Up to $900 to spend... which 1911?

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Sixer

New member
I know, I know... another "which 1911 do I buy" thread. My apologies, but I plan on buying my first 1911 before the end of the year and I'm not exactly an expert on the platform. :eek:

What I'm looking for -

- .45 ACP
- Full size 5" barrel
- traditional look (no rails, etc)
- Stainless finish
- Room to upgrade
- $900 or less OTD

Right now I've had my eye on a Springfield Loaded... I'd love to have a Colt, but it may not be in my price range.

Thoughts, advice, etc!?
Thanks!
 
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Jay24bal

New member
Remington 1911 R1s

I also had an itch for a stainless, full sized, 45 ACP basic 1911 and I wanted to stay around the $800ish range. Just last week I finally ordered the Remington 1911 R1s.

I looked at several (Ruger, Springfield, and Remington were my top 3 choices), and had a chance to shoot them all by either renting them at my range or borrowing one from a friend that has one (the Ruger) and got to test them out. What I found was that the Remington felt the best out of the box IMO as all three were stock configurations. It had the best trigger of the three and judging by the different ones of each they had in stock, the Remington seemed to come with the tightest tolerances (although the Ruger was close).

Obviously, all three are from "quality" manufacturers and I doubt I could have gone wrong with any of them. After firing all three, the Remington just felt best in my hand.

Can't wait for it to come in!
 
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JimDandy

New member
Define basic.. there's the GI 1911, and there's the more currently popular version... the higher beavertail, and hammer combo, flared ejection port, and a few other bells and whistles aren't GI, but they're pretty nice to have.
 
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erob3

New member
I have to say Sixer for what you are looking for I would go with a Ruger SR1911. I got lucky and picked one up when they first came out, it was absolutely great right out of the box. And the really good thing is you can get one well under your $900 price point and that buys alot of ammo. If your interested a gun store in my area was selling them for $650 a few days ago. If your interested send me a PM and I will give the info. Anyway, not only does the Ruger meet your list it also is American made. Hope this helps. Good Luck.
 
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fsmitka

New member
Bought a new SA Loaded in SS recently. I am totally happy with it, accurate 100% reliable and nicely finished. The slide to frame fit is tight and smooth, trigger is crisp with a little play. $799. I looked at the Sig and Smith, both looked as nice as the Springfield. I went with the Loaded due to SA's customer service record. I don't want to get jerked around by a manufacturer if I have problems with the weapon down the road. Although, I have sent several revolvers to Smith and Wesson for service and repair and they have been great every time. Don't know about Sig Sauer.
 
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orionengnr

New member
If you are wanting a new 1911, I think that the Ruger SR1911 is a very good choice.

For that same $900 (or a few bucks more), you can get some serious quality in used 1911s.

I recently bought an S&W Scandium framed Commander sized 1911 ($750). In the last three years I have missed out on two Wilsons (one for $999 and one for $1100) and snagged a Les Baer for about $1200.

There are some really good deals out there, but you have to keep your eyes open and strike while the iron is hot...
 
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JR_Roosa

New member
You won't regret a Colt. I think you can even get an XSE for a little more than $900 if you really like novak sights and beavertails.

I like the traditional style though. You might even want to look for one of the series 70 stainless models if you really want to go old-school.

-J.
 
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Micahweeks

New member
Personally, I wouldn't spend ~$900 just because you have $900. A great 1911 can be had for less. I've been very happy that I listened to the advice to spare some cash for a good carry set up. In my case, I have an STI Spartan (~$650), a great, no, amazing belt from Rick Garcia on this board (~$60 shipped @ http://www.rgleather.freehomepage.com/catalog_2.html), and holster from Tucker Gunleather with a double mag carrier (~$160 shipped). I've found that since I have the rig, I'm just not afraid to by more 1911s! I just recently picked up my third in nine months, a High Standard officer size 1911 for the wife (terrific so far at around 400 rounds). I say save cash for the full set up and some ammo. You won't regret it.
 
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loose_holster_dan

New member
colt gold cup is a great decision. i got mine for $800 new. good luck finding that price, but $900 shouldn't be too much of a stretch.

IMG_20120409_223638.jpg
 
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Scotty45

New member
My Colt has been on my hip as an EDC weapon and I've gotten lots of training on it. 100% still at 16 months and 600-800 rounds through it. It shoots 1 1/2" groups at 25 yards out of the box. I'll never go with anyone else unless I want custom but then if I had that much money to burn I'd probably get a base Colt and customize it up.

Oh yeah, and it's a Combat Elite (basically a two-tone XSE) and I paid $899. Good luck and enjoy your selection!


"I may be a slow walker, but I never walk back" -- Abraham Lincoln
 
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rcase1234

New member
I've heard good reviews on the new Remington 1911 R1. Check 'em out they seen like a traditional 1911. Just what your looking for
 
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Mrgunsngear

New member
I know I'm going to get crap for this but here goes :D

I'd get either a RIA, Springfield, or S&W. Reason being, all have great customer service & great warranties. It has been my experience that a relatively high percentage of production 1911s have reliability issues. (I define reliable as having less 2 or less malfunctions of any kind every 1k rounds)

I've sent at least one of all of the above brands back for service and have been 100% satisfied each time I got my gun back. That's what counts for me. Any company can put out a lemon or two from time to time but standing behind their product is what makes me buy another or recommend them in a forum such as this.
 
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Sixer

New member
Thanks for the input guys!

Every single one of the brands recommended sound great... I've been considering the Springfield, S&W, Sig, Ruger, and Remington and a few others... BUT I keep going back to the Colt!

Something about the pony... My grandfather had one and I remember thinking it was the coolest gun ever. I've wanted one ever since.

That may not be the best reason to buy a certain gun, and I may not end up with a Colt... but it's something to consider.

Is it bad that I've already bought ammo for a gun / caliber I don't own yet, hahaha!?

As far as the leather ... check my sig line (shameless plug). :)
 
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rcase1234

New member
If you want a Colt I'd get a Gold Cup. Nicest handgun I've ever shot. If I were you I'd also consider buying a cheaper 1911 and putting some $ into it to fit you. That was recommended to me when I was looking at 1911s. Never went through with the plan but didn't seem like a bad idea
 
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