Naka16 Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 What's the best sub $500 1911 out there? Rock Island, Tisas, Girsan,Taurus? I was thinking of getting yet another Xd or Xdm, but figured to get that "first" 1911. Are there any affordable .40's out there? Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gator11 Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 Had a Rock Island I bought used for $300, shot surprisingly well. Also purchased a Springfield Armory used for under you're budget and it was a great shooter. Used is probably the way to go just check it out first. IMHO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klingtonhtr Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 Probably 10 years ago I sold my Beretta 92FS (because I couldn't hit antying with it) and purchased a used Charles Daly 1911. Even though the pistol only cost $300 it has been a great shooter. The only upgrades were some trigger work and polishing the feedramp. Not sure how the older ones compare with the newer but I would buy one again. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParaGunner Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 I would go RIA with your budget. Also, you will not find ant 40s&w 1911s for under $1000, unless you get real lucky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jswhitesell619 Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 I too would go with the ria, I've had zero luck with the Taurus 1911's... Any Taurus for that matter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dafdov368 Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 I don't really know if 1911 and affordable really mesh... Just my thoughts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naka16 Posted October 9, 2013 Author Share Posted October 9, 2013 Thanks guys. Will look towards the RIA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambluemax Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Everyone's definition of affordable is different. ALL SUB $500 1911s ARE JUNK (oh boy a bunch of people just got butt hurt). If you can't spend roughly $800+ (depending what style of 1911 we are talking) don't bother. 1911s need a certain level of craftsmanship to be done right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naka16 Posted October 11, 2013 Author Share Posted October 11, 2013 Everyone's definition of affordable is different. ALL SUB $500 1911s ARE JUNK (oh boy a bunch of people just got butt hurt). If you can't spend roughly $800+ (depending what style of 1911 we are talking) don't bother. 1911s need a certain level of craftsmanship to be done right. Not looking for a full blown competition gun, more like something to do some plinking with, let my kids shoot. What are you suggesting? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carmoney Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 I would strongly recommend the American Classic 1911 series from MetroArms. They actually started out under $400, but have moved up in price as people have discovered how nice they are. Still a great value. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 (edited) Several years ago I bought a Taurus PT-1911 in .45 just to see if they were as bad as the "haters" claim. Here is a group I shot with it @ 25yds, off a carpet covered 4X4 for a rest. Edited October 11, 2013 by Steve RA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Everyone's definition of affordable is different. ALL SUB $500 1911s ARE JUNK (oh boy a bunch of people just got butt hurt). If you can't spend roughly $800+ (depending what style of 1911 we are talking) don't bother. 1911s need a certain level of craftsmanship to be done right. Not looking for a full blown competition gun, more like something to do some plinking with, let my kids shoot. What are you suggesting? I agree with you on not needing a race gun 1911. I had a bare bones springfield armory that was as plain jane as possible. Shot great right out of the box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayFromHouston Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Several years ago I bought a Taurus PT-1911 in .45 just to see if they were as bad as the "haters" claim. Here is a group I shot with it @ 25yds, off a carpet covered 4X4 for a rest. I hear ya.... I have four (4) PT-1911's and there my 'go too' 1911.... I have 2 .45's (one in stainless), 9mm and one in 38 Super.... The most expensive one was 555.00 and they all have had the 'action' cleaned up some.... I won my SS class (D) in GA back in 08 with the stainless .45..... People HATE them... and I don't know why.... to me, one of the gun "bargain's in the gun world.................... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polizei1 Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 I was a SA fan until I got my Spartan. I would 100% recommend an STI Spartan for ~$650. The Spartan uses the Armscor frame/slides like the RIA, but instead use STI internals and have a better quality control. You simply can't beat them for the money... However, I don't believe they are available in .40S&W. If you so desire that, your next best option is an STI Trojan. If you can live with 9mm or .45 though...the Spartan is IMHO, impossible to beat for the money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EkuJustice Posted October 14, 2013 Share Posted October 14, 2013 +1 on the spartan 9mm for a little extra. On the rock island it's gonna be a little over 5 for the tactical which is the one with at least decent sights not the worthless sights. The spartan is worth the extra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EkuJustice Posted October 14, 2013 Share Posted October 14, 2013 +1 on