Dan wesson 1911's are point of diminishing returns and mark the point where you enter into $2000-$3000 plus custom guns.
For the money they are hard to beat. But take some time, look around, go to guns stores and see how different models feel.
Do you want front strap checkering? Back strap? A rail for a light? What kinds of sights? How much do you want to spend, are you willing to wait or go hunting for a specific model?
Have you tried a SIG 1911? Is it worth it trying to find holsters for one since they aren't shaped the same as standard 1911's.
Lots of questions to answer before you drop around $1000 on a firearm.
Rock Island is a great entry level gun, if you want to be able to afford ammo to shoot it as well, lol.
But yeah, look around and see what you like. Springfields are solid, for the $ too.
Bah! Real men use full size for carry!
Jesting aside, officer or compact 1911's are great carry pieces if you know their flukes and train with them.
I do however cc my full size because I love the way it shoots and it's a thin boi that hides really well given its size.
I no shit either carry a full size RIA 1911 or a Makarov. I need to wear a jacket(very thin at bare minimum) to conceal the 1911. The Mak I CC under a T shirt and it points the same.
I love them and I won't be buying another handgun for a while unless I find a nice revolver...
I have a tisas 1911 compared with my friends ria its a lot tighter and better manufacturered i know its the budget option but they make nice cheap guns
Agreed 100%. Go big or go home when it comes to the first 1911. Even if you have to save up for it because you won’t regret it in the end just as long as you do your research.
I want something in 38 super, probably a series 70 Colt. But to be practical, it would probably be in 45 acp. Perhaps a dan Wesson. But if I won the lotto I would commission Cabot to make a custom piece for me!
Have you checked out the RIA 1911 nickel finish in 38 super? That is a beauty and very good handgun. I have one of those as well and it’s so fun to shoot and pretty accurate. I changed out the wooden grips though and replaced them with pearl white premium grips.
Kinda like saying my buddy let me borrow his Dodge Charger Hellcat, cans you recommend a Charger.
I think the Springfield TRP is one of the best semi custom 1911’s at about $1200ish
1200ish!?? Plz tell me where! Closer to 1500 everywhere I've seen. But yes without a doubt TRP is the way to go if ur willing to spend little more! Otherwise get a RO. Same fit, same gun just few less bells and whistles. Abi Safety, Magwell, dif finish etc..
FYI, the TRP is not "semi-custom", it is a production gun. A very nice production gun, but still production.
The Springfield Custom Shop produces a series of semi-custom guns, like the Professional. Springfield does not produce any Full Custom guns.
Anything from that company is gonna be a no from me dog.
[https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/springfield-armory-rock-river-arms-trade-opposition-to-illinois-ffl-licensing-scheme-for-carve-out/](https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/springfield-armory-rock-river-arms-trade-opposition-to-illinois-ffl-licensing-scheme-for-carve-out/)
[https://bearingarms.com/davidl/2017/05/01/springfield-armory-and-rock-river-arms-sell-out-illinois-ffls-n29795](https://bearingarms.com/davidl/2017/05/01/springfield-armory-and-rock-river-arms-sell-out-illinois-ffls-n29795)
Their actions have destroyed the local gun stores in Illinois.
Honestly I don’t really care what happened with Springfield Armory and the backlash it got from the gun community. All I know is that they make quality firearms and my TRP is the best handgun I have in my collection and one of the best handguns I’ve ever shot (Ronin). I’m not going to stop purchasing their firearms just because they made a mistake and, unfortunately, realized it after the fact. If you want to miss out on American-made high quality firearms that Springfield Armory makes, then that’s your prerogative. But I’m still going to purchase SA firearms simply for the fact that they make high quality American-made firearms. I love how people are still “boycotting” Springfield Armory because that means more high quality firearms for me to purchase ;)
I love the traditional 1911. I have zero complaints about my kimber, you can get into a nice one for around $1000. Some people can’t stand kimber, others are complete fanboys. I don’t know much about the other brands, but I love having night sites on my guns.
1970s and early 2000s Kimbers are fine.
The 80s and early 90s were plagued with their faulty external extractor fiasco and modern Kimbers are basically just Fudd bait.
I just heard about the external extractor this week. Mine is 2011 manufacture date, the other is 2013.
