Author Topic: best 1911 for around $500.00 (Read 21216 times)

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #30 on:** July 08, 2007, 05:49:33 AM »

I did try the new 1911 mil-spec today and all I can say the gun function excellent,I had only factory ammo 230 RB and all shots were at the 15yard target outdoors a good 2" groupe box of 50 rounds.
I already see what my improvement will be but I want to shoot aleast 500 rounds threw the gun,as for now I could not find anything wrong the gun spit and feed bullets with no problems,I would like a little lighter trigger pull seem now I would say it is running in about 4 1/2 pounds,upgraded sights are on the money just have to get a feel for the gun.I did find out also the NM SERIAL NUMBER states the gun was but together in the USA
I am happy
http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=2

poncaguy · « **Reply #31 on:** July 13, 2007, 05:32:22 PM »

I just got a Taurus PT 1911, very surprised at it's accuracy and mild recoil, my first 1911. Goes well with my Ruger P90, P345, 45AP Blackhawk and my S&W M&P 45................

Savage · « **Reply #32 on:** July 14, 2007, 01:43:46 AM »

Lonewolf5348,
Glad you like your new "Mil Spec"! Is the front sight staked, or dovetailed in? The mil specs are a good entry level pistol on the 1911 platform. As you said, it needs sights and a trigger job if you want to get the full potential out of it. In addition to that, I like to change the hammer to the commander style, and replace the existing beaver tail with an extended one. Opening the ejection port as well if it is not already done, is worth the money. Only problem with going this route is that it might have been cheaper to go with the loaded model in the first place. I'm sure you'll be happy just changing the sights. It will make a good shooter like it is.
Enjoy!
Savage

Savage · « **Reply #33 on:** July 14, 2007, 02:00:56 AM »

poncaguy,

At <$500 the Taurus is my pick for best value in it's price range. I paid $480 for mine last year, and have yet to find anything to criticize other than the finish. Hate the "Billboards" on the flats. Mine has been totally reliable and reasonably accurate for about a 3k round count. I have a large ammo can of out of spec reloads that I have saved over the years to use as plinking ammo. So far, it has digested this ammo without problems. The trigger is ok, but not great, and the sights are serviceable once I blacked out the dot on the rear sight, and painted the front florescent orange (Personal preference, hate dot sights!) I have noticed recently the price has been creeping up, in some stores it has passed the $600 mark. I think they are making a mistake in marketing the pistol in that price range. Springfield is already well established there. Sales are bound to suffer. Welcome to the world of the 1911, I'm betting your Taurus will serve you well!
Savage

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #34 on:** July 14, 2007, 06:16:52 AM »

savage: the mil spec front sight is upgraded 3 dot combat style also has or comes with forged frame match barrel and bushing,high hand grip,beveled mag well,polished feed ramp,throated barrel,arched mainspring housing,stainless barrel lowered flared ejection port,angle side serration,mcocobolo hardwood grips and loaded indicator chamber,and titanium firing pin.
I did not find out until later the NM serial number means it put together on the same line as the TRP in the SA plant,there are no marking on it made in brazil.
I had a ruff time to choose between the 1911 taurus seem they were both $600.00 flip the coin and went with the SA

a1huntingsupply · « **Reply #35 on:** July 14, 2007, 07:11:55 AM »

Quote from: lonewolf5348 on June 29, 2007, 10:08:50 AM

I just went and did it today and purcased a 1911 mil-spec springfield 45 cal.seem the decision was tuff to make due only reason was I also held a real nice taurus 1911 side by side.The Taurus was super nice and tight as a drum had a lot of extra options ,seem it was the best one I seen so far on display.
The SA had the upgraded barrel and bushing up graded sights and like the dealer said the warranty it the best there is no questions asked don't even has to pay the shipping springfield takes care of it all the way..
The price was $599.00 for the SA and the taurus was $615.00 just could not see spending the extra $$ bucks for the taurus,hope I made the right choice

I think you made a fine choice. The Springfields are one of the most reliable 1911's out there. For the money they are hard to beat.

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #36 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:51:03 AM »

here a picture on the SA 1911

poncaguy · « **Reply #37 on:** July 16, 2007, 05:19:49 PM »

My PT 1911 was $570 with 2 sets of grips...............very good pistol so far!

