Ok what can I realistically expect to pay for a 1911A1 in the current market

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I'm 48 years old & looking to get into shooting with a conceal to carry for protection. At this point in my life I have decided that this is the piece of hardware I want as an extension of my body assuming all goes as planned. I am open to makes and models but the Springfield 1911 .45 has my attention. That all said this is my 1st piece & I am thinking this is the route I want to go. It appears to be reliable, versatile & has past the test of time, outside of that it is simply just a dam nice looking piece of hardware.

The next question is what can 1 expect to pay for various makes & models without getting to beat up to badly. I know what I am willing to pay for the right piece it is just a matter of determining what that is within the 1911 frame.

Thank you all for your help
I am Charlie
 
I'm 48 years old & looking to get into shooting with a conceal to carry for protection. At this point in my life I have decided that this is the piece of hardware I want as an extension of my body assuming all goes as planned. I am open to makes and models but the Springfield 1911 .45 has my attention. That all said this is my 1st piece & I am thinking this is the route I want to go. It appears to be reliable, versatile & has past the test of time, outside of that it is simply just a dam nice looking piece of hardware.

The next question is what can 1 expect to pay for various makes & models without getting to beat up to badly. I know what I am willing to pay for the right piece it is just a matter of determining what that is within the 1911 frame.

Thank you all for your help
I am Charlie

I think the best value in MA (and maybe anywhere) is one of those new S&W E series 1911s. Buy one and put 500round through to make sure it is reliable.
 
Funny you mention that because it does seem to be what is available everywhere at the moment.

The "E" series is actually hard to find here in MA, so if you stumble on one you might want to grab it. Otherwise go up to Four Season (again assuming you are in MA) and put some money down and wait for one to come in.

They make a commander (full size grip, 4.25" barrel) in scandium (= incredibly light) that would be my top choice if I ever decided to put the glock away and go back to carrying a 1911.

I have an SA MC operator now, but I just can't deal with carrying a full-size steel 1911 day in and day out. Lots of people do it, but for me, it's just too heavy.
 
you did say carry, i have to ask why you would want to carry a 1911.

i have several but as for carry, i don't think so. Before you go off

and buy one, try one, i mean carry it for a day and let us know

how you feel... some folks do carry them, but try one first.
 
you did say carry, i have to ask why you would want to carry a 1911.

Before you go off
and buy one, try one, i mean carry it for a day and let us know

how you feel... some folks do carry them, but try one first.

This.
If you heart is set on .45 my voye would be a Glock 30.
 
I love the AO 1911 I got from four seasons for $500. Its a good shooter and looks like it came from a ww2 trench

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk
 
you did say carry, i have to ask why you would want to carry a 1911.

i have several but as for carry, i don't think so. Before you go off

and buy one, try one, i mean carry it for a day and let us know

how you feel... some folks do carry them, but try one first.

Yes I did say carry, In my research so far this is what has my attention. I do understand that there my be complications but it doesn't sound like they are unmanageable. My thoughts are to use a smart carry and as far as the make and model are concerned that is undetermined. I would like it to be a 1911 & a 45. I am not that interested in a collection of hardware. This is what I would like to shoot with. I am not setin any final decision at the moment
 
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There is a very nice 1991 Colt Commander for sale in the classifieds..
And I will say that the seller is motivated and open to offers.

A shameless plug, I know.
 
It is very common for new shooters to buy a bigger carry Gun than they really should

They discover this after they buy the gun that they are leaving it home most of the time.

Picking a carry gun when you are a new shooter is a balancing act because larger guns are generally easier to shoot well.

I think the 1911 will make a fine first gun. But I predict it will become a range / home defense gun.
Your approach however is better than what one of my students just did. Against my advice his first gun is a Ruger LCP. he hates shooting it and it's really no use as a tool to help him develop his skills.

On another note. I carry a 1911. It's an alloy framed commander length bobtailed Nighthawk custom. Even still I only carry it about 30% of the time. I carry a pm9 most of the time and a LCP if I'm goingnto be playingnwith the kids.

don
 
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I agree with dcmdon. I carry my Sig P238 much more than my M&P40c, even though I shoot much better with the latter and even though it's much more powerful. It hurts that I can't find my Crossbreed, either.
 
It is very common for new shooters to buy a bigger carry Gun than they really should

They discover this after they buy the gun that they are leaving it home most of the time.
I started with a smaller carry gun, and then went bigger. YMMV.
 
Most all the pants are stretch denim as well as most of my dress pants are in stretch material do to other athletic activity's I am involved in. I am also the boss at the place I work so I have a great deal of control over my environment. You are correct dcmdon 1 of the factors in my choice has to do with the fact that a 1911 would be easier to shoot with some satisfaction early on. In time I am sure I will have other pieces but I would like to master a 45. I like everyone here hope I never have to use it for anything but practice, how ever in the event that the dreadful day comes when it is needed for its ultimate purpose I would like to have the stopping power of a 45. I have time to shop and learn what fits best in my hand as well as what I feel comfortable with. I may decide in time that that something smaller is in order but for the time being I am also looking at shooting as something I want to enjoy doing
 
I have two S&W 1911's, and I love them both. My full-size was $750 from FS, and the Pro Series was $950. Both worth every penny.

