1911 Questions

[BE4TNUT]

Hello All,

After shooting a 1911 I quickly decided that I want one. I shot a millitary issue (WWII era) 1911A1, felt great. So I was looking around and I know these are hard to find in MA. But I did find two and looking to you all to help me choose..

I will say now that I am tempted to buy both since they are hard to find haha.

First off I found a Springfield Armory 1911A1, I believe this is the GI model in stainless (has wooden grips that say U.S. on them). It looks to be in good shape and just a little scuffing in the front sides, but seems minor and easy to fix if I wanted to. The price is $750.

Second is a Colt 1011A1 Series 80, its parkerized finish, thats all I know but also looks to be in good shape. This is $700.

What do you guys think? Do the prices sound right?

Also if anyone knows, do you think these will feel as nice and balanced when firing as the military issue one that I fired?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Rob Boudrie]

Also if anyone knows, do you think these will feel as nice and balanced when firing as the military issue one that I fired?

Better.

 

[Kurtz]

Buy both! They're both good choices and the prices are close so whatever is in better shape and whatever feels better. Check out the bore to see which one is less worn. The balance varies depending on what upgrades they've had, if any. I own a S&W 1911 and love it.

 

[BE4TNUT]

Heya Rob,

It just hit me, I think that you know my dad haha... PM sent to see =P

 

[Sir_Macadoo]

I guess you're not in MA, so prices wont be too bad for Colts of SA. Those listed sound about right.

Cant got wrong with a commercial 1911 in the 700-1000 range in a free state.

 

[TheRoland]

Better.

Mil-spec 1911s are cool for historical value, but, frankly, modern 1911s are modern, and as with many engineered items, this usually means better.

I don't think those prices are out of line, but for that money, you could pick up a S&W new, with all the modern fixings, if that's what you're looking for.

 

[sportycliff]

They're both a little tough to find in MA.
I'd buy the Colt AND the Springfield... Cause once you start with 1911's you can't stop!

 

[BE4TNUT]

I guess you're not in MA, so prices wont be too bad for Colts of SA. Those listed sound about right.

Cant got wrong with a commercial 1911 in the 700-1000 range in a free state.

Actually I am in MA. Thats why I figured I need to put a lot of effort into looking for a good 1911.

 

[TheRoland]

Actually I am in MA. Thats why I figured I need to put a lot of effort into looking for a good 1911.

Smith & Wesson puts out a fantastic 1911 if you're not opposed to modern features and firing pin block. Just because something is MA-compliant doesn't mean it's inferior to a harder to find product. I don't think arbitrarily enforced rarity should add to the appeal of a non-collectible gun.

Both Springfield and Colt put out fine weapons, too, of course. But I've never understood paying a premium for a product of approximately the same quality.

 

[45collector]

That depends on how beat-up the military issue one was.

 

[Keystone]

Go for the Colt before the Springfield...$700 is a high for that particular model, even here. I've seen the slightly more featured models (Mil-Spec) go for around that price, and much cheaper than that outside of Mass.

That's a nice price for the colt, I think. It is a series 80, which means it'll have a firing pin block.

I have a Springfield Mil-Spec, nice basic gun.

 

[BE4TNUT]

Yeah its not he rarity factor pushing me towards them, its that I know both guns I would be very happy with and like. I can also go out and get a S&W one new at any point being that its MA compliant, which there is a pretty good chance that I will at some point haha. I have two springfields (XD's) and very happy with them also, and I know Colt also makes a great product.

 

[meth0d]

Go for the Colt.

Actually, go for the SA and PM me the info on where to buy the Colt.

 

[TomH]

Hello All,

After shooting a 1911 I quickly decided that I want one. I shot a millitary issue (WWII era) 1911A1, felt great. So I was looking around and I know these are hard to find in MA. But I did find two and looking to you all to help me choose..

I will say now that I am tempted to buy both since they are hard to find haha.

First off I found a Springfield Armory 1911A1, I believe this is the GI model in stainless (has wooden grips that say U.S. on them). It looks to be in good shape and just a little scuffing in the front sides, but seems minor and easy to fix if I wanted to. The price is $750.

Second is a Colt 1011A1 Series 80, its parkerized finish, thats all I know but also looks to be in good shape. This is $700.

What do you guys think? Do the prices sound right?

Also if anyone knows, do you think these will feel as nice and balanced when firing as the military issue one that I fired?

Thanks in advance!

I'd buy the Colt, that's a good price if it's in good shape. I own a Springfield Armory, one of the loaded models, bought it new. Nice gun but the extra safety additions they add now annoy me. If I buy another the only safetys on it will be the safety lever, the thumb safety, and my head.

 

[MA_Shooter]

Smith & Wesson puts out a fantastic 1911 if you're not opposed to modern features and firing pin block.

+1 for the S&W 1911. Also, Sig is now making a 1911 and I recall FS had sent out an email about having/ordered them. Of course, Colt's are nice too.