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Cheap 1911s: decent budget-buys or utter crap?

8K views 38 replies 21 participants last post by  spacedoggy 
#1 · (Edited)
Hey guys. At first i was offended by seeing 1911s on the cover of EVERY magazine i buy, but the more i see of them the more i want one. They just look so sexy. I have read good things about a couple 1911s in the $400 range (Springfield, which is what i would probably go with, and High Standard). I hear they are actually very well built. So my question to you is, would a $500-or-so gun be decent enough to just have fun with? I wouldnt need it to save my life or be able to shoot a quarter out of my mother's hand from 50 yards or anything, just something relatively reliable and fun to shoot.

Good idea or not worth it?

thanks.
 
#27 ·
This is a very helpful thread for me. My son's good friend is Special Forces and is on his way to Iraq (having already served two tours in Afghanistan.) I want to get him a 1911 in appreciation for his service when he returns, but I can't really afford to go up to a Kimber or loaded Springer. The Mil-spec sounds like a good option.
 
#28 ·
This is a very helpful thread for me. My son's good friend is Special Forces and is on his way to Iraq (having already served two tours in Afghanistan.) I want to get him a 1911 in appreciation for his service when he returns, but I can't really afford to go up to a Kimber or loaded Springer. The Mil-spec sounds like a good option.
Yes indeed. If he wants to mess w/ it later, ya can change 1 part out at a time. Very good starter gun. In fact, its the same frame and barrel that is used in the loaded. They just have different small parts.

:smt023 :smt023 :smt023

Of course - if ya want to REALLY impress him, get him a P99 :p :smt083
 
#29 ·
This is a very helpful thread for me. My son's good friend is Special Forces and is on his way to Iraq (having already served two tours in Afghanistan.) I want to get him a 1911 in appreciation for his service when he returns, but I can't really afford to go up to a Kimber or loaded Springer. The Mil-spec sounds like a good option.
Thats awesome. You're a good man, sir. :smt1099
 
#30 ·
I wish they took 58 year olds in service. I think that organizations that support our servicemen and veterans are the right place for my charitable contribution dollars. Operation Gratitude, Soldiers' Angels, Fisher House all are good folks helping servicemen and their families. I wish I could do more for them.
 
#31 ·
Here I am and as usual I am late to the fray. I do not know what course you should take as whatever 1911 you choose it will be the beginning of an addiction. If you do not believe me explain why I have 3 Colts, 2 Norincos, 2 Para Ordnace, 2 Springers, 1 Kimber, 1 Sistema Colt 1927, 1 Dan Wesson, and a near 1911 Balester-Molina. Of late, I am very impressed with the Springfield Mil Spec. The picture below is the Springer I put together and it is spot on. Regards, Richard :D

 
#32 ·
^Is that a picture of what a stock Mil-Spec looks like? I was about to come in here and ask someone to show me a picture of one, because I went to a gun show today and asked for a Mil-Spec and they showed me a GI or whatever it is that says "U.S" on the grip. They are not the same thing, right?
 
#33 ·
I'm a little late but I say go with a Rock Island 1911. Get the tactical if you can find one. I have about 400 rds through my tactical and it has been perfect. The best part is that Ivan, the US rep, frequents the m1911.org board and will bend over backwards to correct any problems. Just my .02.
 
#34 ·
I've owned different 1911's: a Llama (yeah...a Llama), 3 Springfields. I presently own a S&W1911 and the Taurus PT1911.
None of my Springfields ever gave me any trouble, and the loaded model is very nice. You can order the "GI" grips directly from Springfield. They were fairly cheap.
 
#35 ·
I feel the need to point out that the words "cheap" and "inexpensive" are not exactly synonyms.

Besides, balancing the cost of a weapon you will depend on against the value of your lire - Reminds me of the old Combat Rule for USMC -"Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice - ammo is cheap, life is expensive".

These were not expensive -



- and they're not cheap.

One other observations - "Most expensive" is not necessarily "Best" either.

:smt1099
 
#37 ·
Despite the very minor trigger issue I had with my Taurus PT1911, I recommend it as a first 1911, as well as the Rock Island Tactical 1911.
The Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec would be a very good choice, too.
'Course, if you really want to go cheap, I know a guy who's got a Llama .45ACP in superb condition for $250. I have not shot it though.
 
#38 ·
The Rock Island Armory guys always jump me for complaining about the Phillipine guns. But, I gotta say - go buy a Springfield Mil Spec. That is a great gun. Still has decent sights w/ white dots - and it has everything ya need to begin with. I woukd avoid anything cheaper, if I were U.
Im sure someone has already asked, but whats wrong with a gun made in the phillipines? chances are, you are probably using a computer that was made in taiwan, china, or japan etc......or assembles in us, put still from china. Anyways, do you also think there is something wrong with german, brazin us, made guns too.:smt082 :smt083 :watching:
 
#39 ·
Before I 'upgraded' to my Para Ordinance Covert Carry LDA, I had a wonderful little Springfield Mil Spec 3.5". Handled JHP without a bobble, and had good sights to boot. In fact, the dealer I traded it to for my Covert Carry took the Springfield for his own - carries it daily. Great gun.
The Para covert carry LDA is going to be my next purchase. Can you tell us what you think of it and a pic would be nice.
 
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