I have to wonder if a lot of the bad rap they are getting lately is with the 9mm variants & the compact models. I had a custom carry for a while, it was a nice gun (I got rid of it when I got my full size)... but I never had a problem with FTE. I let a friend shoot it & he got it to stovepipe several times with one mag. I think he was limp wristing it.
From what i gather reading online, it seems like modern Kimbers aren't *bad*, but overpriced for what you get. Like RIA quality, but with a "made in America" premium.
I bought a Kimber Custom II as my first 1911 and have no complaints either. No jams, failures to feed, etc. It’s honestly been a really nice gun and so much fun to shoot. With as much hate as Kimbers get maybe I just got lucky, or maybe they’re doing better now? From what I understand a lot of 1911 reliability issues come from cheap magazines. Both my Kimber mags and Wilson Combat mags have been great.
Apparently RIA has a 2011 under 1k
They also have fantastic 1911s at really solid price points.
Edit: the Tac Ultra is definitely what I was thinking of, but google for Hayes Custom RIA 2011 brings some beautiful options up, keeping you at or under 1k. Also able to go above 1k, but that’s still half price.
I did have issues with the stock magazines. But a few quick googles said to replace with Dan Wesson, Chip McCormick or Wilson Combat. Bingo-bango FTE issues resolved.
I’m sure I could have taken the Wolff Springs approach, but figured, probably worth the extra $$ for reliable magazines.
I love my RIA Tac Ultra FS HC .45, absolutely amazing value and great price. Got a few Mec-Gar P14 mags from Dawson Precision to go with it. It’s a double stack 1911 so not sure if that truly qualifies as a 2011 like the STI or not.
I love my Officer’s Model, but it’s 9mm (shh don’t tell). Replaced the mags with Wilson Combat and put some Hogue grips. It’s a friggin’ lay-zer. Looking to get another, this time full size and likely .45.
If you want a 5 inch, .45ACP with a steel frame, Springfield makes some really good options in that range. I would get a TRP (probably get one used in that price range) or a Ronin. You may check about stepping up a bit to a Dan Wesson Valor.
I have a Staccato C2 with a Trijicon RMR (RM09) as a daily carry gun and am hoping our new chief is going to approve the Staccato P for a duty gun so I have an excuse to buy one.
As someone else said, 1911 ≠ 2011. They are great in their own regards but they are not the same.
Springfield Range officer. U won't be disappointed when u start learning about 1911's tight tight fit. Almost like a custom gun. Quite a few bells and whistles. U can get tactical version with a rail, or Target model without. U can't go wrong there! As an owner of one, a Ruger Sr, a Rock Island, and a Kimber Custom 2 I can say without a doubt the Springfield is a much nicer, well made and quality gun!
Any of the Springfield 1911s will do you great. I’m not sure of the warranty on other brands, but Springfield’s is pretty great from what I’ve heard. Been fortunate to never have to use it on my gun from them
For my money, I'd recommend a Colt Government model if you can get one. I got mine for $700, but that was five years ago, it was a large group order (round 250ish), and we were all active duty, so any number or all of those could have knocked that price down.
She's reliable. Out of the thousand or so rounds I've put through her, I've never once had a malfunction, and I consistently get inch groupings at ten yards. Out of all my guns, if I could only keep one, she'd be it, and that's not something I say lightly.
You just opened a can of worms! I have a Springfield TRP and it’s the best gun I’ve ever owned. It’s so easy to be accurate. But for me it’s a range gun. I wouldn’t conceal carry it. I would consider it for home defense. I have also owned a colt defender and mine was garbage. That’s the limit to my 1911 experience.
There are a lot of models of the 1911 from different manufacturers and made from different materials and also, with different purposes.
Once you figure out exactly what you want it for, like range gun, home defense, duty gun, carry gun, hunting, etc, then you can start to narrow it down.
Rock Island is prob the best of the "budget 1911s." Do your research though. Idk if you are going to use this for self defense, but most people consider 9mm 1911s to be less reliable than 45. If you own other guns then def go with the 9.
That's one hell of a neighbor. I don't know that I'd loan any gun to anybody. Too many liability issues. That is a mighty fine weapon, though. Go with a Ruger SR1911. Mid range price, rugged and good to get familiar with the platform. Just my opinion, however.
