I am now in the market for a good basic 1911a1 handgun. I want to spend no more than $500-$550. So far my list includes: Springfield Armory GI standard size or champion Auto Ordnance GI model (The Kahr made model not the old numrich made model) Colt 1991 a1 used of course. So far I have read the Springfield is all forged, even the frame and has a more simple safety mechanism than either the Colt or the AO. The Auto Ordnance has a forged slide but, the frame is not, which I am ok with. However, it does have a series 80 safety which I am unsure of its complexity and reliability. It did get really good reviews on one of the 1911 websites, (the author ended up buying the test model.) And Colt is Colt. I hear the newer made guns are much better than they used to be. Resale is better but, I don't sell guns. Did I miss anything? Should I be looking at any other brands? I really would prefer new but, if it is used and does not look like it has had 1,000,000,000 rounds through it i would consider it. Oh, and if any of you have any of the mentioned guns please tell me what you think of it.
I had bad luck with my auto Ordnance; it had feed issues and then got stolen before it was ever fixed. Taurus makes a very nice 1911 now that is tweaked. Rock Island Armory makes for of the best bang for the buck around now too. I have a 1991A1 Colt but it doesn't impress me and you can't fit it for an extended beavertail grip safety. The Sprinfgields are pretty decent too. You can't go wrong with any of your selection except I'd stay away from the Auto Ordnance.
I have a 1991a1. Love it. Shoots great. Have had a Series 80 Colt and it was very good. Had a Norinco 1911 and it compared all too well with the more expensive guns. The Norinco would not shoot hollowpoints without jamming, but was deadly with ball ammo.
Thanks for the heads up on the Auto Ordnance I will stay away from it! I don't know about the Rock Island gun. Does it have a forged slide? I don't care if the frame is cast but, I really care if the slide is. (durability issues) Tell me about the Taurus, series 80 safety? slide forged? frame cast or forged? Price?
First I'll say the Karh AO's are a cut above the old ones from everything I have read on a few 1911 forums . As a matter of fact they are suppose to be coming out with a Commander clone the Auto Ordnance 1911TC Commander that I am very interested in . The Armscor 1911's are of very good quality and value as I owned 2 a Full sized "EFS" and a mid size "EMS" though they have cast slides and frames they are quite durable as I had a few thousand round through the EFS before selling it due to financial reasons But will be holding on to the smaller EMS as I am more of a Commander sized gun anyway . There are two other brands made in the Philippines worth considering , one is SAM "Shooters Arms Manufacturing" and the other is Metro Arms who's is making the newest Firestorm Government models for them . Unlike the older FireStorms these are true copies of the 1911 and will except standard parts . Here is a link to a write up on them on GunBlast http://www.gunblast.com/Firestorm-1911Deluxe.htm SAM has several models from the full sized clone to a Commander dubbed the "Commodore" and even some Hi Capacity ones , while I have never shot one I have examined a few of their "Elite" full sized guns and they were very nice , well made weapons . Problem is they are hard to find . You can see a pic of the Commodore at Century Arms website . www.centuryarms.com Good luck
I would buy either of the above before buying another Colt 1991A1. Shortly after getting mine, my buddy bought a mil-spec Springfield 1911 that shot just a good as my Colt for a few bucks less. Oh yeah, his didn't have a plastic trigger.
Springfield Taurus RIA I have shot all of them, and they all performed well. I wouldn't hesitate before buying any of them, but if I was going to spend that much it would come down to the Springfield or the Taurus. Flip a coin. They are both fine pistols.
In thirteen years of owning and shooting it, my Colt M1991A1 has never failed me, as long as I stay away from any ammo marked 'SPEER'. Only mods are converting back to Series 70 standard, and installing a wider grip safety to ease the hammer bite. Fancy African Snakewood grip panels, but that is just bling. The 'plastic' trigger is not an issue. My buddy had a SA 1911A1, but it never did shoot well for either of us and had reliability issues - he now has a Rock Island and loves it. It outshoots my Colt. Excellent value for the price.
Yesterday our new PD ordered 40 Glock 21SF (.45acp) 90% of Georgia LE carry them and about 75% nationally. sold my 1911. 'nuff said Overbore
I have 2 Springfield's, a full size and a micro-compact. I am very pleased with both. I have had Colt and just can't justify paying for the name. My first 1911 was a Norinco that I picked up for $250 at a pawn shop. It was as good a shooter as any I have had since. I just couldn't stand the "Made In China" on it so sold it at a gun show ( for a profit!). I haven't shot the Rock Island or Kahr, a buddy has a Taurus and It has funtioned flawless also. From personal experience I would recommend the Springfield. Although the others may be just as good.
