Posted: 5/6/2004 7:22:22 PM EDT
I am sure this has been asked, but with search not working, all the noob questions increase.  I shot a 1911 last weekend and decided that I would like to look into getting one. Here's where I'm coming from: Every time I load up my Glock 19 and pull the trigger, it goes bang. It doesn't care if I've cleaned it or dropped it in the sand or lubed it or anything. I'm not trying to start a religious war, I'm just telling you the standard am used to. Can I buy a new 1911 with the same reliability off the shelf for under $500? It should be something reliable enough to use as a carry gun. If so, I'm going to get one. I want a .45 of some kind, and I'd love to get some experience with this platform. If I can't get one for under $500, I'll just get a Witness .45 to replace the one I had a few years ago.TIA! fiz |
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First understand that its much cheaper to produce injection molded plastic than CNC machined metal. Inexpensive 1911's are often like inexpensive sports cars. You get what you pay for. For $500 you can pick up a Colt 1991, SA Mil Spec, Dan Wesson Pointman Minor and I even hear good things about the current lot of Rock Island Armory philipine imports. Luck |
Thanks for the info, SGB. I expect that the fit, finish, and accuracy of a $500 1911 won't be the greatest. My only concern, really, is that it goes bang every time. Would those mentioned above fulfill that requirement? |
| Last show we had here, they were selling the Springfield Mil Specs NIB for under $400. That allows you to replace a part or two if you wish or add better sights if you want them and still be at or under $500. I have heard no serious complaints about most of the Mil Specs although one will slip through once in a while with a soft extractor or maybe a rough feed ramp, etc. This is the gun I would try if I were looking for a basic 1911 for defense work, but the Colt Series 80 guns usually work fine as well. |
 Thanks, old timer! Seriously, thanks for the tips, guys; I lost track of this thread with "my active topics" down, and then there it was. It sounds like the most common recommendation is a 1991a; I'll keep my eyes open for one! |