Rank factory 1911s in order of quality. Less than 1000. I've never owned one, but feel like I should pick one up.

I’d like to follow this

Subjective...

> $2,000

Wilson
Les Baer
Nighthawk

+/- $1,000

Dan Wesson
Springfield Armory
Colt
Sig Sauer
Kimber

< $1,000

Ruger
Rock Island

I'm sure there are more.

Less thank a $1000 I say TXGUNNER has it right. Ruger. Then Rock Island.

Ruger
Rock
Springfield
Colt

Anything else

Kimber

Springfield
Colt
Kimber
Ruger
Rock Island/citidale
Everything else, unless i am for getting one

IMO...If you can swing it the best "value" gun out there is a Dan Wesson (CZ). It's as accurate as my Wilson and Nighthawk all day long for A LOT less money.

The RIA is a good buy for the money.

I own many and this is my experience.....

Kimber

All the ones mentioned are good for that price range but re sale of the Kimber may be better. Kimber seems to be what a lot of first time 1911 buyers look at.

All of the above

I agree with TXGunner308. Springfield/Colt, Sig, Kimber, Ruger, RIA

I have owned a low-end Springfield and a mid-level Colt and the Colt blew the SA out of the water. But I think the mid/higher-end Springfields are probably as nice or a little nicer than my Colt. You really can't go wrong with either, but at the same price point, the SA is probably nicer.

I also agree that I'd love to have a Dan Wesson and when you can get them used just over $1k, that seems like a solid pistol for the money.

TXGunner308 - is there a particular model Dan Wesson that's a best "value", or are they mostly made the same quality-wise but just different finishes/features.

I almost agree with this, but I would put Kimber last.

My TRP is an awesomely accurate.45.

Would not buy one.

I’d say Ruger is the best bang for the buck under 1k unless you can find a Dan Wesson used. Also the Remington R1 threaded I had seemed pretty good quality. They can be hand for around $650ish for the enhanced model.

the only single stack I've owned is my TRP. Never had any reason to look at anything else. Can't get it new for under 1K, but occasionally one pops up used for less.

I know there are other great guns out there.

Specialist Commander...Bought last year, did not pay MSRP. IMO they are made under the same quality. They are segregated by features and finish.

Great value right here...

DW Specialist Commander

The best shooting 1911 I've ever owned was a Springfield Loaded Model 1911. All forged and built to last. From a good rest I could empty a mag into a 2 inch group at 50 yards. This pistol will be leaving the flock next month. I got it from a friend who retired from the SO, I'm giving it to his oldest son.

Over the years, I've owned three or four 1911's, Colts and AMT, and, to be honest, never liked or shot particularly well with them. A little while back, I bought a DW Valkyrie for CHL, and then picked up an Ed Brown for whatever reason. I very much agree that DW is a terrific value if you can swing it. That said, it's very easy to enjoy nice things, and I love to shoot the Ed Brown.

Springfield Ronin

I tend to agree.


In all honesty, at the $1000 and less mark, any of the American made guns are good. Find one that has the features you want and buy it. The RIAs are a good value, but they leave a lot to be desired in the fit/finish department.

I forgot about Ed Brown 1911s. Great guns!

There are several models of Colt available for at or near $1,000 colt has all forged parts and therefore would be the number one for me.

There is one or 2 models Dan Wesson makes (the A2) that is right at a grand would be number 2 for me.

Springfield armory range officer line and the Ruger are about as budget friendly as any. I have both of these guns and favor the Ruger.

I actually have all of these pistols including a few STI’s which if your open to a used single stack if you can find one is also an incredible value and is fit and has the feel that the slide is literally sitting on ball bearings. Also a bonus it is made in Texas!

Colts retain value exceptionally well which is another good reason I rank it number one.

Got no business contributing to a specific list. All I can add is a 10 year old Springfield Operator that has been trouble free and shoots very well.