1911 suggestions in $500-$700 range??

[zimmerdesignz]

Are most parts interchangeable? Like magazines and such?

Yes but don't expect to be able to simply drop in upgrade parts as they often need fitting (thum safety, grip safety, trigger, etc) magazines should be interchangeable though some pistols prefer certain magazines but I've had perfect luck with Wilson combat mags.
Buy quality magazines and you'll be fine

Thanks

[Abraham]

zimmerdesignz ,

I'm very happy to hear your new 1911 is running well.

[zimmerdesignz]

I've been up and down this thread and I'm still not seeing a pic!

[TexasFlash]

very nice; love my 1911's...(and my Glocks, and my revolvers, and, etc..lol)
Dave

[zimmerdesignz]

Any recommendations for a longer thumb saftey. I have fat boy thumbs and would feel comfortable with a little more meat on the safety.

[FastCarry]

Wilson combat are readily available, but as others mentioned, parts wont be drop in. A lot of parts are made over-sized and are meant to be fitted. I would highly recommend having a gunsmith replace your safety since you are new to 1911. File off a hair too much metal and your safety may not work reliably or at all.

[rentz]

Wilson combat are readily available, but as others mentioned, parts wont be drop in. A lot of parts are made over-sized and are meant to be fitted. I would highly recommend having a gunsmith replace your safety since you are new to 1911. File off a hair too much metal and your safety may not work reliably or at all.

Yup find a good 1911 smith in your area and have them do it.
Harrison , Ed brown and Wilson combat are several of the bigger brands to look at.

If you're going to start replacing things I'd suggest a beaver tail grip safety as well while its at a smith but put a bunch of rounds though it first before upgrading parts

[warnmar10]

Company Creates World’s First Functional Meteorite Handguns

[drjoker]

Ruger SR1911.

Rock Island is "assembled" in the USA from Philippine parts. Ruger is made in America 100% and Ruger stands behind everything that they sell. The Rock Island has parts made by Armscor. I have an Armscor rifle. It is the worst rifle I have ever owned. Used guns have zero warranty.

I am saving for a 1911, too. Ruger SR1911.

[G.A. Heath]

Ruger SR1911.

Rock Island is "assembled" in the USA from Philippine parts. Ruger is made in America 100% and Ruger stands behind everything that they sell. The Rock Island has parts made by Armscor. I have an Armscor rifle. It is the worst rifle I have ever owned. Used guns have zero warranty.

I am saving for a 1911, too. Ruger SR1911.

One of the most reliable handguns I have ever owned was a Rock Island Armory 1911. As for the Warranty Comment, buy a used Rock Island or Ruger and call them when it breaks. Odds are they won't care you didn't buy it new, in my experience both companies will simply fix it.

[Steve]

Done. Bought the Springfield 1911 milSpec . Already been to the range. Love it. Wife loves it too. Thanks everyone for the help.

Great choice. I was recently asking a local gunsmith, Teddy Jacobson, what 1911 he recommend and he said Milspec from Springfield.

Get some quality magazines and it will run fine. Many 1911 failures are due to poor magazines. Tripp Research Cobra Mags, Chip McCormick PowerMags, and Wilson Combats ETM have been good to me, but it really depends on what your gun likes. Personally I like the fit and finish of the Cobra Mags, but I can't say they performed any better than my other mags.

[TexasFlash]

Ruger SR1911.

Rock Island is "assembled" in the USA from Philippine parts. Ruger is made in America 100% and Ruger stands behind everything that they sell. The Rock Island has parts made by Armscor. I have an Armscor rifle. It is the worst rifle I have ever owned. Used guns have zero warranty.

I am saving for a 1911, too. Ruger SR1911.

Nothing wrong with Ruger, but you are dead wrong on Rock Island 1911's; might want to check "facts" before posting. Out of the box, I would put money on Rock Island 1911 reliability against many other, much more expensive, 1911's. Check the 1911 forums; see what owners say. .(I don't think this thread is about rifles, by the way.}
Dave

[Javier730]

Ruger SR1911.

Rock Island is "assembled" in the USA from Philippine parts. Ruger is made in America 100% and Ruger stands behind everything that they sell. The Rock Island has parts made by Armscor. I have an Armscor rifle. It is the worst rifle I have ever owned. Used guns have zero warranty.

I am saving for a 1911, too. Ruger SR1911.

Nothing wrong with Ruger, but you are dead wrong on Rock Island 1911's; might want to check "facts" before posting. Out of the box, I would put money on Rock Island 1911 reliability against many other, much more expensive, 1911's. Check the 1911 forums; see what owners say. .(I don't think this thread is about rifles, by the way.}
Dave

I had a Rock Island 1911. My Ruger 1911 ate it. Thats a "fact."