My cousin just emailed me about his plans to by a .45. He went to a gun shop and they had a CAI (1911 type?) for $470. I've never seen a CAI pistol, however, I've heard plenty of bad reports about their rifles. Tell me, are their pistols junk? If so, what can I recommend to my cousin? He want's to keep it under $500. Thanks...

Matt

I beleiev there is a Colt Compact 1911 on [url]www.auctionarms.com[/url] for $500.

Buy a Springfield Armory MilSpec 1911A1 they are only about $450 and they have a life time warranty from a company that will more likely than not be here our whole lifetime!!

[beer]

Are you looking to buy something in .45 or a 1911 type pistol?
Around here you can pick up a New Glock 21 for $526
[url]http://www.lisc.net/[/url]

as for a 1911, looks like a Springfield Armory MilSpec 1911A1

My guns are all junkies, they are addicted to ammo . . . [;)]

Your cousin needs to listen to all the sage advice so far.

Matt,
If your cousin is set on buying a 1911-style pistol (and that's not a bad thing [:)]), I'd say go with the Springfield Mil-Spec, or pick up a Colt Sistema for 300 bucks from JLD.

[url]www.jldenter.com/JLD%20Pistols%20page.htm[/url]

Or maybe one of the Hartford Colts for 400 bucks, if they still have any left.

I bought my Sistema from them a while ago and I'm very happy with it.  It's not as "refined" as my Kimber, but the cost of the Sistema was less than half of what I paid for my Kimber.  Lot's of bang for the buck. [;)]

A few years back I was looking for a 1911.I did alot of research (local gunshops)and I found as far as milspec was concerned,you couldn't find a better gun than Springfield.Shot perfect out of the box.For around 450.00 you cannot beat it.I have had several other 1911's in different brands but I like the Springfield better.

Best bang for the buck 1911 style Colt is the Argentine Systema 1927 (Do NOT confuse the the Bollester Mollina used by the Argentien Air Force). They were imported by (But NOT manufactured by) CAI. They can be had in the $350.00 range.

This is a Colt Contract gun that is spec and all parts will interechange with Colt parts.