Talk me into getting a 1911

[peter95]

Hey guys, so I've finally saved up some funds for my new purchase and decided to buy a 1911.

My collection so far consists of 2 Glocks, 3 shotguns and 5 AR-15's along with 3 lowers waiting to be finished. Out of all, I am in love with ARs and have built countless of rifles for friends and family. ARs are pretty much my specialty.

I have a budget of 2k for my next purchase but can't wrap my head around to spend 2k on a pistol when I could build another high end AR or purchase 2-3 other pistols with money left over for some ammo.

1911's are beautiful and 2k isn't a lot compared to some other high end 1911's. Is a 1911 really worth spending that much on? I'm on the fence about getting one, I need a nudge from the experts to sell me on this Pistol. I'm sure a lot of 1911 owners were in this situation on their first purchase....

Thanks for all the help.

[nahpungnome]

2k gives you a lot of options for sure. I'm no expert by any means, but I initially set myself a budget of $1500 for my first 1911. The more I thought about it though, I decided $1000 would be a better choice for me. I ended up getting the Sig 1911 and I enjoy shooting her very much.

In your price range, you can get a Les Baer, spend less on a TRP (~$1500), Dan Wesson, etc. I'm sure the 1911 aficionados can give you great advice on the 1911 forums, but they'll probably tell you to search first Good luck!

[MR_X]

$2k will get you a REALLY nice 1911 but it depends on what you want it for. IMO you are on the higher end. I would look for a $800 to $1300 1911 depending on what you want on it. I'm a big Sig fan so I would tell you look at those but there are other brands that can be found around those price. IMO Sig offers a good quality gun with nice features for the price. I also like S&W and Para 1911s.

If you have never shot one, go rent one and see if you like it. To me, there is no better trigger than the one of a nice 1911.

[hk200085]

Peter, two grand will give a good amount of leeway. The only thing I can recommend is really search thoroughly to find a 1911 will all of the features you desire.

My first 1911 was inherited, and it is in 38 super, but my first purchased 1911 45 ACP was a Dan Wesson Pm-7, and I absolutely love it. Since then I have added a CBOB and a couple of Colt 1911's

As stated above the guys at the 1911 forums will be a great help.

Good luck in your search.

[Pistolgrip Pump]

Cant go wrong with a ria or springfield gi. Great prices and introductory pieces if you dont want to spend 2k. Or just rent one.

[BoJackUSMC]

Either get Glock 21 4t Gen or Glock 41 lol..
I might get ruger 1911 down the road.

[LCU1670]

My wife shot my 1911 10 years ago, since then, thats all she will shoot. Hers is an Ed Brown SF.

[Pistolgrip Pump]

But yes definitely get one.

[MR_X]

^^Funny, my wife only shoots 1911 in 45. She doesn't shoot anything else. She wants a Wilson Combat Classic Supergrade.

[Epaphroditus]

For that kind of money get 3-4 used ones and swap the parts around ... they are like Lego for adults. Kind of like ARs in that respect.

With hands on time getting a config you like them you will be able to make a bigger purchase with confidence.

[nahpungnome]

^^Funny, my wife only shoots 1911 in 45. She doesn't shoot anything else. She wants a Wilson Combat Classic Supergrade.

If my wife said she wanted a Wilson Combat, I wouldn't even be bothered by the price for getting her one

[buruli]

There are good ones and bad ones. Once you've handled a nice one, you'll have a hard time shooting anything else. Nothing beats a nice crisp 1911 trigger with no creep and a perfect slide/frame fit with no rattle. Don't rush your purchase-- look at really nice ones and soon you'll see why some cost $800 and others cost well over your budget. Look at the way the back of the slide and beavertail are blended, feel the frame/slide fit, feel the trigger break -- these are the areas where the real craftsmanship shows up. Check out as many as you can from friends and helpful people at the range. Some are so well crafted they are as as much art as function. It's a lifetime purchase and will go on to the next generation, so take your time.

[bulletblood]

I'm the opposite of the OP. everytime I look at ARs I think of all the pistols I could get instead. For the price of 5 ARs I could probably get the top of the line Wilson combat with a les baer on the side.

[cjc16]

Springfield mil spec. rock solid and inexpensive.

[SFOGUN]

Im also no expert however I am Filipino which makes me genetically drawn to 1911's hence I have a few. Like everyone has already said to you; your budget should avail you to the better 1911's in the market. With that said, I don't understand why RIA and a Springfield GI was recommended to you since those are inexpensive entry level 1911's and you can do far better. I started with a Springfield Loaded Target new for $1200 (My avatar pic) and the rest are all Colts from various era's. My suggestion to you is to pick up a Colt 70 Series pistol, their value continues to increase and they are simplicity and elegant all in one. Yes the Dan Browns and Wilson Combat's are precise shooters but that means you have more chances of jamming after shooting lots of rounds in between pistol cleaning because the guns are made so precisely and the barrel to slide fit is tight. This is why the Colt 70 Series is my fav... its got a slight wiggle to the slide which lets all the gun parts move enough to be accurate but without jamming the action. All 1911's jam if your don't keep up with cleaning but the tolerances are better with the older Colts I have found. Just my 2 cents from a guy previously in your shoes. Ive shot Wilson's, Kimbers, Springfield's which were all great guns but in the end...the older Colts is my 1911 of choice. Good luck with you choice and let us know what you end up with! Cheers. SFOGUN