Thoughts on an inexpensive 1911

[pbwalker]

It's Friday, payday, and I'm getting out of work early. Couldn't imagine a better time to buy another gun.

I've got the 1911 itch and was looking for an inexpensive model as I do not have $1200 to drop on one. My immediate thought was for the Taurus PT1911 or the Springfield GI 1911. Both manufacturers have wonderful customer service and warranties, so I am not worried about that. I'm looking for more first hand experience from anyone who has shot these two.

The Springfield can be found for about $100 less than what Academy is charging for the PT1911.

Any thoughts?

[Mike1951]

The blued PT1911 can be bought for under $500. I have bought three blued ones and a stainless. I have two Springfields.

You might find a GI spec Springfield 1911 for about the same as the PT1911, but if you compare features, you will spend around $1000 on a Springfield before you have a valid comparison.

[DoubleJ]

I don't think you could go wrong on either, but I'd consider this: Are the extras on the Taurus things that you'd want?
ambi-safety, checkering, beavertail, that kinda stuff.
if it were me, and they were about the same price, I'd go with the Taurus because of the extras. if you want one that's true to the "J M Browning" model, I'd go with the GI. if you don't care.... toss a coin!

I have shot a Taurus, as a rental, at a range, and I wasn't real fond of it. I think if I had an actual gun that hadn't been "rode hard and put up wet," I would probably like it a whole lot more. I've seen plenty of others (gun shows and what have ya) that were mint and seem reeeeeeeal nice.

I know a guy who has had a boat load of issues with his Springfield GI model. After they were resolved, it became a real sledge hammer.

these two small instances aside, I still don't think you'd go wrong, either way.

Lettuce know whatcha get!

[Jeremae]

How about a RIA Tactical?

[BobCat]

You may wish to look at http://www.centerfiresystems.com/1911.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Note: I do not have any first-hand experience with either Rock Island 1911s (Phillipines origin) or Centerfire Systems ( I get their catalog in the mail is all).

There are a lot of people on the M1911 Forum, and on other gun forums, who like the Rock Island pistols and speak very well of them. At gun shows I've looked, handled, been real tempted - but never fired one.

I have a Springfield "milspec" that is about 4-5 years old and has been perfectly reliable and shoots very well, and is more accurate than me. I really like it. Don't know what those go for these days.

Regards,
Andrew

[mr surveyor]

of the two choices I would spend my money on the Springfield...even if is was a bit more.


surv

[Lumberjack98]

Springer, RIA and Taurus all make good pistols.

I just read an article about the STI Spartan. It's made by Armscor in the Phillipines (think RIA) but to STI's standards. Then shipped to Texas and inspected by them. Price is right with an MSRP of $660, so I'm sure you could get it for less than that.

http://www.stiguns.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://duesouth.multiply.com/journal/item/38" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[bridge]

I've got a blued PT1911 that I purchased from Academy last March. It is a solid weapon..er ah, I mean, firearm. However, I would go with the SS version as I'm having some slight rust issues with the checkering on the MSH. I clean and oil and it comes back. It's humid here so, I guess it's to be expected.

Can't comment on Springfield customer support, but Taurus customer service is sloooow. I've heard some aren't getting their guns back for up to 3 months after they've been sent in for service.

[Mike1951]

Springfield service is excellent now but I didn't think so back in the '90's when my SS Loaded full size wouldn't run.

By 2002, when my GI had to go back twice, I did find their service excellent.

But then, with four PT1911's, I've never needed to find out about Taurus service since I've never had an issue like I had with the Springfields.

[stevie_d_64]

For years I carried my fair share of combat tupperware...Then I was compelled by observing many of the members here, and in person, and the way their 1911 rigs performed...My main concern was round capacity, but I dissmissed that personal predjudice by getting to the range more often and getting good with what I had at the time...Didn't take long...

I too, had a long list of possible makes and models...Virtually all the best known versions of this platform...

I ended up buying a plain jane Springfield A1, that I had a little work done on it to get it tweeked just right...It is now part of the "Wife Unit's" collection...I ended up buying one more Springfield, and it is now my primary carry piece...Amazing, yet not surprising, how many women like the big ole 1911 .45 firearms!

Couple that with a nice Comp-Tac "Infidel" holster, and I think I'll be good on this rig for many many years...

Remember, the search and decision is half the fun...Whatever you do choose, makes the rest of the journey a pleasant one...

[Smokewagon]

I got a stainless PT1911 in July. I've run 841 rounds through it flawlessly.(Lead reloads, factory ball and hollowpoints.) I just wish I were capable of shooting as well as this gun does. Lifetime warranty is a great thing, but the CS may be a little slow. I got time though. I'm very pleased with my selection.

[MoJo]

Another vote for the STI Spartan I have one that is rock solid and so far, its been 100% reliable with over 2500 rounds through it.

[Rugrash]

I agree with other posters on the SA Mil-Spec and GI models. I'm not a fan of Taurus, but from my own xp SA's are very decent base guns for the price. If you ever decide to customize them, you can do a little or a lot depending on your budget. I basically turned my Mil-Spec SS pistol into TRP model (after about $800 in parts and labor). I did the same with my GI Champion. I also like the STI Spartan as it is the less expensive alternative in their line. I've not bought an STI yet but it's on the list. I've shot my buddies RIA too and they can be had for even less than the SA's.

Good luck with whatever you decide on.

-Rug

[sbb]

I'm thinking in line with Smokewagon. I own a stable of 1911's and other than the high ends, I prefer the PT1911. The added features give more value for the buck than just about anything out there. I haven't had to deal with customer service because if there is a problem I can't fix, I just make a trip to the smith. The research and selection process is fun, enjoy it. Whatever you end up purchasing will be a hoot to shoot.