Inexpensive 1911 suggestions?

[JBowl1]

Auto-Ordinace, Tisas, RIA??? I'm looking for the best quality under $500. Prefer a WWII style 1911. I have no plans to upgrade. Thank you for your thoughts.

[ltxi]

Used Colt

[Popeye]

RIA' GI 1911 45ACP works for me. I have about 1000 through it, and it has been flawless. Eats and spits out everything I've fed it..

[mr surveyor]

I remember 8-10 years ago you could pick up the RIA "GI" model for around $300 (I saw some at $275). My eyes were already at the point of no return and the tiny GI sights just wouldn't do, so I passed on them then ... also thinking they were just cheap junk. Later when I found out that a lot of custom 1911 builders used the RIA frames to build their guns on, it was too late to get in on the low investment. I wish I'd bought a couple back then.

[1911master]

Rock Island for sure.

[yqtszhj]

RIA' GI 1911 45ACP works for me. I have about 1000 through it, and it has been flawless. Eats and spits out everything I've fed it..

What he said ^^^^^^. you should be able to find one out the door for about $450.

[Popeye]

I believe I paid in the neighborhood of $430 for the Rock about 2 years ago.. Like I mentioned it has been flawless. I once even did a five mag (36 round)shoot them as fast as you can to finish off a 200 round breaking it in. Only complaints I had was I should have worn a glove, as that was one very hot pistol. :D It's one of those pistols that if you get a scratch or a little finish wear it just adds to it's character. Also the GI model has a 70 series slide and does not have the FP safety, which makes for a very sweet trigger pull.
I'm no spring chicken and even with the limited sights on the GI model I still shoot it very well. I have also CC it on special occasions when going in to Philly.
8545
You can buy a better 1911 for more money, but IMO your never going to buy a 1911 that puts a bigger smile on your face. The Sombi+ch just flat out shoots.

[7shot]

Rock Island Armory GI M1911 A1, excellent buy for the $$

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411539079

Edit...looks like a lot of guys here agree...

[jocko]

I believe I paid in the neighborhood of $430 for the Rock about 2 years ago.. Like I mentioned it has been flawless. I once even did a five mag (36 round)shoot them as fast as you can to finish off a 200 round breaking it in. Only complaints I had was I should have worn a glove, as that was one very hot pistol. :D It's one of those pistols that if you get a scratch or a little finish wear it just adds to it's character. Also the GI model has a 70 series slide and does not have the FP safety, which makes for a very sweet trigger pull.
I'm no spring chicken and even with the limited sights on the GI model I still shoot it very well. I have also CC it on special occasions when going in to Philly.
8545
You can buy a better 1911 for more money, but IMO your never going to buy a 1911 that puts a bigger smile on your face. The Sombi+ch just flat out shoots.

a videoby Todd Jarrett where he put a 1000 rounds through a Para 1911 as fast as he could load and shoot. he had about 50 magazines loaded and people doing the loading, and he had a bucketof water to soak the gun in even, can't remember if he dunked the gun in the water to cool it but he was having alot of trouble shooting a 1000 rou7nds as the gun was totally hot, he was not wearing gloves, and sometimes even was shooting thegun with about 2 finners on the frame even. It was that hot. Narry a malfunction though. What did that really prove??? Stupid is as stupid does: forrest gump.

I have been a Jarrett fan for many yers, he just reminds me of a guy u could drink a beer with and neverhear him brag..:Amflag2:

[Popeye]

a videoby Todd Jarrett where he put a 1000 rounds through a Para 1911 as fast as he could load and shoot. he had about 50 magazines loaded and people doing the loading, and he had a bucketof water to soak the gun in even, can't remember if he dunked the gun in the water to cool it but he was having alot of trouble shooting a 1000 rou7nds as the gun was totally hot, he was not wearing gloves, and sometimes even was shooting thegun with about 2 finners on the frame even. It was that hot. Narry a malfunction though. What did that really prove??? Stupid is as stupid does: forrest gump.

I have been a Jarrett fan for many yers, he just reminds me of a guy u could drink a beer with and neverhear him brag..:Amflag2:
Plain to see he has more money than I do if he can do that. For me I was just coming to the end of a 200 round break in period and decided it would be and interesting way to end it. One thing about all steel guns they do heat up rather quickly. One thing I did find out though is if for some strange reason I ever did have to shoot 36 rounds consecutively and in a rapid fashion the Rock is up to the task. The only gun I have ever dunked in water was my P3at and that's only because it was in my pocket when I dove into a pool. It still worked so it really was no big thing.

