I've been researching for over a month...

MachineHead155 · 06-10-2010, 09:09

And I still can't decide which 1911 I want. The number of makers out there is just daunting and while I have the money for say a Wilson Combat, I think that would be quite unwise for a first 1911 even though I've already decided that I very much love the platform. Nothing shoots like a 1911. Period.

I'm looking to get a full-sized model and my two main concerns are durability and reliability. Everything else comes second. Right now I'm taking a close look at the RIA Tactical and everybody who has one seems to be very happy. Would you agree that these are quality made 1911's with a good service-life? They seem to come with every feature I'm looking for although there's no mention of a throated barrel. Does anyone know if the Tactical comes with a throated barrel?

Quack · 06-10-2010, 09:20

what's your budget?

MachineHead155 · 06-10-2010, 09:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quack

what's your budget?

$1000 or less. Obviously not looking for the best 1911 on the market but rather the best VALUE.

Quack · 06-10-2010, 09:35

you have plenty to choose from, what features are you looking for and what are you going to be using the 1911 for?

***volsbear*** · 06-10-2010, 09:37

A Springfield Armory Loaded - about $850-900. It'll do everything you want and more.

Cerebrus · 06-10-2010, 09:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quack

you have plenty to choose from, what features are you looking for and what are you going to be using the 1911 for?

I am going to guess shooting...

Quack · 06-10-2010, 09:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cerebrus

I am going to guess shooting...

STI Spartan, Trojan, Ranger II
Springer Mil-spec, GI, Loaded
RIA Tactical or GI
S&W
Colt
Remington

MachineHead155 · 06-10-2010, 09:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quack

you have plenty to choose from, what features are you looking for and what are you going to be using the 1911 for?

First of all, thanks for the responses so far. I didn't expect to see this many so quick. lol

As for your question, features aren't that important to me though I'd have to say the RIA Tactical is the bare minimum in that regard.

This will mainly be a SD weapon which is why I put durability and reliability ahead of everything else including accuracy.

Quack · 06-10-2010, 10:02

Since the RIA Tactical is the minimum, then you would be looking for something with a beavertail, Novak sights, extended thumb safety.

MachineHead155 · 06-10-2010, 10:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quack

Since the RIA Tactical is the minimum, then you would be looking for something with a beavertail, Novak sights, extended thumb safety.

Add a throated barrel to that list. Do you know if RIA barrels are throated?

Quack · 06-10-2010, 10:08

they should be.

PhoneCop · 06-10-2010, 10:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by volsbear

A Springfield Armory Loaded - about $850-900. It'll do everything you want and more.

This.

And, Kimber.
The Custom II will run $850-ish.
For a little more than $1k you could get a Crimson Carry.

Look to STI as well.
$695 will get you a Spartan.
For $900 an LS (smaller 9mm)
$1100 for a Guardian or Ranger II or Trojan 5.0

In most of these cases your bing the lower end of high quality guns- not a bad place to be. Better than the high end of lower quality firearms.

Hokie1911 · 06-10-2010, 11:10

This is hard to beat for the price.

Quack · 06-10-2010, 11:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by MachineHead155

This will mainly be a SD weapon which is why I put durability and reliability ahead of everything else including accuracy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hokieshooterG23

This is hard to beat for the price.

for a defensive gun i wouldn't have adjustable or fiber optic sights.

Hokie1911 · 06-10-2010, 11:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quack

for a defensive gun i wouldn't have adjustable or fiber optic sights.

And those can't easily be replaced?

...and his original post didn't mention SD, numbnuts.

"I'm looking to get a full-sized model and my two main concerns are durability and reliability. Everything else comes second."

Quack · 06-10-2010, 11:22

but that would be adding to the cost of the gun. now a $650 gun just went up to +$750, which would be in the Loaded price range. also the fixed replacement rear sight just doesn't look right.

Hokie1911 · 06-10-2010, 11:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quack

but that would be adding to the cost of the gun. now a $650 gun just went up to +$750, which would be in the Loaded price range. also the fixed replacement rear sight just doesn't look right.

Well, it wouldn't be my choice for SD either, but again....didn't see that post. In that case, I'd go with...

or

bac1023 · 06-10-2010, 12:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cerebrus

I am going to guess shooting...

bac1023 · 06-10-2010, 12:07

You can get an STI Trojan in that range.

Hokie1911 · 06-10-2010, 12:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quack

for a defensive gun i wouldn't have adjustable sights.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bac1023

You can get an STI Trojan in that range.

BlayGlock · 06-10-2010, 12:30

YOu are gonna want another one after you get this one. You will start looking at all the higher end ones, drooling, wishing you would have just bought that Les Baer TRS or Wilson CQB, or Ed Brown in the first place. Give in, just go big. Heh. Heh. Heh.

Sorry, lost track of myself there.

In that price range I think the STI Torjan is the way to go. The ones I've shot are exceptional guns for the price.

MachineHead155 · 06-10-2010, 15:41

Okay these are all good suggestions. Now let's say I did decide to go a little higher end. How much higher? Well...I've heard that a Les Baer Thunder Ranch is one of the better values in the 1911 world. Obviously the price is a bit higher, but by how much? What would be one of the "cheapest" places I could get a Thunder Ranch?

I don't know. I may be going a little over my head on that one, but it never hurts to ask...

Quack · 06-10-2010, 15:45

call John at ProLoad or George at migunslingers.com

Nestor · 06-10-2010, 15:56

One thing to consider.
Are You sure that You are ready for 1911?
I know... it seems that You are already familiarized yourself with the platform, but maybe, just maybe You want to run some lower end pistol first for...let say a few months, before jumping on a big name in this business...which is expensive thing to do.
Two things that I found after playing with this Norinco:

1. I like this platform and I want a higher quality pistol (I get rid off this Norinco already),
2. I don't like the price of the ammo at all (I may buy the box of 9mm for half of the price of .45 here).
Best of luck to You.

MachineHead155 · 06-10-2010, 16:14

Yeah I think the Les Baer will have to come later. Like I said, all of you made good suggestions but I think the one that stands out the most is the Springfield Loaded. It's well within my price range, has all of the features I'm looking for and based on online reviews, is highly dependable. I'm also a fan of the forged steel frame, slide and barrel.

For those who have owned or shot one before, what are your thoughts?