Best 1911 under $1000

[frogger42]

I am new to the forum and am currently trying to decide on a 1911 purchase. This will be within the next few months. I have owned a few 1911s in the past, but do not currently have one in the collection. Below are my requirements...

1. Must be a full-size, 5" barrel model
2. Steel Frame
3. No "schwarz" or similar system
4. Must cost less than $1000

This will primarily be used as a range gun and will occasionally be used in IDPA matches. Right now I am leaning toward either a Springfield Loaded or a Kimber (used, Series 1 variant). I eliminated the SW1911 because of its plunger system. I want simple design.

Recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[Trumpet]

Colt NRM
Springfield "Loaded" or Milspec.


Rich

[farscott]

I would vote for either the Colt NRM 1991 or the STI Trojan 5.0. Both are excellent pistols. The Trojan may be a better choice for IDPA and lacks any firing pin safety system.

[Valkman]

Kimber Series I CDP would be my choice. You could probably get one under a thou, and many more features than the Colt NRM or MIl-Spec. I own all three and the CDP is way more gun, way more accurate.

[freecdp45]

I agree with you Valkman concerning the CDP but it has aluminum frame which he does not want. I would then suggest the Pro Carry HD- it has the steel frame that he wants. I would have suggested the TLE but I dont think they were made before the Schwartz came around.

[CA_Ghost]

I just ordered the SA MC Operator. After all is said and done I'll be right under the 1K mark. I can't wait!

[Rob96]

My vote also goes to the Colt NRM 1991A1.

[bigred0383]

I will throw in a vote for a SA Loaded, or even a used TRP if you can get one. Can't beat that lifetime warranty.

[chuckshoun]

I'm curious why you don't want the Kimber with the "schwarz" firing pin tetainer. Just curious, I'm not advocating it or trying to troll.

[deputy tom]

Another vote for the Springfield Loaded series.I'm thinking of trading a couple of kimbers in on a pair of full-sized SA Loadeds.tom.

[Laszlo]

Colt M1911 WWI replica. This thing has a soul!

[deezulsmoke]

Colt 70 series, WWI repro, or Springfield Loaded, MC Operator, or TRP. All of the Kimbers have a Scwartz safety. And I would strongly suggest that you stay away from aluminum framed guns.

Deez

[Valkman]

Originally Posted by deezulsmoke

Colt 70 series, WWI repro, or Springfield Loaded, MC Operator, or TRP. All of the Kimbers have a Scwartz safety. And I would strongly suggest that you stay away from aluminum framed guns.

Series I Kimbers don't have the extra safety, which is why some of us like them. I also use a aluminum frame gun as my carry gun and know of no reason to stay away from them, as they are fine guns.

I missed the steel frame part, so I'd look at any full size Series I steel frame that has the features you want. See what's available and compare them - I think they're the best guns Kimber has made.

[frogger42]

Originally Posted by chuckshoun

I'm curious why you don't want the Kimber with the "schwarz" firing pin tetainer. Just curious, I'm not advocating it or trying to troll.

I used to work part-time in a local gun shop and was there when Kimber made the switch to the Series II. We actually had 2 different guns lock up on us while we were showing them to customers. I don't pretend to understand how the system works, but regardless of whether a gun is intended for self defense or not, I do not tolerate unreliable function. I would just prefer to stick with as simple a design as possible. The less that can go wrong, the less will go wrong.

[moorerwc]

1-Colt new series 70
2-Kimber Anniversary Custom
3-Kimber Custom Classic series I
4-SA Loaded--blued or parkerized

But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong

-Chad

[joszx67]

Frogger, you've already eliminated the best gun for under $1,000. It should be what is the next best gun for under $1,000 besides the SW1911.

Regards,
Joseph

[norman74]

I'd look real hard at the Kimber Anniversary models. They are available on gunsamerica for right around $700 +/-.

[mxracer101]

I own the following in 1911’s:

Non-Series II Kimber’s:
25th Anniversary (45)
Heritage Edition (45)
Custom CDP (45)
Pro CDP (45)

SA Loaded PX9151 (45)
Norinco 1911 (45)
STI Trojan 5.0 (9)

The STI is by far my favorite and most accurate, but it is in 9mm. STI is my IDPA ESP pistol and I use a Custom CDP for IDPA CDP. I would own a Trojan in 45, but I already have 6 1911 in .45 ACP and do not sell or trade good pistols, ever! I just get a bigger safe and a new girlfriend...

The non-series II Kimber’s were my previous top choices. It will be STI for a while with an STI Edge or an STI 2011 custom limited next on the list.

I also don’t need or want a firing pin safety or an external extractor on any of my 1911’s. I have intentionally avoided both and will continue to do so.

[Drago]

Springfield Milspec because it close to the original 1911-A1, and the price is good. Second choice would be a Colt Series 70, either vintage or recent production, although I do like the recent ones quite a bit.

[corruptone]

mxracer101 is right on about the STI Trojan. They can be had for about $960. I myself have custom pieces and have and do own Springfield 'Loaded' models. I have also owned a TRP Operator. The TRP Operator actually cost more money than the Trojan, but it not as nice as the Trojan.

[frogger42]

After a lot of research, and considering all your comments, I believe I have made my choice... now I need to save up the $$$.

And the winner is....



Springfield Armory 1911-A1 Loaded Full-Size in Black SS. Now THAT is a pretty gun.

[deezulsmoke]

You have a winner. Check this thread.

Deeaul

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthre...lack+Stainless