Budget 1911

nammac · Oct 15, 2016

billgrigsby24 said:
You may want to check out ATI also. They have some 1911's priced under $400. Can't say anything about quality as I've never shot one. I do have 2 Rock Islands, a Para Ordnance and a Ruger SR1911. Surprised at how accurate my Rock Islands are but the Para is my favorite by far. You can get a para ordnance expert commander at cdnnsports.com for $479 or the fullsize for $499.

Best prices on ATI's is at Grab A Gun, and they only charge 5.99 shipping. Picked up an ATI GI FX45, we'd know that as a combat commander clone... Much tighter than Rock Islands I've handled. More accurate than I am... Best part was the price, 355.99 shipped from www.grabagun.com

I've got about 500 rounds through it, not a single failure to feed, extract or fire. I did a complete strip down, clean, lube and feed ramp polish before ever firing it... Another 500 rounds and it'll become my winter EDC.

Worth taking a look at too...

Boboclown · Oct 16, 2016

Dreams of Steel said:
I am a huge fan of 1911s, but since you are already into .45acp and Glocks, have you thought about a G21SF? I want to shoot one to see if it feels better than my wife's G19 gen3. If you are settled on a budget 1911, I wholeheartedly second the Tisas M1911. I got one from Bud's Gun Shop for $199.00 on Black Friday 2 years ago and it remains my favorite "budget" gun ever.

Well, I like Glocks. Really do. But in .45 ACP the double stack magazine makes the grip a bit too wide. So if I ever get a Glock again (and I intend to) it'll have to be in 9mm.

So far the cheapest available locally is a para ordnance, so after reading this thread and a few other forums I'm going to sell the Glock and get that once my purchase permit comes in. There is a RIA but its looks overpriced ($600 for a standard? That store overprices everything else so I'm guessing).

Crazyeye24 · Oct 16, 2016

Boboclown said:
Been to a few stores. Found one that's selling a para ordnance 1911 for around $480. Those any good?

I've owned two Para Ordnance and love them both.

Diamondback · Oct 16, 2016

I'm a WWII-spec snob down to the little GI sights--before they yanked it from the catalog Springfield PW9108L was top of my list (approximately a late-production Ithaca, just needing safety and grips swapped) but now that it's gone I may need to start looking at RIA's and ATI's in my quest for an affordable "Good Enough for Grandpa" that I can retire Old Slabsides in favor of. Up here around Seattle area... well, Rocks usually go for around $350-500 IIRC.

It's not that there's anything wrong with the one I've carried through most of my adult life, just that that particular 1911 has a lot of memories attached to it and I'd rather have action seen by something more "expendable" just in case it doesn't find its way home with me afterward.

Goosebrown · Oct 16, 2016

I tried a bunch of them and I liked the trigger out of the box best on the Remington mil spec R1. Didn't get one but I think worth a look.

uscsoldier · Oct 16, 2016

I've owned several budget 1911's, RIAs are hands down the best 1911's out there. I now own 1 Springfield RO and 5 RIA's

cobalt327 · Oct 18, 2016

Got a RIA 5" 1911 GI in .45 ACP from Buds, cost was $329, then. Shot it as-as and was reliable as could be. Went on to make several changes, mainly FCG parts, controls, different rear sight, grips, etc. Liked it so much that I bought a bare frame from Armscor ($114.00) and used a Colt slide to make a Wiley Clapp-ish 1911:

Neala · Oct 18, 2016

Boboclown said:
Been thinking of getting a 1911 to replace my Glock, but with college budget is pretty limited. Are there any around $400-$500 that can be trusty enough?

I just got a Girsan MC1911 (Turkish). I like it & would recommend it. Most internet reviews are positive.

bbbass · Oct 18, 2016

Ruger SR45 has a slim single stack ergonomic profile (1.27" grip). I have the SR9c and inside it is built just like a Glock with little exception (same striker fire parts). Has a manual safety option for those that like that. Was on sale at CDNN for $399 so you should be able to find one at a good price locally.

Boboclown · Oct 18, 2016

After renting a 1911, I'm pretty much set on one. Though I'll hold out until I sell the Glock. That'll either buy me time for a RIA to show up or to afford that Colt I've been looking at getting later down the road.

bbbass · Oct 18, 2016

Can't go wrong there. The newer Para 1911s coming out are pretty fine too. A bit pricey if you want new tho.

Boboclown · Oct 18, 2016

Now that's aside, what magazines should I get?

Koda · Oct 18, 2016

Boboclown said:
Now that's aside, what magazines should I get?

Metalform or Checkmate....

nammac · Oct 18, 2016

I've had success with Kimber magazines... At least so far...

cobalt327 · Oct 18, 2016

I use and recommend the Wilson Combat p/n 47C-HV magazine.

ETA- Currently have 7 (don't like to stop to reload a magazine every 7-8 rounds at the range) and all are reliable as they can be. Only problem I have ever had was a short spring was found in a magazine (1 of 3 I bought 'new' from a private individual). Didn't cause any problems but the follower was noticeably easier to depress than the others and ones I had bought new, previously. Contacted Wilson Combat for a replacement spring and they sent me a new spring and follower, gratis- even knowing I bought them from an individual.

Koda · Oct 18, 2016

IIRC Kimber 1911 mags are made by Checkmate or Metalform. Same for Chip McCormik mags (which can be had for under $20...).

I didnt like the 1 Wilson Combat mag I tried, I actually returned it... was a jam-o-matic with its plastic follower. I hear nothing but good things about them but mine sucked right out of the package...