1911 Suggestions

'88Scrat · February 22, 2017, 03:33 PM

To be clear I already own a 1911, a Remington Rand that was manufactured in 1943 courtesy of my grandfather. Its a smooth running old warhorse that I have had zero issues with. But shooting it almost seems like an affront to piece of history so I'm looking for a 1911 style pistol that I can take to the range and run 10,000 rounds through without worrying about damage to the value (historical or monetary) of said pistol.

I've decided 2 things I want for sure; 1) I want it in stainless steel (I love the look

) and 2) I don't want to break the bank, trying to keep it under $800 ($700 would be better but I'm flexable).

Right now the Springfield Armory Mil-Spec in Stainless Steel is the front runner but I'd like to know what else might be a good fit.

I'm sure this has been beat to death several times over but I figure new input is always the best source.

Thanks!

UncleEd · February 22, 2017, 03:52 PM

Whatever the following posters suggest, you'll be well served.

But just to be realistic and seeking quality, you might raise the stakes to
around $900.

Lohman446 · February 22, 2017, 03:59 PM

First they will show you something by Rock [EDIT PER BELOW]Island Arms (or similiar). A serviceable pistol no doubt just lacking a little bit of refinement (for me the grip on the frame was too aggressive). Let's say your in the $600 range here.

Next they are going to show you something in the Ruger, Smith, Springfield line. Your still in your budget here but getting towards the top or just out of it.

Then comes a Colt. This is just a little out of your budget but it is a Colt.

Then they go to the case and show you a Dan Wesson or something of those lines. Your noticing your about three times what you started looking at.

Some dealers then pull something out of the Wilson case or something similar. "Am I buying a Kia?" starts to be a legitimate question.

In the end a 1911 is, for the most part, a 1911. Buy the one you are comfortable with from the manufacturer you are comfortable with. For me I wanted a 10MM and the Colt fit the bill very well - I reasoned since I am going to pass it to my kids it might as well be a Colt as not.

But... in the end its a dangerous game.

/Currently convincing myself I do not need a commander sized 9MM.... I see that failing in the long term.

**Aguila Blanca** · February 22, 2017, 04:09 PM

Rock River Arms will NOT be in the $600 range. I think Mr. Lohman meant Rock Island Armory (Armscor).

I don't think Rock Island has stainless, although they may offer nickel plated. For stainless and with the budget criteria, I'd look at Ruger.

RoughDivider · February 22, 2017, 04:11 PM

I'll agree with Aguila, I'm looking at a Ruger for my first 1911, helps that my SO is a Ruger fan girl.

RED_beard92 · February 22, 2017, 04:28 PM

Scrat, If you want a super cheap 1911 that will work, and function but want to be SUPER thrifty.... buy an American Tactical, or ATI for short. I have personally owned two separate ones. I sold the first and really regretted it, hence the second purchase. I also have Kimbers that run over the 1,000 dollar mark and the ATI shoots ALMOST, ALMOST just as well. For the 300 that can be spent on an ATI you can always deck it out later, and buy a butt ton of ammo with the extra cash. Hickok45 even did a 1,000 round Youtube video of one of these hidden gems.

Seriously, talk to an ATI owner and they will tell you the same basic thing. For a range gun, that is not going to be shown off they are perfect. But if you wanted to show it off you could do what i did to make it a little of a pimp piece.

Lohman446 · February 22, 2017, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aguila Blanca

Rock River Arms will NOT be in the $600 range. I think Mr. Lohman meant Rock Island Armory (Armscor).

My bad

JWT · February 22, 2017, 04:48 PM

Rugers' 1911 offerings are very nice for the price. Well made, good shooters. And made in the USA.

RickB · February 22, 2017, 05:07 PM

Mil-Spec is a great choice.
Does it have to be .45? Bud's has some Colts for less than $800 in 9mm and .38 Super.