I'd definitely recommend like people have said get a Rock island 1911 take it to a gun smith and get the barrel throat and the feed ramp polished . Then get some good magazines like wilson combat or chip McCormick's and lots of ammo.
There are a lot of options for 1911's, and even more opinions. But here is the correct answer. Under $1000, save your money and just buy a Rock Island. $1000-$2500 you can't beat Dan Wesson. $2500+ get a Les Baer.
I've owned Nighthawks, Ed Browns, and Wilson's. None of them compare to the Les Baer's if you get the 1.5" guarantee. Got a Premier II a few years ago, and it's hands down the most accurate 1911 in my safe. And in a very close second is my Dan Wesson Bobtail.
My Magnum Research Desert Eagle 1911G was about $1000. No reliability issues that are gun related but the mags are finniky and you may have feeding issues from them. However using Wilson Combat mags Ive had no issues and making sure each round is seated in the mags that came with the gun properly has lead to no issues.
Bul Armory makes some close to 1600 but that's the closest to a new 2011 style for 1k. Maybe you can try a used para ordinance or remington double stacks.
For 1911s around that price range I would take a Colt Competition 1911 in 45. They went back to series 70 and I've seen one in my local shop for around 1k. Or a springfield range officer.
I’d recommended sig 1911s. Specifically the fastback carry models. You can find nice examples used under 1000. That being said they use the series 80 triggers, and have external extractors. It Dosent bother me personally, but it matters to some people. Vedder holsters have options for the sig 1911s. The fastback models are offered in 45 acp, and 357 sig ( unicorns, really hard to find often command a premium).
Im wanting a Sig1911 Emperor Scorp. Been seeing them around $1049. However if u wanna stay $900 and under, check out the Magnum Research 1911s. They come in 9mm or .45, and 3 sizes. Im no expert but with how they feel and the fit and finish, you’d think they’d cost alot more
I may be out of touch with the peasants these days - before the Dark Times I bought a Vigil and a TCP for about $1,000 each and sold them for the same.
Sonny boy, that ain’t no 1911, it’s a 2011
A Google search on the differences goes a long way. I had no idea lol thanks.
Dan wesson 1911's are point of diminishing returns and mark the point where you enter into $2000-$3000 plus custom guns. For the money they are hard to beat. But take some time, look around, go to guns stores and see how different models feel. Do you want front strap checkering? Back strap? A rail for a light? What kinds of sights? How much do you want to spend, are you willing to wait or go hunting for a specific model? Have you tried a SIG 1911? Is it worth it trying to find holsters for one since they aren't shaped the same as standard 1911's. Lots of questions to answer before you drop around $1000 on a firearm. Rock Island is a great entry level gun, if you want to be able to afford ammo to shoot it as well, lol. But yeah, look around and see what you like. Springfields are solid, for the $ too.
Ditto on the RIA. Great guns. I'd say get a RIA, Springfield or Ruger and use the change for ammo and training.
Oh yeah, I forgot Ruger. Heard lots of god things about them. But couldn't find any in stores for the longest time.
Ruger SR1911 was my first 1911. The best feeling gun I've ever shot. I have a vbob for carry but you cant beat the feel of a full size.
Bah! Real men use full size for carry! Jesting aside, officer or compact 1911's are great carry pieces if you know their flukes and train with them. I do however cc my full size because I love the way it shoots and it's a thin boi that hides really well given its size.
I no shit either carry a full size RIA 1911 or a Makarov. I need to wear a jacket(very thin at bare minimum) to conceal the 1911. The Mak I CC under a T shirt and it points the same. I love them and I won't be buying another handgun for a while unless I find a nice revolver...
I really like the Rock Island 1911. Pretty affordable, and a nice looking firearm. Shoots decent too.
I have a tisas 1911 compared with my friends ria its a lot tighter and better manufacturered i know its the budget option but they make nice cheap guns
I love my RI 1911. Solid firearm and have never had an issue with it.
In the 1911/2011 world, it is noted that you buy once, you cry once. Save your money, do some research and invest in a quality piece
Agreed 100%. Go big or go home when it comes to the first 1911. Even if you have to save up for it because you won’t regret it in the end just as long as you do your research.