Savage · « **Reply #38 on:** July 17, 2007, 03:26:55 AM »

LW,
That Springer is a nice looking pistol! Any plans to make changes?
Savage

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #39 on:** July 17, 2007, 05:15:05 AM »

I am going to put 500 rounds thew it first before any upgrades an it stands now I have no complaints gun fit my hand excellent,maybe a upgraded beaver tail and new safety.
I would like to get the trigger pull down about a pound,right now it around 4 1/2 pounds.
Read this can be done to improve the trigger pull.but will have to research it a little better:
It is now my recommendation that you replace the entire MSH. They start at about $35.00 new and go up from there, depending on the options and manufacturer.

The minimum you will need to disable your Springfield's ILS (using your stock housing) is a new Mainspring Cap (Brownells Stock Number 160-116-135), a new Mainspring (Brownells Stock Number 160-116-100) and a Mainspring Cap Pin (Brownells Stock Number 160-116-130
any thought on the above?
I also find out wit the serial number this gun is assembled at Springfield no marking at all made in Brazil,also has a one piece barrel,will see what happens.
I just started to reload last night some 200 grain SWc using 5,2 grains of unquie with a COl of 1.230

Savage · « **Reply #40 on:** July 17, 2007, 03:24:51 PM »

Lonewolf5348,

If you elect to replace the complete Main Spring Housing unit, you might want to consider the Smith and Alexander unit These are well made and can be had in the flat or arched configuration. You can also get one with a nice magwell attached. You will also need the plunger, main spring, and pin. Your load of 5.2gr Unique under a 200gr LSWC is close to my falling plate load. If you are using mixed brass, be sure and chamber check each round before you go to the range to insure function. I would strongly suggest that you spend the $10 or so for a Lee Factory Crimp Die, and use it as a finish die on all your ammo. If you do this, all your ammo will chamber just fine, mixed brass and all. All my pistol ammo goes thru this die. I wouldn't complain much about a 4.5# trigger on a mil spec pistol! A lot of shooting will smooth it out, and make it feel lighter.
Good Shooting!
Savage

akr · « **Reply #41 on:** August 09, 2007, 03:17:51 AM »

Quote from: williamlayton on April 23, 2007, 01:08:59 AM

For $600 you can get an STI and I think they are the best choice.
Blessings

richardoldfield---------

You made a great choice. One of the best 1911's on the market, and a steal for the price. The percentage of happy owners and positive reports is mind boggling on the R.I.A. Congratulations!! I love those double diamond checkered walnut grips!!

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #42 on:** August 11, 2007, 07:22:08 AM »

1911SA update: I did install a new 23lb main spring and removed springers 28lbs spring;I did check the trigger pull again drop from 5 to 4 1/4 lbs also installed a new Wolf 16 lbs recoil spring and heavy duty firing spring.I remove springers extra heavy duty firing spring.I stop at the range yesterday and I have to say is 3/4 lbs different made a great improvement when it comes to knocking the center bull out from the target.I just ordered a new Wilson combat trigger and a new sear leaf spring.I would like to drop the trigger pull another 1/2 pound.I thought if I screw up a new sear spring I can always replace it with the factory sear spring.I spoke with Dave from berryhill say a tad on the center leaf (bend) is what I am looking for.
I been playing with my loads and seem a hard choice between 4.9 and 5.2 grains of unique they both are tack drivers using 200 grain SWC with a BHN of 18 I think the lighter loads shoots a tad better but range time will only tell the story.I like the stock wood grips but I am going to add a Pearce ribber finger groove to the handles to improve handling.
I will report back after all up grades are done otherwise very happy with the SA 1911

1911crazy · « **Reply #43 on:** August 20, 2007, 02:52:49 AM »

On my new Auto-Ordnance Army WW2 copy 1911a1 for $389 I put in a #18 recoil spring and a full length guide rod and lubed her up with moly and she cycles faster and smoother with much less recoil. I can put two bullets in the same spot very quickly. I'd like to get another one but the prices at my local dealer are going higher and higher. He's up to $449 right now. I been hoping to get the next better auto-ordnance with the higher sites. We took out my auto ordnance army and we (3) of us hammered it with over 250rds of russian wolf ammo and its flawless with not one jam or stovepipe.

I think the new auto ordnance is overlooked because of the old companies quality but some had problems and some didn't. The newer army pistol looks good.

I orginally went looking for an RIA, CD or a SAM but couldn't find any all of my local dealers don't sell them. I found the Auto Ordnance Army WW2 copy and the Springfield Armory G.I. model. I purchased the auto ordnance army first and the springer G.I. in the same week. I couldn't decide which one i wanted so i got both....

