So I'm looking at buying my first 1911 in a couple of months...

[xdavex]

I am looking for a full framed model, not necessarily for carry. Since it'll be my first, I don't want anything too fancy, but something that I can put some work/money into if I decide to. I've been looking at the Springfield GI and the Mil Spec, and was just wondering if I could get some opinions. Thanks guys!

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[DIABLO9489]

IMO you always get what you pay for. Buy right and buy once. I would suggest the Dan Wesson V-Bob for around $1,500. Is it expensive? Yes and no. Yes because $1,500 is a lot of money but no because that puts it in the middle ground for 1911s.
In buying the V-Bob you get a great high quality 1911 that you won't have problems with, is more accurate then you or me, is built with top of line componets so you won't have to throw more money into it, and if you decide to in the future you can carry it concealed without a problem.
Pictures of my V-Bob seen here....
http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbulle...vy)&highlight=

[WHEC724]

Depending on your level of perfectionism, I think you'll be quite happy with a GI or Mil Spec. For me, the notion that you have to spend huge bundles of money in order to get a high-quaility, reliable 1911, flies in the face of its history that has made it so great. SA makes fine 1911's. 'Sorry Diablo - this is the first time that I must disagree with you. Cheers.

[SpringerXD]

Depending on your level of perfectionism, I think you'll be quite happy with a GI or Mil Spec. For me, the notion that you have to spend huge bundles of money in order to get a high-quaility, reliable 1911, flies in the face of its history that has made it so great. SA makes fine 1911's. 'Sorry Diablo - this is the first time that I must disagree with you. Cheers.

I'll second this. Springfield makes some excellent 1911's. I just bought a 2001 model Loaded 1911-A1 and it ate 100 rounds of JHP's like candy. Their customer support is known for being among the best, as well.

[jwhite75]

I agree with whec724....You will most probably be happy with those platforms. I wouls suggest maybe getting one in parkerized finish though.. Plus those "base " guns are great project platforms to make what you want.

[automatic slim]

In all actuality, you can get an excellent shooter for far less than $1500. I purchased a new Kimber Pro Carry II for $800. It came with night sights and extended thumb safety. The only mods I made was an extended mag release, grips and a metal main spring housing. You'll find that if you purchase a gun that has factory installed options you will actually save money over buying the parts and paying to have them installed. Just be sure to check out as many 1911's as you can before deciding. If you can fire them, so much the better.

[GM]

My vote goes to the Springfield GI. IMO it is a very good project gun if you decide to work on it and it is reasonable priced too.

[QKShooter]

I actually enjoy doing some of my own work on my 1911s in order to get them exactly how I want them. It's sort of a sporadic hobby these days.
You should know that when you're making changes and upgrading parts things can get quite expensive.
So....if you're not really into doing your own work then you're better off buying exactly what you want already prebuilt.
If you purchase a high quality semi-custom 1911...they do maintain their value quite well so whatever "extra" $$$ you spend initially - you'll pretty much get back later on should you ever decide to sell - provided that you keep the firearm in acceptable cosmetic condition.

[C hawk Glock]

If it were me, I would step up a little higher and not do the project gun. As others have said, you will save money in the long run.

[OD*]

I don't want anything too fancy, but something that I can put some work/money into if I decide to.

Within those parameters, I'd look into a Colt O1991-Government Model, in addition to the Springers.

[k6gixx]

taurus makes a pretty decent 1911 as well for not alot of bucks. I am not a fan of their other pistols, but they seem to have a knack for making fine 1911 platforms.

[Grant48]

I've been looking at the Springfield GI and the Mil Spec

Springfield makes great 1911's. Between those that you mention, I'd recommend the Mil-Spec, if for no other reason than the better, high profile 3-dot sights.

I have a Springfield GI, and my only gripe was the tiny GI sights. Otherwise, it's a great no-nonsense 1911. I finally had enough, and sent the slide to Novak's for new sights.

With the Mil-Spec, you get good sights from the get-go... along with a few other minor features, like a lowered and flared ejection port.

taurus makes a pretty decent 1911 as well for not alot of bucks. I am not a fan of their other pistols, but they seem to have a knack for making fine 1911 platforms.

I agree with this. While their other semi-autos are questionable at best, they have managed to put together a decent 1911. I've been quite happy with mine.

[Snowman23]

+1 on the VBOB. I went through some similar questioning as to what I wanted in my first 1911. Ultimately I chose to spend a bit more and got a Dan Wesson CBOB....I'm very pleased with my decision. I also second those who have suggested a Springfield for a bit less $$. Either way...you'll love the 1911.

[kpw]

If funds weren't an issue, I'd get a Brown Special Forces or SF carry. I love the chainlink texture. If funds were no option, something special by Chuck Rogers. You have to decide for yourself what features you want. Myself, I ended up with a like new, Kimber TLE II because I like a CFS and the base Kimbers & Springers don't offer that. I don't like MIM (personal preference) so it has a bunch of Ed Brown parts in it. Most of which can be installed by anyone. I'll have my 'smith fit the rest and I'll still be under a grand total. For a few hundred more, you can find a nice, used Dan Wesson CBOB and most of that is done already. The nice thing about 1911s is the options. You can do whatever you want to make it yours.

[CDRGlock]

I just held the SA GI. I don't like the black sights. The finish is nothing to marvel about, either.

I like features such as extended beaver tails, skeletonized hammers and triggers, ambi safeties, and ramped barrels. Most of the guns that fit that profile are the Springfield Loaded, Kimber Raptor, Kimber CDP, Colt XSE and Sig RCS. In the end I found an offer that I could not refuse: a lightly used Kimber Pro Raptor II for $800.

The preowned option is a viable option to get a decent "equipped" pistol.