1911 Recommendations

DMZX · June 23, 2013, 10:24 AM

I will admit I am not at all very familiar with the 1911 platform, but I would like to acquire one this year. So I am looking for recommendations.

What I would like to do is get a 1911 that looks a US Army issue circa 1970. Parkerized finish, brown plastic grips, and a brown leather holster. I can get the grips and holster after I buy the pistol.

I seem to have three choices:

Colt
Springfield Armory
Rock Island Armory

The Colt is the most expensive and my dealer says it would take a good while to get one that I want.

The other two are about $600 and I might have to wait a month or so to get one.

Are the three options of comparable quality?

Are there other options?

Any advise is greatly appreciated!

DMZX

Beentown71 · June 23, 2013, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMZX

I will admit I am not at all very familiar with the 1911 platform, but I would like to acquire one this year. So I am looking for recommendations.

What I would like to do is get a 1911 that looks a US Army issue circa 1970. Parkerized finish, brown plastic grips, and a brown leather holster. I can get the grips and holster after I buy the pistol.

I seem to have three choices:

Colt
Springfield Armory
Rock Island Armory

The Colt is the most expensive and my dealer says it would take a good while to get one that I want.

The other two are about $600 and I might have to wait a month or so to get one.

Are the three options of comparable quality?

Are there other options?

Any advise is greatly appreciated!

DMZX

Whatever you get just know that Buds has the "Tactical" model available for $466 shipped right now.

tldward · June 23, 2013, 10:45 AM

I absolutely love 1911 style pistols. I've owned several Colts, a Springfield Armory, and currently own a Kimber. Overall, the Colts were my favorite. I had a Government Issue Colt which I traced back to 1936-1939. It had a parkerized finish and brown plastic grips kind of like what you are talking about. That gun never misfired, jammed, failed to feed, etc. and it was about 70 years old and was a gun used in war. No telling the hell that gun went through and it still shoots like a Singer Sewing Machine. Anyway, in my opinion you can't beat the older Colts.

I also had a government issue Colt Mark IV Series 70 that shot like a champ. It had a blued finish and wood grips. Again, no problems with the gun at all. I ended up selling both of the Colts so I could buy a Springfield Armory "Loaded" model 1911, which is basically a custom 1911 from the factory. Don't get me wrong, the Springfield Armory was a great gun but looking back on it, I made a mistake by selling the Colts. I ended up selling the Springfield and I purchased a Kimber Gold Combat RL/II. So far, I haven't had any problems with the Kimber except for at one point the recoil was forcing the safety to switch on. Meaning you would then have to flip the safety off to fire again. This would be very bad in a fire fight; however I easily had it fixed. I actually carry the Kimber as my duty weapon with Crimson Trace grips and a TLR-1 light. But again, I would have rather had one of those Colts.

I don't have any experience with Rock Island Armory, but in my opinion you won't go wrong with an "older" model (series 70) Colt if you can find one or a nice Springfield. If I'm not mistaken, the Springfields have been doing pretty good over the last few years. In fact, I think the FBI either carries or used to carry a Springfield 1911. Anyway, this is all just my personal opinion. I've put thousands of rounds downrange with the Colts, Springfield, and Kimber and haven't had any problems with any of them except for the Kimber. I hope this helps in your future purchase. Let me know if you have any questions.

**Aguila Blanca** · June 23, 2013, 11:10 AM

None of the three makers you listed offers a Parkerized finish. Springfield dropped their GI model so their entry level is now the Mil-Spec and, unless they've changed their specs, the Mil-Spec (which isn't in any way mil-spec) has slanted cocking serrations. The Rock Island has their huge billboard on the slide.

The closest thing (appearance-wise) to a military issue M1911A1 today is the Auto-Ordnance GI.

Bluestarlizzard · June 23, 2013, 11:46 AM

The Springfeild Milspecs is the better shooter. Mind you, this one is is from the late 90's, but it's been a rock, and it's fed everything we've put through it, even flying ashtrays (Speer) with no work done.
The RIA is a GI. The billboarding isn't that bad, since unlike Tarus, they don't blaze it out with white. It's not as smooth as the Springfeild, but has been solid. The grips where replaced with Houges, but again, no real work, and unless it screws up, it probably won't get any since that's Dads and he likes his pistols rough around the edges

I'd say you want old school, get the RIA. You want a little fancier, get the Springfeild.