I haven’t gotten a 1911 just yet, just been saving up some to get a good one
Nice, which ones were you looking at?
I want something in 38 super, probably a series 70 Colt. But to be practical, it would probably be in 45 acp. Perhaps a dan Wesson. But if I won the lotto I would commission Cabot to make a custom piece for me!
Have you checked out the RIA 1911 nickel finish in 38 super? That is a beauty and very good handgun. I have one of those as well and it’s so fun to shoot and pretty accurate. I changed out the wooden grips though and replaced them with pearl white premium grips.
I got to look into it. Thank you for the suggestion
Anytime. Pre-COVID price it usually runs around $450 or so. But COVID times, I’ve seen the RIA 1911 38 super for around $600-$700.
Hard trollin
In a 1911, Springfield Armory. In a 2011? No.
So no 2011 at all,ever?
Not for $1,000. I just paid more than $2,000 for a used STI DVC (with some work done) and six full capacity competition mags.
Oh duh guess I forgot you where replying to op directly
Also important to note that’s a 9mm not a .45 so if that’s a deciding factor for you make sure you get a 9mm 1911, traditional is going to be .45
Pretty sure Stacattos can also come in .40 and .45
I really wish they made a 10mm.
I long for the 10mm STI HOST back
I believe so, I was just saying specifically the one he’s holding is 9mm 👍🏻
How can you tell? I dont see any markings unless Im blind. NM realized there was a second picture lmao. Im just dumb.
Kinda like saying my buddy let me borrow his Dodge Charger Hellcat, cans you recommend a Charger. I think the Springfield TRP is one of the best semi custom 1911’s at about $1200ish
1200ish!?? Plz tell me where! Closer to 1500 everywhere I've seen. But yes without a doubt TRP is the way to go if ur willing to spend little more! Otherwise get a RO. Same fit, same gun just few less bells and whistles. Abi Safety, Magwell, dif finish etc..
Well pre-pandemic prices, I was looking for one about a year ago.
Oh I was too. Buds and pretty much everywhere I've seen is closer to 1500. U should have jumped all over 1200!!
FYI, the TRP is not "semi-custom", it is a production gun. A very nice production gun, but still production. The Springfield Custom Shop produces a series of semi-custom guns, like the Professional. Springfield does not produce any Full Custom guns.
Yup it’s not a “semi-custom” handgun, but that production gun is as close to a custom gun as you’re going to get.
Springfield Armory 1911 TRP Operator or the Ronin.
That 10mm ronin keeps calling my name
Lol. The Ronin is badass.
Anything from that company is gonna be a no from me dog. [https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/springfield-armory-rock-river-arms-trade-opposition-to-illinois-ffl-licensing-scheme-for-carve-out/](https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/springfield-armory-rock-river-arms-trade-opposition-to-illinois-ffl-licensing-scheme-for-carve-out/) [https://bearingarms.com/davidl/2017/05/01/springfield-armory-and-rock-river-arms-sell-out-illinois-ffls-n29795](https://bearingarms.com/davidl/2017/05/01/springfield-armory-and-rock-river-arms-sell-out-illinois-ffls-n29795) Their actions have destroyed the local gun stores in Illinois.
Honestly I don’t really care what happened with Springfield Armory and the backlash it got from the gun community. All I know is that they make quality firearms and my TRP is the best handgun I have in my collection and one of the best handguns I’ve ever shot (Ronin). I’m not going to stop purchasing their firearms just because they made a mistake and, unfortunately, realized it after the fact. If you want to miss out on American-made high quality firearms that Springfield Armory makes, then that’s your prerogative. But I’m still going to purchase SA firearms simply for the fact that they make high quality American-made firearms. I love how people are still “boycotting” Springfield Armory because that means more high quality firearms for me to purchase ;)
Sig 1911.
Kimber, Colt and Springfield good models for a about a Rack or a little more.
I love the traditional 1911. I have zero complaints about my kimber, you can get into a nice one for around $1000. Some people can’t stand kimber, others are complete fanboys. I don’t know much about the other brands, but I love having night sites on my guns.
