what are some cheap/inexpensive 1911 out there

[Oldnoob]

can i ask one more favor, please also list the price along with the gun you suggest.

[SpeedRacer]

I'd personally buy one of these two:

STI Spartan 5.0 - a huge, HUGE step up from entry level 1911's, for very little extra money. One of the best bang-for-the-buck 1911's available. Retail $660, Street ~$580

Springfield Mil-Spec - nice basic pistol, good company and warranty. Good
basis for project. Retail $700, Street ~$550

I've heard good things about Rock Island as well, just don't like the whole import thing. The guys selling them have no real control over QC, and also a much smaller company. I'd pay the extra $100 to deal with a larger, more established company. But that's just me.

I personally wouldn't buy anything cheaper than what I recommended above, you'll end up regretting it later. Either you'll have a low quality pistol and not enjoy it, or you'll fall in love with 1911's and wish you had spent the extra $100 on something nicer. I'd bet on the latter.

[MA2]

Welcome to the forum, I am at the Burbank range once in a while.
I got my RIA a few months ago, I am very happy with it
But put in consideration for RIA:
Only comes with one magazine
This got to be the cheapest wood grips I have seen(expect to upgrade)

But yea, check out SA's GI or Mil Spec.

^No more STI in California, Spartan would have been great.

[HPD SRT]

Originally Posted by SpeedRacer

I'd personally buy one of these two:

STI Spartan 5.0 - a huge, HUGE step up from entry level 1911's, for very little extra money. One of the best bang-for-the-buck 1911's available. Retail $660, Street ~$580

Springfield Mil-Spec - nice basic pistol, good company and warranty. Good
basis for project. Retail $700, Street ~$550

I've heard good things about Rock Island as well, just don't like the whole import thing. The guys selling them have no real control over QC, and also a much smaller company. I'd pay the extra $100 to deal with a larger, more established company. But that's just me.

I personally wouldn't buy anything cheaper than what I recommended above, you'll end up regretting it later. Either you'll have a low quality pistol and not enjoy it, or you'll fall in love with 1911's and wish you had spent the extra $100 on something nicer. I'd bet on the latter.

The Spartan and the Mil spec are both imported or Out Sourced. SA - Brazil and the Spartan - Philipinnes. But they both have great QA from what I have been told. So, they are all still great guns from what I have heard from the Guru's on here is what I'm trying to say.

[chad_quixote]

springfield gi 45
i think theyre about 460

ive heard about llamas
theyre rough, hard sharp edges but cheap.

[Bongo45]

Another vote for the RIA. The Springfield Milspec is very nice as well, although more expensive.

[bat1159man]

Fist, I would suggest you go to your local range and rent a few different models. Try them and see what you like, how they fire, how they feel. You may even be able to find a real good used 1911 to purchase and save some money. Check around.

Personally, I own Colt M1911A1 and just bought a RIA Tactical for $425 shipped and as Krackels said - I can highly recommend the RIA Tactical.

[paintballwannab]

I have a Norinco 1911A1, I've shot alot of 1911's and this is one of the best shooting guns I've ever shot. The only thing I don't like about the Norinco are the plastic grips, everything else is perfect and to spec with the colt.

I purchased my Norinco for $250, a steal but those deals are out there. Shop around for a good deal on a 1911, RIA, Norinco, springfield, all great guns, just make sure what ever you decide on is the same specs as the colt, parts/upgrades are easier to find.

I believe the Llama had a few parts thats weren't interchangeable, but have someone verify that before you take my word on it.

[zulu45]

I don't have any experience with a RIA, though I've heard that they're great guns. I've also heard that the Taurus 1911 is a great buy, featuring a great deal of features that are always optional on 1911s in that price range. That being said, their customer service is majorly lacking. If you have a great local gunsmith who is great with 1911s, the Taurus would be your best bet.

If you want a base gun, though, that you can build up, I'd suggest a Springfield GI or Mil-Spec. Springfield Armory has some of the best customzer service, a great warranty, and a great product. Their built-in safety system, in the mainspring housing, can easily be replaced with a standard one. Personally, I just decided to leave it in.

I've customized my GI and it fires very well, now, able to stand up to the higher-end production guns (although it can't hold a candle to a custom 1911). If you can get a couple of hundred over (you can get one at about $750 +/- a bit), I would suggest a Springfield Armory Loaded. They live up to their name, being loaded with features.

One thing, though, be careful with a 1911... they're addictive, and can cause severe injury to your wallet.