1911...Suggestions

[philhir]

I have been thinking about adding a 1911 to my modest pistol collection...I don't know why, I just want one I guess. However I don't know anything about this pistol....what brands are good, which are not. I'm probably going to buy used, so any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
Phil...on the Shores of Beautiful Lake Erie

[dgg9]

This is a fairly common question here -- I predict a quick search on "1911" will get you started with a ton of information.

[aubie515]

You also might want to post how much you are willing to spend. The 1911 goes from $300-$2,5XX in price range. I'd also recommend joining http://www.1911forum.com/

For an inexpensive 1911 I'd say Rock Island Armory or a Norinco. I own the Taurus PT1911 and I am impressed with it's performance. I paid $450 for mine, but the price has increased.

[Jay5oh]

Need alot more info. As to good brands Springfield and ParaOrdnance are a couple good ones. Really it depends on what you want and how big your wallet is....

[Lougotzz]

go to 1911 forums and look at the different makers forums. You will see that for a mass produced gun(not custom or semi custom) colt has the least issues. Colt mostly has cosmetic issues. Springfield armory has one of the best customer service. You can do well with sprinfield armory but you might need their customer service. They have some issues. bad extractors. They go out of tune and you have FTE. The small micro 3" 1911 from them tend to have a reliability problem. Plunger tubes get loose. Rear sights get loose. Small thing like that.

If you go with semi custom wilson, RRA, Les Bear, ect. all will do you well.

Do a lot of reading and dont listen to the gun shop guy. He is going to try to sell you Sa or kimber. Thats what they like to push. Get what you want because of the research!!!

Then they will tell you colt is out of business and we cant get them.

[Lycanthrope]

The STI Spartan is getting rave reviews since it's release. They're going for about $550.

[John C]

For an inexpensive 1911 I'd say Rock Island Armory or a Norinco.

Aubie, have you seen a Norinco 45 for sale anywhere? I'm looking for one.

John C

[DanV1317]

i like my STI Spartan. Supposed to be one of this years best buy 1911's.

[bloomautomatic]

I bought my Dad a Rock Island for Christmas. $340, brand new in the plastic wrapper. Seems to be well made. Probably the best deal for the money.

I also have an Auto-Ordnance (pre-Kahr) that's pretty decent - paid $250 for it from a guy at work, which was a pretty good price. Just noticed yesterday that the rear sight has worked it's way loose in the dovetail, so that will need some attention.

And my first 1911 was an AMT Hardballer that I bought for competition. This one is stainless and decked out with the oversized beavertail, safety, and slide release, and has millet adjustable sights.

Vince

[aubie515]

John C, I know where there's a Norinco 45. I will PM you the information. I passed on it and went with the PT1911.