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So I'm slowly mulling over the idea of getting a 1911 in the semi-near future - not for another 3 months or so, at least.

The recent activity in Tacomaoffroader's post regarding his 24/7 got me looking at the Taurus site. Then I remembered what those guns look like and couldn't bring myself to look at them and their weird oblong handles and plastic frames. So, I headed over to the 1911 section of the Taurus site instead. Oh the beautiful lines and styling of the 1911! No insult intended to anyone who carries a plastic gun, I just can't bring myself to like them personally.

So anyhow, I'll probably be in the market for a 1911 in a few months. I'm not looking for anything fancy or shiny or super-tuned or anything like that. Matte black or blued finish is what I want. A dark gun is much easier for me to conceal, as most of my clothes are dark, and black blends in better. I'd specifically like a 5" model. I don't want to spend a ton of money on it, I just want something basic and functional.

So... I have been looking around at 1911's, and specifically have been looking at both the STI Spartan and the Taurus PT 1911. I've also found that the basic Springfield GI and Mil-Spec models fall into the same price range. The Kimber Customs are a little more pricey, but it seems they all come with shiny stainless hammers, a feature I do not want for the sake of concealed carry.

Anyone have any advice or testimony regarding the reliability of these or any other 1911 pistols that can be had for a decent price?

Thanks in advance.

I own a Taurus PT1911, its a nice gun that gives you a lot of features for the money. There are two things you should be aware of regarding the PT1911. The first issue is the finish, its not as good as it should be. The finish has a one year warranty while the rest of the gun has a lifetime warranty. The second issue is the dovetails for the sights are unique to the gun. While the gun has Heinie Straight-8 sights they utilize a Taurus only dovetail.

As an alternative to the Taurus you might consider a Rock Island Armory 1911, tactical. You can find them for sale on gunbroker by a guy called Bellshireguns for $425 (Buy now) and he will pay the shipping to your FFL if you use the "Buy Now" function. The Rock Island will have a life time warranty also.

I think the best value for the money currently is the S&W 1911. I have two and they have been flawless. Another good option is the SA mil-spec (I am not a big fan of the "Loaded" series). The mil-spec is a good reliable firearm but the sights are not the best for conceal carry.

I like Les Baer pistols, but they may cost a bit more than what you're looking for.

I've heard nothing but good things about the current SW1911s . . . they seem to work well, though many people dislike the "don't be stupid" warning on the side. (Heard S&W was thinking about removing it, but that could be just wishful thinking . . .)

ALL other manufacturers of lower-priced 1911s seem to be putting out a noticeable percentage of lemons . . . and I, for one, don't like the idea of spending anywhere from hundreds to near $1000 for a new gun that I assume will have to be fixed . . .

Houston1944 wrote:I think the best value for the money currently is the S&W 1911. I have two and they have been flawless. Another good option is the SA mil-spec (I am not a big fan of the "Loaded" series). The mil-spec is a good reliable firearm but the sights are not the best for conceal carry.

Both are good options...

If this is going to be your carry weapon, and you're willing to bet your life on it, should cost be the deciding point? Seems reliability should be at the top of the list... looks, cost, finish, etc would all take second seat. Just something to think about

Looks like your list is short...You should be able to decide fairly easy, and be happy with what you choose...

There are a few folks going with the Taurus (I happen to like them)...That Smith is not something I would turn away from either...

Ain't shopping fun!

I guess we all love spending others money!

TX Rancher wrote:

Houston1944 wrote:I think the best value for the money currently is the S&W 1911. I have two and they have been flawless. Another good option is the SA mil-spec (I am not a big fan of the "Loaded" series). The mil-spec is a good reliable firearm but the sights are not the best for conceal carry.

Both are good options...

If this is going to be your carry weapon, and you're willing to bet your life on it, should cost be the deciding point? Seems reliability should be at the top of the list... looks, cost, finish, etc would all take second seat. Just something to think about

While your assessment is generally true, higher cost != higher reliability. In some cases it does, in others not so much. "Performance" and customization play a huge factor here, and I do not find it an unreasonable expectation to expect a $700 pistol with no special features or performance modifications to be reliable for carry duty.

I paid far less for my Hi-power, which has proven itself to me to be flawless in its reliability. It's never had a jam or failure in any way in the ~400 rounds I've put through it thus far. I trust it, and it is my daily carry. It also cost me $300 NIB. While it is a good deal even for an Argentine model, they still only generally go for around $400.

