Good basic 1911

ligonierbill · May 14, 2015, 07:21 AM

Don't have one

. So I can't call my collection complete, right? Now, if you put "1911" into the Gunbroker search, you get over 100 pages of listings. I guess they are kinda popular. So, if a guy wanted one that was:

Wood and blued (just cause)
Lower end of the price range
US manufacture (OK, they can import parts)
MIM is fine (I was a metallurgist when I made an honest living)

what, say, 3 pistols should he look at?

WVsig · May 14, 2015, 07:25 AM

When you say lower end price you mean?

$400-$600 or $601-$800?

tallball · May 14, 2015, 07:27 AM

The cheapest ones, which are quite functional, come from Turkey and the Philippines. They are around $500.

ligonierbill · May 14, 2015, 07:30 AM

$800 - $1,200

WVsig · May 14, 2015, 07:34 AM

Colt 80 Series You can get one for about $700

Colt 70 Series. You can get one for about $800 + shipping to your FFL.

Colt 70 Series Gold Cup can get this one for about $1250.

David spargenator · May 14, 2015, 07:56 AM

Look at rugers 1911s. Very well made and affordable

Urban_Redneck · May 14, 2015, 07:57 AM

Series 70* Colt or Springfield.

I'm partial to the Springfield Range Officer

YMMV

* If for no other reason than it's easier to detail strip/re-assemble.

WVsig · May 14, 2015, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Look at rugers 1911s. Very well made and affordable

Not blued....

MarkCO · May 14, 2015, 07:59 AM

Remington R1. I have seen them for as low as $449 on sale. Usually about $550 or so and they have a $75 rebate through May 31st.

pete2 · May 14, 2015, 09:30 AM

I'd get a Colt or a Colt or a Colt. I have 3 Colts, a Ruger, a SA, a Kimber and a Citadel. If I could have a do over, all would be Colts except maybe the Citadel, it was 329.00 new from Bud's, couldn't pass it up.

ligonierbill · May 14, 2015, 10:07 AM

Thanks all. I'll be looking at Colts. I have a few, but only one is a bottom feeder (Model of 1903).

lee n. field · May 14, 2015, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Don't have one . So I can't call my collection complete, right? Now, if you put "1911" into the Gunbroker search, you get over 100 pages of listings. I guess they are kinda popular. So, if a guy wanted one that was:

Wood and blued (just cause)
Lower end of the price range
US manufacture (OK, they can import parts)
MIM is fine (I was a metallurgist when I made an honest living)

what, say, 3 pistols should he look at?

I would be looking at a Springfield Milspec.

mdThanatos · May 14, 2015, 11:18 AM

Springfield

**Aguila Blanca** · May 14, 2015, 11:28 AM

Quote:

One of them is far more effective. Guess which one?

Not made in the U.S. (Unless you consider "assembled in the U.S. using parts made in Brazil" as made in the U.S.)

Citadel is also not made in the U.S. They are made by one of the big three 1911 makers in the Philippines.

My vote would be Colt 1991, Colt Series 70, Colt Special Combat Government (or maybe Colt Gold Cup).

RickB · May 14, 2015, 11:37 AM

My understanding is that Springfield is no longer buying from Imbel.
The RO that I bought in September has no import markings on it.

For a blued/wood pistol that may be the only 1911 you ever own, definitely Colt.

**Aguila Blanca** · May 14, 2015, 11:58 AM

I have not heard that Springfield no longer buys from Imbel, but it's possible. However, even when SA was buying from Imbel, the lower-end guns (the GIs and Mil-Specs, for the most part) were completely built in Brazil and imported as completed firearms. They were marked "Made in Brazil." The higher end models used frames and slides (and some other parts, I believe) made by Imbel in BRazil, but the parts were shipped loose and final assembly was done by SA in the U.S. The government's rules are that if more than 50 percent of the work is performed in the U.S., the product can be labeled "Made in U.S.A."

Which means that manufacturers can play all sorts of games about how to justify that whatever work they do in the U.S. represents more than 50 percent of the total.

