Good entry level 1911

[Bhobbs]

Springfield Mil-spec and Loaded are both great choices, you won't be disappointed with them.

The look good too. I didn't know you could get them park'd so I'm leaning towards the mil spec now.

[rob145]

RIA Tactical has many good reviews. Also, a springfield loaded or milspec. I bought my SA Loaded for under $700 used as my first 1911. Awesome weapon.

[ap3572001]

I turn 21 this April and was thinking about getting a 1911 for my birthday. What model 1911 would be good to pick up for my first one?

I would start with a COLT full size and take it form there.

[Black Majik]

Definitely go for the Mil-spec over the GI model. Just the larger sights on the Milspec makes it worth it.

[zdragon]

Definitely go for the Mil-spec over the GI model. Just the larger sights on the Milspec makes it worth it.

agreed
the lowered ejection port is definitely a plus for a more positive ejection pattern.

[hkdad]

you can't go wrong with a ROCK. plus you have extra money left to buy extra mags or a trigger job.

[Rekrab]

Sprinfield Mil-Spec or RIA Tactical for sure.

Personally I found the Tactical more comfortable in my hand due to the profile of the grip safety. But that's just me.

[Bhobbs]

Sprinfield Mil-Spec or RIA Tactical for sure.

Personally I found the Tactical more comfortable in my hand due to the profile of the grip safety. But that's just me.

I'll have to look around to see if I can find both of them to get a feel for which one I like more.

[Rekrab]

I was lucky and was able to handle both of them at the same time. I had asked a shop to call me if they got a Mil-Spec in. When I went to check it out they also had the Tactical and GI Rock Islands. After comparing the Mil-Spec to the GI I decided I'd save $100 and get the Tactical with all the features I actually wanted rather than the GI that I would eventually want to upgrade.

I will say, after having sold the Rock after a little over a year of ownership I kinda wish I had just saved more and gone for a high dollar 1911. Especially since right now I'm saving up for a high dollar 1911.

[chucksolo69]

Nuttin' like a good old SA GI .45 to get you familiar with the real deal. If you can shoot well with those tiny sights, you will shoot well with ANYTHING!!

[someR1]

I will say, after having sold the Rock after a little over a year of ownership I kinda wish I had just saved more and gone for a high dollar 1911. Especially since right now I'm saving up for a high dollar 1911.

owning just ONE 1911 is a sin, just like only just ONE glock

[chucksolo69]

HOw can you say 1911 and Glock in the same sentence!!!!

[RedFord150]

1911's are a funny animal. You can break them down into 4 price categories;
$500 for basic.
$1,000 for better
$1,500 for really nice.
$2,000 and up for incredible.

If you decide to go basic, you could easily spend several hundred for upgrades. You could have saved some $ by buying a more expensive gun. Yes, I know, it seemed strange when I wrote it.
I spent $1K on a DW PM7 last year and am very pleased. Prior to the DW, I owned a Colt Double Eagle (almost a 1911, except Double action and no grip safety and a little fatter grip). This is my total 1911 experience.
My B-I-L has the SA Mil-Spec with no upgrades and is also very happy. This gun is about half the price of my DW.
If you can, try to rent or borrow a 1911 in each price category. You could be very happy with the SA Mil-Spec or you may find something nicer is worth the $.
Good luck.

[Black Majik]

HOw can you say 1911 and Glock in the same sentence!!!!

They actually go very well hand in hand...

[someR1]

Hey majik, let's start a 1911 vs glock thread

lol I can already see the war ....