i'm looking at getting either a springfield GI model or a high standard. prefer to buy american weapons although ive heard that high standard imports from the phillipines. just personal preference. am open to other suggestions tho. price limit about 500$. like to hear opinions and suggestions on any 1911's that fit this profile.

Taurus makes a pretty nice 1911.

+1 on the Taurus. For around the same price as the Springfield GI model, but with all the features you would end up adding to the Springfield. The Taurus my buddy bought needed a tighter barrel bushing ($18) but shoots great now. Lifetime warranty too.

Another vote for the Taurus. All the whistles and bells for under 600. Looks and shoots like a full bore race gun for peanuts in price.

the Taurus PT1911 is a great great value. you get an 8 round mag, not 7 like the Springfield. the Heinie sights are fantastic. ambidextrous safety and a great feel.

If you have to have a springfield, i would not get the GI, go for the mil-spec.

if money is a big issue, look at the Rock Island 1911. not great on finish, but shoots straight.

I am truly a fan of Springfield, and I'm now on my second of their 1911s, but I have not heard good stories about their entry level guns.

I own the Loaded 5" stainless, and the Lightweight commander [champion]. Both are flawless in form and function, but were pricey.

A good friend owns the Taurus 1911, and it's a great gun. i would lean that way, just for the Heini sights and great accessories alreadt installed.

Springfield frames and slides are forged in Brazil. It might be assembled in the US, but not sure. The XD line is made in Croatia.

Taurus is Brazilian made as well. Do a search on the Taurus 1911, and see for yourself the problems. Taurus customer Serivce isn't too hot either.

SA makes a good high end gun, but the lesser models tend to have some problems. SA backs up there guns very well, but it seems that all the inexpensive models have to go back to get them right. I wouldn't expect it to run well with hollowpoints out of the box either. Seems they might be made with ball ammo in mind.

You might be able to find a good S&W used, as they ar all US made. And S&W service is top notch (as long as the gun hasn't been tampered with previously).

Charles Daly, Armscor, Rock Island, are all imports. Can't speak of their service though.

I started out with Colt Series 70s, but they are now hard to find and expensive. I bought a few Springfield 1911A1s from the used gun counter and have been very pleased with them. All the best...
Gil

I am truly a fan of Springfield, and now on my second of their 1911s, .

I've owned a few dozen handguns over the years, but my Springfield 1911/.45 Compact is one that I'll go to the grave with.

It is NOT a Kimber. But I don't have a mortgage on it either.

Very good shooter, very reliable. Still tight after several thousand rounds of 185/200gr hard cast semi wadcutters, with a snappy dose of Unique or W231.

I'll back up Tman;
that Lightweight champion is surely a keeper. My round count is nearing 8500, and the gun has yet to hiccup, short of ONE dud primer!

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=8

here's a pic of mine, with some show off grips....Mike G cut em for me, I finished them. The wood is mesiquite.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/682422/9250908/283141808.jpg

Here's the full size:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/682422/9250908/301535904.jpg

and here's an old Colt from 1918 that I used to own. Shame someone hard chromed it before me..
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/682422/9250908/301535908.jpg

when it comes to full size 1911 and/or 45 acp, I have found that this Smith 4506 outshoots them all.
This old smith shoots as good as any thousand[s] dollar bullzeye gun. i swear if rocks could be primed, it would feed them, and fire them.


http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/682422/9250908/301536460.jpg

I'm very fond of my series 80 Colt Officer's model. Even though it holds six and is made of steel I've had it over 20 years and it has been reliable. I probably shot a hundred different Navy issue M1911's and most of em were rather shaky but fun to shoot. Doubt if any of them were serial # matched. I'd love to find one in a pawn shop today for a good price!

Personally, I shoot 230 FMJ ball ammo in mine.

I got my sister a Springfield Mil Spec 1911A1 double stack for 450 that included a hard case and 2 extra mags . 13 rounds in the mags . We took it out and put 500 rounds through it at the range to get her comfortable with it . No misfires or jambs and dead on accurate . For under 500 I would give it 4 stars .

I remember when Kimber first came into the 1911 market. They targeted Springfield and Colt with slogans like “ All the custom shop features for half the price”.
A brand new loaded Kimber used to run around $600-$700.
Now I see them for $900-$1400 for basically the same gun with different colors.
I own a couple of them and yes they are great guns.
But now it seems the worm has turned and Kimber is starting to fall the way Colt and Springfield did back in the 90’s by pricing themselves out of the market.
+1 on Taurus, it just should not cost over $700 for a great 1911.

