1911's

[the1kidd03]

Ok, I just thought I'd create a thread with everyone's input for others who are looking to get into a first 1911, but may not have several grand to drop on one. I've personally had Colt's and Springfields. I've used Sig's and have friends with experience with different brands from all sorts of price levels. So this thread is going to rely on everyone's personal experience with different 1911 makers. So, here's the question:

What is the BEST bang for the $$$ in 1911's?? Rock Island, Sig, S&W, etc?

Basing your opinion on reliability (mechanical malfunctions, ammo pickiness, etc) against the cost

GO!

 

[bmbutch]

My experience: Springfield Range Officer!

Cost + Flawless + Looks!

 

[the1kidd03]

Poll added!!

 

[Que]

Well, if you are really asking about the best value, it would be the RI for me. I've owned two and they were great guns, but I sold them for a Springfield TRP, which is what I really wanted.

 

[RBrianHarless]

No love for Para Ordinance?

 

[El-Cigarro]

One vote for R I A !

 

[sgreen3]

It really is hard to beat the RIA models. Ive shot a few of them with no problems at all. I hope to add one to the gun safe over the summer.

 

[the1kidd03]

No love for Para Ordinance?

There was only 10 options and I couldn't think of the other "low end" makers at the time.

Which brand should I replace with Para, or will it let me edit the poll. This is my first poll.

 

[gunman41mag]

I have too many different name brand 1911 & they are all reliable, but the DETONICS SCOREMASTER & CASPIAN are the most accurate

 

[Rob377]

When I finally get another 1911 (and I will) It'll likely be a Baer or Dan Wesson. IMO, 1500-1800 is the sweet spot, price wise. For that amount, I get all the stuff I want: American forged frame, front strap checkering, non-MIM guts, and superb fit and finish.

Anything less, and I'm missing something (the TRP would be PERFECT at 1300 or so, but the whole forged by Imbel in Brazil just bugs me a bit)

Anything more, and I'm really just paying for a name, it seems.

Throw a low profile magwell on this, and I'm done.

 

[IndyDave1776]

My Colt with 20 rounds down the pipe when I bought it was the best $425 I ever spent!

 

[jylederman]

Another for Rock Island. My has been extremely reliable.

 

[Snake Eater]

for $ 389.00 go with rock island.

 

[Fordtough25]

Nothing wrong with a RIA or Para Gi. I voted Springfield because I think a used model is the best value. I love my Colt but it was twice the price.

 

[the1kidd03]

I've not heard ONE person say anything bad about a RI? Never had one, but at only around $400 a pop I think I'm going to have to give them a shot sometime this year.

 

[Electronrider]

I've not heard ONE person say anything bad about a RI? Never had one, but at only around $400 a pop I think I'm going to have to give them a shot sometime this year.

RIA are the absolute best gun to get you into the 1911 game, IMHO. Cheap, reliable, and If you start with a base model, you can either customize over time, or realize what exactly you want out of your next 1911. I just got a RIA compact 1911 in a trade, and am looking forward to running it through the paces. If all goes well, it will be my carry gun for a while.

Immagine the feeling of having a 1500$ 1911 taken in as evidence when you ctually have to use it. 30 minutes and 400 dollars later, I have a replacement.

 

[wagyu52]

Dan Wesson...Dan Wesson....Dan Wesson .......

 

[the1kidd03]

I must say that I'm a little surprised at these numbers. I have no experience with RI's myself but I expected a couple others to come out better than they are.

 

[croy]

It really all boils down to what you want spend. Want to be in the 4-7 range R.I.A or Taurus. 7-1k Springfield. 1500 range colt. Anymore id go with a Wilson or a custom. Kimber looks nice but I've heard both good and bad for that price id go with a colt

 

[JetGirl]

I chose ATI over RIA because my Rock has been back to Armscor twice.
The ATI, although sporting a limited warranty, hasn't ever failed to send one round exactly like it's supposed to.
To date, it is truly the only 1911 out of a half dozen of them that has never hiccupped once. Ever. For any reason. Plus, it was $50 bucks less than the RIA.
It doesn't look as pretty as the Kimber, Sig, or Springfield, but the OP question was "best bang for the buck"... and that would be ATI.
YMMV