This price range should get you a Springfield Mil-spec (GI) maybe even a Loaded but don't hold me on that because I haven't priced one lately. I can't remember exactly what a Champion Operator sells for but that's probably not too far off either? This price range won't get you a high-end one though. If you are an average shooter you should be very happy with one of those models! When you are looking for a "tack-driver" in a 1911, of course you need to spend more money (1"@25yds,1"-2"@50yds etc etc......)The one I am leaning most towards is the Springfield Champion Operator. I do have a budget as I am probably going to have to sell some stuff that I really don't use in order to be able to buy it. Right now I'm looking in the $500-$800 range.
I'm in the same boat, wanting a 1911 as my next purchase. I found a nice 2 tone RIA at a shop fairly nearby that I go to with beavertail grip saftety, and better sights for $530. But I'm also drawn to the springfield GI and mil spec, along with the Para GI expert. All for around the same price. The question I've gotta ask myself is do I want to go with the lesser brand and have the options I want, or the better brand and have to modify it to get it how I want?
Springer Mil-Spec in Stainless....
Scott
You will like those Novak or Novak style sights! But I have to warn you about holding guns that you really like, the voices in your head will say:"take me home". LOL.................................................Yep.....that's it. I have been fingering it for two days now and it feels great in my hand. It's all about what feels good right??
You will like those Novak or Novak style sights! But I have to warn you about holding guns that you really like, the voices in your head will say:"take me home". LOL.................................................
I am a Commander sized guy myself. I have three I carry. A S&W 1911Sc I carry a lot because of the light weight. A Kimber Pro Carry that shoots much better then I can. A custom I lucked into on a Caspian frame.
The Caspian is by far the best gun of the bunch, but also the heaviest. The Kimber is a Esclipe, great shooter and just plain pretty. The Smith is the lightest, shoots great and the one I carry the most.
Just to give you some more things to think about. If you lived closer I would let you shoot mind to see how they feel to you.
I have always been a "what feels good to me" kind of guy, regardless of price. As of right now the Springfield felt perfect and is calling my name. When I posted this originally, I only had one day of fondling it. But today I went back to see if it still felt as good..........it did.
I will also say the Doublestar felt really good too, but not really better and it's at least a couple hundred more with a longer slide. I am looking to carry this off duty so I think the 4" will work out better.
For those not familer with the Doublestar, I know it's not on the website yet, they look and feel like a pretty sweet gun, just a little pricey.
Have ya even tried a Colt LOL??? Try going by Elmore's they tend to have more 1911's on hand than anyone, and I have seen Kimber's go for around the $600 mark...
Have ya even tried a Colt LOL??? Try going by Elmore's they tend to have more 1911's on hand than anyone, and I have seen Kimber's go for around the $600 mark...
(Beaver-tail) grip-safety is probably #1. The regular (GI) mil-spec ones tend to bite if you shoot a lot or try some hot loads! My hands can take it because I'm a "Tin-Banger" a.k.a. HVAC technician but my hands are like shoe leather and have a very powerful grip from using tin-snips all the time. Some guys this bothers though.I'm a Kimber guy, but I wouldn't be shy about trying out a lower end 1911, as long as it wasn't my primary self defense handgun.
For me to invest in a 1911 it would need to come stock with the following;
Beavertail grip safety
Extended thumb safety
Dovetailed front and rear sights