1911?

[tombinghamthegreat]

Looking for a reliable basic 1911 to buy. Any suggestions?

[Jack L]

KIMBER............ USA built, great quality bang for the $

[DVSmith]

Springfield Armory Loaded. Good value. Solid gun.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?model=8

[InGrAM]

By "basic" I am assuming you are talking about a no frills model.

Remington
RIA
Kimber
SA
Colt

All make a pretty basic model in the 1911 market.

[Press Check]

The Springfield Mil-Spec is a great basic pistol / base platform.

[JackRydden224]

What's your budget?

I have to add Auto-Ordnance to the list. They make some WII looking no frill very basic series 70 1911 GI

[sholling]

Springfield Armory "Loaded" or a Smith & Wesson SW1911. Unlike Kimber they have enough faith in their products to include a lifetime warranty and offer world class customer service instead of Jersey 'tude. Both have all of the features that you'll eventually want like a beaver tail grip safety and good sights at far less cost than adding them later.

[acolytes]

If you don't care about fancy stuff or aesthetics, RIA. Could be had for under $500. Mine has been uber reliable thus far.

[gti_20ae]

Basic - I would go with SA GI or Mil Spec, the only reason why I could choose that over RIA is because of the higher resale value. 1911 is pretty addictive, chances are you would want to upgrade.

A little better - Then I would go with Kimber Custom II, SA loaded model are nice too, but I just have better luck with Kimber. You can't go wrong with either.

[Brandon04GT]

I honestly think the SA Mil-spec is the best basic 1911 and a good base model to work on later on if you choose. Maybe the OP can tell us what his budget is and if there are any features hes seen in pictures that he knows he will want. For a couple hundred more, you can get the SA Loaded model which is....loaded with features lol.

[Press Check]

Basic - I would go with SA GI or Mil Spec, the only reason why I could choose that over RIA is because of the higher resale value. 1911 is pretty addictive, chances are you would want to upgrade.

That's why I always recommend the Mil-Spec to those that are new to the 1911 platform. Upgrading doesn't necessarily mean another pistol. Some of the the finest custom builds that I have seen were built on the Mil-Spec platform.

[t0kie]

If you have a chance to try some of your friends that would be great, or rent them from some ranges that doing the rental, then go from there. As others have mentioned, what's your budget?

[hkdad]

Springfield, STI or Infinity if you have $$$ to blow.

[WootSauce]

Rock Island Armory Tactical ~$475 +Tax and DROS

can't beat it for "value for money"

[pontiacpratt]

What's your budget?

I have to add Auto-Ordnance to the list. They make some WII looking no frill very basic series 70 1911 GI

The A-O's are series 80, or at least mine is. I paid $350 used for mine