I am finally looking at getting into the 1911's.  I have several other pistols beretta, Hk, Sig.  Just never looked much into a 1911.  I was wondering what you guys thought of getting as a cheaper gun.  What I am really looking to do is to get a cheaper gun, I want to see how everything works.  Then as I go along upgrade trigger, safety, hammer, barrel busing, etc.  Then I will refinish everything after I am done.  This will be a gun that I never get rid of so resale is not something I am concerned about.

thanks for the feedback.

Id say either a nice used Colt Series 70, or a Springfield Armory 1911 GI or Milspec. The differences between the milspec and GI are..different grips, both a slightly larger grip safety and a little bit better sights for the milspec, as well as different finishes. The GI is a little cheaper, and if your already planning on changing everything then why not.

The Mil Spec also has a lowered and scalloped ejection port I think

T Bone (Detroit).

Many 1911 guru's will tell you that base model Springfields (GI, Milspec, Loaded) are good guns to build on.  With the three models I listed you'd be in the $400-650 range, or cheaper if you find a good deal or buy used.

Out of the guns listed are they going to be fairly comparable as far as the frame to slide fit or would it be worth my time getting another slide?

Quoted: Out of the guns listed are they going to be fairly comparable as far as the frame to slide fit or would it be worth my time getting another slide?

Any of them can be tightened up. Wheter or not you'll want them to be is up to you. I personally like a tight fit.