BigBL87 · February 22, 2017, 05:12 PM

In your price range, I'd lean towards a Springfield. Sadly, I don't own a Springfield myself despite their HQ being all of a 45 minute drive from my house.

https://www.slickguns.com/product/sp...99?mobile=true

Nathan · February 22, 2017, 05:39 PM

Rugers are a good choice..new at $700..Springfield is not bad either, but a bit more.

Colt is the next step up. New at $1050 and used at $900.

The next obvious step is the Dan Wesson Heritage used at $1000.

jaytothekizzay · February 22, 2017, 08:18 PM

Go with the milspec for sure

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

redrick · February 22, 2017, 09:08 PM

Springfield Range Officer .

presspics · February 22, 2017, 09:18 PM

For $800 you can get a SIG 1911 XO Stainless.. A hell of a lot of gun for the money...

claydoctor · February 22, 2017, 09:26 PM

I'd definitely go Springfield MilSpec . Later, when your wallet has recovered, you could send it off to the Springfield Custom Shop and trick it out any way you like. That's what I did with mine a few years back. Thry do really nice work .

lefteye · February 22, 2017, 09:31 PM

I have more Ruger firearms than any other brand. They are well designed, well made, reliable, accurate and good looking. My next firearm will probably be a Ruger SR1911 Standard.

john in jax · February 22, 2017, 10:29 PM

The Ruger 1911s I have handled and fired are real nice.

I have owned several Kimbers and like them a lot. Excellent quality and reliability.

Traded away a real nice stainless Para Ordinance double stack "Limited" and really regret letting that one get away.

FWIW I own a couple of mil-spec 1911s, but really like carrying and shooting 1911s with commander style hammers and beaver tail safeties more. Little features like these can often be found on today's 1911s for little to no added cost.

Ibmikey · February 23, 2017, 06:41 AM

I have a Remington R1 S a stainless no nonsense 1911 that has nice sights and checkered rosewood grips selling under $600 most places. It is not the same Remington Rand as your 1943 (a typewriter company----remember typewriters they went click, click and spelled words on paper and without a " print" button) this one has made firearms for two hundred years.

DMK · February 23, 2017, 10:26 AM

Quote:

I'm looking for a 1911 style pistol that I can take to the range and run 10,000 rounds through

If you want to shoot it a lot, I'd skip the Milspec and get the Loaded or Range Officer for better sights and better comfort.

https://www.slickguns.com/search/apa...ange%20officer

https://www.slickguns.com/search/apa...field%2Bloaded

Martowski · February 23, 2017, 01:32 PM

In that price range I'd go with the Ruger SR1911 or the Springfield Range Officer.

gpjoe · February 23, 2017, 04:49 PM

If you do look at a Sig as recommended above, know that some (like the XO) are not traditional 1911s - the top of the slide is more square than a true 1911.

That's not a bad thing - just different from all other 1911 slides. It may come into play if you ever want to carry it and can't use a standard 1911 holster.

Having said that, I have a reverse two-tone Sig with a traditional slide that is a fantastic shooter and a beautiful pistol.

FairWarning · February 23, 2017, 06:24 PM

Spend a little more than you initial budget and get a basic Sig.

One of the best values around now for a gun that you wouldn't mind keeping forever.

Martowski · February 23, 2017, 11:05 PM

I will say I owned a Sig Nitron Rail for a short time. It was a great pistol and part of me wishes I had kept it, but it was part of a "purge" I did before moving across the country. I actually kind of liked the non-traditional squared off slide on the Sig as well.

The only thing was the trigger pull was pretty heavy from the factory. I adjusted it and got it around 3.5# and it was a nice shooter.

hubris · February 23, 2017, 11:15 PM

Just took delivery of a new stainless Springfield 1911 Loaded. Initial cleaning tomorrow then off to the range. $850 otd and it has ambi safety. I'm a lefty.

Cirdan · February 23, 2017, 11:36 PM

I'm happy with my Ruger SR1911 Commander in Stainless Steel.