I have a 1988 Jeep Cherokee. The engine and some other parts were made in Canada. The transmission, fuel injection, and ignition system were made in France. The glass was all made in Mexico. But it's an "American" vehicle. I had a 1993 Honda. The body, the glass, the electronics, even the tires and battery were made in the U.S. (Marysville, OH), but the engine, transaxle and drive train were made in Japan and shipped to Ohio as completed sub-assemblies. Even though American labor actually did more work on the Honda than on the Jeep, the Honda was classified as a Japanese vehicle.

TfflHndn · May 14, 2015, 12:24 PM

Remington R-1 Enhanced. Good piece of gear.

ttarp · May 14, 2015, 12:36 PM

Auto Ordnance apparently has improved their Q/C since Kahr took over, they're competitively priced with the Filipino guns and made in USA. Mine hasn't stumbled yet.

jasmith85 · May 14, 2015, 12:37 PM

I would go with a Colt as well. In fact, a Colt 1911 is on my list of guns that I want to purchase.

UZO · May 14, 2015, 12:37 PM

Springfield Mil-Spec or Colt (1991-80 series)...
The SA Mil-Spec can be had usually for under $600... and Colt for about $700.
Both are excellent pistolas... the SA would be a great start for the $$s. Had one for years... flawless, accurate shoot plus SA is one of the best companies to deal with (as is COLT) if any problems do occur. Have several Colts, and would not sell them!
Bottom-line... Won't go wrong with either!

johnwilliamson062 · May 14, 2015, 12:58 PM

I think some things can be labeled "Made in USA" even if they are not 50% depending what country they are made in. I think as some trade/defense agreements certain countries, mostly geographically close poor allies, contribute a percentage of their work to the count. As an example not based in fact, say work in a South American Country counts as 50%. Product 75% made in Honduras and 25% in the US. That would be 62.5% "Made in the USA"

RickB · May 14, 2015, 01:22 PM

Quote:

I have not heard that Springfield no longer buys from Imbel, but it's possible. However, even when SA was buying from Imbel, the lower-end guns (the GIs and Mil-Specs, for the most part) were completely built in Brazil and imported as completed firearms. They were marked "Made in Brazil." The higher end models used frames and slides (and some other parts, I believe) made by Imbel in BRazil, but the parts were shipped loose and final assembly was done by SA in the U.S. The government's rules are that if more than 50 percent of the work is performed in the U.S., the product can be labeled "Made in U.S.A."

Which means that manufacturers can play all sorts of games about how to justify that whatever work they do in the U.S. represents more than 50 percent of the total.

I have a 1988 Jeep Cherokee. The engine and some other parts were made in Canada. The transmission, fuel injection, and ignition system were made in France. The glass was all made in Mexico. But it's an "American" vehicle. I had a 1993 Honda. The body, the glass, the electronics, even the tires and battery were made in the U.S. (Marysville, OH), but the engine, transaxle and drive train were made in Japan and shipped to Ohio as completed sub-assemblies. Even though American labor actually did more work on the Honda than on the Jeep, the Honda was classified as a Japanese vehicle.

Yeah, I'm aware of all the speculation about the significance of serial number prefixes, etc.
I had a G.I. with no import marks, just about the same time I learned that G.I.s were being imported as complete guns. My speculation was that Springfield maintained supplies of partially-completed frames that could be completed in-house to fill whatever quota was scheduled.
That's why there were imported Loaded models, but non-import G.I.s and Mil-Specs.
Apparently, no new Springfields have import marks, but that still doesn't mean they are "made" in the U.S.
My MINI was "made" in England, but most of the warning labels under the hood are in German. Some of the new ones, even though festooned with Union Jack symbolism, are made almost entirely in Austria. So it goes.

psyfly · May 14, 2015, 02:30 PM

Yep. There are a lot of good 1911s out there.

But, for my first one, I'd make it a Colt.

