I am astounded at how tricked out the Taurus 1911 is--its gotta be the best value proposition out there for entry level 1911 with all the bells and whistles factory installed (beavertail, ambi safety, rail, better sights).
.303 British gov't issue, manufactured by Royal Ordnance Factory, Radway Green, in 1956--hence the RG 56 markings. The 7 on the headstamp indicates original case was for MK 7 Ball ammo.
Postwar gun, made in 1973. Can tell so by the Bundes Republik proof marks, serial number (which dates to 1973), the "Ulm" slide marking rather than "Zella-Mehlis", and the "73" date marking on the breech. Nice gun, fun caliber to shoot. Enjoy it or pass it along--either way, its a nice little...
M1A--hands down. 'Bout as simple as a semi-auto can get, rugged, and still used by many on he basis of its accuracy. Filed strip it compared to an AR platform and you'll shake your head at the relative difference in numbers and complexity of parts.
There's a used Colt Series 70 on ODT right now for under $700--you really can't do much better than that if you want a working 1911 that's a quality gun and holds its value.
I'm looking at it and thinking what a clean Series 70 would go for and what would be necessary to clean it up--I certainly would not want to be in it for more than $500--maybe even $450. There's the pitting and finish issues (slide and frame) and the rear sight looks wrong. Just how I see it...
Fairly common to find, the 03s are not as readily available as the 03A3s--both are fun to shoot. I have a high SN 03 made during the transition period to A3s and like it very much.