I've been wanting a 1911 for a while, but I'm finally getting to the point of picking a specific unit. I'm a lefty, so whatever I get I want to have the ambi safety. I know Springfield and RIA make basic "GI" models (which would be fine with me), but then I'd have to get the ambi safety installed, and as handy as I am, I'm not sure that's the kind of thing I should do myself. The Taurus offering is attractive, except for their reputation of slow/bad customer service should I have a problem. Plus, being that the 1911 is an American icon, I'd much prefer something American made.

So what are my options here? I'd like to keep the overall purchase in the $800-1000 range. Preferably closer to the $800 mark, lol! I've seen a few Kimbers and S&W's at the local gun shop that are near my price range, but don't have ambi safetys. I assume that would be at least a hundred if not more to have installed.

What this all boils down to is I don't want a dirt cheap chi-com pile of parts, but I also don't want a $several-thousand custom either. (Well, I do WANT one, but can't afford one, lol) What would be your recommendation for a "middle of the road" American made 1911?

Thanks!

Para just came out with the GI EXPERT... nice and lower price than the other 1911's and reliable as any other Para. I got a Charles Daly and i love mine! Also got a Sprinfield Armory and like them too. Hope this helps.

You can get some really sweet Springers for 800. I believe the Loaded is right at that mark. You can't beat that gun at that price

Oak and Pleaforwar will soon sniff out your thread and add some more insight.

This post has been edited by satchmodog: October 25th 2009 12:01 AM

Para's CS sucks, I would stay away from them. i have owned 2 and never needed the CS with the first one but the 2nd one has been at the shop for more than 4 months waiting on night sights. also if you go Para and decide to get night sights later they use a perpriotry dove tail cut so you have to get the sights from them.

Look at the Springfield Line up! I love mine and there customer service is Excellent

Para would be last on my list, from experience.

Springfield's are usually pretty good, but be prepared to use their warranty.

My Kimber has been fine, but mine is about 10 years old...I can't comment on their current product.

I did a review of a Daly, and it was pretty good.

Can't comment on others, as I haven't had personal experience with them.

bc

Dan Wesson, Springfield, Kimber. Taurus was a good deal at 500 to 600 but the current pricing I would step up.

Can ya get any more generic

Bite me Rampy. Ok Springfield Loaded.




PX9151LP Loaded Full Size Stainless Steel .45
Caliber: .45ACP
Magazines: 2 - 7 Round, Blued Steel
Barrel: 5” Stainless Steel
Sights: Fixed Low Profile Combat Rear,
Dovetail Front, 3 - Dot
Trigger:Long Aluminum Match Grade, 5 - 6 lbs.
Grips: Cocobolo Hardwood
Frame: Forged Stainless Steel, Matte Rounds with Polished Flats
Slide: Forged Stainless Steel, Matte Rounds with Polished Flats
Recoil System: 2 Piece Full Length Guide Rod
Height: 5.5”
Length: 8.5”
Weight w/ Empty Magazine: 40 ozs.
All Springfield Armory® Loaded 1911-A1 pistols include all the modern-day improvements that used to be performed only by custom gunsmiths. These features include: Precision-fit forged frames, slides and barrels, front and rear cocking serrations, flat, serrated mainspring housing, lowered and flared ejection port, delta lightweight hammer, loaded chamber indicator, titanium firing pin, Carry Bevel™ Treatment, ambidextrous thumb safety, High-Hand™ Beavertail Grip Safety, dovetail front sight, premium fixed or adjustable rear sights (many with tritium inserts), Torx™-head grip screws and lightweight, adjustable speed trigger

This post has been edited by oak1971: October 25th 2009 6:22 AM

Now I know why you are such fervorent a Glock fan.

Since the Kimber deal fell through I've been looking around for a "cheap" full sized 1911 and the Springfield Loaded is one I keep coming back to....

Only I'm not sure if I'd want a parkerized one, black or the the OD/Black Armory Koted one instead of a stainless one. Sort of wanting to get away from the bright flashy stainless into a more subdued pistol & since I'm old and fat a lighter one would also be nice

This post has been edited by Rampy: October 25th 2009 7:25 AM

S&W, very hard to beat the quality and warranty. They have always done right by there customers. My SW1911PD is a very nice 1911 that ran me around $800.

Enlighten me, please...

bc

I would go with a Springfield Armory.

I almost bought one a month ago, but fell in love with a couple of .22 pistols at the same time, so went in that direction. I bought two of those for about the same price as one 1911.

I can

para gi expert, best 1911 for $500 (outclasses many more pricey one's too)

What pricey 1911's do you speak of?

And what do you mean by outclass?

read my review.

Ok, I have read your review, and I see no comparison to any other models, nor do I see a definition of "outclassing", hence the reason I asked you directly what you meant by your previous comment.

He was agreeing with you and in the process had me spew my screen.