Everybody should have a Colt 1911

Then you can experiment: It's not as if the Colt is going to insist on being your one and only

.

I have a Colt which accompanies me sometimes.

But my CCW in .45 is a Para-Ordnance. My Colt(s) never complain

.

W.

Armybrat · May 14, 2015, 04:17 PM

First choice make it a Colt.

The Remington R1 is a good gun for the price. GrabaGun has them for $539 + $6 shipping, and there is a factory $75 cash rebate:

http://grabagun.com/rem-1911-45acp-5...lnt-2-mgs.html

The R1 I bought last Fall was made in NY, but read that as of April they are being made in Birmingham, Alabama.

Nathan · May 14, 2015, 04:27 PM

Colt 1991

Springfield Loaded

Remington R1

Notice I didn't say Kmber.

May 14, 2015, 07:21 AM	#1
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,456	Good basic 1911 Don't have one . So I can't call my collection complete, right? Now, if you put "1911" into the Gunbroker search, you get over 100 pages of listings. I guess they are kinda popular. So, if a guy wanted one that was: Wood and blued (just cause) Lower end of the price range US manufacture (OK, they can import parts) MIM is fine (I was a metallurgist when I made an honest living) what, say, 3 pistols should he look at?

May 14, 2015, 07:25 AM	#2
WVsig Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2010 Location: NC Posts: 5,309	When you say lower end price you mean? $400-$600 or $601-$800? __________________ -The right to be left alone is the most comprehensive of rights, and the right most valued by free people.-Louis Brandeis -Its a tool box... I don't care you put the tools in for the job that's all... -Sam from Ronin -It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. -Aristotle

May 14, 2015, 07:27 AM	#3
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	The cheapest ones, which are quite functional, come from Turkey and the Philippines. They are around $500. Last edited by tallball; May 14, 2015 at 04:12 PM.

May 14, 2015, 07:34 AM	#5
WVsig Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2010 Location: NC Posts: 5,309	Colt 80 Series You can get one for about $700 Colt 70 Series. You can get one for about $800 + shipping to your FFL. Colt 70 Series Gold Cup can get this one for about $1250. __________________ -The right to be left alone is the most comprehensive of rights, and the right most valued by free people.-Louis Brandeis -Its a tool box... I don't care you put the tools in for the job that's all... -Sam from Ronin -It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. -Aristotle

May 14, 2015, 07:57 AM	#7
Urban_Redneck Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Posts: 73	Series 70* Colt or Springfield. I'm partial to the Springfield Range Officer YMMV * If for no other reason than it's easier to detail strip/re-assemble. Last edited by Urban_Redneck; May 14, 2015 at 08:03 AM.

May 14, 2015, 07:30 AM	#4
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,456	$800 - $1,200

May 14, 2015, 07:56 AM	#6
David spargenator Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2013 Posts: 131	Look at rugers 1911s. Very well made and affordable

May 14, 2015, 07:59 AM	#9
MarkCO Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 1998 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 4,308	Remington R1. I have seen them for as low as $449 on sale. Usually about $550 or so and they have a $75 rebate through May 31st. __________________ Good Shooting, MarkCO www.CarbonArms.us

May 14, 2015, 09:30 AM	#10
pete2 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 2,566	I'd get a Colt or a Colt or a Colt. I have 3 Colts, a Ruger, a SA, a Kimber and a Citadel. If I could have a do over, all would be Colts except maybe the Citadel, it was 329.00 new from Bud's, couldn't pass it up.

May 14, 2015, 10:07 AM	#11
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,456	Thanks all. I'll be looking at Colts. I have a few, but only one is a bottom feeder (Model of 1903).

May 14, 2015, 11:18 AM	#13
mdThanatos Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2008 Posts: 104	Springfield

May 14, 2015, 11:37 AM	#15
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	My understanding is that Springfield is no longer buying from Imbel. The RO that I bought in September has no import markings on it. For a blued/wood pistol that may be the only 1911 you ever own, definitely Colt. __________________ Runs off at the mouth about anything 1911 related on this site and half the time is flat out wrong.

