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AR15.COM
12/6/2011 9:50:20 PM EDT
I've wanted a handgun for a while now, and I have decided that it will be a 1911.  I have never owned a handgun before, but have gotten to shoot both of my friends' and my uncle's 1911s.  They have been a Springfeld, STI, and Wilson Combat.  I'm not 21, but fortunately there's a gun show coming to town in a couple weeks and I can try and find one for sale there via private party.  What are things to look for in a 1911?  I'm on a tight budget, and would like to keep it sub-$500 if possible.  I have been looking at Rock Island Armory and the reviews seem very good.  Should I search for one of these or are there other brands that make an entry-level, inexpensive 1911?  Thanks for the help ahead of time.
12/6/2011 9:56:35 PM EDT
[#1]
For the money, I don't know that you can beat a Rock Island.  It was my first as well, and was great to get into the platform.  The only other comparable model (that I would consider) would be the Springfield Mil-spec, at ~$150 more, used.  

You can't go wrong with either.
12/6/2011 11:11:46 PM EDT
[#2]
RIA or ATI to get into it. RIA is almost impossible to beat for bang for buck.
12/7/2011 2:46:40 AM EDT
[#3]
Suggestion, don't rush it. Why not keep saving until you turn 21 and get what you want as opposed to getting what is available. It took me a long time to learn buy once cry once. If I were to buy a 1911 right now I would be getting a Sig TacOps.
12/7/2011 3:31:26 AM EDT
[#4]
Buy once, cry once. 1911's aren't meant to be inexpensive guns reliability wise, as far as they go you certainly get what you pay for. I'd recommend at the very least a Springfield Loaded.
12/7/2011 3:38:54 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
For the money, I don't know that you can beat a Rock Island.  It was my first as well, and was great to get into the platform.  The only other comparable model (that I would consider) would be the Springfield Mil-spec, at ~$150 more, used.  

You can't go wrong with either.


Yup


**EDIT** Or a Springer GI is in your budget. ***EDIT***

12/7/2011 5:21:42 AM EDT
[#6]
Definitley a Springfield at the very least. My first was a mil spec, I still have it. Made in America where a 1911 should be.
I recently bought a Range Officer to add to the collection got it a a great price, its a competion gun priced like a regular loaded.
725$ At this location
https://www.viking-armory.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_23&products_id=3153&zenid=c3ebc3f331f3f8f63107f04b82013652

It comes with a stainless match barrel stainless bushing match trigger. Extremely nice
12/7/2011 6:01:15 AM EDT
[#7]
id wait until your 21 specially depending on your state laws. where i come from (wi) can be bad trouble. Plus 1911 will always be on the market and there is always someone who needs money bad. Also if you havent held one and same basic frame a Browning Hi-Power holds nice will fit a lot of 1911 holsters and far cheaper to shoot. You can find a used one for less than 600
12/7/2011 6:09:45 AM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
id wait until your 21 specially depending on your state laws. where i come from (wi) can be bad trouble. Plus 1911 will always be on the market and there is always someone who needs money bad. Also if you havent held one and same basic frame a Browning Hi-Power holds nice will fit a lot of 1911 holsters and far cheaper to shoot. You can find a used one for less than 600


21 Only has to do with FFL's, not private party transactions in many states. By the time I was 21 I had already owned at least 15 pistols.
12/7/2011 6:44:27 AM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
Quoted:
id wait until your 21 specially depending on your state laws. where i come from (wi) can be bad trouble. Plus 1911 will always be on the market and there is always someone who needs money bad. Also if you havent held one and same basic frame a Browning Hi-Power holds nice will fit a lot of 1911 holsters and far cheaper to shoot. You can find a used one for less than 600


21 Only has to do with FFL's, not private party transactions in many states. By the time I was 21 I had already owned at least 15 pistols.


Like i said you just have to make sure...hell for il for a private transcation yopu still need to have a FFL holder on hand to do the background check each state is different safe than sorry
12/7/2011 10:56:12 AM EDT
[#10]
Ownership under 21 is fine in Nevada and you don't need an FFL for private sales, so there's no issue there.  Thanks for the advise, everyone. If I can find one I think I'll get a springfield.  I would much rather have an American gun than a filipino one.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
12/7/2011 10:59:26 AM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
Ownership under 21 is fine in Nevada and you don't need an FFL for private sales, so there's no issue there.  Thanks for the advise, everyone. If I can find one I think I'll get a springfield.  I would much rather have an American gun than a filipino one.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile


FYI i also have a Springfield 1911-A1 awesome shooter consistant groups etc. Plus was able to show up people hitting a box at 100 yards with that gun granted is was more of a mortar than anything but a fun shooter
12/7/2011 2:19:43 PM EDT
[#12]
Kimber they use to make Wilson parts
Still a great gun IMO
I have 2
Springfield is ok also and they cost less
12/11/2011 4:14:11 PM EDT
[#13]
PLEASE read this first:  Hilton Yam's perspective on buying a duty 1911

He's a respected 1911 smith, whose work commands top money.  He is also an active duty LEO (I think he's SWAT, but may be wrong), so he's all about making sure that stuff works and is passionate about putting out good information for those willing to listen.
12/12/2011 7:38:11 AM EDT
[#14]
rghdublife- hate to break it to you but ALL springfield 1911's are made whole or in part in Brazil.
No SA inc 1911 has ever been made 100% in the  USA
12/12/2011 8:15:40 AM EDT
[#15]
Quoted:
rghdublife- hate to break it to you but ALL springfield 1911's are made whole or in part in Brazil.
No SA inc 1911 has ever been made 100% in the  USA


But "enough" of the SA is made in the USA to get the made in USA sticker and frame markings.