P.S. I really love my Tactical XD in 45 acp

ive got a springfield loaded 1911-a1 i bought 5 years ago the gun is great and shoots much better than my kimber proably because of the magazine. also the only good 8 round clip ive ever used is the wilson combat all the others let the bullet tip downward and it hits the loading ramp at an odd angle. i polished the feed ramp on mine took about 10 minutes and no loading probs with my cheapo kimber clips never had a problem yet with the wilsons and there on sale at midway for lik 23 bucks. dont know if i got a bad shooting kimber 2.75 inch group 25 yards or a good shooting springfield 2 inch 25 yards but since i paid 400 more for the kimber and it doesnt have the loading thing at the bottom(forgot technical name) and came with crappy clips and shoots slightly worse il vote springfield

Im not a big fan of springfields. Ive had more reliability problems with the 6 of them ive owned then all the other 1911s ive had combined. they can be made to run well but seem to always need some tinkering. I prefer colt and kimber and there both made in america and springfield gun are mostly made from parts that are farmed out to foriegn countrys.

Thanks guys. I am in the market and really needed the info. Can't help but notice that no one has tried the High Standard offering yet. I have handled one and they are pretty handy. Price is better than the Taurus.

If my Chas Daly ever wears out, I'll buy another to replace it.

I currently own a Kimber Tactical Custom II and used to have a S&W 4506 like the one in the picture. I personally have friends who have Springfields, Wilson Combats, Les Baers, Colts, and have fired them all. I would say wait and find a really good used gun. If you look hard and stay patient one will come along. I gave about $900 for my Kimber which retails for $1150 and it was just very slightly used. You would probably be much happier with a used Springfield Operator, Kimber TLE, Sig GSR, etc. they you would be with a stripped down Springfield GI model or the Hi Standard. If you are not dead set on a 1911 look for a really good used Sig P220. They are fine weapons....very accurate and reliable. I can't really say anything about the Taurus 1911. The only Taurus I have every owned is a model 85 38 special. It is a good little gun and their 1911 seems to be also but I have not had the chance to fire one. Just my 2 cents. Good luck in your purchase.

I have owned two springfields one milspec and one compact (no longer made) both were fine guns and I hate I sold them.

I was just in the situation you are, looking to buy a 1911 and trying to keep the $$ down. I was about to order a taurus, I had read the good reports and felt good even though I had read the bad reports about customer service and some quality control issues. I went into my local store to put my hands on one. The one the clerk pulled from the back had the ambi safety broke! This got my mind thinking that the last thing I wanted to deal with was the possibility of my new gun having issues and a customer service department with a bad rep.

I chose to save a little more money and last week I bought a bottom of the line Kimber. I spent $650 for it only 100 more than the taurus. I should get it in the mail Wednesday or Thursday. I'll add the ambi safety and night sights down the road.

Just thought I'd let you know what I ended up doing.

i have to admit what i want it for is carrying with me in the woods. i want to shoot it the range also but where i hunt there is a bear problem and if i happen to run into one that decides to get brave, i want to know that its gonna stop it. there are also some moose in the area and have already had issues with one while bowhunting. again same situation, i want to know if the critter decides to be brave (as moose have poor eye site and will charge anything they consider a threat) i will gladly take the fine as long as i am still alive. i know this can be a cumbersome model to carry but i also know this is a round that does the job efficiently. not looking to spend whole lot of money (preferably under 500$) but want to know if i have to count on it in cold or hot weather, its gonna shoot where i aim it. thanks for the info that has been provided. have also been looking at the kahr-thomson (I believe atuo ordnance). these seem to be reasonably priced and was wondering if there were any opinions on this make. thanks for any info

While the 45acp is a proven fight stopper, there are other calibers that would serve the purpose of Bear protector better.
I do not know where you live, but if you plan on using the 45acp for defence for Grizz, think again...
If it was my only handgun, and only choice, then so be it, but you'll not get the penetration or energy you need for defense from a bruin, like you'd get from say a 44, 45 or 41....just to name common magnums.

If you do a search, which I have supplied
http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=42069&highlight=bear+defense
you will find answers to the 1911 vs. bruin question.

But anyway, good luck with your choices.

