Author Topic: Looking for a good priced 1911 in .45 ACP (Read 2415 times)

alien319 · « **on:** April 25, 2006, 08:10:38 AM »

I am looking for a good priced 1911 in .45 ACP. I am not looking for top match grade shooting. I am going to start collecting pieces of history. I like the no frills designs even though I love the Kimber Warrior! It is a little out a my price range. I am a US Marine and would love to have a nice 1911 but can't afford the loaded and expensive models. I want something that I can go to the range and shoot and have a good time with my buddies. I have heard some good stuff about the Springfield Mil-Spec and that is a nice weapon. I've been trying to find out about the Auto-Ordnance 1911. I would love to have a Colt but all that I have seen are insanely expensive. I also saw that Taurus makes one but havn't heard any reviews on it. I've shot other Taurus pistols such and the copy of the Beretta 92 and it was an excellent pistol. I was able to hit my target where I wanted to every time. I like the idea that I can always add on to the 1911. If anybody has any solutions or ideas as to a good priced 1911 that a Marine can afford let me know! Thanks for all who reply! Semper Fi,
Brent

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** April 25, 2006, 09:20:37 AM »

For a new gun it would be hard to beat the Springfield GI models, although for versatility I would prefer a model with adjustable sights. Another option is to shop the used market and see what you can find. Try gunsamerica.com and gunbroker.com to find what's available. As with so many things, buying the cheapest of its kind ususally leads to disappointment. Spend enough money to get a reliable gun.

By the way, I know a guy who has been selling handguns for nearly thirty years and one thing I has observed is that people who buy the low end 1911s very often come back to have $500 worth of gunsmithing done within a few months of the initial purchase. Better to spend an extra hundred or two up front than to to end up paying and paying an paying.

1911s are the Harley-Davidsons of the gun world: high end luxury items. Don't expect to find many bargains. If it looks too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

What would I look at? One of the Kimber Target models. It has adjustable sights, is well made, and will likely result in satisfaction.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #2 on:** April 26, 2006, 02:10:56 PM »

questor hit it on the nose. Make sure your buying what your going to be happy with in the long run. He made a good suggestion with a kimber target and another one would be the sprinfield target. You better off to buy something used and save money that way then buying a new one thats stripped down if your not going to be satisfied with it 2 years from now. My suggestion is to stick with at least a mid priced colt springfield or kimber. If you buy one of the off brands you have to worry about warantee backup.

myronman3 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 27, 2006, 12:35:00 AM »

i agree 1000% with what has been posted. i recently saw a kimber tactical 45 go for 600 and some change. i almost bought that gun. but whoever did, got a steal on a great pistol. be patient and watch gunbroker.com and auction arms. find a nice used gun. you buy one new and you are going to pay full price. buying used if dont right, you can save a bunch and end up with a great gun.

Mikey · « **Reply #4 on:** April 27, 2006, 02:02:24 AM »

alien319 - I will go with what the other guys have said. You can buy a sow's ear for less, spend a lot of time and money trying to make it into a silk purse and still never be happy with it. Bank your $ for a bit and keep checking e-bay or your local stores for one that is set up from the factory for what you want.

The Auto-Ordinace is a rock solid but very basic pistol. The Kimbers are excellent and shoot very well. Every now and then you can find a used one in a shop but you may have more luck on e-bay. But get what you will be happy with and you will be happy. JMHO. Mikey.

Questor · « **Reply #5 on:** April 27, 2006, 03:14:16 AM »

Is e-bay allowing the auctioning of firearms again? I thought they quit doing that?

dsrthnd · « **Reply #6 on:** April 27, 2006, 08:29:37 AM »

Both my wife and I shoot Springfield Mil-Specs and are quite happy with the performance of them. I have run over 4000 rounds in a little over a year and have had no major malfunctions ( a few stovepipes and stuck rounds using hollow points). Somehow she ended up with the white dot sights while I have the plain jane irons but for use out to 25 yards I can usually put 2.5" groupings fairly consistiently at 7 - 10 yards I do 1 ragged hole in the 10 ring. I paid right at $400 for them. Hope this helps

dsrthnd · « **Reply #7 on:** April 27, 2006, 08:33:22 AM »