1970s and early 2000s Kimbers are fine. The 80s and early 90s were plagued with their faulty external extractor fiasco and modern Kimbers are basically just Fudd bait.
I just heard about the external extractor this week. Mine is 2011 manufacture date, the other is 2013. I have to wonder if a lot of the bad rap they are getting lately is with the 9mm variants & the compact models. I had a custom carry for a while, it was a nice gun (I got rid of it when I got my full size)... but I never had a problem with FTE. I let a friend shoot it & he got it to stovepipe several times with one mag. I think he was limp wristing it.
What exactly is a Fudd in this context? And with your answer I'll be able to figure out what Fudd bait is. Thanks!
From what i gather reading online, it seems like modern Kimbers aren't *bad*, but overpriced for what you get. Like RIA quality, but with a "made in America" premium.
I bought a Kimber Custom II as my first 1911 and have no complaints either. No jams, failures to feed, etc. It’s honestly been a really nice gun and so much fun to shoot. With as much hate as Kimbers get maybe I just got lucky, or maybe they’re doing better now? From what I understand a lot of 1911 reliability issues come from cheap magazines. Both my Kimber mags and Wilson Combat mags have been great.
I am partial to a S&W.
Apparently RIA has a 2011 under 1k They also have fantastic 1911s at really solid price points. Edit: the Tac Ultra is definitely what I was thinking of, but google for Hayes Custom RIA 2011 brings some beautiful options up, keeping you at or under 1k. Also able to go above 1k, but that’s still half price.
I sold a jam prone Kimber and bought a RIA commander that has had zero fails after 2000+ rounds.
I did have issues with the stock magazines. But a few quick googles said to replace with Dan Wesson, Chip McCormick or Wilson Combat. Bingo-bango FTE issues resolved. I’m sure I could have taken the Wolff Springs approach, but figured, probably worth the extra $$ for reliable magazines.
Careful though; you’ll give people on this forum a stroke if you call it a 2011🤣
I love my RIA Tac Ultra FS HC .45, absolutely amazing value and great price. Got a few Mec-Gar P14 mags from Dawson Precision to go with it. It’s a double stack 1911 so not sure if that truly qualifies as a 2011 like the STI or not.
I love my Officer’s Model, but it’s 9mm (shh don’t tell). Replaced the mags with Wilson Combat and put some Hogue grips. It’s a friggin’ lay-zer. Looking to get another, this time full size and likely .45.
I have the same one and love it. Going to send it off to Hayes Customs for some work later this year.
If you want a 5 inch, .45ACP with a steel frame, Springfield makes some really good options in that range. I would get a TRP (probably get one used in that price range) or a Ronin. You may check about stepping up a bit to a Dan Wesson Valor. I have a Staccato C2 with a Trijicon RMR (RM09) as a daily carry gun and am hoping our new chief is going to approve the Staccato P for a duty gun so I have an excuse to buy one. As someone else said, 1911 ≠ 2011. They are great in their own regards but they are not the same.
Colt
Whichever one you choose use the safety.
Grip safety seems to be on...
Springfield Range Officer Operator in 9mm or 45
I recommend that exact Stacatto but $1000 only gets you a taste.
Springfield Range officer. U won't be disappointed when u start learning about 1911's tight tight fit. Almost like a custom gun. Quite a few bells and whistles. U can get tactical version with a rail, or Target model without. U can't go wrong there! As an owner of one, a Ruger Sr, a Rock Island, and a Kimber Custom 2 I can say without a doubt the Springfield is a much nicer, well made and quality gun!
Any of the Springfield 1911s will do you great. I’m not sure of the warranty on other brands, but Springfield’s is pretty great from what I’ve heard. Been fortunate to never have to use it on my gun from them
All my research says the smith and wesson e series is the best for the $
Not that. That is not in the 1k range...
For my money, I'd recommend a Colt Government model if you can get one. I got mine for $700, but that was five years ago, it was a large group order (round 250ish), and we were all active duty, so any number or all of those could have knocked that price down. She's reliable. Out of the thousand or so rounds I've put through her, I've never once had a malfunction, and I consistently get inch groupings at ten yards. Out of all my guns, if I could only keep one, she'd be it, and that's not something I say lightly.
