Thinking about maybe buying my first 1911....Suggestions?

[NCIC105]

I am thinking about 'maybe' buying myself my first ever 1911 in .45 acp for my upcoming birthday in June.
I would prefer it in either a 3" or 4" barrel.

I must admit that am a bit confused on which brand I should go with when there are so many reputable brands out there to choose from.
Should I go with; Colt? Kimber? Springfield Armory? Ruger? Taurus? Other?
What say you?
My budget is to spend no more than $999.00 (out the door).

Look at a Para Warthog in stainless.

[Iam2Taz]

Your first 1911... Buy an RIA.
Here is why.... They are solid guns. The tactical model has a decent trigger. Their customer service is awesome based on everything I have read. The price less expensive and if you like it you will need extra magazines, ammo and holsters.
Gun $450, Mags 4 x 30 =$120, ammo 600rds cheap white box $150. Holster $75 and you have $200 left to play with.
If you don't like it, you won't be out an arm and a leg trying to resell it.

Don't place this pistol next to any other weapon. They are like bunnies. They multiply!

Good luck!

[drewoufan]

Iam2Taz is right. I have owned a few different variations of the 1911 including the Colt and a Llama and now own a Rock Island. I love it. Its a reliable gun with no real fault that I can see and the cost is half of what you would spend. If you want a smoother trigger or lighter action have the gun worked over by a gunsmith. Its not as expensive as you may think to have these small things done and still be hundreds below what some of the guns named are. I wish I could afford a Kimber or a gun of that magnitude, but I can't at this point so I researched and tried some others and Rock Island is a great gun at a great price. Hope some of this helps.

[gunnerbob]

Well, Tuarus doesn't make a short barreled 1911 yet... so that's kinda out. But they are very high quality, high value guns in opinion. I love mine, never had a malfunction in about 750rds.

[S&W645]

While many would argue agaimst a Sig C3 GSR being a 1911 due to its external extractor, it still is a nice gun in the 4" Officer size.

[mappow]

With all the choices you have available in the 1911 platform, your budget will be the only factor.

[jon@hmbgny]

My ruger sr1911.45 will be here jan~6,12

[Lowjiber]

I have several 1911's...gotta love 'em.

Kimber's price puts it off your list.

I also have S&W (2), Colt, and a Para-Ordinance. My favorite is the Colt...hard to beat overall.

[kscharlie]

There are Kimbers that you can get for under your price point. My most recent Kimber was a Stainless Pro Carry II, $850 out the door of my LGS. I also purchased a very slightly used Custom CDP II for $950. The 1911 I like the best and carry everyday is a SIG RCS. This model has been dehorned by the SIG Custom Shop, comes with low profile night sights, checkered frontstrap and MSH and more. The fit and finish of this SIG is as good as any I have seen. This one cost me $850 NIB out the door. It is more accurate than either of my Kimbers (at least for me). What I like the most is the size. It is a Commander length slide on an Officer's frame. This configuration makes for excellent concealability.

Good luck on your quest. It is not a simple one.