February 22, 2017, 03:33 PM	#1
'88Scrat Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 549	1911 Suggestions To be clear I already own a 1911, a Remington Rand that was manufactured in 1943 courtesy of my grandfather. Its a smooth running old warhorse that I have had zero issues with. But shooting it almost seems like an affront to piece of history so I'm looking for a 1911 style pistol that I can take to the range and run 10,000 rounds through without worrying about damage to the value (historical or monetary) of said pistol. I've decided 2 things I want for sure; 1) I want it in stainless steel (I love the look) and 2) I don't want to break the bank, trying to keep it under $800 ($700 would be better but I'm flexable). Right now the Springfield Armory Mil-Spec in Stainless Steel is the front runner but I'd like to know what else might be a good fit. I'm sure this has been beat to death several times over but I figure new input is always the best source. Thanks! __________________ BOOM

February 22, 2017, 03:59 PM	#3
Lohman446 Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2016 Posts: 2,192	The 1911 game is a dangerous game First they will show you something by Rock [EDIT PER BELOW]Island Arms (or similiar). A serviceable pistol no doubt just lacking a little bit of refinement (for me the grip on the frame was too aggressive). Let's say your in the $600 range here. Next they are going to show you something in the Ruger, Smith, Springfield line. Your still in your budget here but getting towards the top or just out of it. Then comes a Colt. This is just a little out of your budget but it is a Colt. Then they go to the case and show you a Dan Wesson or something of those lines. Your noticing your about three times what you started looking at. Some dealers then pull something out of the Wilson case or something similar. "Am I buying a Kia?" starts to be a legitimate question. In the end a 1911 is, for the most part, a 1911. Buy the one you are comfortable with from the manufacturer you are comfortable with. For me I wanted a 10MM and the Colt fit the bill very well - I reasoned since I am going to pass it to my kids it might as well be a Colt as not. But... in the end its a dangerous game. /Currently convincing myself I do not need a commander sized 9MM.... I see that failing in the long term. Last edited by Lohman446; February 22, 2017 at 04:26 PM.

February 22, 2017, 05:07 PM	#9
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	Mil-Spec is a great choice. Does it have to be .45? Bud's has some Colts for less than $800 in 9mm and .38 Super. __________________ Runs off at the mouth about anything 1911 related on this site and half the time is flat out wrong.

February 22, 2017, 09:18 PM	#14
presspics Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2001 Location: NH Posts: 343	For $800 you can get a SIG 1911 XO Stainless.. A hell of a lot of gun for the money... __________________ "Quid Clarius Astris"

February 22, 2017, 09:31 PM	#16
lefteye Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2006 Posts: 1,433	I have more Ruger firearms than any other brand. They are well designed, well made, reliable, accurate and good looking. My next firearm will probably be a Ruger SR1911 Standard. __________________ Vietnam Veteran ('69-'70) NRA Life Member RMEF Life Member

February 22, 2017, 03:52 PM	#2
UncleEd Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2013 Location: N. Georgia Posts: 1,150	Whatever the following posters suggest, you'll be well served. But just to be realistic and seeking quality, you might raise the stakes to around $900.

February 22, 2017, 04:09 PM	#4
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,468	Rock River Arms will NOT be in the $600 range. I think Mr. Lohman meant Rock Island Armory (Armscor). I don't think Rock Island has stainless, although they may offer nickel plated. For stainless and with the budget criteria, I'd look at Ruger.

February 22, 2017, 04:11 PM	#5
RoughDivider Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2014 Location: Collierville, TN Posts: 152	I'll agree with Aguila, I'm looking at a Ruger for my first 1911, helps that my SO is a Ruger fan girl.

February 22, 2017, 04:48 PM	#8
JWT Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: Southern Arizona Posts: 3,888	Rugers' 1911 offerings are very nice for the price. Well made, good shooters. And made in the USA.

February 22, 2017, 05:12 PM	#10
BigBL87 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2014 Location: Tonica, IL Posts: 473	In your price range, I'd lean towards a Springfield. Sadly, I don't own a Springfield myself despite their HQ being all of a 45 minute drive from my house. https://www.slickguns.com/product/sp...99?mobile=true

February 22, 2017, 05:39 PM	#11
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,331	Rugers are a good choice..new at $700..Springfield is not bad either, but a bit more. Colt is the next step up. New at $1050 and used at $900. The next obvious step is the Dan Wesson Heritage used at $1000.

