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AR15.COM
9/29/2009 9:55:52 AM EDT
I would really like to get a full size .45 handgun.
Because of prices Im leaning toward a Glock 21, but I am entertaining the idea of a 1911 with high hopes.

What would be the best bang for your buck woth the new 1911s?

I hate to use the T word but I want something "Tactical". To give you an idea, the Springfield Operator is exactly what I want, but it is way out of my price range.

So what should I get: RIA (I dont think so),  SIG, S&W, Taurus (Ive heard theyre crap), STI?

You tell me.

Thanks

Oh lets keep it under 1K, even though I wont go that high
9/29/2009 9:59:55 AM EDT
[#1]
RIA makes a "tactical" model, not sure if it has a rail.  Although hard to find:  Springfield milspec operators run about $700 and is probably just what you're looking for.
9/29/2009 10:34:38 AM EDT
[#2]
For just over $1K you could go with something like this if a railed "Tactical" gun is what you're looking for, and it has a pony on it, too.

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=140768463

Or for just under $1K:

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=140486353

Less:

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=141629161

And that was a quick search for new guns without bargain hunting.  Somehow I suspect no one would judge you as a lesser man for owning a Colt 1911, even a Series 80.

STI's also a good choice, as is the SA Loaded.  

This might be a good place to check too :

Best 1911 for under $1K? Page 7 of this board

HTH,
~Augee
9/29/2009 11:41:06 AM EDT
[#3]
A used Kimber TLE-RL should come in well under your budget, since Kimbers tend to take a beating on resale.
9/29/2009 12:45:47 PM EDT
[#4]
Les Baer
9/29/2009 12:55:50 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Les Baer


Did you even read the OP's criteria? Or did you just want to throw the name out there.


I don't believe Les Baer would have something in his price range.




I agree, a used TLE would be a good one, if you can find one.
9/29/2009 1:08:03 PM EDT
[#6]
Of those you mentioned I have heard nothing but great things about STI.  I love my Kimber so that wouldn't be a bad route either.
9/29/2009 1:14:38 PM EDT
[#7]




Quoted:



Quoted:

Les Baer




Did you even read the OP's criteria? Or did you just want to throw the name out there.





I don't believe Les Baer would have something in his price range.
I agree, a used TLE would be a good one, if you can find one.


Best Bang for Buck, Les Baer. I'll say it again but better for you, a well used Les Baer. Prices used are coming down.



By the way, did you read the OP? I mean you did recommend a Kimber.



Edited for grammar.

9/29/2009 1:22:58 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:

Quoted:
Quoted:
Les Baer


Did you even read the OP's criteria? Or did you just want to throw the name out there.


I don't believe Les Baer would have something in his price range.




I agree, a used TLE would be a good one, if you can find one.

Best Bang for Buck, Les Baer. I'll say it again but better for you, a well used Les Baer. Prices used are coming down.

By the way, did you read the OP? I mean you did recommend a Kimber.

Edited for grammar.



You my good sir are funny!

I said under 1K and that was pushing it, not over $2K.
9/29/2009 1:31:15 PM EDT
[#9]
You could also do something like this:

SA Champ Operator LW

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=141507892

Buy it now for $860

Kimber Warrior

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=141179713

Up to $700 right now, but I'll bet it gets near $1k before it's over.
9/29/2009 1:35:50 PM EDT
[#10]




Quoted:



Quoted:





Quoted:



Quoted:

Les Baer




Did you even read the OP's criteria? Or did you just want to throw the name out there.





I don't believe Les Baer would have something in his price range.
I agree, a used TLE would be a good one, if you can find one.


Best Bang for Buck, Les Baer. I'll say it again but better for you, a well used Les Baer. Prices used are coming down.



By the way, did you read the OP? I mean you did recommend a Kimber.



Edited for grammar.







You my good sir are funny!



I said under 1K and that was pushing it, not over $2K.



Honestly if I was in your price range, the Colt Combat Elite and the Rail Gun would be the ones Id look to buy. But seriously, if your persistent and patient a Baer can be found used for 1000-1200. Well worth the extra Ramen noodle lunches.

9/29/2009 2:55:05 PM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:

Quoted:
Quoted:

Quoted:
Quoted:
Les Baer


Did you even read the OP's criteria? Or did you just want to throw the name out there.


I don't believe Les Baer would have something in his price range.




I agree, a used TLE would be a good one, if you can find one.

Best Bang for Buck, Les Baer. I'll say it again but better for you, a well used Les Baer. Prices used are coming down.

By the way, did you read the OP? I mean you did recommend a Kimber.

Edited for grammar.



You my good sir are funny!

I said under 1K and that was pushing it, not over $2K.

Honestly if I was in your price range, the Colt Combat Elite and the Rail Gun would be the ones Id look to buy. But seriously, if your persistent and patient a Baer can be found used for 1000-1200. Well worth the extra Ramen noodle lunches.