May 14, 2015, 11:58 AM	#16
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,468	I have not heard that Springfield no longer buys from Imbel, but it's possible. However, even when SA was buying from Imbel, the lower-end guns (the GIs and Mil-Specs, for the most part) were completely built in Brazil and imported as completed firearms. They were marked "Made in Brazil." The higher end models used frames and slides (and some other parts, I believe) made by Imbel in BRazil, but the parts were shipped loose and final assembly was done by SA in the U.S. The government's rules are that if more than 50 percent of the work is performed in the U.S., the product can be labeled "Made in U.S.A." Which means that manufacturers can play all sorts of games about how to justify that whatever work they do in the U.S. represents more than 50 percent of the total. I have a 1988 Jeep Cherokee. The engine and some other parts were made in Canada. The transmission, fuel injection, and ignition system were made in France. The glass was all made in Mexico. But it's an "American" vehicle. I had a 1993 Honda. The body, the glass, the electronics, even the tires and battery were made in the U.S. (Marysville, OH), but the engine, transaxle and drive train were made in Japan and shipped to Ohio as completed sub-assemblies. Even though American labor actually did more work on the Honda than on the Jeep, the Honda was classified as a Japanese vehicle.

May 14, 2015, 12:24 PM	#17
TfflHndn Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2013 Location: Gig Harbor WA Posts: 160	Remington R-1 Enhanced. Good piece of gear.

May 14, 2015, 12:36 PM	#18
ttarp Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2013 Posts: 888	Auto Ordnance apparently has improved their Q/C since Kahr took over, they're competitively priced with the Filipino guns and made in USA. Mine hasn't stumbled yet.

May 14, 2015, 12:37 PM	#19
jasmith85 Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2012 Location: Tennessee Posts: 631	I would go with a Colt as well. In fact, a Colt 1911 is on my list of guns that I want to purchase.

May 14, 2015, 12:37 PM	#20
UZO Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 132	Springfield Mil-Spec or Colt (1991-80 series)... The SA Mil-Spec can be had usually for under $600... and Colt for about $700. Both are excellent pistolas... the SA would be a great start for the $$s. Had one for years... flawless, accurate shoot plus SA is one of the best companies to deal with (as is COLT) if any problems do occur. Have several Colts, and would not sell them! Bottom-line... Won't go wrong with either! __________________ A bunch of SIGs, CZs, BHPs, COLTs, DWs and a couple other...

May 14, 2015, 12:58 PM	#21
johnwilliamson062 Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2008 Posts: 9,995	I think some things can be labeled "Made in USA" even if they are not 50% depending what country they are made in. I think as some trade/defense agreements certain countries, mostly geographically close poor allies, contribute a percentage of their work to the count. As an example not based in fact, say work in a South American Country counts as 50%. Product 75% made in Honduras and 25% in the US. That would be 62.5% "Made in the USA"

May 14, 2015, 02:30 PM	#23
psyfly Senior Member Join Date: April 27, 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 932	Yep. There are a lot of good 1911s out there. But, for my first one, I'd make it a Colt. Everybody should have a Colt 1911 Then you can experiment: It's not as if the Colt is going to insist on being your one and only . I have a Colt which accompanies me sometimes. But my CCW in .45 is a Para-Ordnance. My Colt(s) never complain . W. __________________ Show me the data

May 14, 2015, 04:17 PM	#24
Armybrat Senior Member Join Date: May 10, 2009 Location: Round Rock, Texas Posts: 976	First choice make it a Colt. The Remington R1 is a good gun for the price. GrabaGun has them for $539 + $6 shipping, and there is a factory $75 cash rebate: http://grabagun.com/rem-1911-45acp-5...lnt-2-mgs.html The R1 I bought last Fall was made in NY, but read that as of April they are being made in Birmingham, Alabama.

May 14, 2015, 04:27 PM	#25
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,331	Colt 1991 Springfield Loaded Remington R1 Notice I didn't say Kmber.