1911 for $600 or less

[lovemachine]

I thought about buying my first 1911 that's under $600. But I really thought it would be smarter to wait and save up more money to buy a better one.

Maybe I'm wrong about that, but I didn't want to go cheap.

 

[LLDJR]

I thought about buying my first 1911 that's under $600. But I really thought it would be smarter to wait and save up more money to buy a better one.

Maybe I'm wrong about that, but I didn't want to go cheap.

You can buy the Kimber Custom II for $725 or so new, one just went on GunsAmerica for $710

 

[DarkRose]

I just passed on a Ballester Molina for $311. The ones I would stay away from are the Charles Daly's. They just feel really cheap.

My understanding is that the Ballistar Molinas are not 100% interchangeable with standard 1911 parts (weren't they Spanish military issue at some point way back when?)

 

[ViperJock]

Thanks you guys. I am meeting my friend at the range tonight and we are gonna go through his options. Appreciate all the input!

 

[70worm]

I gave my dad a Rock Island, he likes it alot.

 

[David]

My understanding is that the Ballistar Molinas are not 100% interchangeable with standard 1911 parts (weren't they Spanish military issue at some point way back when?)

Ballester Molinas are decent guns, but they are not 1911s. The barrels and mags are 1911 but nothing else, the trigger is hinged and it has no grip safety, among other differences. I picked one up a while ago and it shoots pretty well but parts, while available, are not 1911 common.

My first 1911 was a Rock Island and it got me hooked on 1911s, I now have a variety of sizes and brands, some costing three times what the RIA did. Rock Island is the best bargain out there and I would not hesitate to recommend one to anyone.

 

[DRAIN SURGEON]

I have the RIA tatical officers cs 45. and it runs ball and hp with no problems it has never jammed or failed in any way . I have wilson combat and colt mags and they work fine. I highly recommend RIA.

 

[Zombiekilloftheweek]

Plainfield Shooting Supplies sells Springfield Armory Mil-Specs for $599. Thats the cheapest place around that i have found. Probably one of the best quality 1911's for the price.

 

[meyer4589]

I have a Regent 1911 and couldn't be happier with it. I got it for 480 out the door. After a good cleaning and lube job she runs flawlessly

 

[badmac183]

I just paid $550 for a taurus 1911

 

[88E30M50]

I have a RIA Compact as well as a pair of Kimbers and a Springer. The RIA compares very well against any of them. With Wilson Combat mags, it's been perfect. I'd rate it the same as the Kimbers and a tick above my Springer in terms of reliability and in the middle of the pack in terms of accuracy.

 

[JDvader]

I had a RIA, it was a great 1911 for the price. It had no bells or whistles but it shot straight. Its a very reliable entry level 1911.

 

[MeatyBacchus]

I'd advise an HK USP, possibly a used HK45, if he can save a few more dollars.

See the 2nd post in this link -

Service Pistol Duty and Self-Defense Loads - M4Carbine.net Forums

 

[Quigley56]

I just picked up a RIA to keep in the Jeep 'cause I just put a big scratch on my Kimber Combat Elite with the seat belt..
I took the RIA out today and the factory mag is a P.O.S. Three FTFs in the first 8 rounds but my Chip McCormick Shooting star 8 rounders performed flawlessly in it. I fired 150 rounds with the CMC mags and I'm liking the gun enough to carry it without a second thought.
I'm a Kimber and old Colt 70 series GCNM fan but this RIA is an eye opener. Very accurate, tight, smooth, and for a utility 45 it's excellent.
I will put a Wilson Beavertail in it this weekend as the grip safety digs into my hand when firing. It's only a $35 drop in part and takes less than 15 minutes to install so it's a non-issue. That's not limited to RIA but all guns with military type grip.
For the $$ I'd have to give it a sore "Thumbs UP"
For a full size 1911 with lifetime warranty it's hard to beat. I pulled it down and don't see any poor machine work or nasties inside.

Will GI issue 1911 mags work in these pistols; does anyone know?

 

[David]

In theory, all GI mags will work in all full size (government) frames. Cheap mags, however, are probably the single biggest cause of 1911 malfunctions. Some guns are fussier than others, my RIA has worked with every mag I have ever tried in it.

 

[Kick]

You really can't go wrong with a Springer. If you can find one in the price range, I would go with a mil-spec over the GI. If you want to customize it down the road, the mil-spec already has the lowered and flared ejection port...

 

[mac45]

My .38 Super is a RIA.
Other than a crappy factory magazine, I've very happy with it.
No problems at all since I got some Colt magazines.

 

[LLDJR]

I am in the market for a 3" carry 1911, , I would love to spend $600 max, .40 or .45 cal

I'll have to be*** patient*** whatever that means

 

[GBuck]

This is a hell of a deal..

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...164059-springfield_armory_1911_a1_loaded.html

 

[msd]

For that price and under try the STI Spartan. What I like about them for the price is their slide to frame fit is as tight and some specs tighter than all my Kimbers. My boy can use my STI and shoot better groups than I do with my Kimbers.

Guess thats old age, failing eyes and like I tell him ....I don't want to show him up