I agree with Beltfed that the Baer is probably one of the best bang for the buck 1911s out there and they can be had in the $1250 range...but I wouldn't call a Baer a "Tactical" pistol like the OP is looking for, more like a great classic 1911.

For $1000 or less I'd look at:

Springfield MC Operator (used)
Kimber Warrior (used)
Colt Rail Gun
Kimber TLE-RL

If you can do without the "tactical" rail setup, I'd look at:
Springfield TRP (used)
Springfield MC Operator (used)
Kimber Warrior (used)
Colt Rail Gun
STI Trojan
Colt Series 70
Springfield Loaded
STI Spartan
Kimber Custom II
Springfield Mil-spec
9/29/2009 4:02:03 PM EDT
[#12]
SIG GSR C3.  Gun Tests magazine (which doesn't cater to advertisers) says the C3 is the best out of box 1911 they've tested.   Beat out the Colt CCO.
9/29/2009 4:26:18 PM EDT
[#13]
Sigs are good to go...STI makes some nice stuff....There was a STI railed duty one,on the EE for $900+shipping .Its hard to find used trp rails for under 1K.  Not a big Kimber fan at the moment so cannot recommend them.
9/29/2009 5:30:15 PM EDT
[#14]
Well if the price is right, the light rail can always be added on later, correct?

I have heard bad things about STI, something along the lines that they are made in the Philipines?

Can anyone comment on the new S&W 1911s?
9/29/2009 5:44:55 PM EDT
[#15]
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=141608113

This gun is absolutly perfect but I just cant see a Taurus being anything but a brick.

Can anyone attest to the reliability of the firearm, or maybe are there some simple upgrades that will make the gun solid?

Thanks
9/29/2009 5:49:45 PM EDT
[#16]
What about the "t" word.....Taurus....
9/29/2009 6:14:26 PM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
Well if the price is right, the light rail can always be added on later, correct?

I have heard bad things about STI, something along the lines that they are made in the Philipines?

Can anyone comment on the new S&W 1911s?


There are add-on rails that I've seen, but the majority of rails are built into the frame.  I think too many people get stuck on the rail and it limits their options.  IMO they don't belong on a 1911, but that's just my preference.  I would never carry a 1911 with a rail.

STI offers the Spartan at the bottom of their line.  This particular pistol's frame and slide are made by Armscor (same as Charles Daly, citadel, Rock Island Armory), but the pistol is assembled and fitted by STI.  You can find them for $600 and under, and they are probably the best 1911 at that price point.  They definitely do not feel like an Armscor.

I can't comment on the S&W 1911 but I have not seen many for under $700.  The ones I've seen had a very average slide to frame fit.
9/29/2009 6:26:09 PM EDT
[#18]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Well if the price is right, the light rail can always be added on later, correct?

I have heard bad things about STI, something along the lines that they are made in the Philipines?

Can anyone comment on the new S&W 1911s?


There are add-on rails that I've seen, but the majority of rails are built into the frame.  I think too many people get stuck on the rail and it limits their options.  IMO they don't belong on a 1911, but that's just my preference.  I would never carry a 1911 with a rail.

STI offers the Spartan at the bottom of their line.  This particular pistol's frame and slide are made by Armscor (same as Charles Daly, citadel, Rock Island Armory), but the pistol is assembled and fitted by STI.  You can find them for $600 and under, and they are probably the best 1911 at that price point.  They definitely do not feel like an Armscor.

I can't comment on the S&W 1911 but I have not seen many for under $700.  The ones I've seen had a very average slide to frame fit.


I asked this same question about a year ago and was between a springfield loaded and an STI spartan... After more research, im getting the spartan.  I have $300 saved up... hopefully i can keep it through this semester.
9/29/2009 7:10:10 PM EDT
[#19]
The guys saying that a built in rail aren't necessary have a good point.  Check out this link from 10-8 about light rails.  The Dawson bolt-on is a nice, low profile addition that can be removed if you get sick of it.

http://www.10-8performance.com/id7.html
9/29/2009 8:22:17 PM EDT
[#20]
I highly recommend Rock Island.  Mine's been nothing but reliable.  They're making the frames for STI (and maybe others too), and STI gets a great review.

Or you can build your own.
9/29/2009 8:40:48 PM EDT
[#21]
Quoted:
I highly recommend Rock Island.  Mine's been nothing but reliable.  They're making the frames for STI (and maybe others too), and STI gets a great review.

Or you can build your own.


This + 1000, If you want a budget 1911 you cant beat this gun. I got one a few weeks ago and so far have put 400 rounds though it without a hiccup. I have never shot a 1500-3000 dollar 1911 so I cant compare it to one, but I have shot my buddies kimber and can tell you I would not pay double just for the name. If you get a RIA get the "tactical" version, its worth it in just the sight cuts alone.