Requesting a little education on 1911s

[cubbyjg]

So i am considering purchasing a good, bang for the buck 1911 as my next pistol purchase. The pistol will be soley for range and home defense. My main requirements for any pistol is that they need to be reliable, durable and present a good value. Since i am still learning and researching 1911s, and i was wondering if you guys would be able to share with me how much more complicated 1911s are when it comes to breaking them down and doing basic fixes when compared to glocks, etc? I have a few glocks and love the fact that it can be broken down and simple repairs can be done at home by the owner. Any 1911 i purchase, i plan to leave stock except for sights (if it doesnt come come with night sights already). I appreciate the help.

[AEA]

Full Sized (5") and Commander Sized (4") 1911's with standard GI Style recoil systems are no harder to dis-assemble than a Glock.

When you get into Full Length Guide Rods in the above lengths and in the shorter lengths such as 3.5" and 3", then it is a bit more difficult to dis-assemble/assemble.

Basic fixes/upgrades are easy if you are experienced with a file. But if you are not comfortable doing them, there is no shortage of 1911 gunsmiths and custom shops.

[G.A. Heath]

The best bang for the buck would be the Rock Island tactical models in my opinion. The problem there is the sight cuts are not standard and night sights would become an expensive effort. Next up would be the Taurus and the Ruger (I am using second hand info here from someone I trust) with the Taurus having night sights available and the Ruger uses a standard cut so it should not be a problem as well. After that I would look into the Springfield Armory guns.

Some quick thoughts: Get a gun that has a beaver tail grip safety if you have any extra meat on your hands, otherwise you will eventually get "pinched" between the hammer and grip safety spurs. The flat main spring housings are what most people prefer, but some Glock guys prefer the arched style. Complexity wise the 1911 is super simple and can be field stripped easily and in most cases without tools (Depending on the guide rod). On mil-spec guns you can completely detail strip the gun without any tools aside from the gun itself. On the subject of repairs: basic repairs can be done by almost anyone, just remember that dremels and 1911s do not mix.

[cubbyjg]

Great information guys, much appreciated!

[e-bil]

The Taurus 1911 is very nice for the price. Mine is a full size and has a substantial beaver tail, bobbed hammer and a lot of other very nice "custom" features. About the only thing it does not have is a magwell.

[doc540]

Just be patient and vigilant and buy a used 70 Series Colt.

It won't cost you any more money than most of the new copies.

It'll shoot like a dream.

It'll have soul.

There are three billion parts available to mod it.

OR

Buy a copy.

Fall in love with the design.

Sell it to buy a used Colt 70 Series.

All my roads led to Colt, so I'm trying to save you a few wasted steps.

(now I've even built a shrine)

[AEA]

That reminds me.......

The Springfield 1911's have the 70 series firing system (no firing pin block) and use a lighter weight firing pin with stronger spring to eliminate the modification of the slide with a firing pin stop.

This is important because of the extra parts that can fail and are not even necessary (Lawyer appeasement). These extra parts can cause damage to the gun if dis-assembled/assembled without observing specific instructions (more hassle).

Most Custom 1911's such as Wilson, Ed Brown and others also build guns with this 70 series firing system.

[cubbyjg]

I was curious about the series 70 style pistols. Is a series 70 any less safer than the 80 if accidentally dropped? Less parts that can cause a failure is a plus in my book.

[AEA]

I do not consider it any less safe and would not buy a 1911 with a firing pin block system. That is why when I was recently looking to purchase a 3.5" 1911, I decided on Springfield instead of Kimber or many others.

Also, JMB did not seem to think a firing pin block was needed when he designed the 1911.

[MoJo]

+1 on the Rock Island guns. They are well made and reasonable. I've never seen a RI fail to function can't say the same about some of the brand "K" and brand "C" guns. Don't get me wrong, both Kimber and Colt have made some really great guns, some of their newer offerings not so much.

[cubbyjg]

The RIA 1911 is one i am considering along with a couple others. Ive read numerous positive reviews about them. The only concern i have is the sight cuts.

[Mike from Texas]

There are many "starter" 1911's to choose from. Rock Island Armory, STI Spartan, Ruger SR1911, Taurus, Para GI Expert.

Personally not having any experience with the ones listed above I would choose in the following order:

1) STI Spartan
2) Ruger SR1911
3) Para GI Expert
4) Rock Island Armory
5) Taurus

I will say that for the money, the Taurus probably offers the most bang for the buck. Install a set of night sights and you have a pretty loaded 1911 for a respectable price. I'm just not sure how the reliability is on the Taurus 1911.

Another that I forgot to mention is the Springfield Loaded.