Engagement 1911

[TehLlama]

A the owner of a few 1911's in that price range, I'd still be looking at just getting a Colt Rail Gun or similar, and perhaps getting it upgraded/customized (at minimum, some gorgeous grips that are perhaps engraved).

That also leaves enough cash to be looking at a 6720 for another couple hundred dollars.

[doriwoogie]

I'd still be looking at just getting a Colt Rail Gun or similar, and perhaps getting it upgraded/customized.

I was just getting ready to post the same. I currently only have one 1911, it's a Springfield custom shop one and I love it, but if my wife were to say to me "hey, why don't you go get a 1911 to commemorate our anniversary", after I recover from the shock of that statement, I would go and get a Colt rail gun and send it off the Mars or Harrison.

[Wake27]

A the owner of a few 1911's in that price range, I'd still be looking at just getting a Colt Rail Gun or similar, and perhaps getting it upgraded/customized (at minimum, some gorgeous grips that are perhaps engraved).

That also leaves enough cash to be looking at a 6720 for another couple hundred dollars.

I was just getting ready to post the same. I currently only have one 1911, it's a Springfield custom shop one and I love it, but if my wife were to say to me "hey, why don't you go get a 1911 to commemorate our anniversary", after I recover from the shock of that statement, I would go and get a Colt rail gun and send it off the Mars or Harrison.

While I plan on getting mine worked on eventually, it has yet to shown me a need for any work. That being said, I'd hold off on the 'smith, and buy some grips, lots of ammo and magazines, and maybe some night sights, and a holster or 2 instead.

[MPJMP]

I don't think you are sacrificing reliability at all by shopping under $2,000. Quality? Yes, but then again a Timex will often do the job just as well as a Rolex despite the cheaper materials and manufacture.

For $2,000 and under I would consider:
- Les Baer (UTC, Thunder Ranch Special, Custom Carry)
- Dan Wesson Valor
- Colt
- Springfield (TRP, Range Officer, Loaded)

Personally, I would not go more "budget" than a Springfield.

One I left out is the Springfield Custom Shop. They build very nice 1911s to order. The base model is the Custom Carry and starts at about $1700 retail, but you have to put down a 50% deposit and wait about a year.

I often recommend the Springfield Loaded Parkerized model to people who are looking at buying their first 1911. They are not too expensive (~$800) and are usually good to go out of the box. Mine was 100% reliable and was as accurate as I was capable of being.

[doriwoogie]

While I plan on getting mine worked on eventually, it has yet to shown me a need for any work. That being said, I'd hold off on the 'smith, and buy some grips, lots of ammo and magazines, and maybe some night sights, and a holster or 2 instead.

Sorry, was not implying any issues with reliability but merely just for a few custom touches. The ammo, magazines, night sights and holster I just viewed as a given.

[Wake27]

Sorry, was not implying any issues with reliability but merely just for a few custom touches. The ammo, magazines, night sights and holster I just viewed as a given.

No I didn't think you were, all good. Just saying mine hasn't seen the need so if those aren't on the list already then go for that now.

[seribralcrow]

I'm not sure if this makes a difference, but I am planning on experimenting with custom modifications on this 1911. The first thing I want to try is front strap checkering. Because of this I am leaning towards something like a RIA tactical because if I mess it up, it wont matter. Once I become more proficient I can look into a high quality gun. The beauty of this approach is that I can swing the AR and a budget 1911 for the gift