Forgot to add this to my original post - Gun Magazine or American Handgunner (same company) did a review of the Taurus 45 in the past 6 months and gave it a thumbs up for the money. If you are interested email me and I will go through my back issuses and let you know exactly which one.

single action · « **Reply #8 on:** May 04, 2006, 04:13:55 PM »

i bought a springfield armory G.I. .45 about a year ago, and have been very pleased with it. Like you, I wanted a representative model of a militery .45 and couldnt afford a original or a actual colt. I have no desire to shoot in competition. I can honestly say I have no regrets. The pistol is much more accurate than I am , ( old eye syndrome ) and the only problems I have had with it is that it HATES wolf ammo and will jam at least every other round. as long as I stay away from the wolf, I have had no problems at all. so far Ive shot close to 1400 rounds through it. I agree with one of the other posters on this forum that the sights leave something to be desired, but this is the nature of the beast. Instead of replacing the sights, I bought some sight paint that glows in the dark and used a toothpick to apply it and make 3 dot sights. it still looks original (too most people, unless they look real close.) And I can shoot minute of scumbag even in dim light. What ever you choose, good luck and enjoy yourself. Thank you for your service to your country !

timjberkley · « **Reply #9 on:** May 08, 2006, 04:33:30 PM »

bersa llama makes a good clone, people may say they're junk, but mine outshoots a beretta 92, they made a 3.5" and a 5" model, i have the 3.5, they cost around 250.

longwalker · « **Reply #10 on:** May 08, 2006, 05:30:53 PM »

Look for a nice Colt Gold Cup, yuo won't be disappointed.

longwalker

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #11 on:** May 08, 2006, 11:13:35 PM »

Gold cups are a great gun!! I absolutely love mine. Its been one of the most accurate 1911s and THE most reliable 1911 ive ever owned. My advise to someone buying a 1911 is to buck up, save if you have to till you can afford at least a mid priced gun. 1911s can be a headache for beginners. Alot of them need tweaking and that goes especially for the lower end guns. Best buys out there are the mid priced kimbers and springfields Like the loaded models. In my experience if your looking for at a 1911 new for under 500 bucks youve got about a 5050 chance its going to either need you to tweak it or its going back for at least one trip to the factory. Ive had problems with guns from every manufacture so its not a brand thing. The best luck with reliablility ive had has been with colts. Most will run fine right out of the box. First thing i do with all my 5 inch guns is put a 15 lb wolf variable rate spring in them and polish the feed ramp whether it looks like it needs to be done or not. That cures about 90% of the troubles with them imediately. I dont know why they dont take the extra couple minutes it takes to do it right at the factory. Its the first thing they do when you return one and it would save them the shipping costs. Stay away from gimmicks like shock buffs and full lenght guide rods and lube with a good lube and oil the crap out of them. I like tetra grease and oil and most midpriced 5 inch guns will run 100%

Quote from: longwalker

Look for a nice Colt Gold Cup, yuo won't be disappointed.

longwalker

williamlayton · « **Reply #12 on:** May 09, 2006, 01:11:54 AM »

Let's see here.
A weaon I can take too the range, shoot with my buddied and have fun.
If it malfunctions it won't be fun.
If it is not accurate it won't be fun.
If you must be fiddleing with it for it to be reliable, it won't be fun.
Seems to me that we have described a weapon which, if inexpensive, must have some reliability work done on it.
If you are as most, and cannot do the work yourself, it will add cost.
Seems to me this weapon must be a tad more than just an inexpensive weapon.
I have read of many that have inexpensive weapons and they function well and are reliable.
I also read of those who have the same weapons and are spending dollars to get them to perform reliable.
I would not own any weapon that I could not trust.
Save your money and buy a weapon that you can appreciate and rely on.
Blessings

Savage · « **Reply #13 on:** May 09, 2006, 10:17:28 AM »

Come on now William! Let um buy the "Bargins" and experience the joy of making a $500 pistol into a $2000 one before trading it off or selling it to someone for about the original purchase price. Let's not deprive them of these pleasures!! It's tough love ya know.

Savage

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #14 on:** May 09, 2006, 12:38:49 PM »

as most of you know im a 1911 junky there probably my favorite guns but for what your looking for you might be better off buying a 45acp ruger. It would probably fit the bill better for an inexpensive plinking gun.

