Thoughts on a Taurus 1911 45ACP? OR recommend another $600 1911???

[6LITEREATER]

My buddy (in Florida) was wanting a hand gun (semi-auto) for home defense. I recommended a .45 to him and, while I love my G30 (Glock) told him not to get one since he has two small kids (no real safety).

I recommended just to get some type of 1911 that was a step above a military issue. He's looking to spend around $600 new or used. I did a search and Taurus 1911 popped up a lot in that category. Any thoughts on it?

Here's an example:

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=125253168

If these have issues, what 1911's do you recommend for around $600 (new or used)? I'm thinking about adding one to the stable eventually myself... Thanks!

[thomasanelson]

Personally, I would recommed something with a decocker like a Sig P220, P229, P226, etc. or a used HK USP40c/P2000 or a good old S&W or a Ruger. I think Glocks are great and so are 1911, but unless he is very comfortable with a SA or striker system, I would get a DA/SA. JMTC Also, if he has small kids he should get a safe.

[5150Marcelo]

For a $600 1911, id cruise the oards here and watch for deals or PM offers

[neomentat]

buy an used S&W 1911

[DarkHorse]

Rock Island Armory has received some good reviews.

GI model for around $300-350.

[tiko]

I have 2 Taurus and both of them have big free play between frame and slide, my Kimber and SW1911 have no free play, very tight rails. If I could do it over, I would not buy cheap guns.

[Quiet]

Rock Island Armory 1911 Tactical can be had for around $450-490.

[g17owner]

A used P220 is his best bet. Also no safety in the world is going to make a gun safe if you leave it out for a child to play with.

[draconianruler]

I second a P220 but he NEEDS to get a safe. The kids shouldn't get to the gun in the first place so in theory a Glock would be choice.

[6LITEREATER]

I agree with the safe thing but let's be honest, a chambered Glock is a lot easier for a 1-2 year old to pull the trigger on than a chambered 1911 with a safety switch and a grip safety (just thinking worst case scenario, I am NOT RECOMMENDING HE KEEP A GUN CHAMBERED in the house with kids, or without kids). That was my only thoughts...

Thanks for all the info but keep it coming Talk to me like I'm a kindergartner, I know you don't want uber cheap (like most military issue) but where's the line when lots of 1911s are $1500-$2000 and those are considered entry level to some...

What is a good USED brand of 1911 for around $600 and what is a decent NEW brand for around that price?

Thanks again for all the info

[rivviepop]

It sounds like your buddy is a non/new shooter, and may not get regular practice time in with his gear. As such a 1911 may not be the right choice -- it can be finicky with ammo and finicky with magazines (specifically the followers). Also important that a 1911 requires a nice high, practiced grip to effectively deactivate the grip safety -- it's one thing to stand at the range and get it right, it's another to do it under stress (just take your 1911 to a USPSA/IDPA match and see if you just once don't grip high enough on the draw). I am not anti-1911 at all, just a realist - as a 1911 owner you need to practice to know your gear and how to use it when life depends on it.

I might suggest for that $600 you have your buddy buy a Springfield XD45 with thumb safety. It has the grip safety & thumb safety like a 1911 and also a nice little loaded chamber indicator. It's not that finicky with anything (ammo, mags) and would be a better choice for your casual shooter who wants a good HD 45 that's "safe" like a 1911. If this were my buddy that's the gun I would be more likely to suggest, not a 1911.

[WokMaster1]

^^^^agreed^^^^

Why don't you recommend him taking some basic gun safety classes for a start. Some of these classes offer range time for basic knowledge. Shouldn't cost more than $100 for an NRA class. Then have him go rent handguns at the range & let him decide what fits him, etc. Let him make his own call.

As his friend, I think the best thing you can do to help is point him in that direction. The classes will also teach him how to be safe, how to safely secure his guns, etc.

[6LITEREATER]

^^He actually is experienced with guns, shot his whole life, just wasn't into guns to know the difference in stuff.

Kind of like, lots of people know how to drive, not everyone knows the differences in 1967, 1968 and 1969 Camaros...

[CABilly]

For a 1911, you can find a used Kimber for around $600. That's what I'd look for.

[willbuyone]

I bought a new Kimber for 740.00 a little more
than 600.00 but it is a great pistol with very tight
slide to frame fit. It shoots where you aim it and runs
like a top.