What's the Best Budget 1911 to get started with??

[chromedome82]

Good afternoon everyone. I figured I might get some opinions ( if you guys don't mind giving them ofcourse.) I'm pondering on picking up the 1911 habit but have yet to even shoot one. My thoughts are to start with a decent pistol to see if the hype is for me and if so I could move on to bigger and better. What would be a decent 1911 build around the $500 mark? I've heard great things about RIA and Taurus being well built for what they cost but would like to know which one, if either, would fuel the fire and make it to where I would HAVE to have another one. Here's your chance to unload some of that A1 knowledge folks so thanks in advance for any help given.

 

[the_great_white]

I've been on the hunt for a STI Spartan IV .45 they can be found new for about 600ish on line. great base to start off with without having to spend a grand.

and if you don't like it, more than likely, i'll buy it from you.

 

[atljetmech]

I'd pick up a $300-$350 Llama to see if a 1911 is for you. Not a huge investment and you could get your money back if you hated the platform.

 

[xurceht]

I don't like Taurus much, but they really are a good deal. At around 600 you get a ton of custom features. If you buy used you might be able to get one for 500. Good thing about Taurus is lifetime warranty even on used guns. Plus I hear they'll actually fix it. On the down side sometimes they take forever.

Another option is your basic Springfield Mil-Spec.

 

[BackWoods]

Rock Island Armory. Awesome little entry level 1911's! Great, especially for the price! Might be able to get the match grade model for around that price, not sure.

 

[Spas-12 Owner]

If you are looking for 1 with all the features of a high dollar one go RIA, I own both Taurus and RIA and for the money spent I like the RIA better.

If you are looking for one to buy under or around $500 and build up later Spring field is your best bet/investment...

 

[heyitsshane]

I'd hit up your friendly local pawn dude.. I bought an Auto-Ordnance 1911A1, basic no frills little dude for $379 at the local pawn-n-gone.

There's millions of em out there.

BUT.. don't be tempted by the Llama. Only MOST of the parts interchange. I had one with a bad plunger tube and looked for 5 months before I found one, those plunger tubes are made outta plastic.

 

[P22manbell]

RIA hands down.

 

[ATLEMT]

For the money you cant beat one of these. I had one and it shot as good as the springfield and taurus i had. Ignore the people that say you have to buy a springfield or kimber to get a good gun. do some research on RIA and you will see how happy 99% of owners are.



http://centerfiresystems.com/AC-RI1911TACA.aspx

 

[tmoore912]

I absolutely loved my RIA Tactical .45. They are not guns to customize, because no one will think its worth what you put into it if you want to sell it later. Super guns though. I recommend buying a 5" Government model first. YMMV.