In another example, Glocks are known for being reliable guns. They are a favored gun of law enforcement agencies and officers who trust their lives to them every day. Pretty much any of their models can be had for less than $600, plain and stock.

While the SA mil-spec falls in the ~$700 range, the S&W is far too expensive to be reasonable for my needs. The line has to be drawn somewhere, and I think $700 is a reasonable one.

stevie_d_64 wrote:Looks like your list is short...You should be able to decide fairly easy, and be happy with what you choose...

There are a few folks going with the Taurus (I happen to like them)...That Smith is not something I would turn away from either...

Ain't shopping fun!

I guess we all love spending others money!

It's not that my list is short, it's more that my requirements are simple. Rereading what you wrote, maybe that's what you mean.

Black/blued, reliable, <=$700, nothing shiny.

I also don't know a whole lot about the world of 1911s, which is why I asked if anyone else had any in mind that would fit my requirements. I'm taking a look at the Rock Island guns suggested by G.A. Heath now.

Yep, thats what I meant...

Nothing flashy, fancy...Just so that it goes bang when I need it to...

If its ugly, and goes bang, even better...

Didn't realize you were looking at the Rock Island stuff as well...

I'm jealous...Yer having to much fun with this!

stevie_d_64 wrote:Yep, thats what I meant...

Nothing flashy, fancy...Just so that it goes bang when I need it to...

If its ugly, and goes bang, even better...

Didn't realize you were looking at the Rock Island stuff as well...

I'm jealous...Yer having to much fun with this!

If only those Rock Island guns came with black grips instead! I guess I'd have to buy some replacement grips for it if I got one. Anyone have any experience with these?

That same seller also has a SA G.I. Champion hi-cap for $500 with shipping. Not too shabby.

I got a Springfield GI .45 and absolutely love it. I have put several hundred rounds through it, and carry it almost exclusively. It pretty doggone accurate. I use a Galco IWB, and can easily conceal in shorts and T-shirt. Good luck.

Check with Sarco. They have several variations including the Tactical for under $400. Grips are cheap. I am wanting some black wood grips for my Sistema.

Gun show in Dallas Market Hall this weekend, come do the touchy-feely thing (with the merchandise)

I have the Springfield Champion (Commander length) and like it. I sometimes wish I would have gone with the full sized, but I'm fine with it.

I'm paying quite a bit more to have new sights put on it. I hate those dark factory sights. It takes too long to get a sight picture. Take the sights into consideration before making your purchase.

My gun cost me $469 at a gun show. I paid $13 each for two additional magazines. I use this gun for IDPA. I'm paying around $100 for new sights & installation.

1) I only have one 1911 so am not qualified to make suggestions.

2) It is a Springfield "MIL-SPEC" bought "almost new" several years ago for ~$400. I am amazed if they are really $700 now. All mine needed was the extractor tension adjusted. It has over 6,000 rounds through it and is very reliable and more accurate than I can hold.

3) People say good things about the Rock Island 1911. Many posts on the high road and http://forum.m1911.org/ suggest satisfied shooters.

4) If the color of the grips matters, look around at replacements - they are not expensive. I replaced the black plastic grips on my Springfield with inexpensive wood grips from CDNN http://cdnninvestments.com/19giwagrnew.html and am happy with the sharp checkering and "plain" looks.

Have fun with your new 1911!

Regards,
Andrew

NcongruNt wrote: While your assessment is generally true, higher cost != higher reliability. In some cases it does, in others not so much. "Performance" and customization play a huge factor here, and I do not find it an unreasonable expectation to expect a $700 pistol with no special features or performance modifications to be reliable for carry duty.

I didn’t make a statement that higher cost always equals higher reliability, I only stated the question should cost be the principle decider for something you may be betting your life on. I personally believe reliability should top the list, but that’s just my personal preference.

Of course I think it’s prudent to spend the least amount of money required to obtain a reliable pistol, but not less…

NcongruNt wrote:
In another example, Glocks are known for being reliable guns. They are a favored gun of law enforcement agencies and officers who trust their lives to them every day. Pretty much any of their models can be had for less than $600, plain and stock.

Since I own a G23. G19, and a G26 it would seem I agree with your comments above. I very often carry the 19 and the 26. I’m not as impressed with the 40 Cal as I thought I would be, so it spends a lot of it’s time in the safe…