Looking to buy a 1911 pistol?

Question

I am looking to buy a handgun for target shooting and general home protection, and I have my sights set on a Colt 1911 (or any various clones thereof). I have seen very many 1911 models on the market and am not sure which one I should buy. Since this would be my first gun, I really know nothing about how to buy one or what makes one good. What I am looking for specifically is

-A 1911 under $700, new or used

-I would prefer a longer barrel (5" or 6", although I know the 6 is rare and expensive usually)

-Would prefer a black or "shinier metal" finish (like stainless steel)

-Don't know if all 1911s are fully customizable, but if not I would prefer one that is.

-From a respectable company with good customer service and reliability.

If possible, please suggest company names, model names/numbers, and good places to buy them online (or in SW Washington if you live near that area).

Thank you very much

Answer 1

The new Taurus 1911

Answer 2

I'm a big fan of Kimber.  Their quality is amazing.   Some of the new Kimbers are above the $700 price range, but used you could find one at Gunbroker.com.  If you are looking at a customizable .45, know what features you want, and then check out the Kimber.  They have a lot of custom features built in, hence the price.  Still, they come in much lower than say, a Wilson Combat custom job.  

I have a Kimber Elite Carry (which was a limited run - they only made a few).  However, any of the Kimber line are real shooters.  They have the best trigger of any semi-auto I've EVER shot.

Answer 3

Taurus PT1911 -  About 700 bucks by me. Most likely less by you as long as you don't live in IL. They come with many finishes including black. There is really no need to customize this gun because alot of the extras that you can buy and add are already on the gun. My buddy owns one and loves it. The only thing he added to it was a mag well. But you can add and customize it to your hearts content.

http://www.taurususa.com/products/gunsel...

Gunbroker.com, impactguns.com

Answer 4

i would recommend springfield armory for the best bang for the buck. they offer several models from stock military spec to fully customized and are of excellent quality. for the price you state, choose a slightly modified model, leaning toward accuracy. more customization can be added later, if you desire.

Answer 5

There are several (some imported) 1911's new and used, that are well in your price range. Like Springfield Armory, Taurus, Kahr/Auto Ordnance, High Standard, Dan Wesson,  Armscor Rock Island and the list goes on. Tell you what, have a look at GunBroker.com for these names or search 1911 and see what is available.

Welcome to the 1911 club.

Answer 6

I have a Springfield 1911 and love it. They make them in stainless steel and have that old school World War II look with the U.S. wooden grips.

If I could buy another 1911 it would probably be a Para Ordinance though. They make a great pistol and there are so many varieties to choose from. Shot some at the range and really loved them.

I also shot the Taurus 1911 and we had some problems with it. It was jamming with some magazines that worked perfectly in my 1911. It worked all right with the factory mag it came with though.

I'm not sure if you can find an actual COLT 1911 for under $700, but I'd love to have a Colt too.

Answer 7

Try http://www.gunbroker.com.  They sell guns, and ammo of all types.  

The 1911 pistol I think is the greatest pistol invented.  I just picked up a Colt 1911 a couple weeks ago myself and paid $800 for it, brand new.  They are easily customizable and most come with a 5" barrel.  They come in a few different finishes but I personally like the black finish better as it doesn't reflect light as bad.  

As for finding a Colt 1911 locally its rare, due to the fact that the US Government still has a contract with Colt so there's only a very limited number of Colt 1911's available to the general public every year.  

They're great pistols, and are a great buy for any gun enthusiast.

Answer 8

KIMBER IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT TARUS IF YOU CAN'T

Answer 9

Smith & Wesson makes a very nice 1911 with remarkable "out of the box" accuracy, and they have many in the $700 range.  The guns are backed by 150+ years of experience, quality, and reliability.

Answer 10

This year I bought Colt Commander Lightweight (in .38 Super which I consider an unappreciated round in the proper configuration superior to the .45 acp).  It cost me just over a thousand taxes and all.  Rock Island probably offers one of the most decent, affordable clones of the 1911 Colt (available in 9mm, .38 Super AND .45 acp).  

The 5" barrel is standard with the full-size 1911 and the 6" is an after-market drop-in job which shouldn't be more than one or two hundred more dollars.

H