This is my first post in the 1911 section and hopefully not my last. Up until now I have owned A couple of Glocks and some Smith wheel guns. I have wanted a 1911 for some time but haven't had the cash. I have fell into a barter deal with a local range where I will be building over 20 target stands and in exchange I will be able to buy anything in the store for about $700 or less. I would like to pickup a quality 1911 but not sure what you gurus would suggest in that price range. They will order anything I want but have a stainless Taurus, a stainless Para Ordanance, and a I forget. Ha ha. Anyway, anyone have any suggestions or tips. They also have a nice Desert Camo Sig 9mm that cought my eye but I would like to have a 1911. Any help is appreciated.

I came in here and was going to say to look at Para 1911s. So there you go.

And I went with a buddy a few days ago to get a pistol and he ended up getting a GI model Springfield 1911 for $529. Awesome deal for an awesome gun. Its really basic, but would make a great gun for a build.

I have no clue what model the Para was but it was a full size model to the best of my knowledge. After doing some reading here it sounds like there are several folks happy with Para. Anything that I should consider ordering in that price range? I will find out what model that Para is on Monday.

I would do the stainless taurus. I have a blue taurus and I love it. It isn't a $1500 gun for less money but is a fine $469 gun 3 years ago. I have seen some guys bash it here but if it is what you can afford you will be happy with it.

I have a Taurus PT100 and have had no problems with them. Some people knock them, but I like mine.

But Id get a Springfield or Para 1911 before a Taurus. Mainly because you can get them for around the same price.

You might want to consider a Rock Island Armory 1911. It is within your price range and a pretty nice gun It's not a Kimber, but mine shoots great and is accurate.

I would look hard at a base Kimber Custom II. I know list ls like $828 but locally they normally sell for right at $700. I have a Custom II in stainless and it has run flawless right out of the box since day 1.

para all the way

+1 for the Rock Island

Another vote for the Kimber Custom II. I have heard great reviews of the Taurus 1911's, but I keep remembering the horrible experiences with their other products, and I can't support a company that would turn out products like that. RIA makes some interesting guns, but due to the Kimber's price point being very close to your range, or at that range, I'd try and swing a deal there.

That new SSP looks nice and is now the new 1,000 round torture test record holder. I don't have any experience with Para's at all and plan on renting one the next time out to the range. What has you sold on them that I should be looking at?

+1 Kimber

I recently bought a stainless Taurus and have been happy with it. My other 1911 (and favorite) is an older Gold Cup, but the Taurus has been reliable and I've had no issues with it.

+1 for the Kimber.

I've shot a Springer and a Kimber back to back and the Kimber was noticably nicer all-around. I own a Stainless II (5") and love it. Its my every day carry gun.

Para all the way. If you dont get one with night sights on it you can send the slide back and they will install and ship back for $100.


Para Ord, it is not a Kimber, it is better.

For your budgeted price range G's recommendation of a Rock Island is a good one. Although because of the machine tolerances of the parts, you will find that the RI .45ACP has better accuracy after about 100 rounds. I find that for the price paid the gun is accurate and very reliable. I purchased a RI last year for $300.

Another option is an AUTO ORDINANCE. Because of the parkerization of the parts he machined tolerances on the metal parts are too tight. In my experienced a weak point on this gun is the thumb latch safety. The pin shears off from the thumb latch very easily when you disassembly your gun for a thorough cleaning. Replace parts do not fit well. This gun also has a couple of extra small parts that are associated with the SEAR assembly and there are no assembly instructions on there exact placement. The AUTO ORDINANCE .45ACP does not shoot any better that a Rock Island .45ACP, but is priced higher. The Rock Island .45ACP is much easier to reassemble than a AUTO ORDINANCE .45ACP. I am never going to completely disassemble my AUTO ORDINANCE .45ACP again.

I just recently picked up this Rock Island Armory Tactical for less than $500.00


and I bought my oldest son a PARA USA GI Expert for less that $600.00.


My Youngest son has the Taurus PT-1911 and loves it as well.

Tex

I'd go with a Springfield GI or the Rock Island Armory.

I would also take a hard look at the STI Spartan. Lot's of upgrades and can be found for about $600.
Dave

I too will have to lean you towards the Rock Island, or the STI both great guns and like it was said before they are NOT KIMBERS and thats a good thing