"Cheap" 1911 advice

Citadel. Armscor, and Rick Island Armory are all the same gin. All made by Armscor. They are good guns. As far as size, what are you going to do with it? I think full size, for general use, and I sometimes carry my full size also, but for carry the commander is quite a bit smaller.

 

You can get a used Glock or M&P 40 cal with night sights that you can easily carry for less than an AMSCOR 1911. Check out Buds gun shop under police trade ins. If you like revolvers get a Model 10 with a round butt and have a 3" barrel installed. I carried a model 10 in my pocket for years. I bought it at a NOPD surplus auction for $52.

 

I have fired a Rock Island 1911 compact. Sweet little pistol, accurate, recoil was a bit stout. Review on it here http://blog.shooting-performance.com/rock-island-armory-compact-tactical-1911/ and it is on my list to get in 45acp

 

You miss the part where he said he wanted a 1911?..... Not something else?

 

Full size 45 for you first 1911
Buds is has a rock island for $421
I have only shot the 22tcm 9mm rock seem to be a fine gun
Buds also has a bunch of iver jonsons and girsan 1911s which I have never held or seen.

 

I like my C9, BUT by far my favorite gun is my Ruger SR1911. New it is not in your price range, but I've seen it used for $500. I have a full size in .45 ACP. Love the 1911!!!

 

Everybody I have talked to are extremely happy with their Rock Islands. Not positive but I believe most budget 1911's have a cast frame. The high end lines have forged frames, I have a essex frame(cast) and it has held up with thousands of rounds. I do not shoot +P in it though.

 

Seriously? A used Glock over a new 1911? When the guy specifically said he wants a 1911?

Sheesh.

It's hard to go wrong with any of the Filipino guns.

There's more than a few RIA 1911's on Gunbroker, under $500 shipped. Buds does too.

 

Also consider the Taurus PT1911 and the Para Expert. With a little searching, both can be found within your price range.

In addition, check out Buds:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21_1171/1911s/

I personally own a Taurus PT1911 and I really like it.

 

I've only had Springfield Armory 1911s, so I can't comment on the brands you have listed, but as far as size goes, I'll offer my $.02. The full size model will offer you more sight radius and a smidgen more velocity, as well as more readily available parts in the future. The narrow profile of the 1911 will help you keep it flat and avoid printing, while also keeping it more comfortable for IWB carry. With that in mind, the shorter models will only offer an advantage if you are smaller in stature or need to dress very lightly. Generally, the 1911 seems to hide well, regardless of length in most cases.

One last thing--the full size model will be much more fun to shoot in the long run, and it will be more versatile.

 

RIA is great. Consider the Taurus, possibly the best for the $ 1911.

 

you should submit that to the life hack website

 

Check out all the pawn shops in your area.

Now is a very good time to do that, folks needed money for Christmas.

I picked up a like new Kimber a few years ago at a pawn shop for $350.
Like new?? Didn't even have the idiot scratch! Came with the box and all papers, I'm the guy who mailed in the warranty.

 

The Taurus has a bigger slide so it does not fit into must 1911 holsters

 

Don't know because I have not handled one, but I hear the Tisas is a well made budget 1911 with a bad trigger.

 

I have two 1911's. One is a GSG .22lr and one is a RIA 9mm tactical... I love my Rock!