First large auto

[NE_Hunter]

Hi guys, I’ve been thinking of buying a Semi-auto for a wile now, just not sure what I want to start with. I have several revolvers and a .22 cal. Semi-auto, but want to move up. I have been more into rifles over the years and have never owned a larger caliber Semi-auto handgun. I’ve been thinking of getting a .1911 style .45 and love the looks of the Kimber’s but would rather not spend that kind of money starting out but don’t want to buy a piece of junk either. You guys have any good suggestions on something cheaper to start out with. Just want to use it for around the house and plinking. I’m not going to use it for any service purpose or in any competitive shooting, but would like to be able to hit what I’m aiming at, not just sling lead down range.

[gossman]

I think that the Springfield WW2 Mill-spec is a great 1911. The price is around $400 and it is reliable. I have also heard good things about the Rock Island and it is about $350 for its simple 1911. My Springer WW2 will consistantly group in a paper plate at 25 yards with cheap UMC Ball ammo. :2guns:

[Ghost]

I agree with gossman. Solid basic gun that can easily be tricked out anyway you prefer. :beer: :usa:

[gk longrange]

Originally posted by gossman@Feb 7 2005, 12:04 PM
I think that the Springfield WW2 Mill-spec is a great 1911. The price is around $400 and it is reliable. I have also heard good things about the Rock Island and it is about $350 for its simple 1911. My Springer WW2 will consistantly group in a paper plate at 25 yards with cheap UMC Ball ammo. :2guns:
thats exactly what I was going to suggest, its a really good gun for the price..simple and reliable

[NE_Hunter]

Thanks guys. I'll check them out. :D

[dakota kid]

If you want a decent .45 and want to save a few bucks, get a new Ruger P345. i got one last month for $450 including tax. plus it has a weaver rail. and it shoots great

[M1911]

NE_Hunter,
suggest you make a short list of candidates (say, 4) that meet your needs, covering a spectrum of cost and quality. Then compare multiple examples of each, side-by-side if you can. Then judge, on balance, what's for you.

A few factors you might want to consider (no particular order):
standard features,
warrenty period,
factory rework turn-around time,
overall reputation,
perceived quality,
consistency from sample to sample,
aesthetics (yes, really)

Choose wisely and you won't be sorry. Good Luck!
;)

[darjeeling]

Id suggest the standard mil-spec springer over the WW2 springer. The standard mil-spec has a beveled mag well and a lowered and flared ejection port, whereas the WW2 one does not. These mods greatly increase the reliabilaty, and allow you to cycle JHP's. It's a bit more than the WW2 replica, but its got the only really vital modificatons that a .45 needs already done for you.

[NE_Hunter]

All good advice guys. Thanks a bunch! :D

M1911, same thing I do when I buy a new rifle. The only thing that would make it better is if they would let you shoot them all first. I figured the next best thing is to talk to the guys that have shot a few. And then see what fits and feels good in my hand.

darjeeling, I was thinking the same thing. Makes good since to me. I think with out checking out a few others, I’m leaning towards the Mil-Spec. Seams to me it’s the best for the price. Cabela’s have them for $529.99, is that a decent price? I’ll shop around fist of course. They have the WW II for $449.99, but like you said I can’t up grade the WW II for $80.

Thanks again guys. You know if I would have had my head screwed on, I would have read through the Colt Government Talk before I posted this. :blink: You guys answered a lot of my questions in there.

[darjeeling]

Thats not too bad a price. I've seen better, but not in California. I got mine for around 480, because I had a 10% discount with my local gun-store. If you feel you need it now, that price is very fair.

[M1911]

NE_Hunter, the Mil-Spec sounds like a good choice given your current situation. But don't be surprised if you get hooked on the 1911 and later want a target model.

If you get to that point sometime down the road, go back and look at the Kimber line. I've got a Kimber Custom II Target in stainless and love it. It shoots as well as it looks. It wasn't cheap, but I've never regretted buying it.

[Falcon501]

I would suggest the Ruger P97. If you decide on that you should get one quick because they are discontinued for 2005. I have heard a lot of good things about it..Good luck on whatever you decide on! :usa:

[sig357gunner]

Geta Sig-Pro!!! It is a great gun for the money. I bought mine for 475 with nite sights. In .357 Sig caliber. A little expensive to shoot, but other than that I have noproblems with it. I have now put 1200 rounds thru it and not even a hic-cup. :2guns:

[loco]

I would like to add another in favor of the SA 1911-A1 Mil-Spec. My local shop has them for $430, WW-II for about $380, and you can get a Rock Island 1911-A1 for about $280 at CDNN. I have never had a Rock Island in my hand, but have read numerous postive reports of it's quality and value.

[Metalhead]

I think a single stack 1911 is a good choice but note some design differences like bushingless,series 80,series 70,flat and arched mainspring housing,Gov.model-5", Commander-4 1/4", alloy frame or steel, forged or cast frame, dovetail sights or staked,ramped barrel or not, Springfield uses a .38 super firing pin, internal or external extractor,long trigger or short- Many choices at the tip of this iceburg. Go to 1911 forum.com and have fun:)