Looking to pick up a 1911 for under 1K. Full size or Commander size? Ruger, Springfield, kimber, colt? The only guide line I have is that I don't want a GI style. I'd like an extended safety and a beaver tail.

Look for a used Les Baer Thunder Ranch or Concealed Carry. Should run $1300 - $1400, and well worth the few hundred extra.

Other than that, STI or Springfield.

Add checkered frame to the options.

Buy Wilson ETM or Tripp mags from the start.

If it is your first 1911, go for a full size.

Commanders are great, but require a bit more experience.

Also, use full power, not +P', 200 or 230 grain loads for starting off to evaluate it.

The correct weight recoil spring is critical to reliable operation. Most manufacturers set them up for the full power 230, but full power 200's usually work fine as well.

+P loads will require a heavier recoil spring to operate correctly and also to prevent battering the frame.

185's will require a lighter recoil spring, which may require trying and testing to settle in on the correct one for it to run reliable.

Keep them clean and lubed, and they should run well.

Change the recoil and mag springs every 2,000 rounds if it is for a carry gun.

Springfield TRP, Loaded, Range Officer, in that order.

Other good options exist, of course.

X2 for wilson mags.


My next pistol purchase will be a 9mm STI double stack, fwiw.

My 1911 is a TRP. My wife carries a 9mm Kimber Ultra CDP II

im eyeing that Loaded, looks like a value winner.

It's a fantastic pistol. No magwell, but thats okay. Good choice. If you are patient, you will find one for a ridiculous good price to boot.

What other features are you after? One thing I'm digging on my Sig is the checkered front and rear mainspring housing. Sights? What type do you like? Serrations on the slide, front and back are something to look at. Or do you want none up front? Do you want the rail for accessories?

Not sure on what else I have to have. Let me say this though. I've owned 3 1911s:

Springfield GI:
Pros:
Like the full size
Good fit and finish
Cons:
No extra features

Kimber Crimson ultra carry
Pros:
good fit and finish
Liked the two tone finish
Lots of extras
Cons:
To small

American Classic Amigo:
Pros:
Cost
Extras (beaver tail, extended safety)
Cons:
Loose fit
Rattle
Cheap finish

That being said I liked the full size of the GI but I'm not sure if I should get a commander or a full size. I like the Ruger for features for the money but I don't want another American Classic like cheapo.

At 1K, I'm certain you'll find a good one.

S&W E series is a good buy in that price range as well.

Look at Para Ordnance. I like my P-14, .45. They make a wide variety based on the 1911.

I second this. Had a Sig, problem was tolerances were so tight the gun wouldn't run dirty. Para has a wide variety of options.

TRP

I'm old school. Still like my Colt's......they have a great rebate going on a present time too! True that they don't have all the bells and whistles, but when it comes down to reliability, I've never had a problem with mine. I also like S & W. I've got a 1911sc that is a great carry gun.

CDNN Sports is running some good deals on Para's right now, and has the Remington R1 Enhanced for $599 after rebate.

I know that the iconic 1911 is a straight GI style. Unfortunately, the GI style doesn't appeal to me at this time.

It really depends on what you intend on using it for. If it is just a part of you pistol collection, and you want to add some tacti-cool stuff to it, go with a Remington, TRP, or I too have heard the S&W E series is a good deal. take the money left over from your 1k budget and add the features you want.

If you intend on having this as your carry pistol, I say save up another 400-1k and get something a bit nicer. Kimber, Springfield, or colt.

Let us know what you decide

Love my Springfield Loaded and Para Expert (NOT G.I. Expert, the new one). They've both been issue and failure free so far to the tune of 4100 and 1800 rounds respectively.

You can find either one on the used market from time to time and at very reasonable pricing.