[shooter88]

Originally Posted by canebrake

Got one and love it. I have the old school GI.

Great range lizard but I'd never carry it.

I cant wait to get mine thats a really nice piece

[canebrake]

Originally Posted by shooter88

I cant wait to get mine thats a really nice piece

[donthav1]

i've got a Rock Island 1911 A1 in 9mm, had it for almost a year & it's been perfect so far. i paid $400 for it. depending on caliber & options, you can get them cheaper if you look around a bit.

a 1911 in 9mm is really a pleasure to shoot, light recoil so you get back on target quick & ammo is cheap (when you can find it ). since you mentioned cost is a big factor that's food for thought

[custom1911]

American classic for sure! I've owned one and ur gonna get a better gun than some pos GI Model!

[custom1911]

And if u want a dual purpose I'd buy a 4" commander style! They are just as accurate, trust a guy who has had and carried a 1911 for years!

[wayne_i]

Originally Posted by texaswoodworker

I finally turn 21 in August, so I plan on getting a 1911. I have looked at a few different brands and models, and would like some advice on which one I should get.

I plan on using it as a CCW, and as a range gun, so it needs to be reliable, and able to handle thousands of rounds with ease. I am pretty much open to any features, but it must me a full sized 1911 and chambered in 45 ACP. My budget is about $600.

Here's what I've looked at so far.

Rock Island Armory 1911A1-$420.00

I have read/heard a lot of good things about these. I read that they are reliable, accurate, and the sights and trigger (5 lb) are pretty decent. The finish is nothing special, but it would be a carry gun, so having a beautiful finish is not a big concern. I did read about a problem with the ambidextrous safety though. It works great, but is sharp and can cut into the web of your hand after prolonged use.
If I got this one, I would be able to afford to customize some things if I decided it needed it.

Springfield Armory 1911 GI-$550

I looked into this one, but I'm not completely sure about it. Some of the reviews I read said they have some issues with reliability due to a weak recoil spring. That's a cheap/easy fix though. I read the sights are small, and the trigger is short. I could change out the trigger easy enough if I had to, but the sights are another story if I decide I don't like them.

High Standard 1911 GI-$420-$500

I have seen mixed review on this one. Some say they're fantastic, others say they are unreliable.

American Classic II 1911-$530

I really don't know much about these. I have heard they are good guns, and they are one of the few 1911s in this price range that are actually blued. (I like blued over parkerized).

Para Ordnance GI Expert-$550

I don't know much about these either. They look like they are good quality 1911s though, and they come with 3 dot sights.

Anyone know of any other 1911s I should look into? Right now, I'm really leaning towards that RIA or American Classic II.

I would get the Springfield in the commander size, replace the ambi safety ($20), and enjoy. You might find a used loaded version for about the same cost once the dust settles on the proposed laws (at least the magazine ban does not apply). The RIA would be my second choice of what you listed, but they can be hit or miss on quality. In any case, learn to strip the tune, wipe clean and re-lube and assemble. Test all safeties and trigger (especially if you honed any of the surfaces and fitted a new thumb safety).

Wayne