Mattpair I bought the Kimber CustomII on New Years day and I love it. I want a nice set of wood grips for mine and the sights are OK for me. The fit finish and accuracy of the base Kimber is as good as their more expensive models.

1911's with hollow points are great man stoppers as that is what they were made for. Never and I mean never take a knife to a gun fight with a bear or moose . I carry a taurus raging bull 44 mag in the woods and you can pick one up for around 5 to 600 , Loaded with 300 grain hard cast rounds or heavier you will stop and kill anything that comes after you . Always get the proper tool for the job. Good luck

I have shot and owned Kimber, S&W 1911 and Colts. I love my Springfield mil-spec, I added some Wilson Combat parts and the gun is a tack driver.

i understand that man stopping power does not equate to stopping a 1000 pound animal. i love wheel guns and love the 44 mag. not gonna be dealing with grizzlies anytime soon as i mostly hunt in the upper peninsula of michigan. i figured the .45 would be fine for a black bear. these are some tough critters, i kno. i guess i was kind of curious if this would stop a moose. kind of expected that it was a light round for it. i would love to get a s&w 629 in .44 mag but dont have a deep enough pocket book for that. ive heard good things about the raging bull but have never cared for taurus that much. if anyone has more suggestions on what is available for around 500$ with a 5 or 6 inch barrel (up to the 8 3/8 that the s&w is available with) would love to hear them. ill keep the raging bull in mind tho. thanks for the advice

i checked prices on the raging bulls and all seem to be around 700 or more, definately out of my price range. i realize that i will be extremely hard pressed to find any revolver with a 5 or 6 inch barrel (or longer) for the price range i am looking at but there is always used. don't really know what used prices typically go for on a decent used revolver fitting the description of what i looking for. i know i have plenty of time to look though as it will probably be several months before i buy whatever i do. i keep thinking about a revolver and it cant be argued that they are definately more dependable. still considering a 1911 though. thanks for all the great advice and keep any suggestions or thoughts coming.

I have a Rock Island Armory plain jane, basic mil-spec 1911. All I've done to it is get a heavier recoil spring, lightly buffed the throat and put Hogue wrap-around grips. Oh, I recently trimmed the hammer because the hammer bite was really getting annoying (and bloody too!). After 2,000 + rounds, I have had zero FTF, FTE, FTL issues. It's accurate and affordable. No experience with customer service.

Having said that, I just picked up my Taurus 1911 w/ nite sites this afternoon. No range report yet (perhaps this weekend). I bought it from an online dealer in Georgia for less than $500 (2 8-round mags included).

Maybe a Taurus Tracker in 44mg would fit your needs.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=226&category=Revolver

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=91884424

You could get one for under $400 and the 44mg is a great cartridge for a woods gun. Load it up with some heavy hardcast and don't look back.

Woodman5429 What part of the UP do you hunt ? My cousin has 15 acres on Ross lake, which is about 8 miles east of Melstrand. Melstrand is about 10 miles northeast on Munsing. I have seen a lot of Black bear up there.

I am on the exact same path as you. I was looking into the SW 629 and wanted a smaller autoloader with some muscle. I'm pretty set on a 1911 now although I'm still juggling which manufacturer to purchase from.

They've all said it. I'm saying it too. Don't undergun yourself. I saved a little longer and got the 629 first. I hunt and hike more than I get into anything that beckons a concealed pistol. They've all said this before too...so will I. There really isn't "one gun". Once you're a "gun guy" accept your fate. It will cost you money to pursue your education and craft. The field devides from the heaviest first and then down to being undergunned.

What I mean is a 44mag will take on a lot of responsibility, (Especially if it chambers 44spc.), but eventually you have to downgrade with considerations of what's behind your target or how/where you're carrying your gun. That's where our 1911 quest begins for us with tons of carry/caliber options. I'm not shopping for anything less than a 3.5" bbl because I like a greater effective range in a carry pistol. (I also have a fetish for a Derringer but I don't expect it to do what my 629 is intended for...Which is to give me effective firepower in the woods when trees and rifle scopes compete for my close range security). There are probably guys that pick off chipmunks with their 30-06 but not many that hunt beasts with a 22.

Inherantly a gun with better down range performance has a bit of an edge at closer ranges for the average or worse shooter. I'm a good shooter but not a handgun Ace yet. I'll take an advantage any day. And, I can hear the price tag anxiety in your posts. You might be uncomfortable owning multiple guns too. You can't cover all the bases any other way so prioritise, be patient, accept what they're each designed for.

