What is a good 1911-style .45 handgun for around $1,000?

Question

I usually buy a couple/few guns every year when my bonus comes, but this year I think I'm going to limit my purchase to only a 1911-style .45. I would like to purchase a decent one, although I don't want an expensive top of the line custom one. Would about $1,000 be enough to find a decent one? If so, what suggestions do you guys have on make/model? Also, although I have purchased a couple used guns, I generally prefer new.

Although I have a lot of experience with .45acp caliber, and prefer it, I don't have much experience with 1911's. In fact, I've only shot one a couple times in the military and a couple times at the gun range when other guys let me fire theirs. Is this handgun like most, where you can figure out how to break it down and put it back together using just your common sense?

I was planning on a "regular" barrel length model, although I do have a concealed carry license so I could be talked into a good carry model depending on what it offers.

Your guys thoughts?

Answer 1

Springfield Armory Loaded package or my choice the Colt Gold Cup in stainless or blued.  I've heard bad things about Kimber, so I personally wouldn't purchase one, Para is another good choice, I really like the P14.45, double stack 1911 with a 14 rd. capacity.

Answer 2

AMT Hardballer about $600 and they are customized .45 1911's. Or you could get a Springfield Armory.  

Answer 3

Don't buy a Para. I got one for 900$+ shot less than 500 rounds and the barrel almost fell off it. I sent it back they said I needed a new frame ( bad machining job) and I'm still waiting after 4 months. I call and call all they say is it's out of their hands because they only deal with parts and the foundry has to stamp a new frame with my numbers, but they only make them every so often so I have to wait.  My father also bought the same gun and his would not feed because of the bad magazines. I wanted a Kimber but could not get one in my state so I got an expensive POS Para.

Answer 4

Check out the Tarus 1911.  They have all kinds of upgrades found on custom guns, without the higher price.  They can be had for around 800 or less retail.  You may still want a trigger job done on it.

Answer 5

I have to ask, if you didn't get exposure to a 45 through the 1911, then where did you get your exposure to the round?

I'd say Kimber, while their quality isn't quite as good as it once was, they are still a good maker.  Otherwise, Smith and Wesson's 1911 is a pretty slick one, and Para Ordinance is pretty good.  You can definately get into the lower line of Springfield 1911s.

http://www.thegunsource.com/store/item/7...

http://www.thegunsource.com/store/item/4...

http://www.thegunsource.com/store/item/6...

http://www.thegunsource.com/store/item/7...

http://www.thegunsource.com/store/item/4... <14 shot!

http://www.thegunsource.com/store/item/3...

Those all have a great reputation.  Sig just started making 1911s, I suspect based on SIG's other products, the guns will probably prove to be good

http://www.thegunsource.com/store/item/7...

And of course colt  the original.

http://www.thegunsource.com/store/item/2...

Yes, the gun is easy to field strip, but of course the gun will come with a manual telling you how, plus there are a few dozen youtube videos showing you how, and finally there are more books manuals and guides written about field stripping and tinkering with the 1911 than any other handgun.

P.S. calling people creep is against Yahoo community guidelines.  I won't suggest that others report such activity, because soliciting other answerers to take action is also against guidelines.

Answer 6

Springfield Armory custom loaded or Kimber. You can get a really nice on of either brand for 1000. I bought Springfield 8 years ago whe I though gore was gonna get elected and it has been trouble free and dependable. Mine is a custom loaded, but isnt quite as fancy as some I see today. They come with the custom hammers and triggers, extended beavertail, extended safety, checkered mainspring housing, adjustable target sights, or low mount novak tacticals. Kimber actually makes a prettier gun in my opinion but at the time they were alot pricier. I wouldnt turn my nose up at either one. They both make really nice compacts in a 1911 style as well but you will have to come up with a bit more than 1000 for those. They cost more than the full size ones.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory...

http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/

Answer 7

i've heard alot of people very unhappy with the quality of their colts and berettas.  if you search around the internet, you could likely get a kimber for around that price.  now that is a sweet gun.

Answer 8

Your best choice is the Colt Combat Commander.* Very simple to break down for cleaning.* Great shooter, no malfunctions.* Its well within your price range.* Thats what I use.*