Christmas present

[Jules]

I'm researching Christmas presents in the form of a 1911. Will be attending the next couple of Houston gun shows to try and find the perfect one for me. It will be my first 1911, so I guess y'all know how exciting and confusing it can be. I'm trying to find out what a "good" 1911 would be for my first one. I'm a fan of the 4" S.A. champion and almost every Kimber. My price range stops at about 800 and I do not mind getting a used one, I almost would prefer a used one. Long story short, what's some other brands, models and websites that I could look at? I've looked at the Texashuntingforum and texasguntrader but haven't had much luck.

[gigag04]

Watch this forum, gunbroker, and texas gun trader IMO.

You shouldn't have a problem getting into a 1911 for under $800. Carry gun or range gun?

I know many people that got their first 1911 in the form of an RIA (Rock Island Armory). These can be had +/- $400 new, and I've heard extremely good things about them. The ones I've handled have impressed me, for the price point. Springfield GI new or even a higher end used one can be had in your price point as well. Most of the sub $800 Kimbers I've seen are older, external extractor models (buyer beware), or heavily carry worn base model guns. You could happen upon one though.

[Pawpaw]

You might find a little help in this thread...

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=39921

[G.A. Heath]

I own a Rock Island Armory compact and would recommend it without hesitation, you can also get a Taurus 1911 in that range as well as some Springfield guns, lower end Kimbers, Remingtons, and I'm told that there are some STI guns using Armscor (the folks that make Rock Island Armory stuff) parts available for that kind of cash. All of those are new prices . You can even find Colts, higher end Kimbers, Springfield Armory, and other "better" name manufacturers in that price range when looking for used guns. I didn't have the funds at the time, but at the last gun show I went to I found a very nice, although used, Wilson Combat for sale, price $600. The reason he was selling so cheap? He didn't clean it and it wouldn't work right any more. The deals are out there, you just have to keep an eye out for them.

[Jules]

Thanks guys, it is going to be my primary carry gun. I'm not hung up on the name on the side of the slide, I just need protection that is reliable for myself and my family. Also, are grips and sights on the RIA interchangeable with other manufacturers parts?

[randomoutburst]

I have an STI 1911 chambered in 9mm and I couldn't be more pleased. STI also offers excellent customer service.

I was trying to decide between a Springfield/Kimber/STI and I chose the STI. The price range is about the same, so I based my decision off of what I heard about their customer service and because my model is made right here in Texas. They offered exactly the gun I wanted out of the box, and it's pretty to boot.

Give them a look before you decide on one of the big names; I promise you won't be disappointed.

Edit: Just went back and read that your price range is below $800. STIs are a little more expensive than that, and my Ranger II was one of the cheaper ones at $1100. If you can find one used, I'd recommend snatching it up, but there's nothing wrong with a Kimber or Springfield, and you're more likely to find one of those used than an STI, at least based on my own gun searches when I was in the market for a 1911.

[Bullwhip]

Get the cheapest you can find that is already milled for novak sights.

Lots and lots [abbreviated profanity deleted] 1911s out there for that price that shoot just as good as expensive guns, if you're on the range in broad daylight and have time to aim tiny sights. Self defense don't usually happen in broad daylight with slow fire rules. For your SD carry gun you want good sights, 3 dot at least, night sights even better. Get one already cut for novak so then you can upgrade to better sights cheaper than getting your slide milled + sights.

[jamisjockey]

Yep, the grips are totally interchangable. I bought mine off ebay.

You can easily get an RIA under the price with ammo and extra mags (often totally forgotten in the initial price of a firearm).

[RECIT]

Get the cheapest you can find that is already milled for novak sights.

Lots and lots [abbreviated profanity deleted] 1911s out there for that price that shoot just as good as expensive guns, if you're on the range in broad daylight and have time to aim tiny sights. Self defense don't usually happen in broad daylight with slow fire rules. For your SD carry gun you want good sights, 3 dot at least, night sights even better. Get one already cut for novak so then you can upgrade to better sights cheaper than getting your slide milled + sights.

I agree and sold my first 1911 for this very reason. It was a GI model with combat sights. They work, but not ideal for self defense. If you are looking at a RIA get the tactical version just for the sights alone. I don't really care for the Taurus model but that is strictly personal preference because I don't like the finish on the two tone model and if I am going to spring for a stainless model I think I would spring for a Springfield.

[longtooth]

That Champion you mentioned is $4$ one of the best buys out there "out of the box". Night sites, ambi safety, reliable, excellent customer service dept if needed. (very seldom.) It is my1911 carry when I need to shorten up a little & go IWB. Carry a full size almost all the time.

One of our board members has a Kimber in their shop. My son has his there too. Son's estimated return time is April & it went in the last of Sept. That is 6mo lead time if he gets it the firs of the mo.

He is carrying my K & I miss it but only because of the weight advantage when I shoulder carry.
The Springer is as accurate as I can shoot, as reliable as the K, cheaper than the K. Only small down side that I can think of is the recoil spring set up on the Springer is more $$$$s than those for the K. I know I am old enough that I have quit thinking 25yrs down the line but for me, lay one each on the table in the same shape at current mkt value for each gun & would never even think about it. Grab the Champ.
My .02cents & some think it worth about half that.
LT

[threoh8]

I handled one of the Remington 1911 R1's this weekend, and thought it looked like a good deal. The white dot sights weren't bad at all. No frills, just a basic .45 that I wouldn't mind shooting.

It's just not enough different from my Colt for me to justify buying.

[jeeperbryan]

Which Champion are you referring to? Springfield makes a few Champion models (GI, Loaded, Operator).

I have the Champion Operator and can't recommend it enough. It is the most accurate handgun I own. I am getting more and more accurate with it the longer I own it. I was at the range this weekend and shot a near perfect smiley face in my silhoette target. Guy next to me couldn't believe it, so I let him shoot it a little.

[mbw]

Go here to learn about the 1911-

http://forums.1911forum.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A word of caution, if you do not know much about how the 1911 functions, be very careful about buying used. There are a lot of hobby gunsmiths out there that have ruined too many 1911's to count. Get someone who knows 1911's to look at any used purchase B4 you buy.

For a quality lower priced 1911 it is hard to beat any of the offerings from Springfield.

[Jules]

I'm a fan of the loaded model, but I didn't look in to the operator model. The G.I. model seems like its just the basic package. I will probably go with the S.A. or the RIA it just depends on what I can find and if the price is right. Thanks for the link, I know nothing about 1911's other than I want one, there is a lot more to them than the glocks and snubbies that I'am use to.

[RECIT]

There is a 4" Springfield loaded that just popped up in the for sale section just inside your price range. Check it out