[Hungry]

Kev, I've read on here that you're not a fan of Glocks, but I'm going to suggest them anyway.

The G30 and the G21 that I own are are both outstanding as far as accuracy, dependability and price. The 30 can even use magazines from the 21.

The only negative I've found are the factory sights. I upgraded my 30 and couple other guns with the Big Dot night sights. The 21 is next.

http://www.xssights.com/

Good Luck

 

[utefan]

I think you would be well served with the XD. I'm a 1911 guy but I love my XD and wouldn't part with it. My XD is the one I keep at my bedside. My son shoots a FN45 and it is a sweet handgun, very comfortable, accurate and he's never had a FTF.

 

[Teapot]

If you can get it, a forged frame and slide Norinco 1911A1. Colt gave them the blueprints. They are very cheap in the $300 range used. Inside is a little rough like some wartime pistols but they are as tough as nails. They are reliable as any quality 1911 out there. So, that is my cheap but good quality recommendation. Or get an Austrian G-30 or G-21SF or the fourth generation of either one.

 

[merlinfire]

depends on what you mean by "best".

if it were me, I'd say go for the RIA. I have a charles daly that armsco made (armsco = RIA) and its my favorite gun.

Glock would have higher capacity, but while rare, there have been kabooms around the web from bad ammo and the unsupported chamber. yes, the ammo was at fault, but you still have a destroyed gun. i'm no expert on the matter however, but the military has and continues to use the m1911 and m9, and not the glock, so read that for what you will

 

[Teapot]

The military chose the M-9 because of their desire to have a manual safety on their chosen pistol. Glocks are in service with many more police departments and armed forces around the world than any other pistol. Read into that what you will.

 

[merlinfire]

The military chose the M-9 because of their desire to have a manual safety on their chosen pistol. Glocks are in service with many more police departments and armed forces around the world than any other pistol. Read into that what you will.

Hey, I understand that some people love a glock. That's fine. myself I prefer steel.

 

[SkullyWV]

EAA SAR K2 got a good review in Combat Handgun magazine awhile back.
14 + 1 for under $500, large trigger guard for use with gloves, etc...
Might be worth a look. The control positions look close to 1911 positioning.

 

[arisinwind]

I have had a RIA 1911 GI model for over 5 years and it's a great weapon. Functions the way it should, very accurate, and reliable. My son has one as well and loves it. He just returned from Afghanistan and I bought him a RIA Tactical as a welcome back/Christmas present.

 

[real wowwee]

Ok I am going to ignore your word "best" but I have grown rather fond of my taurus pt145. 10+1 in a compact more easily concealable format is potent. So far it has always gone bang. Only thing I didn't like was the sights so I got williams fire sights for it. I like full size pistols but I am getting more and more survival saavy and concealment trumps range and magazine rounds. Besides it carries more than my 1911.

 

[kev]

I would like to thank everyone for their suggestions.

This is the pistol I am currently looking at

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/2ARM51484FC-1.html

Rock Island Armory 1911 Tactical Rail Semi Auto Handgun .45 ACP 5" Barrel 8 Round Fixed Sights Parkerized Steel Frame Wood Grips

Current Price $472.89

This model has a rail system, but no night sights. I figure I could get the night sights later on.

Kev, I've read on here that you're not a fan of Glocks, but I'm going to suggest them anyway.

Thank you.

To me its like toyota, chevy, ford,,, some ford owners do not like chevy, some do no like toyota,,, I do not care for glock. But that is just my personal opinion.

 

[solitaryshell]

I love the feel of an XD. I carried an XD40sc in a SuperTuck for the last 3 years and have since passed this pistol onto my wife (100% reliable so far). So I upgraded for myself and got an XDm45 4.5 and so far love it. It fits in the same rig I've been carrying so no adjustments needed there, and with carrying it at 3:00 on my belt I can easily conceal the 4.5" just as easy as the sub compact's 3". This is why I was not interested in the new XDm45 3.8 compact as I'd rather have the longer barrel & had been carrying the sub compact with the extended grip anyways. It's not much heavier than the sc when in the holster either and I've got 13+1 rounds of .45ACP on me now instead of the average 1911's 8+1. Makes me feel a little more comfortable about if I had to face multiple adversaries then I'd have quite a few rounds to use, plus the extra 13rd reload I always carry, too :thumb:

To add, I got it at a gun show for $535 too....way cheaper than anywhere else I saw, including ordering online. Check prices at a show in your area too before you buy just to make sure

 

[sarge912]

Kev, if you can find one locally, you might want to see how it feels in your hand. I say this because I was handling a Wilson CQB Tactical http://www.wilsoncombat.com/p_cqb_tactical_le.htm the other day and, while the Wilson is arguably one of the best 1911's available, this one felt out of balance.
I do like the Rock Island line.

 

[azb]

I would like to thank everyone for their suggestions.

This is the pistol I am currently looking at

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/2ARM51484FC-1.html

Rock Island Armory 1911 Tactical Rail Semi Auto Handgun .45 ACP 5" Barrel 8 Round Fixed Sights Parkerized Steel Frame Wood Grips.

I have that exact gun, with an updated target trigger. It does need better sights, but is a terrific shooter overall. You'll be happy with it, i'm sure!

Az

 

[Brettboat]

I'd get a 1911 or a SIG myself.

 

[CPL_BS_88]

XD hand down...I had a ATI 1911 also. the ATI was fun but not something I would want over the XD. I simply cannot say enough about the XD .45. The ONLY reason that i dont have it anymore was the cost of having two diffrent calibers was pointless.

 

[fx77]

GunTests listed some top choices this year..Gave Grade A;
Kimber Eclipse II Target
Soringfield Armory Range Officer P1912LP

To name just two...

 

[Branned]

Sig tacpac

SIG TACPAC

Includes Holster, Laser, Black coated Stainless Steel (*a survivalist dream)
SIG 1911 (made in NH).

Sportsman Supply sells them every day on GB for $660-$690.:thumb:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=261205161

http://sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/1911-tacpac.aspx

 

[Grumpy]

I have a RIA 1911 GI and a cheap old Llama 1911.
The Llama has been my go-to gun for over 10 years now.
I've had Colts*meh*, Kimbers*gag*, and customs, but that cheap-azz Llama will not fail.
The Rock is every bit as reliable as the Llama, but I haven't put 30k rounds through her yet.

 

[TAKEZO]

The Rock Islands are great value for the money.
And this one you found below is sweet!
I like the rail system.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/2ARM51484FC-1.html

If it came in stainless, then I would pop a few extra hondos for this.
I have a stainless Springfield, and like not having rust on the thing after I take it out in the woods for a walk.

ST

 

[daddyusmaximus]

I like a heavy 1911 to. I just got ride of a taurus and im kicking my butt for it. I get anouther one itll be a taurus. It all depends on what you want and your price range. The xd is good gun. Id take either over a glock but thats me.

I have both the Taurus 1911 and the XD. They both shoot well. Buy what fits your hand. For me, I shoot better with the 1911. Not saying it is way better than my XD, I love them both, but it is way more comfy in the hand... I end up being better with it.