RickB · June 23, 2013, 01:44 PM

Quote:

None of the three makers you listed offers a Parkerized finish. Springfield dropped their GI model so their entry level is now the Mil-Spec and, unless they've changed their specs, the Mil-Spec (which isn't in any way mil-spec) has slanted cocking serrations. The Rock Island has their huge billboard on the slide.

The closest thing (appearance-wise) to a military issue M1911A1 today is the Auto-Ordnance GI.

The Springfield Mil-Spec is parkerized, but it does differ in a number of details from a real M1911A1.
But, since we're talking details . . . Armscor/RIA missed in the shape of the trigger guard, and Auto Ords I've seen (including my own) allow the slide stop to overhang the edge of the frame, when there should be an obvious amount of frame flat visible between the slide stop and the edge of the frame. So, to my eyes, the appearance of neither gun is really all that close to a M1911A1, either.
If we look beyond just the appearance, the Mil-Spec has the same forged frame and slide as the M1911A1, while the RIA and A-O both have cast frames.
I'd accept the angled cocking serrations to get the forged frame and Springfield's customer service.
As AB notes, the Springfield G.I. is no longer in production, but used ones are not rare, and a used G.I. would probably look more like a 25yo military pistol than would a new one, if you really want that 1970 look.

ttarp · June 23, 2013, 02:20 PM

If you have the funds and don't mind a wait too bad I'd suggest going for the Colt, but right out of the box I think the Auto Ordnance is probably the closest to what you're looking for. They come with the brown plastic grips and the rollmark is very simple, Model 1911A1 U.S. Army.

DMZX · June 23, 2013, 06:22 PM

Thanks all for the info and advice.

I think my options are shrinking.

My dealer is unwilling to make a purchase/transfer of a used firearm I find on say gunbroker and such. So that option is off the table.

I always watch the local/regional classified ads for years, and can not recall ever seeing a 1911A1, or anything close to it, for sale. I assume people tend to hang onto them tight.

Rock Island/Armscor sells through a dealership network and there are no dealers anywhere near me in my state.

Rock Island is fairly close in spec's, but

Colt Series 70 is very close, but as Aguila Blanca stated, no Parkerized finish.

Springfield lists a Mil-Spec 1911A1. It is the closest to meeting my requirements that is available. Looking at the product on their website, there are none currently available.

Auto Ordnance makes one that would work. I called the "Authorized Dealer" closest to me and he stated what I wanted was unavailable, call back in 3 months. Too bad, good price.

So it looks like I am going to shelf this project for now, maybe resurrect it this winter, when hopefully things are back to "normal?".

Bluestarlizzard · June 23, 2013, 06:25 PM

Well, this is one option... Find a new FFL.

Garycw · June 23, 2013, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluestarlizzard

Well, this is one option... Find a new FFL.

I would 2nd that. There's probably at least 10 if not alot more near you. Quite a few are $15 and have even seen $10 before. Buds and a few other sites has a lookup feature by zip.

DMZX · June 23, 2013, 06:50 PM

Welcome to rural E. Oregon.

Garycw · June 23, 2013, 07:16 PM

Well maybe not. Try checking armslist, although I'm not sure they'll be allot of listings near you. Beautiful Country though !!

Hawg · June 23, 2013, 07:17 PM

Quote:

The RIA is a GI. The billboarding isn't that bad, since unlike Tarus, they don't blaze it out with white.

RIA changed their logo a couple of years ago. Its now bare metal showing through the parkerizing. The good thing is you can make it less noticeable with a little cold blue. RIA has a lifetime warranty and from what I read on the 1911 forum the best customer service in the biz.
These aren't mine, just pics I grabbed off the net. Mine is a little older FS tactical model with the old logo.

Bluestarlizzard · June 23, 2013, 07:29 PM

^ well, that's unfortunate.

Yuck.

Kevin_d77 · June 23, 2013, 08:03 PM

The only prob I see with the Springfield MIL-Spec is that the sights can't be changed without major work. I would rather spend a little more for a Range Officer for the extra features

Fishbed77 · June 23, 2013, 08:15 PM

Colt.

Everything else is just a clone.

WVsig · June 23, 2013, 08:16 PM

If you had a good FFL to do a transfer for you I would suggest a Norinco.

SpareMag · June 23, 2013, 08:24 PM

Gunbroker has an FFL lookup feature. That is how I found my local FFL - all he does is transfers.

WVsig · June 23, 2013, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Gunbroker has an FFL lookup feature. That is how I found my local FFL - all he does is transfers.

Those are the best guys!!! I found a guy like that. Would order stuff for you but was not a stocking dealer. Transfer anything you wanted for $15 in VA.

