Help me find my dad a 1911

A little info, my dad is a LEO, retired from city work doing the part time college LEO thing now. He's been kicking himself in the ass for selling a Colt Gold Cup about 15 years ago and wants to pick up another 1911. We went to a gun show this weekend and when he saw what 2 different Gold Cup 1911's were going for he almost shit, lol. He wants something in a Commander size that he can carry off duty yet still get back into competing with (I guess he used to shoot bowling pins before I came along).

I've got a Kimber Ultra CDP that I've never had an issue with over the last 10 years. He likes the Kimber Eclipse but not the price tag. He wants a reliable 1911 that he won't get heart broken over if he has to use it and loose it off duty.

So, where should we start? We saw a couple STI's, Remmington, S&W, Colt, Kimber, Taurus and a couple cheap ($400 range) makers that I'm not familiar with. I know there's a ton of variables but I'm just looking for a recommendation of where to start.

Thanks!

If you're not going to get a Colt, I'd look at Springfield Armory.

At the very cheap end, Metro Arms American Classic (I or II) are nice. Im buying one from a friend that I've handled and shot a good deal. He's had it for a while and loves it, just getting out of the full size .45 game. For 350-400$ its extremely well built and a good shooter.

Otherwise, Colt or Springer, can't really do bad with either IMO.

Yeah, they're on the radar too. What's the word on Rock Island? That's one of the cheaper guns we saw too. I don't know much about them.

Cool, I've never heard of them, I'll look into it.

A Colt's a Colt, of course.

The Springers have a pretty good rep for the $.

One of the big magazines done a "beer budget 1911" article a month or two ago. Really good info on low dollar 1911's. I think it was one of FMG publications magazines. Try Googleing the title or go to their digital online magazines and look. I think it was American Handgun, but don't take it to the bank.

I too am looking into a 1911 on a lower budget, but more for tinkering with than self defense off duty. I've read a couple of good reviews on Rock Island, but not had any first hand expierence with them.

if you want a made in the USA 1911 (my preference) I'd go Colt (the new series 70's look great!) or Smith and Wesson. If you are OK with a foreign made 1911 then Springfield or Rock Island. The Rocks are in the 4-500 range and very good quality for the price. Your American made guns will run up to close to a grand.

I'm not willing to trust my life to a 300 dollar 1911. 1911s require a skill set to build and maintain that is not found that often in todays world.

This was kind of my thought too. I contemplated building one from parts from Midway, but I'm not sure what all is involved with final fitting. Thanks for the reply's, keep em coming.

Only a book, and enough in tools to purchase another 1911. minus any mistakes you make while fitting everything.

I've got a smith and wesson e-series full size and love it. I have nothing to compare it to really, but it has been flawless and very accurate.

building one yourself is not practical from both a technical and financial point of view. This is not the ar you can put together in 45 minutes on your kitchen table.
If it were me and you wanted new my first choice would still be the new series 70.(I don't much care for the long triggers and beavertails put on everything these days)

I have a Rock Island Tacical 2011 (with a full rail). The pistol is great. I have only had it for a few months, but I put 400 rounds through it in one session, including 50 rounds of JHP with zero malfunctions. It is currently my EDC, and I am 100% sure it will do whatever I ask of it should the need arise. It did have issues when I first received it, I called Armscor and they covered the return shipping, fixed the problem, tuned the pistol and threw on a set of Tru Dot night sights at NO CHARGE to me! A good friend of mine with a lot of experience with firearms, and 1911s, was thoroughly impressed when he ran the pistol. I would not hesitate to recommend a Rock Island to anyone. Honestly, I don't get why people hate on a pistol that costs $500, My XD was $500 when I bought it and I have never had a single issue with it. Many police departments issue Glocks, which run in the $500 range, and no one ever brings up the issue that they are "cheap." Just my opinion.

The Gun Snobs don't care for them, but a lot of folks (including me) like the RIA guns. They're good enough that STI uses them as a base for their Spartan series. Check out the RIA forum over at M1911.org for a lot more information.

Thanks!

Frames and maybe slides, the rest is STI parts.

I have the RIA tactical (full rail) and after the first magazine have not had a single malfunction with it. The first magazine I tried was the factory magazine. I haven't tried that one again. I haven't shot it a ton yet (maybe 500 rounds) but it has fed everything I have given it

How much does a Colt S70 repro go for these days?

Springfield RO also seems like a nice choice if he just HAS to have adjustable sights.

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I just picked one up off the EE new for $890 shipped. I think that is a little lower than what they would normally sell for right now. I don't have it in my hands yet but hopefully will within a few days.

I own several 1911s and if I was looking for one in the less expensive range I would look at the ATI or the Rock island guns. If you could stretch a bit more money or maybe deal with used I would go for a Springer or a Colt.

I did have one of the Para GI experts which was a pretty nice gun for the money and shot well but the finish did not hold up well if he's going to be carrying it everyday. Stand by for the Para haters.

I have a Rock Island commander sized 45 and I'm very happy with it. I changed the trigger and grips and that's about it. I use ChipMcCormick magazines and haven't ha any problems with it. Well worth the money.

Lots of good ideas. Thanks guys!

Here is an artical on the Metro Arms 1911.

http://www.gunblast.com/Firestorm-1911Deluxe.htm

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