I attempted at one point to carry the full size but I found it too cumbersome. It might have been my clothes, but it was a little too heavy and never quite felt right. Earlier this year I picked up a the pro series officer model, and I have been really happy with it. It's light and the grip is comfortable. My full-size has now become the range/hd gun, and I'm ok with that. I have an M&P9c that I was carrying before, but ive found the 3" 1911 is more concealable, and I do like having a .45. JMHO

Good luck!
 
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It is very common for new shooters to buy a bigger carry Gun than they really should

They discover this after they buy the gun that they are leaving it home most of the time.

Picking a carry gun when you are a new shooter is a balancing act because larger guns are generally easier to shoot well.

I think the 1911 will make a fine first gun. But I predict it will become a range / home defense gun.
Your approach however is better than what one of my students just did. Against my advice his first gun is a Ruger LCP. he hates shooting it and it's really no use as a tool to help him develop his skills.

On another note. I carry a 1911. It's an alloy framed commander length bobtailed Nighthawk custom. Even still I only carry it about 30% of the time. I carry a pm9 most of the time and a LCP if I'm goingnto be playingnwith the kids.

don

+1 on Don's advise, this was my experience as well.

<<<<< I am a shameless advocate of the S&W 1911 .45acp Series. Paid around $750 at NSF (ball park). I absolutely love this firearm and carried it frequently. There are lighter models and bobtail is a plus, but can be cumbersome as a full time carry. I eventually went to carrying at S&W M&P9c, don't even feel it there, a great carry.

But I am with you, buy your favored firearm, the 1911, get a good quality IWB holster and go from there. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine. Hell winters coming you can wear bulky clothing to conceal a full size 1911. Ammo is $$$$$ especially if you do a lot of shooting, another discussion or thread.

<<<<< Oh did I mention get this!!!! [grin]
 
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+1 on Don's advise, this was my experience as well.

<<<<< I am a shameless advocate of the S&W 1911 .45acp Series. Paid around $750 at NSF (ball park). I absolutely love this firearm and carried it frequently. There are lighter models and bobtail is a plus, but can be cumbersome as a full time carry. I eventually went to carrying at S&W M&P9c, don't even feel it there, a great carry.

But I am with you, buy your favored firearm, the 1911, get a good quality IWB holster and go from there. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine. Hell winters coming you can wear bulky clothing to conceal a full size 1911. Ammo is $$$$$ especially if you do a lot of shooting, another discussion or thread.

<<<<< Oh did I mention get this!!!! [grin]

Thank you Scott for your advice on a holster, I spent a lot of time on thier website & it looks to be a very reasonable option for me. Having been a bodybuilder for many years I am in very good physical shape though I am not what I once was but then who is LOL. The advice from Don yourself and many others are considered in my ongoing research. I did complete 8 hours of class room & shooting yesterday & had a great time shooting several pieces. My final decision will hinge on what town of E Bridgewater issues me for a permit & if there are any restrictions. If I am issued an unrestricted class A I will more than likely go with a lighter 1911. There is not much point in getting my heart set on a specific 1911 until that part of the journey is completed
 
Kursac,

It sounds like a lightweight 1911 may be a good try. I think that an alloy framed commander might be worth a look. With a 4.25" bbl, its shorter than a government 1911 but still longer than many other carry guns.

Its a good compromise.

One thing to remember is that the 1911 slide is considerably narrower than many other .45s. The Glock 45s are HUGE. The slide is a big square, block somewhere around 1 1/4 inches wide. The 1911 feels much more svelte than almost any other .45. If you add a bobtailed grip with thin grips/stocks, it carries amazingly well.

Don

p.s. I carry my 1911s in either a crossbreed supertuck or a belt clip style desantis that I put OUTSIDE my waistband but inside my belt.
 
I carried my full size S&W 1911 for sometime it took for ever to find the right belt and holster. I then came across a S&W 4013tsw matched with a crossbreed holster I love it....both for me are easy to get my hand on they just seem to sit in the right spot. I prefer the 4013s grip its a bit thicker and seems to get a better grip quickly as the 1911 when I draw it quiclkly more often needs a regrip. I still love my S&W 1911s though
 
My thoughts are to use a smart carry and as far as the make and model are concerned that is undetermined. I would like it to be a 1911 & a 45.

Wow! Smart carry a 1911? I guess it could be done (and the advertizing always show how easy it is), but that's a big gun to carry "down there." If you do nothing but stand all day, I guess it's doable, but otherwise you might find it a bit more uncomfortable than it's worth.

I've smart carried my S&W 642 revolvers for many years, and that works out fine. But anything bigger goes on a belt. All I'm saying is that you shouldn't be focused on one mode of carry - be open to other possibilities.

Have you attended (or do you plan to attend) one of the academies that specialize in concealed carry training (for example, Sig Academy)?

*
 
My primary carry. I think it's the perfect blend of size/power/weight

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