MI VHNTR · « **Reply #15 on:** May 09, 2006, 02:54:37 PM »

If you want a Colt 1911 at a decent price, here's a good place to look:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21_141

They usually have quite a few models in stock and the prices are tough to beat. They also carry many other brands of firearms. They're great people to do business with too. MI VHNTR

aaronrkelly · « **Reply #16 on:** June 04, 2006, 07:41:04 PM »

Quote from: timjberkley

bersa llama makes a good clone, people may say they're junk, but mine outshoots a beretta 92, they made a 3.5" and a 5" model, i have the 3.5, they cost around 250.

Bersa and Llama are not the same companies, just for future reference. Both makers were imported by the same company at one time and therefore share a website......but they are not the same company.

I had a Llama full size and had no troubles with it, that being said I didnt think it was a great gun. If you can spare a few more bucks you can get a far better gun.

For instance Classic Arms has the RIA for $289

Or you can get the same gun with a hard chromed slide for $349

I have heard good things about the budget RIA guns.

I found a new in box Kimber Pro Carry II for $575 at Scheels, I though that was a hell of a buy for the money.

Also, you cant go wrong with either a GI or mil-spec Springer.

thealaskanredneck · « **Reply #17 on:** June 05, 2006, 12:23:34 AM »

I got a Charls daly 1911 clone it is their top model (not saying much) but I wanted stainless with adjustable sights, after polishing the feed ramp and the extractor (had a burr and would not close over a case) and a little other polishing here and there to make it function smoother it seams to be a fair gun, its not a colt gold cup but for under $300 I cant complane, it seams to be as accurate as I am anyway

jebsr · « **Reply #18 on:** June 06, 2006, 08:30:59 AM »

I have several kimbers and they all shoot and function well. Also S&W which is a great pistol.

I would recommend saving money until you can get a quality pistol.

Try watching Auction Arms.

Good shooting, jebsr :-)

dscp · « **Reply #19 on:** June 24, 2006, 05:48:11 AM »

:cb2: HOWDY ! IT SEEMS WE HAVE SOME THINGS IN COMMON . IF YOU WERE HIT IN ACTION ...WHO DID YOU CALL...A FEW GOOD MEN . HMCM RET. 13 YEARS 4TH MAR DIV. AND I LOVE GUNS . I HAVE A SMALL CACHE OF 1911 AND CLONES . ONE OF MY SPECS WOULD BE A MIL SPEC PEICE( AT LEAST ORIGINALLY) SO THAT AT LEAST MOST PARTS WOULD BE INTERCHAINGABLE AND AVAILABLE (NORMALLY AT A DECENT PRICE ) . SOME OF WHAT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED IS ONLY SIMILAR TO THE SERVICE 45 IN WHAT AMMUNITION IT TAKES. ALSO THE 1911 , 1911A1 HAS MORE AFTERMARKET PARTS , ACCESORIES , ETC AVAILABLE THAN ANY , ANY OTHER PISTOL . IF YOU DID ENOUGH TIME IN THE CORPS THEN I WOULD WAGER THAT YOU CAN FIELD STRIP ONE , CLEAN AND PUT BACK IN A VERY SHORT TIME. THE BULK OF MY COLLECTION HAS COME FROM GUN SHOWS, SALES PAPER ADS, ETC. DO YOU NOW RESIDE NEAR A MILITARY BASE (ANY) . THEY USELY HAVE A WEEKLY PAPER THAT HAS ALL SORTS OF STUFF . AND FOR THE MOST PART G.I.'S SELL CHEAP.dscp

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #20 on:** June 24, 2006, 08:41:14 AM »

The problem with trying to get good information from the I-net about what gun to buy is you're on the Great Disinformation Hiway. Anybody with a gun that doesn't work just right will scream to high heaven and a guy who is happy with his usually doesn't say much. On top of that its ALWAYS a good idea to take much of what you hear with a grain of salt when guns are the topic of discussion. That's my take.

jebsr · « **Reply #21 on:** June 26, 2006, 07:34:00 AM »

I have and have gone through quite a few 1911's in the past few years and out of the box no work needed, a stainless targer kimber is hard to beat. Any of the mid price kimber full size pistols should work well for what you want. Check the used guns, I have bought several kimbers this way and they worked out well. I have also sold or traded in some that were excellent, they just didn't seem to fit my collection at that time.