[Barth]

I keep thinking I need an economy 1911.
Never owned one.
Don't think I'd ever carry cocked and locked.
But for the range I shoot no auto better than a 1911.

Still, I'm trying to save for something special.
So for now I ordered some Sig Sauer P220 SLIM Grips, Black Polymer @ $15.95.
My classic P220 is my sort of, but not really, 1911 like 45.
These grips may give it a more 1911 like feel - LOL!

I'm a funny guy...

[JohnR]

I have a Girsan and a Citadel, both have been 100% reliable. I've head all good about RIA (Citadel's brother under Armscor).

[gb6491]

Auto-Ordinace, Tisas, RIA??? I'm looking for the best quality under $500. Prefer a WWII style 1911. I have no plans to upgrade. Thank you for your thoughts.
I'm happy with my RIA Tactical (in 9mm). It's not the WWII style that you're looking for, but did come in under the $500 mark.
http://i47.tinypic.com/iq8voi.jpg
If you don't mind used, "GI" model Springfield Armory 1911s can be found in that price range. I picked up my 90's Edition (now called the Mil-Spec) for well south of the $500 mark.
http://i39.tinypic.com/68zhpe.jpg
Used Para Expert and Remington R1 1911s should also be available in that price range. Norinco also made (makes?) a decent 1911, but they are harder to find on the used market, but should be under $500 if you find one.
Used Colts and Kimbers will generally be above the $500 mark (at least in my area).
Regards,
Greg

[DKD]

If you are willing to stretch your budget just a little more you can have a new Remington R-1 with far better sights, match grade barrel and barrel bushing. They are very tight and very good shooters.

[JohnR]

I would add that the Girsan has the arched mainspring housing like the WWII M1911-A1 has, but modern angled grip serrations. No slide roll marks, only small stamped makers info. on the frame. Interesting that the flat housing is the older design, the -A1 revision included the arched housing, but modern 1911s tend to use the old flat housing.

[ltxi]

1927 Sistema Colt

[Planedude]

Have not seen the Taurus cussed/discussed. I got mine used for $400 and helped a good man out at the same time.
Don't care for the "billboards" but as a shooter she's sweet. When my re test for my CHL came up, I had only high$$ SD loads for my carry guns. Not wanting to shoot $80 bucks of ammo at paper I remembered I had stocked up on a whole lot of Sellers & Bellot 230grn 45acp for $12 bucks a box (missing that now days). Thus the Taurus went with me and it was great, as always.
The best thing you can do for an inexpensive 1911 is this... Buy Wilson Combat mags! Even on a range only gun, good mags make good shooters even better.

[Bawanna]

Aaaw another Wilson mag fan. Many of my 1911's have only had one mag fired with the factory mag just to make sure they work. After that nothing but Wilson mags.
My range bag has nothing but Wilson's.

Only 1911 I've ever seen that didn't dig the Wilson's is my chiefs CCO Para LDA. They worked fine for me but not reliable for him with anything but factory Para mags. Weird deal.
I took it one weekend and put 500 rounds through it figuring I'd break it in or break it and it ran fine. Balked for him. He only carries for looks anyhow.

[Popeye]

Yup Bawanna . The other mags seem to work fine for target practice, but when it comes to SD and hollow points all I use is the 8 round Wilson Combat mags. in the 1911. Wilson makes a quality Mag.

[ltxi]

Aaaw another Wilson mag fan. Many of my 1911's have only had one mag fired with the factory mag just to make sure they work. After that nothing but Wilson mags.
My range bag has nothing but Wilson's.

Only 1911 I've ever seen that didn't dig the Wilson's is my chiefs CCO Para LDA. They worked fine for me but not reliable for him with anything but factory Para mags. Weird deal.
I took it one weekend and put 500 rounds through it figuring I'd break it in or break it and it ran fine. Balked for him. He only carries for looks anyhow.

X2...

[Kidrod]

Love my Rock Island compact officers model! I'm more accurate with it than my beloved PM9..... To be expected with a larger pistol. I've had zero issues with it.