Posted: 6/15/2008 9:06:33 PM EDT
|
I've become a Springfield addict although there are several other brands which offer good products in your price range. My suggestion would be to look at the SA Mil-Spec in stainless. I think it can be had for around $600 and has several enhancements over the basic G.I. model that make's its price premium worth it in my view. The stainless construction is tolerant of handling screw-ups--specifically idiot scratches--which become a permanent part of non-stainless 1911s. The next step up with Springfields would be the "Loaded" configurations which have further enhancements at additional cost, but I still think they are less than a grand. For $1K you can find some very nice pieces from several good manufacturers. Take a look at SA for their complete product line. I understand their Product Support can't be beat although I haven't had to take advantage of that so far. |
|
You first need to see what fits given your body, style of dress, and climate of your area. Many carry a full size 5" comfortably, but I have determined with trial and error that a 4.25" "commander", or a 4" "compact" fits my CCW needs best. If you can pull off a 5" then you have the best selection overall because everybody makes one, and there are even a few good ones out there from a fairly wide selection of manufacturers. Your choice is drastically limited as you go smaller, because these are harder to make well, and a well made one is often cost prohibited for someone on a budget. Given your budget however (a budget that puts your ceiling at "high-end production 1911s"), you should not have problems getting a sensible weapon. As noted, all mfgs make the 5" but the established companies are Colt and Springfield Armory. Some put Kimber up there, but aside from the negative publicity that has come their way (true of ALL production 1911 mfgs, however) is the fact that the best full-house customizers generally accept ONLY Springers and Colts for custom work. That says enough for me. I would also suggest you don't screw around with your budget. INVEST as much as you can into a quality weapon you get right the first time, rather than a lower rung candidate with bells & whistles or extra ammo/mags. High price does not equal quality per se <cough, cough, PARA>  , but lowball 1911s are a foolish wager when their needs go beyond recreational use IMO.A good Colt will be a very reliable weapon, but if you insist that your hard earned money buys you something that LOOKS like you spent $1,000 on it, you want to be sure that you lay your hands, and eyes on the Colt in question before buying. Their reputation for reliability is practically unimpeachable, but their QC for cosmetics is abyssmal, ranging from examples worthy of the museum to those worthy of the trash (all in the same batch). Defensive use Colts come in Series 80s and the Series 70 reissue (slight misnomer since they have S80 parts and a solid bushing) varieties. Both will serve your needs, so go with what serves your tastes or future ambitions. A Springfield is not as collectable nor does it have the "sexy mystique" surrounding the Colt, but it's a damn good blaster, and (barring the S70 reissue) a damn sight easier to make into a "purists" 1911, with the simple replacement of the ILS. The last thing I would say is that if you want to go more compact, I would suggest you stay within the bounds of the Colt Commander or the Springfield Champion. Some may not agree with me, but my personal experiences have dictated that a 1911 cut below 4" is potentially problematic. Those two would be the best smaller ones for your budget. As for the 5" variety, both Colt and Springer make quite a few that would work well for you. Good luck. |
|
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x96/mac79912/Picture007.jpg Just got this Colt for $400.They are getting more affordable as a lot of people are selling them cheap in my town to get money for gas.Glad I ride a motorcycle. |