1911 Input

[rlms]

Ok looking for some input. Looking around I've realized that putting out 800 to a grand out for a 1911 in 45cal is just not in the cards today or tomorrow. So that being said would I like to see what the thoughts are on the 500.00 + -. Also i shoot a fair amount so it wouldn't be a safe queen. Thanks

[Xringshooter]

Look at the Rock Island Armory .45's. Well made for not a lot of money. I would may be bypass the standard GI model, it has the little GI sights and is pretty basic. If you go to the Tactical model, you get more of the bells and whistles and probably still be well within your budget.

[Karlos]

Keep an eye on the classifieds and be patient. Buddy of mine picked up a really nice deal on a Springfield Range Officer .45 with ammo and extra mags for $600. The gun was in near mint condition.

[thebearpack]

Rock Island , Auto Ordnance and (if you can fine one) Norinco are all great starter 1911s around that price point. Can't go wrong with any of them.

[littlefitz]

I've heard good things about the Ruger 1911. I've never shot one though.

[IrocGuns]

what has been said above is good advice - I've shot all of the above and they are all fine guns. If you want a plain jane GI 1911 I have a Auto Ordinance which is their ww2 tribute, parkerized plain GI and it is great and made i think in usa (magnum research/kahr makes it). The rock island stuff is really good but made in phillipines. The Ruger is a wonderful gun and really nice to shoot, very well made and durable. The norinco's are prized for their forged frames which I understand are superior steel to pretty much anything else in the price range, made in china. If you can get a used Springfield or Colt in your price range that's the way I would probably go...that or the ruger...but you can't go wrong. Cheaper options abound, and I've looked at some other turkish and philipini guns that were very well made if you can get for 300-400 on the used market but none of them touch the quality of the ruger, colt, springfield, norinco, etc. If you like kimbers once in a while one of them pops up used for around 500 too...I've only shot a couple and the fit and finish were quite good

[bripro]

I was going to respond but after reading the advice you've already gotten there's no reason to.

[poconopashooter]

As others have said, Rock Island is great for the price. Also Taurus PT1911 is also a contender if front grip checkering is a desired feature or if you prefer a stainless 1911.

Rock island is 70 series and taurus is 80 series if that matters to you as well.

[Hodgie]

Another vote for Ruger, then RIA.

[c45man]

It is all balanced on need. If one is shooting competition for cash money, by all means, the customs are the order of the day. Otherwise, Rock Islands are fine. Go to any 1911 forum and the Armscore/Rockisland threads resemble an amen corner. Lifetime warranty, dependability, and accuracy. I own two tacticals and even impressed a friend with a Les Bear, which he paid $1800 for used.