Which 1911 under $800

[LH2]

I've got the bug for a .45 in my collection. My hands aren't too big so the single stack grip of a 1911 feels good to me, as opposed to some blockier .45s I'd been looking at.

I'd like to spend under $800, what would you guys recommend?

In this price range I've seen:

S&W SW1911 I know S&W has great customer service to boot.

Dan Wesson Pointman 7 I know nothing of this one.

Springfield Mil-Spec Cheapest in the bunch, maybe under $600.
I hear S-A has excellent customer service.

Colt M1991A1 How are Colts these days? Maybe a bit more basic than competitors in this price range?

Anything else I should consider? I want reliability out of the box.
Thanks!

[RickJZ]

definitely go with a Springfield Armory Mil-spec 1911. It is a great performer out-of-the-box; also a great value for the money. The mil-spec is an excellent base model that allows for custom upgrades if desired. I have had my stainless mil-spec for two years and have not had a single negative issue with it.

[Butcher]

I got my new Kimber for $775
(crap! still gotta upload the pics i took)

[DaBigBR]

For that price you could get the Springer and a pile of Wilson 47D or CMC magazines.

The S&W has been getting great reviews on here as well.

[Slvr Surfr]

As an owner of both a SW and SA either way you cant go wrong. I was able to get a SA 1911 A1 loaded in parkerized for under 800. I think my SW is a bit smoother to shoot and the trigger is just a bit more crisp. SW customer service is very accomodating as well.

Good luck.

[happyguy]

Around here you can get the Series 70 re-issue or the XSE for around $800. I just picked up an XSE lightweight commander for $850 otd.

I can't speak highly enough of either my 1991 Government or the XSE and from the ones that I've examined, the Series 70's are excellent also. Colt is back and badder than ever. Notwithstanding the junkers that occasionally seem to make it past QC. :supergrin:

Regards,
Happyguy:)

P.S. I just reread your post, per reliability. My 1991A1 Government has just shy of 6000 rds through it and I've had two failures. Back around round 80 something one round fed forward of the extractor and not too long after I failed to properly seat a magazine resulting in a failure (my fault). It feeds everything.

My new carry gun (.45acp XSE lightweight commander) only has 400 rounds through it but I have yet to have a problem. I did replace the grip safety with a drop-in Wilson unit because the stock one sucks.

The lockup on the XSE is as tight as guns costing thousands more, though I think it could use a slightly tighter bushing to get the most out of it, accuracy wise. The trigger is great, the trigger guard is undercut, and I actually prefer the Novak nockoffs to the real thing. Slide to frame fit is not as tight as a Baer, Brown, Wilson, or Nighthawk but I think the gun is capable of doing anything the aforementioned guns a capable of. Disclaimer: I have never owned one of the top of the line 1911's and I would agree that you can see the difference between them and the XSE.

The Government model is...well...a government model, with all the good and bad that goes with being one.

Both guns could use a good dehorning.

Regards,
Happyguy :)

[hangmans joke]

dude you can get the springfield loaded for under 800 bucks . i got one slighty used from a gter here a few months ago ftf for 425 !!!! best deali ever got on anything. i love it .go with the loaded or atleast try one out at the range.

[Slvr Surfr]

Originally posted by hangmans joke
dude you can get the springfield loaded for under 800 bucks . i got one slighty used from a gter here a few months ago ftf for 425 !!!! best deali ever got on anything. i love it .go with the loaded or atleast try one out at the range.

The loaded comes with everything ! NS, Beaver tail, ambi safety. Best bang for buck really.

[dsg2003gt]

Originally posted by Slvr Surfr
The loaded comes with everything ! NS, Beaver tail, ambi safety. Best bang for buck really.

agreed. In his price range a new/used loaded will really maximize his dollar.

a used Kimber series 1 isnt bad either.

[LH2]

Aren't all the Springfield 1911s made in Brazil?

Or are Mil-Spec & loaded models actually US-made?

[HCRoadie]

Originally posted by happyguy
Around here you can get the Series 70 re-issue or the XSE for around $800. I just picked up an XSE lightweight commander for $850 otd.

Regards,
Happyguy :)
What is the XSE?

