and he had $500 or a little more to spend, what would you recommend?

A young man I know has shot the 1911 and loves it. He's been saving his schekels for a while now and there's a big show coming up and I have promised to take him. Assuming we don't stumble into a 'named' used gun within his reach, what else should he look for? For now at least, I don't think he wants to get into something that will demand a lot of tinkering.

Thanks!

He paid for $400 for it, gently used. It was accurate and had a few useful bells and whistles, like a beavertail grip safety and upgraded sights.

1st one is the first I'd ever seen...it was $269. Worked up a very accurate CB load with a 200 gr CB 'n Herco. It will take out empty shotgun hulls at 30 yds most every shot. Second is a target model with a few bells 'n whistles from the factory. After a few 100 rds of 230 gr CB with Herco the groups are getting smaller 'n smaller. We had to do same thing with the plain jane one as well. Completely happy with the Rock Islands, but I still want a Ruger 1911 if the inventory gets to where I can find one.

I would advise him to save a little more and buy himself a Ruger in the new commander size.

I've shot a couple but really haven't run one hard. Seem like nice pistols. Really like the Ruger Commander the local shop has though...

Stainless and pretty much ready to go right out of the box. Down here they're bringing about $650 now.
Mark

.......and owned two, which I gifted to friends. We have had zero returns and zero complaints at the shop. I've personally sold seven in the last few months.

The version that impresses me the most is the Tactical that is sporting a full length dust cover. It holds perfectly! I sold that version to a couple of friends and am blown away at how nicely it handles. They both have reported excellent accuracy. One of these fellows owns multiple 1911 pistolas, to include Colt, Springfield, etc, and loves his. With "better" guns to compare it to I believe that speaks volumes.

My only personal complaint is sharp edges on some areas, and of course the overwhelming use of MIM parts. But since I figure any 1911 under, say, 800 bucks or so as a work in progress, you simply change out parts as needed. Or wanted, as the case may be. And the sharp edges simply brings to mind Uncle Jeff's advice from the before time that one should "melt" their 1911.

Otony

I'd steer him toward a Glock or S&W MP in that price range.
The quality and performance is so iffy in a 1911 at that price point.
I sincerely think he'll be better off with other options.

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Colonel, USAF (Ret)
NRA Life Member

If Hoot's buddy "loves" the 1911, he will likely not care for a Glock. Glocks seem to be mutually exclusive of anything else, due to the different manual of arms. I am impressed with the S&W M&P, but having grown up with the 1911 I really have no liking for striker-fired anything.

Don't own one myself, but I too have heard good things about the Rock Island guns.

Both he and Kase wholeheartedly recommended the basic Rock Island Arms/High Standard 1911s.

Not just once, but consistently over the course of his gunwriting career.

I believe his rationale for this was something like, 'You get what you pay for, and personal arms [are supposed to] last a lifetime.'

HTH

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One that is not consistently reliable.....Might truly last a LIFETIME.

I told him to save a few extra bucks and get a Ruger SR1911. A 1911 with all the bells and whistles one may want. Affordable, made in the USA, well made, rust resistant.
He did he is happy. The SR1911 Commanders are particularly nice.

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Of the Troops & For the Troops

You got that right.....Thank God for Sixshooters!

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All things being 'equal' (more or less), I would also recommend the full-size, five-inch gun over any 'lesser' models.

I have both (in Colt persuasion), and my Commander-length gun is a lot fancier than its bigger brother, but the Government Model remains KING OF THE HILL in my book.

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precisely made. I wouldn't turn my nose up at either one! And I have a Rock Island a LOT Of 1911 for the money, but, for a few extra bucks a man can have an American made 1911.

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Of the Troops & For the Troops

With the plethora of 1911's available in todays market, I'm thankful there wasn't so many to have to choose from back when I got mine.

Other than that, about all I can add to this thread is I'm a full believer in fullsize 1911's. You can only shorten a barrel so much before it is no longer the powerhouse it was intended to be.

Murphy

an SR1911 Commander the next day.

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Of the Troops & For the Troops

We'll see what we can find. If he's antsy and can't wait to save for the Ruger, I'll see if we can find a RIA for him.

I appreciate the help.

tell him it's a Walther.

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Of the Troops & For the Troops