1911's?

[ChrisTKHarris]

Just my suggestion as OP wanted something he doesn't have to upgrade. I consider SA GI's, RIAs, and such to be project guns because the people I know that own them are not satisfied with its original "basic" parts. With a loaded, and its fairly modest pricing, at least the OP gets a good package "as is" that doesn't really need any upgrading.

Agreed. the Loaded is a moderately equipped/priced 1911. If you want something amazing of course go with a SA TRP, Les Baer, Wilson or Blackhawk.

[Black Majik]

I think the Loaded, Custom II, PM7, SW1911, and XSE would all be fantastic starter 1911s. I suppose I read the OP wrong thinking he was looking for a basic plain jane 1911 to start and learn the 1911 platform on.

Otherwise, those basic factory modded 1911s are fantastic.

[rg_1111@yahoo.com]

One more vote for Springfiled Armory Mil-Spec. Price is right and can upgrade later.

[Exposed]

One more vote for the Dan Wesson PM7 which consists mostly of the legendary (non MIM) Ed Brown parts. The gun looks like a pretty basic 1911 to the naked eye, but trust me, for the price, its a total sleeper pistol. Still hand made in the good ole U.S. Of A! All of its tolerances are super tight and super reliable!

[armedoffroader]

Springer Mil Spec for sure...I too am looking for my first 1911 and after much research I found this is the one for me. Sheesh, I shouldve come here first, but no I had to read around for a month to discover that one. Great gun at a great price!

[Rollgen24]

Thanks to everyone with the replies. This forum is great. I'll be looking into the SA mil spec and Dan wesson PM7 for the next few days. I'll let you guys know which route I choose once I make the purchase.. Thanks again!!!!

[n2k]

Check out Turners Spring Catalog (Depending on where you are located)

They have a couple nice 1911's on Sale Today......

[Bad Voodoo]

Colt 70-Series Gov't Repro:

http://www.m1911.org/prodte26.htm

You know you want it.

[chuckdc]

If the question is "1911s?", the answer is "Yes"

[RedFord150]

Dan Wesson PM7 if you can find it.
The prices are going up monthly. I think Bud's last sold for $1,157.00 or thereabouts. I paid less than $1K for mine back in December.
The DW has a lot of high end parts in this price range. I compared it to the SA Loaded and felt I got a lot more gun for the $. The SA TRP is probably a closer match to the DW PM 7 at a much higher price.
Good luck.

[zman]

I think the Loaded, Custom II, PM7, SW1911, and XSE would all be fantastic starter 1911s. I suppose I read the OP wrong thinking he was looking for a basic plain jane 1911 to start and learn the 1911 platform on.

Otherwise, those basic factory modded 1911s are fantastic.

I'll take any of the 5 above as a starter with preference to the PM7 (Dan Wesson Pointman 7 Stainless Steel).

[RedFord150]

Just my suggestion as OP wanted something he doesn't have to upgrade. I consider SA GI's, RIAs, and such to be project guns because the people I know that own them are not satisfied with its original "basic" parts. With a loaded, and its fairly modest pricing, at least the OP gets a good package "as is" that doesn't really need any upgrading.

I also agree wth the theory. I just recommended the Dan Wesson PM7 over the SA Loaded.
I am a cheap SOB. I started at the bottom on a lot of the guns I bought in the beginning. All were sold to buy upgraded models. I spent a lot of time to reach the place I belonged.
Most guns will outlast their owners. Most quality guns are actually going up in value. Admittedly, I have sold most for more than I paid. The ones I lost $ on were usually cheaper brands.
If you can afford it, buy something you intend to keep. Shoot the heck out of it and become VERY proficient. No reason to spend a lot of time and $ learning a bunch of different guns, if you don't have to.
Good luck.

[Black Majik]

The fact of the matter is, there really is no "starter" 1911 .45. It just depends on how much someone can spend. I sure wish I could start with a factory optioned Loaded/Custom II/PM7 etc instead of going the bare bones 1911 route.

If I was able to start with a Thunder Ranch Special, Special Forces, Professional, CQB or Talon it would still be a great starter gun. In the end the gun is only going to be as accurate as the shooter.

The buyer just has to decide what "options" he or she prefers.

[IrishPirate]

I don't really consider a Loaded as a "starter".

i don't consider any 1911 a "starter".....the gun deserves more respect than that. the first one you buy should also easily be the last one you need to buy. hi-points are starter guns. so are .22lr's. 1911's are combat proven masterpieces. there's nothing wrong with having a 1911 be your first handgun, but it's not something you should buy just to try out shooting handguns and have the idea that you'll get rid of it and trade up.......

OP, if by "starter" you meant "cheap", then look at Rock Island Armory or Armscor. They are cheap enough to get you a good gun that will last you a long time. If you want something a little nicer....Springfield makes great 1911's, and so do Kimber and Sig Sauer. Price is really what buying a 1911 comes down to. whatever your price range is will dictate what manufacturer you are able to go with.

[truthseeker]

A good starter 1911?

SA Loaded

Mine was a Les Baer Super Tac with the 1.5 inch @ 50 yards guarantee.

I decided to buy the best for my first purchase since I hate buying firearms then having to sell them to buy something better.

I would save up and buy the one you REALLY REALLY want!