Your basic 1911

[12DMAX]

I am in the market for a plain jane matte finish GI issue .45 Any recommendations on which manuf/model? Wanting to narrow my search.

Thanks, Tom

[waksupi]

This has been kicked around quite a bit in other topics here. I think the Rock Island Arms came out on top for a budget 1911.

[12DMAX]

Thanks, I will SEARCH it

[saz]

This has been kicked around quite a bit in other topics here. I think the Rock Island Arms came out on top for a budget 1911.

+1. I have one and I will never sell it.
It is as basic as you can get and runs like a champ.
You CANNOT beat it for the money.

[wv109323]

The Rock Island gets good reviews on 1911.com. I understand they have good customer service. A step up in my opinion and price would be the Springfield Armory basic.

[Plinkster]

The Springfields are good guns but I have fired 3 now on their first trip to the range and I have to say that the triggers were all terrible. Gritty and heavy, on the other hand the rock island and citadel (said to be made in the same factory) were much better in feel with a few hundred less on the sticker. Can't go wrong with either though, these are merely my observations.

[Moonie]

In the past I've owned Springfield and Kimber. Currently I own a Taurus and a compact RIA, for the money its hard to beat the RIA. One of my sons has a full size RIA as does his step-father, I'd trust any of them with my life.

[12DMAX]

Thanks for the replies, How about a colt 1991A1? have a line on one but have read some negative feedback on them.

[12DMAX]

Also a springfield 1911A1 GI LNIB for $500

[43PU]

Working at A gun store the best 1911 on a budget would have to be the full size ATI GI they are under 450 new and lock up and are tighter than the kimber grand raptor we have

[tgator]

Take a look at the Tisas 1911 clone at Bud's Gun Shop. Under $400.

[skullmount]

1911 Colt 1991 CCG, about a grand

edit, oops its not matte..................sorry

[scattershot]

I have a RIA 1911 Tactical (better trigger and sights). Bought it for $450.00 or so out the door, and sold my Kimber. Personally, I think these are the sleeper of the decade, and if I needed another one, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one.

[jmsj]

I think the RIA's are a really good value for the money. A fellow had me work one over to shoot "Hardball" matches and he says it has been a really good shooter. A co-worker of mine bought one and we shot them one afternoon and I was amazed at how well this $300.00 (at the time) pistol was put together and shot.
I have been working on a few of these lately and been pleasantly surprised on how clean the cast frames are. There are no casting lines, pitting or machine marks and the tolerances have been right in spec also.
Good luck, jmsj

[Old Caster]

Since the introduction of CNC machines a lot of good fitting 45's are showing up. I bought a Metro American Classic from Bud's guns about a year ago and it shoots pretty good. I was surprised that it shot my wadcutter ammo that I shoot in Bullseye matches. This tells me the spring is not strong enough for harball but I was impressed that it fed. The only thing I can say is not so good on the pistol is the front sight is a bit crooked but not terrible. When buying these kinds of guns, you are getting mim parts so it is more likely that a sear or hammer will fail, but they aren't difficult to take apart and redo plus parts aren't so expensive either.

[bruce drake]

RIA Classic is a CNC-made pistol and its a great bargain. I've shot great groups with mine at 25 yards and its never failed to fire.

[Lizard333]

I started with the Taurus 1911. This is still one of my favorite 1911's to shoot. Sure my Kimbers and Springfields are more accurate and little nicer in quality, this Taurus just works, and is enjoyable. Very good value for your money. Most people that know the Taurus have never owned, let alone shot one.

The lifetime warranty is not bad either.

[Jammersix]

Rock Island Arms or Springfield.

[Plinkster]

I'll vote for the Taurus also, the one my buddies wife has will shoot bug holes at 25yds but I suspect that to be the exception and not the rule of course. Well put together gun and with the aluminum frame that example has would be a delight to carry. Have heard only good things about Taurus warranty from those in my club that have actually used it.

[white eagle]

take a look at a Sig Tacops
I got one from Subsonic