affordable)

 

[callen3615]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Under $500: Rock Island Tactical

Under $700: STI Spartan

Under $1000: STI Trojan

Would avoid the Taurus at all costs, and probably avoid the Sig because it doesn't fit in a normal holster and has an external extractor. Would avoid Kimber because their quality control is terrible.

Why is everyone suggesting the Range Officer? The Range Officer doesn't offer anything that the Loaded didn't offer already, and I don't see a single vote for a Loaded. </div></div>

+1.

Had a lightweight operator (aluminum framed loaded with a rail). Ran great, sold it to a friend because I was out of work and its seen more than 1000 rounds without any issues. You cant go wrong with Springfield or STI. My only beef with STI is theyre set up for competition, not SD. If you get a spartan or trojan youre gonna have to deal with an adjustable rear sight. I would stay away from kimber. Im not a huge sig guy, if you get a sig and its works good, but if you have problems you might be screwed. I heard their CS is on par with kimbers.

Im looking to get back into the 1911 game and will probably get the MC Operator if I can find one. Unless Im still out of work by the end of the year and Ill probably get a loaded and put a surefire rail attachment on it later.

 

[RoosterShooter]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

<span style="font-weight: bold">cpt. obvious</span> ....

The Springfields that I've seen in the past few months have been very sloppy. I looked at one not 30 minutes ago at my local shop that had a VERY sloppy slide to frame fit. It's a hit and miss. Be certain that you check and handle the pistol prior to purchase. That's the only 100% guarantee against getting a bad apple. I wouldn't buy a Springfield sight unseen right now.

 

[317millhand]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

Another vote for SIG. The only people that dont like them, are the ones that havent fired one. Sig alos makes a few models with the traditional slide profile, but they still have the external extractor. It doesnt matter to me either, because it works and their guns are accurate.

 

[5hans5]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

I'm really enjoying my Kimber Ultra Tactical. Can't say a bad thing about Sigs either.

 

[5hans5]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

I'm really enjoying my Kimber Ultra Tactical. Can't say a bad thing about Sigs either.

 

[AznDragon533]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

I would go with used , Dan Wesson

 

[Sgt. 0811]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

Springield for under a grand

Ruger for under 750.00

 

[Kilosierra]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

STI Spartan Or RIA Tactical if I was to buy another full size on a budget. RIA for a Commander or Officer's ACP size gun on a budget. And my definition of a 1911 on a budget is less then $1000. Outside of those, I would spend the money on a Wilson, Les Baer, Nighthawk or other semi-custom maker.

 

[Veer_G]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AznDragon533</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would go with used , Dan Wesson </div></div>

I went $950 for a lightly used SA TRP, out the door on a FTF transfer, with 4 Wilson 47Ds, all the paperwork and original stuff, and one lightly used DeSantis IWB RH holster. Meanwhile, Bud's wants almost $1,400 for it. Frankly, a lot of these companies are selling pistols at a price point where it lets every Tom, Dick, and Harry say, if they want to, that they own a 1911. But in the majority they're nothing that I would rely on anywhere outside the range.

 

[rdinak]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

Take your time-Go slow and have cash in hand when the deal comes. I would look for an early Classic Kimber made in the 90's. I have two of the early guns and they are a lot of bang for the buck for the dollar invested. gunbroker has a couple of fine examples for sale now. Local forums are always a good source.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=292879791

 

[Veer_G]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Simo Hayha</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Take your time-Go slow and have cash in hand when the deal comes. I would look for an early Classic Kimber made in the 90's. I have two of the early guns and they are a lot of bang for the buck for the dollar invested. gunbroker has a couple of fine examples for sale now. Local forums are always a good source.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=292879791

</div></div>

I'll add one more thing to that: look for <span style="font-style: italic">your</span> deal, and try to get it as <span style="font-style: italic">you</span> need it. I would avoid fixer-uppers, bearing in mind that arriving at "enough" pistol for your purpose may involve substantial investment in replacement parts and proper 'smithing by knowledgeable 1911 technicians to make sure that the parts all work together smoothly. They're really nothing that should be subjected to a "shade tree" approach.

 

[mosin46]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

rock island

 

[THE MGD]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

Rock island armory and taurus are your poormans 1911. Which are great for looks and somewhat reliability (machimed parts on these cheapies have a larger tolerance) for precision go with a used premo brand listed above

 

[shooterone]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

+1 as well on STI. I have the STI Spartan and the slide looks and feels like it was custom fit to the frame. Excellent accuracy and can report that I never had a failure to feed or fire.

 

[Pappasniper]

Re: Best 1911 under $1,000.00; under $750.00 ??

Range officer or dig a couple more dollars and get MC OPERATOR