Affordable Commander-size 1911?

[Area 52]

I have decided that on my short list of new pistols I'd like to buy, there will be a 1911. This is my first 1911 and I am on a college student budget. I know the "old hands" will tell me to get a full size as a first 1911, but I think I will be happier with a Commander-size one. What are my options? I know RIA makes a "Midsize" and if need be I'll settle for that, but its only available as the GI model with no options. Is there anything out there a little nicer and still a "bargain" so to speak? Price ceiling of $800 (which consists of a lot of scrapping and saving already so please no "save a little more..." suggestions"

[Mossy Man]

Ruger SR1911 CMD.

Its around $700ish and is SSE.

Only problem is Ruger apparently won't warranty off roster guns

Maybe save a few hundred more and buy a Colt XSE Commander?

[CaptKen]

I have the Ruger commander SR 1911 and it is a really good shooter and my favorite.

[.45JHP]

Colt XSE Commander. It has all of the more expensive modifications included that you'd end up sending out to get done by a gunsmith (fitted beavertail, undercut trigger guard, etc).

[redfield96]

Para Elite Commander

[billybob_jcv]

Personally, I would get the full-size.

[THEJAPINO]

Sti spartan iv

[Junbuster]

Whenever someone asks for an affordable 1911 the only answer is RIA(armscor) pistols....

[rcs72]

Kimber Pro Carry II. I picked up mine for $799 + fees/tax

[Nor*Cal]

Look for the new Springfield Compact Range Officer. To stay within your budget you'll need to find one locally at a shop that will not charge extra for SSE.

Here's a link to the gun on KyGunCo: http://www.kygunco.com/springfield-r...olo-wood-78543

[mr2ndamendment]

Unless you're going to concealed carry it, I'd recommend the full size 1911. Might as well enjoy the full sight radius and recoil-reduction you get with the increased weight of the full size. Especially if we're talking about using it for home defense, the extra barrel/velocity you get will be worth it IMO.

If you still want the commander size, for the best money two things come to mind: The Ruger commander 1911 and a Rock Island commander -leaning towards SSEing the Ruger if possible. If you can deal with the whole safety manual stamped into the frame (damn Ruger antics never die), then go with it because of the quality.

[Kestryll]

Personally, I would get the full-size.

I own 1911s in all flavors, Govt.,Govt. w/full rail, steel frame Commander, aluminum frame Commander and Officers.
What balances best for me is the Commander length and the recoil has no perceptible difference from my Govt. model.

It all comes down to what fits the individual.

Kimber Pro Carry II. I picked up mine for $799 + fees/tax

I really like my Pro Carry II, light, well made and accurate.

[calibased]

this thread is useless to me without pics

[Citadelgrad87]

this thread is useless to me without pics

Not unpleasant at all to shoot.

[Xtracrispy]

My brother has an RIA officer size, no less enjoyable to shoot than my government size. Honestly not much different, just smaller.