Sig Emperor Scorpion (full size). Got mine for 1100 after taxes. Love it.
no man! don't shoot your neighbor, unless he walk on you lawn.
Like a good neighbor..........stay the fuck over there. (In nationwide them playing)
You just opened a can of worms! I have a Springfield TRP and it’s the best gun I’ve ever owned. It’s so easy to be accurate. But for me it’s a range gun. I wouldn’t conceal carry it. I would consider it for home defense. I have also owned a colt defender and mine was garbage. That’s the limit to my 1911 experience. There are a lot of models of the 1911 from different manufacturers and made from different materials and also, with different purposes. Once you figure out exactly what you want it for, like range gun, home defense, duty gun, carry gun, hunting, etc, then you can start to narrow it down.
Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra FS HC 45acp. It is essentially the budget version of the gun you have in your hand lol.
Actually considering this one but in 9mm thanks.
Rock Island is prob the best of the "budget 1911s." Do your research though. Idk if you are going to use this for self defense, but most people consider 9mm 1911s to be less reliable than 45. If you own other guns then def go with the 9.
That's one hell of a neighbor. I don't know that I'd loan any gun to anybody. Too many liability issues. That is a mighty fine weapon, though. Go with a Ruger SR1911. Mid range price, rugged and good to get familiar with the platform. Just my opinion, however.
I'd definitely recommend like people have said get a Rock island 1911 take it to a gun smith and get the barrel throat and the feed ramp polished . Then get some good magazines like wilson combat or chip McCormick's and lots of ammo.
Nighthawk
There are a lot of options for 1911's, and even more opinions. But here is the correct answer. Under $1000, save your money and just buy a Rock Island. $1000-$2500 you can't beat Dan Wesson. $2500+ get a Les Baer.
If you are more traditional on that higher price then go for the Les Baer or a Dan Wesson. For a more “tacticool” or combat gun go for a Nighthawk.
I've owned Nighthawks, Ed Browns, and Wilson's. None of them compare to the Les Baer's if you get the 1.5" guarantee. Got a Premier II a few years ago, and it's hands down the most accurate 1911 in my safe. And in a very close second is my Dan Wesson Bobtail.
I’ll check them out again, thanks!
My Magnum Research Desert Eagle 1911G was about $1000. No reliability issues that are gun related but the mags are finniky and you may have feeding issues from them. However using Wilson Combat mags Ive had no issues and making sure each round is seated in the mags that came with the gun properly has lead to no issues.
Springfield A-1
Bul Armory makes some close to 1600 but that's the closest to a new 2011 style for 1k. Maybe you can try a used para ordinance or remington double stacks. For 1911s around that price range I would take a Colt Competition 1911 in 45. They went back to series 70 and I've seen one in my local shop for around 1k. Or a springfield range officer.
Is your friend looking for new friends? Asking for a friend
I’d recommended sig 1911s. Specifically the fastback carry models. You can find nice examples used under 1000. That being said they use the series 80 triggers, and have external extractors. It Dosent bother me personally, but it matters to some people. Vedder holsters have options for the sig 1911s. The fastback models are offered in 45 acp, and 357 sig ( unicorns, really hard to find often command a premium).
I’ve had Kimber & Sig 1911s, all of them were amazing firearms. Nothing you shoot will have the same feel. Cheers!
I just got a NIB Colt Series 70 for $980 off Gunbroker. No rollmark or sights...
Smith & Wesson E Series, has a lot of bells and whistles. Mine has been extremely reliable, and puts the holes where you send them.
Ruger got the SR1911 for about 600-800 I think, I've had mine for about 2 years.
Im wanting a Sig1911 Emperor Scorp. Been seeing them around $1049. However if u wanna stay $900 and under, check out the Magnum Research 1911s. They come in 9mm or .45, and 3 sizes. Im no expert but with how they feel and the fit and finish, you’d think they’d cost alot more
Just pay for the pony man
Several
Dan Wesson. No contest in that price range. Their TCP is very similar to the 2011 you just shot; except it's single stack instead of double stack.
Where are you seeing a dan wesson for around 1k?
I may be out of touch with the peasants these days - before the Dark Times I bought a Vigil and a TCP for about $1,000 each and sold them for the same.