Then I moved to WV and found a guy who did it for $10. He would even ship and transfer a gun USPS for $10 + shipping. Cheaper than Fed or UPS overnight.

Garycw · June 23, 2013, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpareMag

Gunbroker has an FFL lookup feature. That is how I found my local FFL - all he does is transfers.

As he said he has Very limited choice of local ffl. It's hard to look up one that's not there.

WVsig · June 23, 2013, 08:31 PM

Quote:

As he said he has Very limited choice of local ffl. It's hard to look up one that's not there.

It sounds like there are a limited number of dealers but that does not mean they are not willing to do transfers at a reasonable price. A lot of dealers do not like to transfer common guns which they can get for you but if you are buying used or harder to find guns they will often do it if you are also a regular customer. At least that has been my experience.

Eight_is_enough · June 24, 2013, 01:41 PM

My favorite FFL is in another town. It's a nice drive home after you pick up a new 1911.

Brasso · June 25, 2013, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Welcome to rural E. Oregon.

Good Lord, it looks like that little town, or whatever it is, would float away every time it rains.

markj · June 26, 2013, 05:45 PM

My new colt light weight commander is one fine 1911

thedudeabides · June 26, 2013, 05:47 PM

I'd really spend the extra cash and get a Series 70 Colt or Springer.

The trigger on a gun that doesn't have the firing pin block is MUCH nicer.

RIA really shouldn't be used in the same sentence as the other two. Their guns work and are reasonably reliable but the fit and finish, QC, polish, etc. are reflective of their much lower cost.

June 23, 2013, 10:24 AM	#1
DMZX Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2007 Location: E. Oregon Posts: 563	1911 Recommendations I will admit I am not at all very familiar with the 1911 platform, but I would like to acquire one this year. So I am looking for recommendations. What I would like to do is get a 1911 that looks a US Army issue circa 1970. Parkerized finish, brown plastic grips, and a brown leather holster. I can get the grips and holster after I buy the pistol. I seem to have three choices: Colt Springfield Armory Rock Island Armory The Colt is the most expensive and my dealer says it would take a good while to get one that I want. The other two are about $600 and I might have to wait a month or so to get one. Are the three options of comparable quality? Are there other options? Any advise is greatly appreciated! DMZX

June 23, 2013, 07:16 PM	#12
Garycw Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2011 Location: Ohio-Kentucky - florida Posts: 1,221	1911 Recommendations Well maybe not. Try checking armslist, although I'm not sure they'll be allot of listings near you. Beautiful Country though !!

June 23, 2013, 08:16 PM	#17
WVsig Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2010 Location: NC Posts: 5,309	If you had a good FFL to do a transfer for you I would suggest a Norinco. __________________ -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

June 23, 2013, 10:45 AM	#3
tldward Junior Member Join Date: June 22, 2013 Location: North Carolina Posts: 10	I absolutely love 1911 style pistols. I've owned several Colts, a Springfield Armory, and currently own a Kimber. Overall, the Colts were my favorite. I had a Government Issue Colt which I traced back to 1936-1939. It had a parkerized finish and brown plastic grips kind of like what you are talking about. That gun never misfired, jammed, failed to feed, etc. and it was about 70 years old and was a gun used in war. No telling the hell that gun went through and it still shoots like a Singer Sewing Machine. Anyway, in my opinion you can't beat the older Colts. I also had a government issue Colt Mark IV Series 70 that shot like a champ. It had a blued finish and wood grips. Again, no problems with the gun at all. I ended up selling both of the Colts so I could buy a Springfield Armory "Loaded" model 1911, which is basically a custom 1911 from the factory. Don't get me wrong, the Springfield Armory was a great gun but looking back on it, I made a mistake by selling the Colts. I ended up selling the Springfield and I purchased a Kimber Gold Combat RL/II. So far, I haven't had any problems with the Kimber except for at one point the recoil was forcing the safety to switch on. Meaning you would then have to flip the safety off to fire again. This would be very bad in a fire fight; however I easily had it fixed. I actually carry the Kimber as my duty weapon with Crimson Trace grips and a TLR-1 light. But again, I would have rather had one of those Colts. I don't have any experience with Rock Island Armory, but in my opinion you won't go wrong with an "older" model (series 70) Colt if you can find one or a nice Springfield. If I'm not mistaken, the Springfields have been doing pretty good over the last few years. In fact, I think the FBI either carries or used to carry a Springfield 1911. Anyway, this is all just my personal opinion. I've put thousands of rounds downrange with the Colts, Springfield, and Kimber and haven't had any problems with any of them except for the Kimber. I hope this helps in your future purchase. Let me know if you have any questions.

