First 1911, need help

[Lifeon2whls]

So I am getting ready to buy a M1 Garand from the CMP and my girlfriend suggested I get a 1911 to go with it (I'm very serious here...yes this is the girl I am going to marry) since I have been wanting one for a while. That said, I've never fired one (currently own a G17) and beyond what I've read I really know no difference between the guns...so I am looking for any practical advice.

I'm looking for a basic 1911...the GI models out there strike a cord with me and I would like it to be parkerized. The SA in the Mil Spec version seems to be right in line with the Garand I am looking at. The RIA's seem nice, etc...but again looking to you guys for some ideas.

The gun will be used as a plinker, target shooter and HD gun.

[Press Check]

Knowing what price-point you need to be in helps.

Regardless, since you're in Reseda, you're best bet would be to go to Martin Retting in Culver City and see what's available.

[Synergy]

Start with a Basic SA or RIA GI and get a feel for the 1911. Its an amazing weapon. Its one of my favorites to shoot and my girl loves to shoot it also. Mine are all in the original caliber, .45acp.

One thing to consider on a GI model is if you have large hands, you will be prone to hammer bite from the GI beavertail. Might consider an RIA tactical or SA Loaded. I have both SA and RIA and both make a great 1911.

[banpreso]

can't go wrong with springfield, they are one of the original 1911 makers during ww2
you could also get a springfield m1 from CMP to go with it

[Lifeon2whls]

can't go wrong with springfield, they are one of the original 1911 makers during ww2
you could also get a springfield m1 from CMP to go with it

That was kind of my thinking. I was looking at actual WWII built 1911 and even some I found that dated back to 1918, but with the collector value and potential to damage them I read that your best not firing them...and like to run rounds through my guns.

To be honest, I really dont have a price point. I was looking at a $800 Kimber in the Private Sales section earlier as well as a $400 RIA GI. I don't want to spent $1000+ on a pistol I've never shot and need to learn...and I like the look of the GI/Mil Spec types anyway. Maybe a trigger job somewhere down the road but I tend to keep my guns stock.

[t0kie]

SA Milspec will serve you well & backing up with Springfield lifetime warranty.

[Wallabing]

can't go wrong with springfield, they are one of the original 1911 makers during ww2
you could also get a springfield m1 from CMP to go with it

Springfield Armory today is no way affiliatled with the company which made guns for the government 1777-1968.

But they are still good 1911's

[anayaphoto]

I felt the need for a 1911 in my collection, so I got the Colt 80 series for $799 it fulfilled my need and I haven't looked into another 1911 since. My thought process was why get a RIA or similar when I would end up wanting a Colt or springfield anyways.

[Brandon04GT]

Sounds like the SA parkerized mil-spec would suit you well. It has the old GI look and feel with a just a few practical modern features like a lowered and flared ejection port and a beveled magwell.

[JMP]

Kimber Custom II--inexpensive, nothing fancy, but works just fine.

[Thomas1190]

Either the RIA GI Model or the SA GI Model, which I hear is no longer in production. The Mil-Spec is nice, but it doesn't have that GI feel and look imo. It doesn't have the vertical slide serations, which to me screams classic GI 1911. I'd also recommend the Colt O1991 model. Its blued though instead of parkerized, but it definitely has that GI feel and look. I have one and I love it.

[InGrAM]

RIA GI or Colt 1991.

[Press Check]

I don't want to spent $1000+ on a pistol I've never shot and need to learn

Rent one at the Oak Tree Gun Club.

[ChaneRZ]

Can't go wrong with SA 1911 Milspec! I'm gonna pick up mine at the jail tomorrow.

[Sac-AR15]

I like Springfield 1911's. Maybe check out the SA Loaded 1911's. Reasonable price gun if you can find one. Got mine for $775. Just be careful. 1911's are addicting.