[BarneyFife]

I'm planning on purchasing my first 45 in the near future, just wondering if y'all had any ideas of what I should get (preferably under a $1000). I'm a younger guy, been shooting for years, just wondering what others opinions are. I have a 9mm, 357mag, and a variety of shotguns/rifles.

[Firearms4ever]

Being a 1911 guy I'm obviously going to recommend the 1911, but I strongly recommend you go to some local gunshops, look at their inventory, "try out" what they have, and go from there. If you have a range that has a rental program you might want to try out some of their .45's.

[trip286]

You can find a NIB Colt XSE commander for $850 with an alloy frame. I did. But I want the government size and steel frame.

That price isn't very common, but if I can find it in my area, anybody might be able to.

[mes227]

1911!! I have 4 full sized models, 2 Kimbers, a Dan Wesson and a S&W (alloy frame). All great guns. The Kimbers start at about $850 but you quickly get over $1,000. I picked up the S&W1911PD used for $700 (like new), the new E series get great reviews but are well over a grand. The Dan Wessons are also great guns but they're a bit more expensive (mine is a pre CZ so a bit of a collectors item).

Other excellent options for under $1,000: Ruger's new 1911; Springfield Range Officer (it's on my "must have" list), and Sig Sauer has 2 models under $1,000 (also on my list).

[USMC-03]

Sig P220! Best .45 made in my opinion.

[BikerRN]

You can buy a Colt for $1,000 or less NIB.

I paid <$1,000 for my Colt Rail Gun in stainless NIB. For the amount of money you have to spend I would go, in this order: Colt, Colt, Colt.

There are other manufacturers of the 1911 but why go with an imitation when the original is in your price range? Colt is turning out the best quality they have since the 1960's IMO and one would be hard pressed to find better for the same price as the Colt. I own two 1911's and have looked at many others as well as shot and evaluated many others. For me Colt is the one to go with, if staying in the $1,000 range. My second 1911 is a Springfield Armory, bought before Colt's quality improved to what it is today.

[Durangokid]

Biker you can ride the river with me. Why buy a copy of the Colt???

[MrWray]

Originally Posted by Durangokid

Biker you can ride the river with me. Why buy a copy of the Colt???

For the same reason that alot of us dont/cant buy a Colt. I would love to be able to buy a Colt but my budget wouldnt allow it,still wont. Thats like saying why live in trailer home when you can live in a two story house

[JonM]

Springfield and colt are made on colt machinery and using pretty much the same methods that colt has been using since 1911.

Most colts are under 1000$ normally see them in the 750-900 range

[sweeper22]

1) 1911 (Colt/SA to spend all your money, Ruger SR1911 on a tighter budget)
2) Sig P220
3) Polymer (whichever make/model fits you)

That's how I rate my 45's, anyhow.