I would still like to get an RIA, a SAM and a Charles Daly someday too...after all were collecting right?

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #44 on:** August 23, 2007, 01:16:33 PM »

You got rid of a better gun than you can buy

greener · « **Reply #45 on:** September 01, 2007, 12:12:39 AM »

My son thinks very highly of his Mil-Spec. I've fired it several times and agree that it does very nicely. I've got a PT1911 that I like better. It's shot all the cheap .45 ammo I can find without a problem. Except for one box of Independence 230 gr FMJ, accuracy has been great. Took about 4 rounds to get adjusted to the sights. I don't like any 1911 with "GI" sights, seems that the manufacturing process has gotten worse in the past 40 years, those sights are now blurry. Better quality control on dot sights, they aren't as hard to see.

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #46 on:** September 02, 2007, 03:52:14 PM »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I range tested the 1911 today and that is it with the upgrades
new springs from wolf 16lb slide:
wolf heavy duty firing pin spring
new sear spring leaf bent for a nice 3 1/2 pound trigger also leafs polished
new wilson combat trigger polished trigger bow
19 and 23 lb MSH spring one for the range and one for personal use
pearce finger groove added

kansas45 · « **Reply #47 on:** September 03, 2007, 01:55:48 AM »

I have a Taurus PT 1911, A RIA GI & a High Standard GI 1911. The last two are the same gun with different names. They both started life in the same factory. The STI Spartan is built in the same Armscore factory also. I traded my Springfield 1911 for a XD45 Service this spring. I felt that my Taurus PT1911 was every bit as good of a pistol as the Springfield. For a good entry level 1911, the RIA & the High Standard are under $400.00 & won't let you down. With all of the parts available for the 1911, you can modify & customize to achieve a personalized 1911 that you will enjoy for many years to come.
Now. With all of that being said, I will buy a Springfield loaded 1911 before too long, & I'm looking forward to the day when I can save enough money to afford a Night Hawk or STI high end 1911 as well. I'll decide on the model when that time comes.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #48 on:** September 04, 2007, 07:36:45 AM »

How about the NORINCO ? don't know if ya can get them ? but it was one that Bill Wilson would work with and it was low cost .

Davemuzz · « **Reply #49 on:** September 07, 2007, 02:52:06 PM »

This was a few years back that I picked up this SA Milspec at the local Gander Mt. for $350. At the time it was stock and not fired much. I did some cosmetic's to it, and changed the sights, trigger 'n other stuff. The best things that I did that affected accuracy were (1) the Nowlin trigger kit, and (2) the EGW barrel bushing. With those additions it's almost as accurate as my Colt Gold Cup...maybe just as accurate.

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #50 on:** September 12, 2007, 05:11:56 AM »

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a380/lonewolf5347/target002.jpg
SA rage report target
60 ft 2 hand hold un-supported combat stand
The 1911 is a shooter for real I still have timing problem with the trigger seem to break clean at 3 1/2 lbs but if it was a tad lighter I would like it better.I find to shoot only 3 rounds at a time a full clip at the rage and the mistake start to get bigger.I find that age is another draw back 60 years old and getting harder to hold on target.

mr.frosty · « **Reply #51 on:** September 19, 2007, 11:11:57 AM »

I got a CZ 97 I like it real well.
Double action balance is good only downside is getting use to fixed sights

Davemuzz · « **Reply #52 on:** September 19, 2007, 11:32:06 AM »

Quote from: lonewolf5348 on September 12, 2007, 05:11:56 AM

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a380/lonewolf5347/target002.jpg
SA rage report target
60 ft 2 hand hold un-supported combat stand
The 1911 is a shooter for real I still have timing problem with the trigger seem to break clean at 3 1/2 lbs but if it was a tad lighter I would like it better.I find to shoot only 3 rounds at a time a full clip at the rage and the mistake start to get bigger.I find that age is another draw back 60 years old and getting harder to hold on target.

LW,

If your NOT going to use this as a carry piece, then try installing some shock buffs, along with a full length guide rod. The buffs help in the recoil "department" when your shooting more than 3 rounds at a time and the FLGR puts a little more weight up front to assist the muzzle in staying down....when it trys to creep up while being fired.

Just a few thoughts.

