[Oakspar]

Tisas puts together a tight gun (if you are looking classic, rather than modern styled 1911) for less than four bills new.

I've never had a bad import from Turkey - and I have 4 (two pistols and two shotties).

 

[whirlibird]

This for truth. Other cheaper guns have gone to MIM (metal injection molding). Gov model Springfield is old fashioned, but still good as gold. Here is an old review from a really good smith.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Critical Look at Springfield Mil Spec.htm

The Springers are running some MIM parts, sear and disconnector for example.
But these are fairly cheap to replace.

 

[whirlibird]

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.

 

[TDC]

This for truth. Other cheaper guns have gone to MIM (metal injection molding). Gov model Springfield is old fashioned, but still good as gold. Here is an old review from a really good smith.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Critical Look at Springfield Mil Spec.htm

Production Springfields have had MIM internals for quite a while now, my 10 year old TRP Operator is MIM. It is not the end of the world like the old school 1911 guys make it out to be.

 

[tomboyy]

Just remember ... If your thinking of going cheaper and think to yourself "well I can just change this or that and maybe buy this or that for it later" don't waste your time and just shell out the money to start with. Upgrades aren't cheap and gunsmiths don't work for free. Springfield GI is a good place to start. When you get used to it and decide you want something a little better ( and you probably will ) keep the base model and upgrade to the model that has the features you want.

 

[Sarkus]

I was in that budget range last year and ended up with the Ruger. Great gun, great customer service, all US made. I figured for a classic American gun I should go US made by a US company, which in that price range pretty much means Ruger, Remington, and Auto Ordnance.

 

[Guard68sman]

Rock Island

Next question; Beaver tail or GI?

 

[TheReplay]

The SR1911.

Sig Sauer makes a good 1911 if you can get one that cheap.

Surprised only one reply here mentioning the Sig 1911 line.

If you are a traditionalist, you need not read further, because you will never get past the external extractor and slide profile (though sig does also have *traditional* slide profiles, just not as common)

There just really isnt anything on the market that compares to the value you get with a sig.

I recently picked up a Nightmare Carry, brand new, for the ridiculously low price of about 750$ (+ 25$ transfer) shipped, plus two extra mags after rebate. Front strap checkering, fastback (bobtail), night sights (front dove tail), stainless frame and slide etc... do your research..

Ive also got a stainless vbob, and I know that it isnt on the level of the multiple thousands of dollars 1911s, but between the two I have a hard time justifying the double cost of the DW.

 

[cz223]

Remington R1, Ruger Sr 1911, Taurus PT-1911 Springfield

It used to be that a $600 budget wouldn't get you a whole lot in a 1911 but it will now. Go on Gunbroker.com and look up the models above. There are plenty of low end guns out there for $400-$600 but there are also real values out there in your price range. I have owned a full sized Ruger and it was a very well made good looking gun. I only sold it because I won't carry a 5" gun. I will own one of their commanders someday. The Taurus Pt-1911 is the only 5" gun that I have left. It has a lot of bells and whistles for the price. The Springfield GI is the only bare bones 1911 that I will mention. Good solid gun, lousy sights. Reminton R1, I don't own one but I might soon. Some real good deals on gunbroker right now. Loooks like a whole lot of gun for the money. Remington is even offering a $75 rebate untill the end of the year.:

 

[southern lawdog]

Springfield GI was the first handgun i ever purchased. No bells and whistles but is a blast to shoot. Round count approximately 8,000 with only springs being changed out. I believe i paid $500 9 years ago.

 

[OssaMAR]

I find it funny but nearly every gun manufacture builds a 1911.

I guess you just cant beat a 1911.

 

[Axethebarbarian]

I wish I could get a Ruger 1911, but they're not considered "California Safety approved"

 

[Clawhammer]

Do you have to buy new? 1911's just get better with age.

Think about a 2nd hand top shelf unit that someone has put all the expense of breaking in for you

 

[Junior2561]

thanks for the feedback. i'd like one that is full size with adjustable sites, any suggestions with that added info?

 

[Lawyerman]

Cannot beat the Ruger in that price point range. With the Ruger you know EXACTLY what you are getting from a company that stands behind their products and has for a long time.

 

[HardLuck]

At $700, I probably overpaid for my Colt 1991A1. However, I haven't regretted one penny of it. Great gun!

 

[mantis tobogen]

I really like the Remington R1 as a "cheaper" 1911, though the price is low the quality is very much there and I think it was an excellent purchase. It was my first 1911, I still own it, though I plan on transferring it to my father's ownership in the near future (still stays in the family) because I'd like him to have handgun on hand.
They really are very nice examples of a 1911, Remington actually used to produce 1911s during the war effort.

 

[Jedi Ewok]

I have had a RIA Tactical for several years now. The Novak sights are far superior IMO than standard 1911 sights. I have put at least 400rds though it I honestly can't remember it ever jamming. I know some 1911's can be picky about HP ammo. I haven't put much HP through it but it hasn't jammed with what I have done.

 

[RogueSpear2023]

I have a Rock Island Armory 1911 GI it has been 100% reliable even with HPs. I have been looking at another one of the compact versions

 

[Goblin X]

got a colt, and a springfield, among others, picked up a RI GI plain jane,325$ after replacing the RI magazine(had trouble with em before) with a standard issue GI, have rolled its first 1000 rounds, no hang ups/misfires..