Recommend me a 1911 <$700

[ersatz]

Need recommendations on a decent 1911, full sized, preferably with a rail. I had a Springfield Armory though I cannot recall the exact model. It was POS with numerous issues. Extractor would always launch the casing straight up into the air so a third the time it would come back and land in your shirt either burning your chest or back. Trigger pull was horrid too. Had a relative's Colt Govt Commander at the time that had some extensive work done so I opted for that.

Now I'm back in in Cali after working overseas for a few years and looking to rebuild my gun collection. Trigger pull is the most important aspect and I'd like one that has a nice break right out of the box. Probably not going to happen for a $700 gun though so I'll probably get some work done later down the road. Right now I'm considering a Taurus PT-1911 or a Kimber Custom II Pistol. I prefer new but would also consider used if the trade-offs are worth it. Open to any suggestions or recommendations.

[rayra]

That's a tough pricepoint these days. Hard to meet with a new pistol. You could find a variety of used 1911s in that range, and the wear alone they'll have endured would probably have them meet your trigger feel requirements.
But you could consider a Springfield 1991-A1. Although is does have very small old skool GI sights on it. And it has the high/smaller original ejection port.
Springfield's Milspec pistol is a better version, IMAO, having several of the features that became the 'standard' set of mods folks started doing to their pistols. Better higher-visibility sights, opened / lowered ejection port, beveled magwell, chamber work. And would still leave a few bucks in your stated budget for other niceties.

All the 1911 variants with an integrated rail on the dustcover seem to be closer to the $900 pricepoint.
And any of the major name manufacturers and expanding famous gunsmith lines have starting prices in a much higher range.

About the only thing on the cheaper end that I'm aware of is a Rock Island Arsenal and those seem to get sneered at as badly as Llamas, though I don't know why. I've shot one and it worked fine, reportedly right out of the box.

Good luck with your quest. I've been doing the same sort of shopping and have pretty much resigned myself to buying a 5" XD45 as the least expensive way to hurry the purchase of another .45acp pistol.

[jlh95811]

The Kimber Custom II is a very nice pistol.

[damndave]

The Kimber Custom II is a very nice pistol.

if you raise ur budget up a little you can probably get that one. i think buds has a kimber stainless II in the high $700s

[jlh95811]

My guys at Wild Sports have them for, I think $699
I know it was on ad last week for $649

[bornproud]

At the store I work at we have a Kimber Custom II for $749. It has no rail though. Im not real impressed with the Taurus 1911. My opinion would be to buy a Colt or a Springfield Mil-spec 1911 and have a gunsmith customize it to you. If you live in the Modesto area I can do the work for you at reasonable rates. This way you can modify as you go and come out with a 1911 that you will charish for years.

[BullseyeBill]

Thoughts

Bulls Eye has an used kimber for $ 700. It is PPT. Owned by a Highway Patrol officer. Low round count.

Given you price range I would go with the kimber custom II. If you get it with no night sights you can get it for under $ 800. Bulls eye will give you a 5% off the gun.

The taurus has frame issue. If you really want to save money try a rock river.
They are rough but they work. The nice thing about most 1911 is they get smoother with more rounds shot. Assuming you maintain it.

Good Luck,

[dreyna14]

I got my Champion off a Calguns member for under $700. Love that gun. I agree, though. You won't find a decent one for that price new.

[nagorb]

i've heard good things about rock island armory.

[savs2k]

kimber custom II i was in the same situation as you went with a custom II and love it

[surfingpl]

There is a rebate offer on the Taurus 1911s right now. That may help you. here is a link to the website

[RedDawn]

Never been a fan of Taurus' internal lock system. Stick with the Kimber Custom II.

[geeknow]

take a look at the Rock Island Armory Tactical model. It is under your budget and I think you will be pleased with it. This model (at least all that I have seen) come with an improved trigger, ambi-safety, memory bump back strap safety, and adjustable sights. They seem to sell for around 525-550$. All in all, it is a great value.

[Elucidus]

I really like my Kimber TLE/RL II. I'd save some cash up to go with that one. Not necessarily with the rail, that'll save you some $$ if you don't want it. The frontstrap checkering is a nice add, as are the night-sights.

[1064chubbs]

Taurus are not on the list. And if you find one in CA it will probably be used.