February 22, 2017, 08:18 PM	#12
jaytothekizzay Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2008 Location: st. louis Posts: 450	Go with the milspec for sure Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

February 22, 2017, 09:08 PM	#13
redrick Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,041	Springfield Range Officer .

February 22, 2017, 09:26 PM	#15
claydoctor Senior Member Join Date: August 26, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 450	I'd definitely go Springfield MilSpec . Later, when your wallet has recovered, you could send it off to the Springfield Custom Shop and trick it out any way you like. That's what I did with mine a few years back. Thry do really nice work .

February 22, 2017, 10:29 PM	#17
john in jax Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2005 Posts: 1,177	The Ruger 1911s I have handled and fired are real nice. I have owned several Kimbers and like them a lot. Excellent quality and reliability. Traded away a real nice stainless Para Ordinance double stack "Limited" and really regret letting that one get away. FWIW I own a couple of mil-spec 1911s, but really like carrying and shooting 1911s with commander style hammers and beaver tail safeties more. Little features like these can often be found on today's 1911s for little to no added cost. __________________ America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards. Claire Wolfe

February 23, 2017, 06:41 AM	#18
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: Now relocated to Texas Posts: 2,943	I have a Remington R1 S a stainless no nonsense 1911 that has nice sights and checkered rosewood grips selling under $600 most places. It is not the same Remington Rand as your 1943 (a typewriter company----remember typewriters they went click, click and spelled words on paper and without a " print" button) this one has made firearms for two hundred years.

February 23, 2017, 01:32 PM	#20
Martowski Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2000 Location: Texas (By Way of Illinois) Posts: 1,376	In that price range I'd go with the Ruger SR1911 or the Springfield Range Officer. __________________ Midwestern Ramblings (my amateur firearms blog): http://martowski.wordpress.com/

February 23, 2017, 04:49 PM	#21
gpjoe Member Join Date: September 24, 2012 Posts: 63	If you do look at a Sig as recommended above, know that some (like the XO) are not traditional 1911s - the top of the slide is more square than a true 1911. That's not a bad thing - just different from all other 1911 slides. It may come into play if you ever want to carry it and can't use a standard 1911 holster. Having said that, I have a reverse two-tone Sig with a traditional slide that is a fantastic shooter and a beautiful pistol.

February 23, 2017, 06:24 PM	#22
FairWarning Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2008 Location: GA Posts: 1,149	Spend a little more than you initial budget and get a basic Sig. One of the best values around now for a gun that you wouldn't mind keeping forever. __________________ Mauser Werke, Schmidt-Rubin, Colt, Walther, HK, Weatherby, Sig Sauer, Browning, Ruger, Beretta, etc, etc....a few friends of mine

February 23, 2017, 11:05 PM	#23
Martowski Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2000 Location: Texas (By Way of Illinois) Posts: 1,376	I will say I owned a Sig Nitron Rail for a short time. It was a great pistol and part of me wishes I had kept it, but it was part of a "purge" I did before moving across the country. I actually kind of liked the non-traditional squared off slide on the Sig as well. The only thing was the trigger pull was pretty heavy from the factory. I adjusted it and got it around 3.5# and it was a nice shooter. __________________ Midwestern Ramblings (my amateur firearms blog): http://martowski.wordpress.com/

February 23, 2017, 11:15 PM	#24
hubris Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2013 Location: SE Tn Posts: 122	Just took delivery of a new stainless Springfield 1911 Loaded. Initial cleaning tomorrow then off to the range. $850 otd and it has ambi safety. I'm a lefty.

February 23, 2017, 11:36 PM	#25
Cirdan Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2013 Location: Tahoe Posts: 363	I'm happy with my Ruger SR1911 Commander in Stainless Steel.