Most basic 1911 availible today?

[C.W.M.V.]

A friend of mine recently told me he has decided to buy a 1911. I was really happy for him until he asked me which one he should buy. I told him its all up to him and what he likes, but that he should probably start off with the most basic 1911 possible, closest to the original pistol as St. Browning envisioned it. Knowing that he is on something of a limited budget I told him to go find an RIA GI model and go from there.

I'm comfortable with that recommendation but it got me started thinking about what the closest commercially available pistol to the original concept is.
I know the RIA is darn close, but even it has a flat MSH and lowered/flared ejection port, as do many of the "GI" style 1911's out there.

Ideas?

[Dont_Shoot_im_Chinese]

A friend of mine recently told me he has decided to buy a 1911. I was really happy for him until he asked me which one he should buy. I told him its all up to him and what he likes, but that he should probably start off with the most basic 1911 possible, closest to the original pistol as St. Browning envisioned it. Knowing that he is on something of a limited budget I told him to go find an RIA GI model and go from there.

I'm comfortable with that recommendation but it got me started thinking about what the closest commercially available pistol to the original concept is.
I know the RIA is darn close, but even it has a flat MSH and lowered/flared ejection port, as do many of the "GI" style 1911's out there.

Ideas?

Does he want a "basic 1911" because of budget or because of the originality factor? If by "basic 1911" because of cost, i highly suggest a RIA tactical. It may cost slightly more than the GI model but it is WORTH EVERY PENNY! I have one and highly recommend it. I would also suggest a Norinco 1911. You should be able to find used ones every now and then

[Thomas1190]

The Colt O1991 or a Series 70, although they are considerably more than an RIA, about twice as much. The flat MSH is original by the way, as is the longer trigger. The O1991 is spot on the original design except it has the firing pin safety (Series 80). Not a big deal though imo. The Series 70 models are spot on the A1 version (short trigger, arched MSH) which came about in 1924.

But considering he's on a limited budget, the Colt may just be too expensive. An RIA would be a good solid choice, GI or Tactical. Im not sure of all the differences between the two. I dont own an RIA. Lots and lots of happy owners though.

[t0kie]

Springfield GI (if you can find one).

[NewbieDave]

If you can find them use... the AO is pretty basic and damn near the original spec. Nubbie safety, tang tail, brown plastic stock,and arch MH with lanyard. I think the only real difference is the SS barrel and the short trigger, which is not true USGI spec. Shipped is $502 from Buds... I've seen used one in the $380-$400 range.

New they run a little higher then a barebone RIA. I think they get into the RIA Tac zone... that's why most get the RIA Tac instead, more bling for your buck. BUT if you want the look and feel... the AO is pretty close.

Recent reviews on it has been better once Kahr got the company. Still a little lower then a SA GI.

dpc

[C.W.M.V.]

Springfield GI (if you can find one).

No even it has the lowered ejection port and parked finish.

[C.W.M.V.]

Does he want a "basic 1911" because of budget or because of the originality factor? If by "basic 1911" because of cost, i highly suggest a RIA tactical. It may cost slightly more than the GI model but it is WORTH EVERY PENNY! I have one and highly recommend it. I would also suggest a Norinco 1911. You should be able to find used ones every now and then

No he is just breaking into the 1911 type pistols so he needs to start with the original deal, and go from there. At least I think so. Its like learning to shoot with optics and not knowing jack about iron sights. Build the strong foundation and build on it.
Of course in the end its up to him. I walked him through everything from the basic no frills RIA GI to the new 2011 model. Ill be happy if he just stays away from the external extractors! (he shot a sig 1911 and thats what got him wanting one).
I thought the Norinco's were like hens teeth?

Hadn't heard of the Auto ordinance version, I will check it out.
EDIT: Wow, thats a good looking gun, and it seems to perform pretty well.

[Fishslayer]

No he is just breaking into the 1911 type pistols so he needs to start with the original deal, and go from there. At least I think so. Its like learning to shoot with optics and not knowing jack about iron sights.

Trust me. Nobody will be going back to the original GI sights for anything but a nostalgic look. Why should he learn to shoot with crappy sights? And a lowered port won't even be noticed by most.

Now, forward serrations, psychedelic grip panels and extended controls...

[zfields]

A friend of mine recently told me he has decided to buy a 1911. I was really happy for him until he asked me which one he should buy. I told him its all up to him and what he likes, but that he should probably start off with the most basic 1911 possible, closest to the original pistol as St. Browning envisioned it. Knowing that he is on something of a limited budget I told him to go find an RIA GI model and go from there.

I'm comfortable with that recommendation but it got me started thinking about what the closest commercially available pistol to the original concept is.
I know the RIA is darn close, but even it has a flat MSH and lowered/flared ejection port, as do many of the "GI" style 1911's out there.

Ideas?

I disagree, even more after saying "no" on a lowered and flared ejection port. A lot of the progression the 1911 has had was for ergonomics, AND function, the ejection port and ring hammers a perfect example of that.

[C.W.M.V.]

Trust me. Nobody will be going back to the original GI sights for anything but a nostalgic look. Why should he learn to shoot with crappy sights? And a lowered port won't even be noticed by most.

Now, forward serrations, psychedelic grip panels and extended controls...

I did. There's a lot to be said for the simplest possible firearm. Only thing I don't like about the GI sights is the possibility of the front post working loose.
As to the ejection port this is all for me! I gave him his options and its up to him to chose, just has me wanting another 1911

[Fishslayer]

Only thing I don't like about the GI sights is the possibility of the front post working loose.

I guess there's always that possibilty but I spent four years with the Seabees and (I'm guessing here. I have no real idea) Korean vintage 1911s & don't recall one ever coming loose. Of course, they built 'em right back in the day.

The sights on most entry level 1911s I've seen are authentic looking enough but have just bit more meat to 'em.

[C.W.M.V.]

Maybe they were. Admittedly Ive only seen it happen with one, but you know how it is, once seen cant be unseen etc.

[Furncliff]

The RIA 1911's are the best bang for the buck out there. Even more so when you count in the outstanding CS they offer. I had reason to find out about their no BS policy recently. They stand behind their stuff, I was very pleased.

I've never shot a GI model, many here recommended the Tactical to me and I can say it was well worth the extra few bucks.

[tdyoung1958]

Springfield GI (if you can find one).

The SA Mil-Spec is worth the extra change

personally, I wouldn't buy a RAI or anything else made by Armscor . . . been there and burned the t-shirts

[InGrAM]

Personally I would want a lowered and flared ejection port and better sights.

Changing sights on a narrow tenon 1911 is a PITA and then you have to worry about the sight being straight when you install the new one. (RIA)

I would change your preferred features to include a lowered and flared ejection port.

Firearms to look at:
1. Colt 1991, series 70
2. Remington R1
3. RIA
4. Springfield Armory GI
etc... Non is exactly like the original 1911 design but the series 70 is the most like the 1911A1.

RIA, R1, or Colt 1991 would be my choice.