Looking for first 1911

[Den60]

I am looking to purchase my first 1911. I would like to keep my budget under $1,000. I see a lot of Springfields that fall into that category, a couple of Rugers, a Sig advertised locally. This would be mostly a range/home defense gun for me. Any recommendations?

[Lead Waster]

Well, the Springfields are pretty good for the price, as are Rock Island Armory Tacticals.
Well, the bottom line is that most 1911s are the same old same old. Sig uses an external extractor which some people don't like. Sigs have a large "memory bump" on the grip safety that I don't like, but it might not bother you.

Springfield Armory and RIA both have good warranties. If I were you, I'd check out the Springfields that are in your price range. I'd recommend not buying the "GI" version of 1911 as you probably want a wider choice of sights and a "beavertail". If things don't work, you can call SA for warranty work.

[Den60]

Well, the Springfields are pretty good for the price, as are Rock Island Armory Tacticals.
Well, the bottom line is that most 1911s are the same old same old. Sig uses an external extractor which some people don't like. Sigs have a large "memory bump" on the grip safety that I don't like, but it might not bother you.

Springfield Armory and RIA both have good warranties. If I were you, I'd check out the Springfields that are in your price range. I'd recommend not buying the "GI" version of 1911 as you probably want a wider choice of sights and a "beavertail". If things don't work, you can call SA for warranty work.

Yes, both the SA Loaded and Mil-spec have caught my eye but I do prefer the Beavertail on the loaded (I have an SP-01 and like how it fits my hand). Thanks for the feedback!

[dummykid]

9mm or .45? for 9mm 1911 in California, you have Kimber and SA.

[bmk20398]

For home defense I want rail for light, so around $1000...
Kimber Custom TLE/RL II
Sig Sauer 1911R
Springfield 1911-A1 .45 Loaded MC Operator NS PX9105MLCA : bit expensive but rail and tritium sight.

[Den60]

9mm or .45? for 9mm 1911 in California, you have Kimber and SA.

Should have clarified, .45.

[newbie1234]

Are you in free states ? there is only one Ruger pistol make the CA Roster is LC380 a conceal .380ACP pistol.
Anyway you are in the right place.

[heidad01]

All your options were already shown in the posts ABOVE.

The most options along with great fit and finish on a production 1911 at your price range is a Sig 1911. Next best is Kimber TEL. Both of these have Night Sights and front strap serrations which most 1911s in that range do not come with.

Next in fit and finish is Springfield followed by RIA.

They are all reliable and accurate guns and good for the price you pay. I'd say Sig is the best bang for your money.

There is a Sig Stainless in the sales forum right now asking $850 for a like new gun. That is head and shoulders above an $850 Springfield Loaded or a $700 RIA. GREAT for a first 1911.

[Den60]

For home defense I want rail for light, so around $1000...
Kimber Custom TLE/RL II
Sig Sauer 1911R
Springfield 1911-A1 .45 Loaded MC Operator NS PX9105MLCA : bit expensive but rail and tritium sight.

They had this one and I did like having a rail. Busted my budget by 20% (not bad though) but it is in jail now.

[Tehjosheh]

Sig stainless with rail has been awesome to me

[Lead Waster]

Oh! Wow, you work fast! Congrats! I think you'll be happy with it! My friend had the MC Operator and it was 100% reliable and accurate for him! Sadly, it melted in the Calistoga wildfires.

I have the TRP and it is without question, my most accurate and precise (ie; it groups on target nicely) handgun that I have. However, I've had some ejection issues with it. I plan to send it into Springfield. Fellow Calgunner MosinVirus tried to help me out with it, diagnosing the parts over email, but everything seemed OK. I've still got to check out the mainspring housing though ...the previous owner had swapped out the ILS lock thing so maybe the main spring is the wrong weight. However if that doesn't help I'll call up Springfield.

I also have an RIA Tactical that is quite reliable, but shoots low (I'm in the process of adding a new rear sight for it). Honestly, if I had to grab one of them to fight off a home invader, the $500 RIA or the $1300 TRP, I would actually grab the RIA (until the TRP gets fixed). But if I were in a bullseye competition, there is no question, I'd grab the TRP.

[heidad01]

That is nice.

Finally, someone who asks about what to get, and actually goes out and gets it. Usually, these threads go for weeks with the OP opining to all posts but never getting anything.

[Den60]

Oh! Wow, you work fast! Congrats! I think you'll be happy with it! My friend had the MC Operator and it was 100% reliable and accurate for him! Sadly, it melted in the Calistoga wildfires.

I have the TRP and it is without question, my most accurate and precise (ie; it groups on target nicely) handgun that I have. However, I've had some ejection issues with it. I plan to send it into Springfield. Fellow Calgunner MosinVirus tried to help me out with it, diagnosing the parts over email, but everything seemed OK. I've still got to check out the mainspring housing though ...the previous owner had swapped out the ILS lock thing so maybe the main spring is the wrong weight. However if that doesn't help I'll call up Springfield.

I also have an RIA Tactical that is quite reliable, but shoots low (I'm in the process of adding a new rear sight for it). Honestly, if I had to grab one of them to fight off a home invader, the $500 RIA or the $1300 TRP, I would actually grab the RIA (until the TRP gets fixed). But if I were in a bullseye competition, there is no question, I'd grab the TRP.

It was slow at work so my son and I went over to check things out. He pointed to the MC OP and said "get that one" and once I realized that I couldn't get the "loaded" model with a rail I decided a couple of hundred bucks wasn't that big a deal (hell, we'll shoot more than that the first time we take it to the range).

[Den60]

That is nice.

Finally, someone who asks about what to get, and actually goes out and gets it. Usually, these threads go for weeks with the OP opining to all posts but never getting anything.

Once I want something I generally pull the trigger (pun intended) pretty quickly. The damn thing just felt good in my hand and the trigger was really nice. Can't wait to take it to the range. Wish I had anticipated buying one earlier since I don't have any .45 ammo.

[808@515]

Once I want something I generally pull the trigger (pun intended) pretty quickly. The damn thing just felt good in my hand and the trigger was really nice. Can't wait to take it to the range. Wish I had anticipated buying one earlier since I don't have any .45 ammo.