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I've always thought the 1911 was a sexy weapon. I drooled all through Band of Brothers. But I never really thought it was "for me". Maybe because I already had a couple of Berettas and now a Bersa.

But now my wife is contemplating a CHL and I find myself shopping and looking at 1911s. But they seem so pricey on gunbroker.

How much can I expect to pay for a decent quality 1911? No Kimbers or Sigs, though I'd love to own one, I don't have that budget.

The Rock Island A1 Tactical is a fine weapon and can be had for around $450 (or less, or more, but $450 should be readily achievable).

I still believe that a Taurus PT 1911 is the best value in a 1911 there is.

I saw a Springfield GI.45 at academy for about $550. Seemed like a good deal.

I'm no 1911 expert, but what I've read on the forum the most affordable 1911's out there are:
Rock Island Armory(a.k.a. Armscor)
Springfield Armory
The Taurus 1911

The 1911 Forum is a great place to pick up ideas on new and used 1911's:

http://forums.1911forum.com/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I guess I was just a little shocked at how much they were, especially given the age of the design.

I also got a little overwhelmed at the different configurations available. Sizes seem to be pretty varied. Does anyone actually conceal a full size 1911?

samobius wrote:I guess I was just a little shocked at how much they were, especially given the age of the design.

I also got a little overwhelmed at the different configurations available. Sizes seem to be pretty varied. Does anyone actually conceal a full size 1911?

I do.

Yeah I was "dragged" (yeah right, I went willingly) to Academy with my dad and saw the Taurus 1911 there and it was a thing of beauty! I know what my next purchase is when I save up $650+ tax! Also my 6-y/o talked him into buying her a .22 bolt action by giving him the puppy eyes

samobius wrote:Does anyone actually conceal a full size 1911?

I do. FWIW, I picked up a 1 year old Kimber Custom II with Meprolight night sights for $650 at Cabela's in Buda. Most of the time, I don't even really notice it on my hip anymore.

You mentioned the sizes - the 1911 forum IS a great place to learn more, but there are 3 basic configurations: 5", 4" and 3", with the grip on the 3" being a bit shorter than a full-size, making it easier to conceal. IIRC, some makers also shorten the grip on some of their 4" models, too.

Just beware - once you get your first 1911, it will NOT be your last! (Especially when your wife keeps threatening to take yours away unless you buy her one (or two) also!)

AndyC wrote:

samobius wrote:I also got a little overwhelmed at the different configurations available. Sizes seem to be pretty varied. Does anyone actually conceal a full size 1911?

Yes.

Bear in mind, though, that it was designed as a military pistol to be carried openly, not concealed - so if you're going to get a full-size model, you're going to have to put some thought (and work) into how you're going to comfortably conceal it. One good point, though, is that it's a lot thinner than a Beretta/Glock/etc

On the other hand, a 1911 is flat and relatively slim, which is advantageous for concealed carry.
[EDIT: AndyC covered the slim part. I didn't read his post carefully enough before quoting him in mine.]

My #1 pistola is a 3" barreled, aluminum framed 1911. (Kimber Ultra CDP II)

STI makes an affordable 5" 1911 - The Spartan - for $698. It has fiber optic front sight and an adjustable rear sight. It has a Parkerized finish.

samobius wrote:I guess I was just a little shocked at how much they were, especially given the age of the design.

I also got a little overwhelmed at the different configurations available. Sizes seem to be pretty varied. Does anyone actually conceal a full size 1911?

Yes.

Controlled feed bolt action rifle design is over 100 years old, and it is still a great design. When a good design survives a certain amount of time and continues to be effective and relevant, it transcends "age" and becomes "timeless." 1911s fall into that category of designs. So do revolvers.

samobius wrote:I guess I was just a little shocked at how much they were, especially given the age of the design.

I also got a little overwhelmed at the different configurations available. Sizes seem to be pretty varied. Does anyone actually conceal a full size 1911?

Yep, probably 16 hours most days. I'm using a SmartCarry and after the recent events in Round Rock, I think I'm really glad.

davidtx:

What recently happened in Round Rock that makes you happy
to have your 1911 on you?

SIA