[Grimwulff]

Ok, these guns have grown on me, and i've been doing a TON of window shopping and reading, just like I do before ANY purchase that I make. However, just like anything else, I seek the thoughts of others.



Now... I've handled Kimbers and a couple of others, but... I know I can't afford a new Kimber, especially when a 1911 is kinda low priority for me. So I was wondering, what should I look for, specifically, in a 1911? That is, outside of reliability and all of that, what specific traits make the best 1911s, and which ones just make the gun... another 1911. Know what I mean?

 

[101Combat Vet]

Taurus has a 1911 for under 600.00 and I have heard lots of great reviews too..

 

[Grimwulff]

Taurus has a 1911 for under 600.00 and I have heard lots of great reviews too..

Yea, I have read up on that one, too. It seems like an amazing deal.

 

[101Combat Vet]

I havent shot it at all but have fired a couple taurus models and had an ultra-lite .38 IMHO good company with a great deal brother..

 

[Jester]

Be very weary of the tarus models. all of the dealers around here will tell you they have 100% falure rate, meaning that all that the sell come back to be sent for repair.



You really can't go wrong with springfield armory.

 

[jbparrothd21]

I too was looking into 1911's for a while once upon a time when I had money; and around here many of the dealers and guys I talked to could not stop talking about how much they liked the Taurus. Two of the dealers actually carried them in the store. Take that for what it is worth, I have never shot them nor can provide anything more than second hand accounts.

 

[sof]

Rock Island armory makes a 1911 for around $450. I've heard from many folks

that it is the AK47 of the 1911's as far as durability goes. Something to look into man.

 

[45guy]

I would be very leary of Taurus. I don't know of anyone with a worse customer service reputation.

 

[cmdbass]

S&W performance 1911s are sweet pieces. Buddy just picked one up used for 450 bucks and it is awesome. And we all know how their customer service is.

 

[raz-0]

Be very weary of the tarus models. all of the dealers around here will tell you they have 100% falure rate, meaning that all that the sell come back to be sent for repair.



You really can't go wrong with springfield armory.

They must make more on other brands. Taurus is not even close to that bad.

 

[Jester]

I actually work really close with the dealer, I never buy pistols from them either. He knows not to tell me any BS when I go there, I actually trust this dealer.

 

[mity2]

PT1911. you just can't beat their value, and function

 

[ske1eter]

Go to www.m1911.org to check out what folks say about the various 1911.



http://tinyurl.com/3asttr <-- Taurus forum at m1911.org

 

[gunfish]

You can consider a used 1911... i just bought a used SA1911-a1 Parkerized Mil-Spec from a neighbor for $400. I compared it to a NIB Rock Island that was $389. There was no comparison in my opinion... the SA1911 had a better fit & finish than the RI. If you do consider a used 1911, there is a link from the 1911 forum, (www.m1911.org), to a web page that gives very detailed instruction on inspecting a 1911 for unusual wear and tear. I found it quite useful. I must admit that i was very fortunate to have a neighbor wanting to sell at the same time i was looking to buy. Good luck on finding your 1911...

 

[BattlePack]

Springfield Armory Mil-Spec (not GI) makes a great first 1911. I think hands down one should consider that over the Taurus, based on my research.



If money truly is an issue, then Rock Island may fit the bill.

 

[coltman1985]

STI is making a basic single stack for around $550.00! I would look at that gun!!

 

[101Combat Vet]

STI is making a basic single stack for around $550.00! I would look at that gun!!

Sounds like a great price you got a link???

 

[sholling]

STI is making a basic single stack for around $550.00! I would look at that gun!!

No disrespect but STI's rep isn't all that wonderful either. My suggestion is the Springfield Armory Mil-Spec for about $600. It's a nice step up from the SA GI model with all of the upgrades most people want included in the price. SA customer service has it all over Taurus and STI.



Here's a nice little long term review.

http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/review/mysamilspec.htm

 

[Goblin086]

Save up your money and buy either a Springfield or a Kimber. You be happy you did in the end.

Stay far away from STI.... (unless you plan on giving your local Smith your credit card) :wink:

The old addage "you get what you pay for" comes to mind, atleast in the 1911 world.

There's a lot of things to look for when doing your research:

1. How many MIM parts are on the gun? (I've seen some break because of poor manufacturing proceedures.)

2. Barrel Fit (push down on the barrel hood when the slide is forward. It should not move at all)

3. Slide to Frame fit

4. Trigger pull (sloppiness, creep)



Good luck.

 

[mark_quitos]

In my very humble opinion, nothing beats a 1911 that has been built from scratch, wherein each and every single part has been scrupulously handpicked, and made to work in harmony with each other by and a highly talented gunsmith.



And yes, you spend a lot more to the gunsmith as compared to what you would spend on the parts.