the spartan 9mm for a little extra. On the rock island it's gonna be a little over 5 for the tactical which is the one with at least decent sights not the worthless sights. The spartan is worth the extra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naka16 Posted October 14, 2013 Author Share Posted October 14, 2013 Does anyone know the gun laws in Washington? Was in cabelas today and I didn't get a chance to ask. That store is always crazy busy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jwtuc Posted October 15, 2013 Share Posted October 15, 2013 Many gun ranges have rental guns you can use for 10-15 bucks extra. Most will let you swap out your rental gun as many times as you want for no extra $ . If you find a range that has a good selection of 1911s , this may help you make your decision. Just remember, you usually get what you pay for. I would be patient and find a good used name brand gun you can try out before you buy. I have seen low cost new guns that just won't run. Then you have to send back to the manufacture or spend more money with a gunsmith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob DuBois Posted October 15, 2013 Share Posted October 15, 2013 American Classic from Metro Arms, friend bought one and it shot well, fed all the varied ammo we had along with four brands of magazines. Asked him to let me clean it afterwards. Seemed well made, good trigger out of the box. He's had it a year now and is still pleased with it. At the time think he spent under $500. I just purchased a used Spartan five from gunbroker that had a few extras. For the money good pistol, fit was good. Trigger job and narrowed the front sight and I'm pleased with it. I like my Trojan better but for now the Spartan is in the keeper pile. Spartan has adjustable sights a plus on a 1911. Mine is in 9mm as well as the Trojan. Taurus is my last choice, might get a good one good chance you'll get a bad one. With anything you get what you pay for good 1911's are going to run a grand up and they go up quick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naka16 Posted October 15, 2013 Author Share Posted October 15, 2013 Many gun ranges have rental guns you can use for 10-15 bucks extra. Most will let you swap out your rental gun as many times as you want for no extra $ . If you find a range that has a good selection of 1911s , this may help you make your decision. Just remember, you usually get what you pay for. I would be patient and find a good used name brand gun you can try out before you buy. I have seen low cost new guns that just won't run. Then you have to send back to the manufacture or spend more money with a gunsmith. I plan to try a range or two out while I'm up here. Just need to find the time since I have the two kids and wife here as well. Saw some nice used 1911's at cabelas but it was close to new prices as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naka16 Posted October 15, 2013 Author Share Posted October 15, 2013 Is it worth considering a 38 super, instead of the 9mm? I don't think I would go for the 45 now, don't want to have to go an buy more reloading dies, components etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericjhuber Posted October 15, 2013 Share Posted October 15, 2013 (edited) I hear ya.... I have four (4) PT-1911's and there my 'go too' 1911.... I have 2 .45's (one in stainless), 9mm and one in 38 Super.... The most expensive one was 555.00 and they all have had the 'action' cleaned up some.... I won my SS class (D) in GA back in 08 with the stainless .45..... People HATE them... and I don't know why.... to me, one of the gun "bargain's in the gun world.................... I spoke with a guy earlier in the year who was using a Taurus 1911 for Single Stack and was doing very well with it. He said he loved the thing and that it had been very reliable for him. Taurus offered up a bunch of pistols for the prize table at the 2013 Steel Challenge and I'd be happy to snag one in the profoundly unlikely event I'd ever be in the position to make that choice at an event. I've already gone with SVI for my major power factor single stack build and that was an easy choice. Not sure what I'll do for a minor power factor Steel Challenge/USPSA Single Stack backup gun at this point. Spending SVI money so soon isn't an option... Edited October 15, 2013 by ericjhuber Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
02doooce Posted October 19, 2013 Share Posted October 19, 2013 I would suggest saving up to buy a used quality 1911. You can find used Springfield Armory loaded series for slightly higher than your $500 budget. SA makes accurate durable quality pistols that are meant to be shot - you will not regret buying an SA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naka16 Posted October 21, 2013 Author Share Posted October 21, 2013 Shoot, thanks for all the suggestions. Will look towards the STI when the time comes, but now I will have to hold off. Might be between jobs very soon and possibly a move. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ranger Posted October 23, 2013 Share Posted October 23, 2013 Is it worth considering a 38 super, instead of the 9mm? I don't think I would go for the 45 now, don't want to have to go an buy more reloading dies, components etc I had a 9mm 1911 that I used 150 LSWC and 160 LRN loaded long in 9mm case with 38 Super mags. That was back in the day when it was hard to get 38 Super brass. So, you may consider 9mm loaded to 38 Super length. Not suggesting that you load the 9mm "long" to IPSC Major or such (but that is what we used to do in the old days). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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