Ten! You guys need to get your selves a set of "Bionic" eyes like I have and you wouldn't need any glasses!!!HAaaHAaaHAaaa

 

Why don't you go classic style, with a S&W or a Colt 1911?
I think they are a bit more, but they are the orgional design and scream quality.

 

Yes the S&W and Colt will cost more. But the S&W has not been trouble free. There are lots of reports of problems related to the external extractor. Colts are not the level of quality they used to be known for but their price still thinks they are. Also mentioned was Llama. They are not compatible with most standard 1911 parts so any repair parts or upgrades you may want are very limited. I have only seen one person shooting one and it didn't run that well.

If you want to keep the price down, you have to make some compromises. In the $500 range, it's pretty much a Springfield Mil-SPec, a Colt 1911 A1, or a loaded Taurus. Since the Taurus comes with almost all the upgrades most would want and a lifetime warranty, it's a slam dunk.

 

Thanks trailblazer for clearing that up since I haven't checked gun prices/reviews for a while.
Doesn't springfield armory make some kind of beefed up 1911?

 

Not sure what you mean by beefed up. They make what is called a loaded model with beavertail, match trigger, decent sights, ambi safety, etc. that I have seen go for about $800 new.

Craig

 

Just wanted to thank everyone for the comments.

I bought the Tarus couple of weeks ago... found one for 499+tax, last he had in stock, grabbed it.

Not a lot of shells throught it yet, but I am very happy with it.

I also just got back from NRA national convention in St Louis... it was great. If you ever get a chance to go to one, do it. The signs said "acres and acres of guns, gear and stuff" and they were right.

After getting to hold, dry fire, shake, take down, about anything you wanted to do (other than live fire) about every gun made, I am very happy with the Tarus for the money. Sure some of the HIGH dollar Kimbers and Wilsons, etc along with a BUNCH of custom shops have nicer guns, but 1200- and UP!

I can buy a lot of shells for that! (I can also send some more post cards, donations, etc. to try to continue to get the "peoples republic of IL" to pass Concealed Carry!)

Safe shooting everyone.

Ken

 

Sorry.....did I miss anyone mentioning Kimber! I know they're a bit more than $600 but can get them for $750-$1K.

I definitely agree with the comment on Wilson Combat / Chip McCormick mags.

I know that Kegracing got the Taurus (love their wheelguns) but I am not much of a fan of their semis.

Another thought (because I like the doublr stack mag capacities) would have been a p-14 Para Ordinance!

I do have more expensive tastes though.

 

I was just talking with a (very good) gunsmith today about 1911's. He recommended Charles Daly for a lower priced gun, and they shoot well, and can easily be upgraded as you grow with it. I went looking for one of these in town which nobody had, but did run into a Springfield Arms Mil Spec, very lightly used, with Hogue grips, for $425. I went home with it and am happy to finally be in the M1911 family. Can't wait to go shooting, and fiddling with upgrades!

I was madly in love with a Kimber Tactical with alloy frame, mix of satin stainless and dark blued, man it was gorgeous and felt good in the hand but couldn't get myself to cough up 969 bucks for it.