Thanks for your Service to our country and Good Shooting.

jebsr

jimmyp50 · « **Reply #22 on:** June 27, 2006, 04:35:09 PM »

http://www.signaturegrade.com/sg/baseguns.html

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #23 on:** June 27, 2006, 04:47:14 PM »

Been very happy with my springfield mil-spec. Paid around $400.00 buddy of mine just bought an entry level kimber for $600.00 and some change. The kimber has some nice features extended safeties, adjustable trigger. Nice gun for the money. The mil-spec is just that, but still a pretty nice gun.
BE WARNED! Once you get the 45 bug it's tough to get rid of. I just bought my springer a couple of months ago and am already looking for my next one!

dscp · « **Reply #24 on:** July 08, 2006, 12:28:04 AM »

SEMPER FI ! GREETINGS FROM DOC(HMCM)...EVERY BODY HAS AN OPENION . ONE OF THE SUGGESTIONS LIKE RUGER IS NOT A 1911 . MANY PLACES LIKE GUNSITE DO REAL 1911'S . ALSO CHECK OUT 10-8PERFORMANCE.COM . SOME FELLOWS LIKE THESE DO IT FOR A LIVING , NOT JUST FOR FUN . YOU CAN PROBABLY LOOK REAL HARD AND FIND A 'RATTLE TRAP ' FOR $200.00 . I HAVE A JIM CLARK(THE OLD MAN IN KEITHVILLE,LA) TOUGH TO BEAT BUT NOT VERY AVAILABLE. I ALSO HAVE A CUSTOM N.R.A. ENGRAVED KIMBER ECLIPSE II , SORTA PRICEY.
DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT TO SPEND AND GO FROM THERE .
AGAIN , THERE IS PROBABLY NO PISTOL ON EARTH THAT THEY ARE SO MANY AFTER MARKET PARTS , ACCESSORIES , ETC FOR .MANY CAN BE OWNER INSTALLED , SOME ONLY IF YOU ARE GOOD, OTHERS DONOT TRY. YOU CAN GET IN ON THE GROUND FLOOR AND WORK YOUR WAY UP SLOWLY. NOT ALL AT ONE TIME.
JUST MY 2 CENTS WORTH.
READ 10-8 , NO COSTS...HOPE YOU GET A GOOD DEAL...YOU DESIRVE IT.
THE FEW , THE PROUD , THE U.S.M.C.
DSCP

Dee · « **Reply #25 on:** July 14, 2006, 04:11:21 PM »

I am retired now but, in 1976 I got my instructer's certificationS from the State of Texas for training and qualifiing police officers on the range and in the field with revolver, pistol, shotgun, assualt rifle, and counter sniper. I have built many 1911s dating back to the fine old series 70 Colts and on in to the Series 80s. Then the Springfields started coming to my door and I started doing them. I have used them countless times on SWAT raids, in marijuana fields along the TxOk border, in a patrol unit and once put 5 rounds thru the driver's door of a brand new 1978 Buick Regal with very postive results (at least on my side of the door). Up until a few years ago I was carrying a Springfiield Armory 1911 I had rebuilt with Bill Wilson parts and a Colt Series 80 combat commander that was blued but tricked out with all polished stainless steel Bill Wilson parts. This was truly a beautiful pistol and both would feed empty brass from a magazine. Everytime? No, but almost evertime. During this time I bought a Kimber Custom TLE II new in the box at a pawn shop and put it in the safe. About a year later my son's came to visit and we all went to shoot dad's guns and ammunition. I took the Kimber and shot it for the first time. A few weeks later I yielded to pressure and sold my Springfield to a guy for concealed carry and the Colt to a guy that may never shoot it. Why did I do this? Well, after 20 years of depending on quality that I built and bet my life on I found one that was just as good as mine and had a set of sights that I had not put on my on. The sights were the only difference. With all that said (long winded ain't I) I have fired about every police weapon available the the dept paid for all the ammo I wanted to shoot and I found that you get what you pay for. If the pistol you choose has ANY CHANCE of ever being used to defend ones-self or family I would ask you what I have asked dozens and dozens of police officers. How much is your life worth. $200.00 or $800.00. Save and buy quality. By the way. I'm retired and I don't sell Kimbers. Just buy a good quality pistol. Doesn't have to be a Kimber.