You know, I've always thought highly of Colt and Springfield, but for the money you just cant beat the Rock Island 1911s at that price point. Are they refined? No. Do they have all of the premium options? No. Do they run reliably, use standardized 1911 parts, and offer a great warranty? Yes.

Whether buying a beater or something to customize, I cant recommend them enough. Just try to buy one of the newer ones without the giant billboard on the slide.

 

I don't have any personal experience with 1911's but I've heard good things about Springfields (usually around $600 here) and Rock Islands (sub $500 new)

 

I have had great service out of my Para Ordinance 1911s and they have a $100 mail in rebate on all of them until 31 December.

 

I bought a Rock Island 1911 last December for under $500. The trigger was perfect right out of the box. Very solid, well-built gun, close tolerances.

I'd buy it again in a second.

 

I'll add my vote for the Rock Island. I have two.

-bob

 

Some people like to talk trash about Taurus, but my 1911 is a daily carry and goes bang every time I pull the trigger. Takes all standard parts, just love it.

 

haven't been shopping since our #1 poster child for the gun industry was elected 6 yrs ago.

that said, I never even considered a 1911 new in the box...just too pricey for my budget.

however,
I've jumped on a pretty,used, 1911 more than once..and always in your price range.

1) Springfield ultra - 1 mag, no box, very light use..know the original owner. $450

2) Kimber eclipse model - had already been sent back to Kimber for the complete upper replacement (external extractor issue)..was in like new condition when the 75 yr old owner passed away and his wife was standing in the gun store selling all his stuff...what they were offering was obscene. i bumped it to what i had on me and she was happy.
the kimber was in it's orginal case , all the papers, lock, etc still in the plastic, 2 spare kimber mags, 2 wilson combat mags, leather holster, leather spare mag hostler $700

3) springfield 1911 w/crimson trace grip, 2 spare mags <500rds through it..know the owner, leather holster $700

couple more ..but you get the idea.

keep some cash on you for when the moment strikes...and be patient...kinda like fishing

 

For this market and price point, I sell a number of new Thompson and Citadel 1911's. Good quality and solid guns; $375-$550 new.

 

I have a few RIA's and I really like them. I also have come across a Citadel here and there and for the price I think they are excellent. I have seen them on sale for 3-400 in both 9 and 45.

My 1911 carry is my Kimber but I wouldn't hesitate to use any of my others if need be!

 

Springfield
Remington
Ruger

 

Warning, you can't stop at one

 

Ain't that the truth!

 

I have the ruger sr1911.......other then the trigger is not quite as good but it the fit and finish is as good as a kimber i had.

 

+1 on the Ruger being a great 1911. $635 NEW shipped....

http://www.kygunco.com/ruger-sr1911-centerfire-pistol-45-acp-8rd-5in-stainless-44522


AND IT'S MADE IN AMERICA!

 

I've owned two RIA's, both were reliable and well made. IMHO you can't go wrong with one of them.

There are great deals out there, even HK's (not a 1911, but a great pistol at a great price):

http://www.slickguns.com/category/hand-guns?caliber=4

 

I own a Kimber Pro Carry, 2 Para's, and a Springfield. I've shot an RIA but never owned one. Really liking the SR1911 CDR. I sold two other 1911s several years ago that I wish I had back.

 

'Nuther vote for Rock Island Armory 1911. I been toting mine for over ten years and it is great. I have more expensive 1911s in my safe but my Rock out performs them so it gets carried and nightstand duty!

BTW, I am not a big fan of Cheaper Than Dirt but I id see that hey had the RIA 1911 for$380.00 right now.

 

From the gunsmiths perspective, the Springer Mil Spec gets the nod.
For the price, its hard to find better.

Cheaper, you never know quite what you're getting.

 

^This. Springfield Mil-Spec or GI models are as cheap as your going to get and still have a forged slide and frame (forged by Imbel). Or, if you can find it, a Norinco 1911. Everything else in the price range will have a cast frame and/or slide. Not that it's an issue for 99% of shooters, but I prefer forged. :thumb:

 

At the six hundred price point of the OP I would go with a new Remington 1911.

http://grabagun.com/catalog/product/view/id/4320

 

Another option I just thought of: if you aren't afraid of finish wear or afraid to detail strip the pistol and replace the springs and inspect for and replace broken/missing/worn parts as needed, there are Systema's out there as well. They are Argentinian, but built on Colt tooling, and under Colt supervision.

 

The problem with the Systemas is they are both 80 years old and of the earlier heat treatment methods and standards. In plain terms, they're soft. Short of a gut and rebuild, they're not a high mileage gun. And even then the slide and frame aren't going to last like a modern set.

 

I picked up a Ruger 1911 for $650 late last year...

 

I bought a Rock Island 1911 at the first of the year for $389. It works perfectly for me. It is what I wear on the ranch and when I go hunting.

I did put a new pair of checkered grips on it, though.

 

My Springer Mil Spec has gone boom about 5000 times now with no problems although I am replacing the springs and trigger here soon

 

My Remington R1 has been a solid handgun that I am able to shoot very accurately. My only complaint is that the finish seems a bit thin.

Paladin is spot on about the 1927 Systemas...you can get them pretty cheap from SARCO.

 

STI spartan

 

Bought a stainless Taurus 1911 from CDNN for $450 SHIPPED! Also a SAM (Phillipine, Century) and it had the BEST trigger pull out of the box of any 1911 I've seen, including the big name high cost 1911s. It also went bang rght out of the box which is a lot more than the Kimber I bought did!

 

There is a really nice Rock Island 1911 being sold on budsgunshop.com that is duracoated for around $450