[the cow]

I recently graduated from college with honors, high GPA, top 5%, etc. the whole shebang. My family wanted to congratulate me with something that I've been eyeing for a long time now a 1911. The cost of the thing prohibited me from buying one before (you know, poor college kid stereotype) as I was financing classes, prepping, and a social life.

Admittedly, pistols are not an area of high knowledge of mine. I'm not a overly huge fan of tacticool'd pistols, glocks, etc. My decision was between a 1911 and a Makarov which are my two favorite pistols. I ended up deciding with the 1911 because my area just simply does not carry the Makarov rounds. Most places do not carry the 7.62 x 39 for my AK so I'm always having to mail order them which is a pain after a while. .45 is a fairly common round around here.

A quick look around my area yielded beat to heck 1911's or tactical 1911s. I'm just looking for a plain-Jane full length park'd, stainless, blued with wood grips. Another problem is the budget of this which we want to keep under $800.
Can you suggest good brands that exist in that price range? I'm looking for a middle of the road bare-bones 1911.

Thanks ya'll
Cow

 

[Zombie response team]

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php
ZRT

 

[scoutrifleshooter]

I have always been fond of Kimbers.. Even the base model has most all of the features you want or need... Have shot more than a handful of them and thay all have been accurate and reliable!

 

[the cow]

I've come across the Ruger SR1911 and it is something that is along the lines of what I want. How are those?

Man that Desert Eagle 1911 is stamped annoyingly large on the side ain't it?

 

[the cow]

If you can get past that rather LARGE Desert Eagle roll stamp, the DE is a most excellent choice.

The Rugers are sweeeet! It boils down to personal preference..

I suggest going to the local gun range/shop and "kicking a few tires".

Don't get hung up about the differences between series 70s and 80s, it'll only serve to drive you to insanity

Ya, I watched a video of a guy explaining the inane differences. It looked like the ruger was the 70 style which the guy was a huge fan of. I know I'm going to have to hold a few just to see it.

I looked at the DE one and my first impression is that the DE lettering is obnoxiously and unnecessarily large.

 

[FFM109]

I saw a Springfield Armory Mil-spec at a local shop for $735. Good reviews from what I've heard and read.

 

[Lowne]

My vote would be:

Rock Island Armory.

Very fine 1911 and one of the best "bang for buck" deals around.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_876/products_id/411539799

Plain jane and solid as hell.

 

[bulldawgburns]

Congrats! I have an ATI which is the only company/brand I could find which still produced a "commander length" at 4.25in that was the size 1911 I was used to shooting from my dad's collection. I really like the ATI its a no frills not tacticool 1911 that in my experience is made well and functions well

 

[ksmedman]

Rock Island Armory would be a great place to start.
You can get a GI for under $400, and 'tactical' (beavertail, adj sights) for less than five bills.
That leaves you enough money to buy some ammo and actually shoot the thing.

http://centerfiresystems.com/45acp_handguns.aspx

They really are good pistols. I've owned two, still own one.
Para Ordnance or Auto Ordnance are also good for the $'s.

My friend has a Cimarron that he bought for Cowboy Shooting, it's pretty cool and very retro:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/895/products_id/411539852

 

[CA357]

Take a look at a Springfield MilSpec. Not the GI, the MilSpec. I bought one for my first 1911 and never looked back. Their customer service is most excellent too.

 

[Hungry]

Congrats.

There are many great 1911 options.

I like Springfield. Check out their website.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php

 

[whirlibird]

For me, the only choices would be a decent used Colt 1991, 1911 (ha) or one of the Springfield Armory products.

The Mil-Spec and GI models are both excellent quality products and fit your criteria.

Anything less is just that in my experience.

 

[Jungle Work]

I'd also suggest the Rock Island Armory Tactica .45s.

But I'd highly recommend that you try out a Glock as your first semi auto hand gun. Takes less knowledge about magazines, ammo, etc than a 1911.

Jungle Work

 

[IceBerg1163]

The rock Island 1911s are suppose to be good guns.

I own a colt and a kimber. When I compare the two to each other the Kimber wins out every time on everything and they both cost the same. But I carry my colt everyday and keep my kimber locked up so it stays pretty.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...mington+1911+R1+45ACP+5"+Walnut+Grips+by+ERPC

^^Can be found for $550 if you look around.

 

[BurntEyes]

Ha, there are entire boards dedicated to this discussion.

In your price range you can get into a Colt gov or commander, which is the original.

That is my preference in that price range.

I do NOT like Kimber, RIA, or Taurus, but that's all personal preference. Nothing inherently wrong with other choices either.

Put them in your hands, close your eyes, pull the trigger. (After checking that they are empty and pointing in a safe direction, of course)

Which ever feels the best is the one you should go with. If you can shoot various models, all the better.

 

[BurntEyes]

The rock Island 1911s are suppose to be good guns.

I own a colt and a kimber. When I compare the two to each other the Kimber wins out every time on everything and they both cost the same. But I carry my colt everyday and keep my kimber locked up so it stays pretty.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...mington+1911+R1+45ACP+5"+Walnut+Grips+by+ERPC

^^Can be found for $550 if you look around.

Love the irony of your post. :thumb:

Colt - working gun
Kimber - Dolled up safe queen.

Not flaming you, just amused.

 

[murfdog]

One word COLT proudly made in America enough said.


Murfdog

 

[BurntEyes]

One word COLT proudly made in America enough said.


Murfdog

'Merica, Hell Yeah! :

An American Design, done by an American company, with american labor, and MOSTLY american parts.

:thumb:

 

[utefan]

A friend and I each just bought Ruger 1911's. I have several others and this one is as good as any I have looked at. For the price I paid the Ruger 1911 is a steal. It compares with my Kimber, Wilson and Springfield for accuracy, being that I can keep them all in the black at 20m. It is made in the USA for those who look at that.

 

[BurntEyes]

A friend and I each just bought Ruger 1911's. I have several others and this one is as good as any I have looked at. For the price I paid the Ruger 1911 is a steal. It compares with my Kimber, Wilson and Springfield for accuracy, being that I can keep them all in the black at 20m. It is made in the USA for those who look at that.

I've shot the Ruger, in the price range of the OP it would be a VERY strong 2nd place for me.

I don't need any more 1911s but I've been eyeing on of those for a while. Oh who am I kidding, I can't get enough 1911s. :