[dsg2003gt]

Originally posted by HCRoadie
What is the XSE?

it is COLTs value line...has 3 dot sights, ambi safety, semi-beavertail and 3 hole trigger from factory.

[Robert McLeod]

Colt Series 70

[10mm4ever]

Why did you pick the mil-spec from Springfield, instead of a loaded model? My pick would be the S&W or the loaded.

[RickJZ]

LH2, I know for a fact that the receiver of the SA mil-spec is made in Brazil. I am not certain where the slide and barrel are made; keep-in-mind that Brazil produces top-notch quality steel. As I stated to you in my earlier reply to your post, my SA mil-spec 1911 has not given me any negative concerns what-so-ever.

[10mm4ever]

They're made by Imbel of brazil. Imbel is synonomous with quality.

[Robert McLeod]

Originally posted by 10mm4ever
Why did you pick the mil-spec from Springfield, instead of a loaded model? My pick would be the S&W or the loaded.

I am not going to try and answer this for him but here is my theory on it. If you buy a Mil-Spec you can modify it the way you want it, not the way some comany exec. decides is best for you.

You may buy a Mil-Spec and decide that you like it exactly like it is and not even think of making any mods. However, you may decide that you would like a different type of grip safety than what it is shipped with. Now, if you want one with the same radius, not that big of a deal, however, if you want a different one, itmay be a big deal.

My advice with 1911s is buy them in a "mil-spec" configuration, and modify them the way you want to.

[10mm4ever]

Originally posted by Robert McLeod
I am not going to try and answer this for him but here is my theory on it. If you buy a Mil-Spec you can modify it the way you want it, not the way some comany exec. decides is best for you.

You may buy a Mil-Spec and decide that you like it exactly like it is and not even think of making any mods. However, you may decide that you would like a different type of grip safety than what it is shipped with. Now, if you want one with the same radius, not that big of a deal, however, if you want a different one, itmay be a big deal.

My advice with 1911s is buy them in a "mil-spec" configuration, and modify them the way you want to. Nothing wrong with the mil-specs, their excellent as is. The problem is that the majority never leave them "as is".http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f7/masterofg3/th_000_1179.jpg (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f7/masterofg3/000_1179.jpg)
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f7/masterofg3/th_000_1171.jpg (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f7/masterofg3/000_1171.jpg)
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f7/masterofg3/th_000_1169.jpg (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f7/masterofg3/000_1169.jpg)

I love mine, but for the total cost of what's been invested in my Tripped mil-spec, you could nearly have a pair of loaded models.There's a ton of aftermarket parts out there and it's all but impossible to resist some modding. The Novak sights on the loaded model would easily cost you 200 bucks to install on a mil-spec(trust me, I know),so that in itself justifies the difference in price between a mil-spec and loaded model. If you are absolutely certain that you don't want the "enhancements" of the loaded model, then the mil-spec is great, but I'd be certain before I took the plunge. If you purchase a mil-spec, and later decide you want all the "enhancements" of the loaded model, sell the mil-spec and add a few bucks to it to buy a loaded model. You will save ALOT of money by doing so.

[happyguy]

I can't speak to the quality of the forgings in SA's guns, but I have been to Brazil and for what it's worth (probably nothing)it is a third world country. Colt's, Smith's, and even Kimber's are made here in the good old USA and employ American labor.

Regards,
Happyguy:)

[freepatriot]

Originally posted by LH2
I've got the bug for a .45 in my collection.

Excellent. No one should be without a 1911. I traded away my only two Glocks to afford some reloading equipment to feed my 1911. What does that tell you? ;)


Originally posted by LH2
I've got the bug for a .45 in my collection.
Springfield Mil-Spec Cheapest in the bunch, maybe under $600.
I hear S-A has excellent customer service.

I love my Sprinfield Mil Spec. You are right, it is about $500 ish. Not to be confused with the Mil-Spec G.I. 45, which is different.

Originally posted by LH2
Colt M1991A1 How are Colts these days? Maybe a bit more basic than competitors in this price range?

I love my Colt M1991A1, they are VERY well made these days, but i wish I had spent the extra $100 to get a Series 70 reissue instead of the 1991A1. :)

Originally posted by LH2
I want reliability out of the box.
Thanks!

