Quality 1911 Starter

[dw149a]

Hey Everyone! I am inclined to get into a 1911 in .45ACP. I know there are some cheap ones and some REALLY expensive ones. What I'm looking for is a quality starter that I can mod as I go and end up with a 1911 that I am in love with. I'm mostly interested in a range gun, and something to show up my friends with, no need to carry something that big and heavy! Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks in advance!

DW

[JaeOne3345]

Used Springfield.

[gir007]

I own a loaded springfield 1911 with the ss barrel and the dovetailing and night sights ect and I absolutly love it with just that, I have had no jams ftf or fte I also shoot it at 80 yards regularly. I would reccomend that personally.

[esartori]

+1 to the Springfield Loaded. However, if you are really new to 1911's I would suggest trying one with all the features that the Loaded has and one without (like a mil-spec). If you like the mil-spec and how it shoots, feels, etc, you can save some money going that way. But if you have the $800-900 or so for a loaded, I say go for that one

[Mac7504]

Turners has a RockIsland G1 M1911for $399...??? Any good?
Appears to have a decent wood grip.

[billybob_jcv]

There are many threads on the RIA...

[Mac7504]

Funny, I've spent half that amount on a pair of grips before.

Ummm congrats...???...??? bah.


He did ask for a starter, seems like a starter price...

[InGrAM]

RIA 1911.

[LovingTheYear1911]

RIA 2011 Tactical or a Kimber Custom II.

[Ripon83]

As I've read these forums for a while it seems the Springfield is a favorite for those who like to work on them and make improvements. RIA seems to be a favorite for those who like quality at the lowest price possible, and Kimber seems to be moving up in the customization party as well.

Those are all decent choices. I'm happy with my RIA but I wasn't intending to modify it and haven't. Tactical model for about $512 out the door is as good a deal as any. It can save you money to spend on whatever changes you want to make.

[fennecfrank]

Funny, I've spent half that amount on a pair of grips before.

+1 here.


I suggest to get the original Colt.

[robcoe]

On a budget - RIA(can be found new around $400)

A bit more - Springfield(I just bought a brand new stainless milspec for $650)

and a bit more than that Kimber(start around $750)

All are great for range guns.

[626Tony]

i would go with a nice used kimber custom II or find one on consignment at a pawn shop or local gun shop

[CK_32]

When I asked a similar question I was told save up and buy a really nice one. Building one for $3500 isn't ever going to be as nice as one you bought for $3500. So in the long run its not going to be as amazing.

That said I have heard for the price RIAs can get pretty dam good if you out some work into them and in the end are still pretty affordable. So I would say for a project gun go RIA and blow some money on that and then if you want a top dollar 1911 go off of what you like from your RIA learning/fun gun and find a night hawk or something good and just go buy a top dollar 1911 with the features you want.

[sammy]

Rock Island has there Tactical model which has some nice features. If you don't mind buying used a Kimber with internal extractor or Springfield is a great choice. Springfield has the edge due to the life time warranty.