Not too long ago I picked up a RIA Ultra TAC II Midsize after being away from 1911s for awhile. It’s purpose is a range fun gun, and it had features I liked in a $650 gun.

I’ve been somewhat bitten by the JMB 1911 bug again, and I’m curious about the lower end or entry type offerings out there, some of which I’ve listed in the poll. There may be sleepers out there I’m not aware of or just forgot about.

Question:
In the category of Entry Level 1911, what would you lean toward as a good mix of value and reliability?

Choices:
Colt
PSA
Armscor/RIA
ATI
Springfield
Ruger
Kimber
Remington
SIG
Other

 

Colt or Springfield.

Springer or Colt.

Very happy with my Ruger SR1911.

Colt or Springfield

THey are more valuable to you later on and they are fully customizable by most smiths.

That being said, I've had really great success with S&W.

Ruger have been solid...

+1 for Colt.
First pistol I ever fired was a Marine Capt' s self 'smithed Colt 1911 in the 80s.
Then read the 1st edition (late 80s) of Bill Wilson's 1911 Combat Auto, when Springfield and very few other brands were making headway in 1911 production (Wilson's primary focus was customizing 1911s). Words to the effect, with all things being equal and someone were to offer you one free, he would choose the Colt. He probably has changed his tune since then but I'm sticking with the Colt. Because at the end of the day, in 1911 the choice was Colt. And when I'm done and gone, my kids, and my kids' kids, will have a Colt, just like me.

Of course Sig P220s are also theirs someday!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: madmatt,

I voted Kimber based on my overall experience, not just the 1911 itself. Most any of them can screw together a solid 1911 any day of the week. All of them will occasionally have something slip out sooner or later.

Their CS is top notch. I bought a used Kimber from a pawn shop. Got it for peanuts because the extractor was missing. Called Kimber CS saying I need a stainless extractor for a 17mach2. Was told that they no longer have a 17mach2, but one for a 22lr would work. They mailed me the extractor for free without me asking. Their other option that was offered was for me to mail them my 17mach2 and they would ship me a brand new 22lr (also for free). They can also tell you when your 1911 was made based on the serial in about two minutes.

My other Kimber is a 10mm. After the first box or so of break-in, it has ran great ever since. Very accurate.

I was able to find some Kimber magwells and carbon-fiber grips for both and I couldn't be happier.

Kimber CS beats the snot out of other manufacturers of 1911s costing three times as much (STI + CS = AMFYOYO).

I have the Ruger 9mm Commander and a SIG compact and both have been flawless. My brother has whoever makes that 22tcm/9mm 1911 and he's had no issues.

And believe it or not, a coworker has a Taurus 1911 that he's used for years with no issues.

If things go well with this cancer business, I’d love to find a nice well cared for 70 Series basic Colt maybe by the new year.

I would spend a few more $ and get a Dan Wesson. Love my CCO-my first 1911.

I voted Ruger. I don't think you can do better for a reasonably priced 1911.

Ruger is a solid 1911, built to last.

I like my S&W 1911

Colt.

As an entry level pistol, it is the one which has the very best rating of value retention.

If you decide you're not a fan, you can get 'most' of your investment back. And if you decide to build a beast, at least you'll have a quality name and a solid starting point.

Rather you plan to keep it forever, or pass it on to family, you - or your family - won't regret you buying a Colt.

While ATI or RIA or others may be very fine guns, they'll never retain a value of more than any other import 1911 clone. No matter what you invest in it.

You know what a RIA GI is worth at the trade-in counter? 'Bout $300. You know what a RIA with $1000 worth of upgrades is worth at the trade-in counter? 'Bout $300.

I think Ruger has made a very solid, affordable entry level 1911.

There are cheaper than Ruger (RIA) and more expensive (Colt, Dan Wesson etc.). If you can find a gently loved SR1911 for around $600. Take it home.

I have a Springfield and that's why I voted Colt.

SR1911. Then ship it to The Action Works.

quote:

Originally posted by bionic218:
Colt.

As an entry level pistol, it is the one which has the very best rating of value retention.

If you decide you're not a fan, you can get 'most' of your investment back. And if you decide to build a beast, at least you'll have a quality name and a solid starting point.

Rather you plan to keep it forever, or pass it on to family, you - or your family - won't regret you buying a Colt.

While ATI or RIA or others may be very fine guns, they'll never retain a value of more than any other import 1911 clone. No matter what you invest in it.

You know what a RIA GI is worth at the trade-in counter? 'Bout $300. You know what a RIA with $1000 worth of upgrades is worth at the trade-in counter? 'Bout $300.

These are my exact thoughts. You really can't go wrong with a Colt. Also pay a little more and get the model (of any 1911) that has the sights, grip safety, trigger etc. already on it. Because to do it later takes a lot of wait time and more expense.