Want to buy a 1911, I think?

[jaymark6655]

I have been thinking about getting a 1911.  It needs to be cheap, but not a Taurus (worried about some of their issues).  So far I have kind of narrowed it down to the three pictured, two Springfields and a Metro Arms.  The Springfields are the Loaded or the Mil-spec.  The Metro Arms is the American Classic II.  I am open to your thoughts about which one I should buy or why I need a 1911.

I already have a Glock 23 and a 26 for my carry guns.

My thoughts:
The American Classic is made in PI, but it only cost $489.53.  I am not sure I like the front slide serrations.  I think the the grips are plastic, but can replace those easy enough.  It seems to have a lot of features at a the lowest price and is blued (the picture is crappy sorry).

The Mil-spec is the second cheapest at $596.06, but is American made.  It has to extra features except the lowered ejection port which they all have.  It doesn't have the front serrations  , but the rear ones look weird  .  All the extras I can buy and install over time as I want them.  It doesn't have the left side safety, which I didn't want on the gun.

The Loaded is expensive, $765.40.  It pretty much has everything I want, but I am not sure about those front serrations.  I could get the mil-spec, install an aftermarket trigger, hammer, beavertail safety and Novak sights for about $50 less.  It has that retard left side safety (ambi).

Wait why do I need a 1911, I have two glocks.  I could take that money and buy my first black powder rifle or save it towards a .338 lapua or another upper for my AR or set up a trust, get my tax stamp and put silencer on that AR.

[hillbilli]

check out the new ruger 1911.. real reasonable price, well made..

[magnanimous_j]

I would get the mil-spec Springfield. That way you know you have a rock solid base to build on. You can upgrade it at your own pace, and hand pick every little component that goes into it.

[jaymark6655]

That Ruger look nice, but its getting up there in price and I am a little anti-SS.  I noticed that it also doesn't have the front serrations like the mil-spec.  What are those things suppose to do anyway?  My glock doesn't need them.

[FC]

I would get the "loaded" of those, I've been thinking about picking one up myself, they are very well made with excellent fit and finish. Those front serrations are on the front of the slide for you to grab to rack the thing, on a mud or blood slicked gun you might just want all the purchase you can get!

[JohnVH]

Rock Island

[fillthefreezer]

have u checked out the remington R1? i dont have one but have handled them and they seemed as good as the springfield GI

[JackOfAllTrades]

Buy a mil-spec and play with it.

Aftermarket parts don't always fit the cheaper clones.  If you want a real 1911, then go with the Springer or a Colt. 

-Steve

[ing]

I vote mil-spec

[Swiftkid]

I just bought this last week its a limited run wiley clapp colt. Retails for 1395 but i picked it up used for $1000. Real nice gun only made 1300 last year.

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[superdown]

Save a little longer, buy a Kimber and be done with it. If you need to be talked into it, then spend the money on the muzzy if you don't have one.

[jaymark6655]

So what makes the kimber better than the Springfield or Remington?

Pretty sure the Metro Arms is out, unless I see one for $300 range.

[uplandhunter870]

If it were me I would go with either of the beaver tail grip safeties. I find the narrow grip safety highly uncomfortable. As said above the front serrations are great for racking a round in or cycling the slide after you oil it

Also for 750 odd dollars I'd save a bit longer and pick up something like a kimber custom 2. I got a kimber c2 and love it

[superdown]

I don't know if it's necessarily "Better" but my Eclipse custom II is Very accurate at 50 yards i can keep all my shots on a paper plate.

[thinkingman]

If it were me I would go with either of the beaver tail grip safeties. I find the narrow grip safety highly uncomfortable. As said above the front serrations are great for racking a round in or cycling the slide after you oil it

Also for 750 odd dollars I'd save a bit longer and pick up something like a kimber custom 2. I got a kimber c2 and love it

This.
Those Springers you're looking at are Imbel forgings with some assembly in the US.
I talked a friend into buying a Springfield Loaded and it is the roughest 1911 I've ever seen, even after a trip back to Illinois.
How about an STI Spartan?