1911 Cost

[samobius]

I've always thought the 1911 was a sexy weapon. I drooled all through Band of Brothers. But I never really thought it was "for me". Maybe because I already had a couple of Berettas and now a Bersa.

But now my wife is contemplating a CHL and I find myself shopping and looking at 1911s. But they seem so pricey on gunbroker.

How much can I expect to pay for a decent quality 1911? No Kimbers or Sigs, though I'd love to own one, I don't have that budget.

[chartreuse]

The Rock Island A1 Tactical is a fine weapon and can be had for around $450 (or less, or more, but $450 should be readily achievable).

[Oldgringo]

I still believe that a Taurus PT 1911 is the best value in a 1911 there is.

[karder]

I saw a Springfield GI.45 at academy for about $550. Seemed like a good deal.

[joe817]

I'm no 1911 expert, but what I've read on the forum the most affordable 1911's out there are:
Rock Island Armory(a.k.a. Armscor)
Springfield Armory
The Taurus 1911

The 1911 Forum is a great place to pick up ideas on new and used 1911's:

http://forums.1911forum.com/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[samobius]

I guess I was just a little shocked at how much they were, especially given the age of the design.

I also got a little overwhelmed at the different configurations available. Sizes seem to be pretty varied. Does anyone actually conceal a full size 1911?

[MoJo]

I guess I was just a little shocked at how much they were, especially given the age of the design.

I also got a little overwhelmed at the different configurations available. Sizes seem to be pretty varied. Does anyone actually conceal a full size 1911?

I do.

[CrimsonSoul]

Yeah I was "dragged" (yeah right, I went willingly) to Academy with my dad and saw the Taurus 1911 there and it was a thing of beauty! I know what my next purchase is when I save up $650+ tax! Also my 6-y/o talked him into buying her a .22 bolt action by giving him the puppy eyes

[UpTheIrons]

Does anyone actually conceal a full size 1911?

I do. FWIW, I picked up a 1 year old Kimber Custom II with Meprolight night sights for $650 at Cabela's in Buda. Most of the time, I don't even really notice it on my hip anymore.

You mentioned the sizes - the 1911 forum IS a great place to learn more, but there are 3 basic configurations: 5", 4" and 3", with the grip on the 3" being a bit shorter than a full-size, making it easier to conceal. IIRC, some makers also shorten the grip on some of their 4" models, too.

Just beware - once you get your first 1911, it will NOT be your last! (Especially when your wife keeps threatening to take yours away unless you buy her one (or two) also!)

[mgood]

I also got a little overwhelmed at the different configurations available. Sizes seem to be pretty varied. Does anyone actually conceal a full size 1911?

Yes.

Bear in mind, though, that it was designed as a military pistol to be carried openly, not concealed - so if you're going to get a full-size model, you're going to have to put some thought (and work) into how you're going to comfortably conceal it. One good point, though, is that it's a lot thinner than a Beretta/Glock/etc

On the other hand, a 1911 is flat and relatively slim, which is advantageous for concealed carry.
[EDIT: AndyC covered the slim part. I didn't read his post carefully enough before quoting him in mine.]

My #1 pistola is a 3" barreled, aluminum framed 1911. (Kimber Ultra CDP II)

[CompVest]

STI makes an affordable 5" 1911 - The Spartan - for $698. It has fiber optic front sight and an adjustable rear sight. It has a Parkerized finish.

[The Annoyed Man]

I guess I was just a little shocked at how much they were, especially given the age of the design.

I also got a little overwhelmed at the different configurations available. Sizes seem to be pretty varied. Does anyone actually conceal a full size 1911?

Yes.

Controlled feed bolt action rifle design is over 100 years old, and it is still a great design. When a good design survives a certain amount of time and continues to be effective and relevant, it transcends "age" and becomes "timeless." 1911s fall into that category of designs. So do revolvers.

[davidtx]

I guess I was just a little shocked at how much they were, especially given the age of the design.

I also got a little overwhelmed at the different configurations available. Sizes seem to be pretty varied. Does anyone actually conceal a full size 1911?

Yep, probably 16 hours most days. I'm using a SmartCarry and after the recent events in Round Rock, I think I'm really glad.

[surprise_i'm_armed]

davidtx:

What recently happened in Round Rock that makes you happy
to have your 1911 on you?

SIA