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entry level 1911

Flatlanders98Flatlanders98 Member Posts: 48 ✭✭
edited September 2001 in Ask the Experts
What is a good brand to start with for my first 1911. I do not want a GI model. I would like something that models the Springfield TRP in features, but a little cheaper with good quality.
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Comments

  • simonbssimonbs Member Posts: 994 ✭
    edited November -1
    Don't know if this is what your looking for, but check out Firestorm 45s. They fit your budget requirements and are of good quality. Just do a search here on GB, there should be a few.
    We only have a few special years with our children in which they desire our time, attention, and love. After that time is over, it is gone forever, and we will be the ones that desire their time, attention, and love. Make those few, short years count - don't miss it!!!
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  • leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Under $400 range, is the Charles Daily, Thompson and Rock Island Arsenal. Over $400 try Springfield Armory, Kimber, Para-Ordnance and Colt 1991A1. If you are rich you might look into Les Baer, STI, SV, and Wilson Combat but that aint no entry level.I'm kinda fond of the Kimbers myself, but I'm also a traditional Colt man. If you can save up and get a Springfield Armory "Loaded" model you probably be happy the rest of your life as far as a 1911 type.You can expect what you pay for, the under $400 will have mixed revews, some require a little work before they actually shoot. You'd be fairly safe with a Springfield Armory or Kimber. I've seen used Springfield Armory basic models for about $350 at gunshows before, but thats a lucky find.Also don't forget there are a few different types of 1911's. There is the series 70 and series 80 type. The difference being an internal firingpin safety, most 1911 shooter I know take that crap out. There are double and single stacks. I've seen some funky looking double action models too.
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  • luger01luger01 Member Posts: 230 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Lee is on target. If you have little $$$ to spend, The Daly 1911 is fine. A bit more $$$, and look at the Kimbers, Para Ordinance and maybe Springfield. Big bucks says Wilson and Baer to me.
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  • smooth_operatorsmooth_operator Member Posts: 227 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hey Flat... I have a Springfield 1911 and am very satisfied with it. Bought it a few years ago for $450 when the were having the "loaded" promotion. Its not quite like the TRP but if entry level is what you want, they'll do just fine. You have to remember that this "entry level" firearm will be the platform of what you will be tinkering with in the near future. If you are like most 1911 enthusiasts, you'll end up with a comp/match pistol by the time youre done with it and the pistol will not resemble anything that you started with. It might be a good idea to invest the extra money in one of the more reliable manufacturers eg. kimber,colt,para-ordnance etc. rather than save a hundred dollars and be stuck with an off shelf brand (c'mon guys...ever seen a charles daly accessorized or used in a match?).-Smooth
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  • dheffleydheffley Member Posts: 25,000 ✭
    edited November -1
    Think about this. Why go get a lesser gun now only to have to take a 30-40% loss on it in two years to trade up. You can probably save a few more months and get a used Springfield. You would probably be happier in the long run. Look at my signature. I believe what I'm telling you, and it's what I tell everyone.
    Save, research, then buy the best.Join the NRA, NOW!Teach them young, teach them safe, teach them forever, but most of all, teach them to VOTE!
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  • PhilPhil Member Posts: 47 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    The others are right,but I would like to add this:do not waste your time/money on a Firestorm or Llama.They are both junk-really the same gun with a different name.
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  • cpermdcpermd Member Posts: 5,273 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Norinco or Argentine Systema Colt,Bargains and nice.cpermd
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  • Ross C. McDonellRoss C. McDonell Member Posts: 36 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you are interested in 1911's go to www.pistolsmith.com/ browse the forums and you will find all you need to know. There is lots of great info in the home workshop area.Good luck
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  • cpermdcpermd Member Posts: 5,273 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    NopeJust do as I say.I am always right.cpermd
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  • obelixobelix Member Posts: 13 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    firestorm reply: but the Auto-Ordnance 1911 is the best entry model, undeserving of the contempt hurled (and about to be hurled) on it. Also, for what it's worth, it is US-made.
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  • Dragunov7.62x54RDragunov7.62x54R Member Posts: 35 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you buy a cheap 1911 pistol, not a llama or firestorm, but something that will be compatable with 1911 aftermarket parts, you can always upgrade it. In fact all you really need it the slide and frame, and you can build the rest from aftermarket stuff. I would have a gunsmith install it thought and polish and mill thing right.
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