The 1911 is like a supernatural being once you've held one or shot one. It's like a Siren. There's a metaphisical conflict between your brain and your wallet. They'll call to you. WE KNOW! :rolleyes: If you need the power in the woods at least find a 10mm 1911. Otherwise back-track and get your heavy weight first. If not just accept that you're taking some risks packing the 45 out of its league.

PS I found my 629 unfired but traded in. Good prices can be had w/o compromising your needs. Develope a relationship with a gun shop and be patient. That's the best I can give you. Maybe 2 gun shops, (or 3). Be a regular. Inquisitve but not hastey. Show up, chat and be able to leave. Be deliberate in a purchase. Be ready and be level headed. Those should be our virtues as gun owners and shooters anyway.

What ever you do...
DON'T PASS UP A SMOKIN DEAL! They happen. (The trick is to know a deal when you see one. Relativity is a b!tch). That may decide which gun comes home first. Get guns that serve you and excede your expectations when your life could depend on them.

i want to thank everyone that has posted on this. i appreciate the knowledge shared with several calibers and pistols that i do not have experience with. its always nice to be a somewhat informed shopper. im still really considering a .45 and just have trouble believing that it isnt enough gun. i can believe this for moose, but black bear is a little tougher. i also have to say this. i hunt in thick, i repeat thick cover. by the time i squeeze off a shot ill be happy if they are 30 yards or more away. i guess that is why i want the autoloader. not to say that a revolver wouldnt do the job. all im saying is that given the circumstances and a pissed off animal, i dont think one shot from anything is going to stop it. ive already dealt with a moose and hope i dont have to again, especially only carrying a bow. it's scary. all im saying is am i better off having something that i maybe able to take several shots with (the .45) or a heavier caliber revolver that i may only get one or 2 if im lucky?

.45's are awesome pistols! Black bear ~~~~ a big maybe. Several well placed shots might do it, but at a fairly close range. It's better than a bow. You'd be better off with something heavier. Having said that, my wife & I hike in the Colorado mountains and we see black bear. I carry a .45 and she carries a .357 mag.

STI or Ed Brown, Wilson. About as good as it gets.

A revolver isn't slow and I doubt you're suffering from weak hands at this point in your life. That means you can train with a revolver to be fast and accurate. If you like the whole hair trigger thing, (it has its allure and its place), don't let that alone sell you on the auto. There are some world record revolver shooters that would blow your mind with their times and accuracy. it's the mind part that comes into question here. You'd have to train and practice so that your muscle memory didn't care about the 8-10# trigger which really it doesn't anyway. 10-12# is rough. Less than that is gravy.

Smiths, (well, my 629 which is a new production gun...can't speak for oldies), can be adjusted at home by the way. DANGER!! CHECK IT IN S/A AFTER YOU DO ANYTHING THOUGH. What ever you take off of the D/A trigger comes off of the S/A as well. There's a tention screw against the spring in the handle. It is there to help SOME and it does but CHECK IT IN S/A...UNLOADED I should say. Too much will render malfunctions and/or an unsafe firearm. Obvious but, hey, I've heard of people shooting themselves cleaning loaded guns so you never know who you're talking to. Stay with it. Don't sell yourself short.

Revolvers are fast and dependable...

Think not?

Watch this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uisHfKj2JiI) and this one too! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srM2qghDFuI&feature=related)

i love the 1911 but i'd have to say that for the situation at hand a good revolver would be a much better choice. a good heavy hard cast bullet at moderate velocity would be just the ticket. they don't need to go fast to work. i wouldn't rule out a good sinlge action ruger either... a 45 colt pushing a 300 grain wfn bullet at around 1000-1100 fps is an absolute hammer!! if you are typically in the kind of cover that you described earlier i personally don't see what there is to gain with a higher magazine capacity, i can see where the faster reloads would be nice. but i'd rather hammer 'em hard when you actually have the shot.
it's a hard call to make and there are more options and opinions than necessary, but isn't that usaully the case? you just need to decide what suits you and go that route.

If you can control the trigger, you'll shoot a revolver more accurate rapid fire than an auto. The amount of time it takes between shots on a DA wheel gun actually gives you a split second longer to make a sight picture.