June 23, 2013, 11:10 AM	#4
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 19,051	None of the three makers you listed offers a Parkerized finish. Springfield dropped their GI model so their entry level is now the Mil-Spec and, unless they've changed their specs, the Mil-Spec (which isn't in any way mil-spec) has slanted cocking serrations. The Rock Island has their huge billboard on the slide. The closest thing (appearance-wise) to a military issue M1911A1 today is the Auto-Ordnance GI.

June 23, 2013, 11:46 AM	#5
Bluestarlizzard Senior Member Join Date: May 23, 2013 Location: Virginia Posts: 347	The Springfeild Milspecs is the better shooter. Mind you, this one is is from the late 90's, but it's been a rock, and it's fed everything we've put through it, even flying ashtrays (Speer) with no work done. The RIA is a GI. The billboarding isn't that bad, since unlike Tarus, they don't blaze it out with white. It's not as smooth as the Springfeild, but has been solid. The grips where replaced with Houges, but again, no real work, and unless it screws up, it probably won't get any since that's Dads and he likes his pistols rough around the edges I'd say you want old school, get the RIA. You want a little fancier, get the Springfeild.

June 23, 2013, 02:20 PM	#7
ttarp Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2013 Posts: 888	If you have the funds and don't mind a wait too bad I'd suggest going for the Colt, but right out of the box I think the Auto Ordnance is probably the closest to what you're looking for. They come with the brown plastic grips and the rollmark is very simple, Model 1911A1 U.S. Army.

June 23, 2013, 06:22 PM	#8
DMZX Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2007 Location: E. Oregon Posts: 563	Thanks all for the info and advice. I think my options are shrinking. My dealer is unwilling to make a purchase/transfer of a used firearm I find on say gunbroker and such. So that option is off the table. I always watch the local/regional classified ads for years, and can not recall ever seeing a 1911A1, or anything close to it, for sale. I assume people tend to hang onto them tight. Rock Island/Armscor sells through a dealership network and there are no dealers anywhere near me in my state. Rock Island is fairly close in spec's, but Colt Series 70 is very close, but as Aguila Blanca stated, no Parkerized finish. Springfield lists a Mil-Spec 1911A1. It is the closest to meeting my requirements that is available. Looking at the product on their website, there are none currently available. Auto Ordnance makes one that would work. I called the "Authorized Dealer" closest to me and he stated what I wanted was unavailable, call back in 3 months. Too bad, good price. So it looks like I am going to shelf this project for now, maybe resurrect it this winter, when hopefully things are back to "normal?".

June 23, 2013, 06:25 PM	#9
Bluestarlizzard Senior Member Join Date: May 23, 2013 Location: Virginia Posts: 347	Well, this is one option... Find a new FFL.

June 23, 2013, 06:50 PM	#11
DMZX Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2007 Location: E. Oregon Posts: 563	Welcome to rural E. Oregon.

June 23, 2013, 07:29 PM	#14
Bluestarlizzard Senior Member Join Date: May 23, 2013 Location: Virginia Posts: 347	^ well, that's unfortunate. Yuck.

June 23, 2013, 08:03 PM	#15
Kevin_d77 Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2012 Location: SW FL Posts: 953	The only prob I see with the Springfield MIL-Spec is that the sights can't be changed without major work. I would rather spend a little more for a Range Officer for the extra features

June 23, 2013, 08:15 PM	#16
Fishbed77 Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2010 Posts: 4,862	Colt. Everything else is just a clone.

June 23, 2013, 08:24 PM	#18
SpareMag Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2012 Posts: 514	Gunbroker has an FFL lookup feature. That is how I found my local FFL - all he does is transfers.

June 24, 2013, 01:41 PM	#22
Eight_is_enough Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2013 Posts: 168	My favorite FFL is in another town. It's a nice drive home after you pick up a new 1911.

June 26, 2013, 05:45 PM	#24
markj Senior Member Join Date: October 27, 2005 Location: Crescent Iowa Posts: 2,971	My new colt light weight commander is one fine 1911

June 26, 2013, 05:47 PM	#25
thedudeabides Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2012 Posts: 1,031	I'd really spend the extra cash and get a Series 70 Colt or Springer. The trigger on a gun that doesn't have the firing pin block is MUCH nicer. RIA really shouldn't be used in the same sentence as the other two. Their guns work and are reasonably reliable but the fit and finish, QC, polish, etc. are reflective of their much lower cost.