Springfield and Colts are both reliable out of the box.

[Short Cut]

Under a grand I like Kimbers for their overall fit, accuracy and stock trigger feel.

[Kinny]

You can find a Springfield Loaded for around $650 at gunshows and online. For the sub $1000 catagory, you can't beat Kimber in terms of fit and finish. The S&W is an excellent choice as well.

[Armed Ninja]

If it was me, which it really is, ive got the same budget and looking at a 1911, my choices are (in order)

Kimber TLE

Smith & Wesson 1911

Springfield Loaded

[jrs93accord]

Personally, I bought a Kimber Stainless Pro Carry II for around $750.00. I have added Mepro NS ($105.00) and Kimber's checkered Rosewood grips ($39.95). It is only the second 1911 model I have owned in the last twenty years. My first was an Llama in 1986. Anyhow, with the multitude of 1911 models out there, you cannot go wrong with some of the S&W, SA, Colt, Kimber, Para, RIA, and a few others for under $800.00. I spent good money for the Kimber because I wanted a good quality firearm that was dependable. The trigger was light and smooth and the fit and finish is superb. There are so many quality 1911 models out today that it makes choosing hard to do. Quite frankly, I am actually considering buying a Rock Island Armory model. For less than $300.00, it is a good product at a cheap price. Worth looking at. However, for a dependable primary defense weapon, I put my money elsewhere.

[LH2]

Handled a few 1911s today.

Found out I don't care for the bump on the grip safety of the SA Loaded or S&Ws. The Kimber Custom II felt good and sells for $650.
Sights are plain black fixed, but are dovetailed and easily changed.

I also prefer a smooth front strap - seems like the checkering might get irritating after some rounds.

Can't find Colts in stock anywhere but am thinking maybe a stainless Series 70 would be sweet. Not alot of options for the money compared to some other pistols however.

[Robert McLeod]

Originally posted by LH2
The Kimber Custom II felt good and sells for $650.
Sights are plain black fixed, but are dovetailed and easily changed.



Actually, the sights on a Kimber are VERY hard to change. Most of the time they require a hydraulic press to push them out.

[TedG]

There's a deal on this site that's hard to beat. Check it out. Buy it and use the left over $$$ on ammunition. :supergrin:

http://glocktalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=547982

[MoCop]

I recently bought a kimber custom II for 620.00 brand new. It doesn't have the night sights or the checkering like others do, but that's all personal preferance.

Be Safe

MoCop

P.S. No LEO discount either. The shop I buy from sells slightly over cost.

Be safe and shoot straight

MoCop

[MP1SG]

I have the DW Seven, S&W, and several SA Loaded, and several other 1911's. For the amount you are looking to spend, I'd go with the the DW Seven or a SA Loaded. Both are series 70 style 1911's, which I prefer.

DW's don't get a lot of attention, but they are damn good guns, I have four of them.

For great info on DW's go to http://forums.1911forum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=52

[engineer151515]

My answer (and hopefully my next 1911)

http://nas4.atlanta.gbhinc.com/GB/049839000/49839639/pix1013039375.jpg

Smith and Wesson Scandium 5"

[Glolt20-91]

That Smith looks good enough to trade my G20 for. :) Bought a GI Springer on Friday for $480, forged slide, frame, barrel and titanium trigger; over 200 rounds fired yesterday with the only two problems were factory ammo and stovepipes. Homebrew 230gr Golden Sabers and 185gr Sierra JHPs no problems in once fired brass. I bought this as a backup for my carry Colt and like the arched MSH so much I may install one in the Colt. :)

Adios,
Bob

[tpr7304]

I recently purchased a Kimber TLE II for $764. It is a Kimber Custom II with a checkered front strap and night sights.

It is reliable (no malfunctions after 500 rounds) and extremely accurate.

[Rinspeed]

Originally posted by Robert McLeod
Actually, the sights on a Kimber are VERY hard to change. Most of the time they require a hydraulic press to push them out.


I wouldn't say VERY hard to change. How about damn near impossible. Kimber installs them with a 20 ton press. I Have no idea why they have a set screw as it would be needed in a hundred years.