Dave

akr · « **Reply #53 on:** September 23, 2007, 08:42:02 PM »

Quote from: Davemuzz on September 07, 2007, 02:52:06 PM

This was a few years back that I picked up this SA Milspec at the local Gander Mt. for $350. At the time it was stock and not fired much. I did some cosmetic's to it, and changed the sights, trigger 'n other stuff. The best things that I did that affected accuracy were (1) the Nowlin trigger kit, and (2) the EGW barrel bushing. With those additions it's almost as accurate as my Colt Gold Cup...maybe just as accurate.

Wow!! You turned that into a real nice looking gun!!

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #54 on:** September 23, 2007, 11:27:22 PM »

I have a some more work lined up for the SA:I think if the parts come in I try to see if I can get it done:first going to use a mid series colt commander grip safety and a two tone combat hammer and may even give the sear a swipe with a medium stone.I was informed by a guy who been doing work on the 1911 the best way to See if the sear had a good angle is to mark it with a black magic marker and re-reassembly and dry fire the gun:
I am looking to see if the marker is removed equal and is so no need is need to the sear.

Davemuzz · « **Reply #55 on:** September 24, 2007, 09:00:16 AM »

AKR, Thanks. I spent some money on the "looks" part (grips and those stainless grip screws, Skeleton trigger) that was just the "pretty up" stuff. Functional dollars were S&A Magwell with the flat mainspring housing, Nowlin trigger kit (this was a "drop in" that gave the gun a 3.2lb trigger pull), Kings "drop in" beavertail safety, EGW barrel bushing (a very good modification for accuracy), Milled the slide for a fiber optic front sight, and installed a Chip McCormick "drop in" rear sight....after it was modified to accept fiber optic inserts.

LoanW......If you can do the trigger work yourself, and do it right then you can save a few sheckles. I'm not very good with a stone in my hand and my Mil-Spec had very bad creep along with a heavy pull. The Nowlin kit took care of both of those problems.

Take your time with it. Nothing says you have to do it all in a week, or a month or the same year. That picture was taken in 2005 and I'm still shootin it today. It still looks the same and shoots just as good.

Enjoy yours.

Dave

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #56 on:** September 25, 2007, 02:59:38 AM »

I don't have a jig that will cut a new angle and working with stones or files are not my best thing:I been told an easy way to see if the sear needs work is to use a magic marker and mark the sear ,then reinstall and dry fire the gun.
I then will see if the wear mark across the sear is even,if even leave the sear alone.
Then I been told if the wear mark is uneven stone the edge to square up the edge and remark and reinstall until the wear mark is straight.
I give it a shot.
I would like to install a upgrade in the sear over a stock part but some say the safety will have to be refitted.I have to see if I can find a spare safety to play with: i see the safety don't come cheap

Davemuzz · « **Reply #57 on:** September 25, 2007, 05:54:39 AM »

Quote from: lonewolf5348 on September 25, 2007, 02:59:38 AM

I been told an easy way to see if the sear needs work is to use a magic marker and mark the sear ,then reinstall and dry fire the gun.

Yup. That's the way to do it. On my Mil-Spec (when I first bot it) after the first trip to the range, I took it apart and looked a the sear. I didn't need to take a marker to it. The gun hadn't been fired much, and you could see on the sear there was just about 1\3 of the sear that had a wear mark on it. The rest was as black as the day it was made.

Just take your time and see how it goes.

Dave

His lordship. · « **Reply #58 on:** September 25, 2007, 09:07:19 AM »

From reading all these reply posts on upgrades for their 1911's, it seems like this type of gun is like the Ruger 10/22, a hobby kit gun. Buy the basic, and customize it to your needs.

I have only put a recoil buffer in my RIA 1911, it shoots just fine for my needs. I have shot alot of older types of military guns all my life, so I must be used to the tiny rear site, plain trigger and utility finish.

With the basic low end 1911's, you get added entertainment from doing some custom gunsmithing.

Questor · « **Reply #59 on:** September 25, 2007, 09:11:58 AM »

Chris D:

I've crunched the numbers every which way, and a 1911 tends to end up costing about the same whether you buy a new one with all the candy you want from the factory, or add the candy yourself to a bare bones gun. With the customization route, the analogy to a 10-22 is a good one because you can easily end up with something that cost you a lot more than it's worth.

Some of the modifications for a 1911 can get particularly expensive, like adding an adjustable sight and a better front sight.

Today's factory fancy guns are the way to go if you plan to do anything other than leaving the bare bones gun in bare bones condition.