[LarryNBoise]

Here is an example of why living in Idaho as a gun enthusiast is like icing on the cake. How sweeeeeeet it is. Look at the cash price....

Rock Island 1911 GI 10MM 5", Optic Cut Steel, 8 1 : Handguns - Semi Auto

www.zidaho.com

 

[Traxx]

Well, what ya going to do with it?
Daily carry, Home D, week end range trips, pistol class, back country hunting back up?
I have a few and use them for different things.
Sig Emperor Scorpion Carry for carry
Sig Tac Ops for…..well I got a deal on that one. I plan on eventually suppressing it for Home Def.
Dan Wesson for BBQ Rig
Para Ord GI with a 460 Roland conversion for hogs.
I do have a few Poly guns, SA XD and XDm, Sig P320 and P365, I prefer the 1911s.

 

[Randy99CL]

I bought my 1911 seven years ago when Sportsman's Warehouse had the Rock Island 10mm on sale for $500. It is actually an amazing pistol, really well made, rugged with many of the upgrades shooters want. I have not had to do a thing to it other than install some old-style NOS Pachmayr grips. Comes with a target hammer and trigger (4lbs 8oz), great sights, ambi safety, bull target barrel, extended beavertail, beveled mag well, I love it! Retail is still only $749 and all the reviews are great.
ROCK Ultra FS 10MM 8rd

Shown with my Glock G20 and G40.

 

[Altonv]

I have posted this picture before but this was from my Standard Ruger SR1911 using Nosler 185 grain Custom HP's at 25 yards. Ruger Custom Shop make a competition 45 and 9mm if you want to spend $2000+ or $900 on the standard SR1911. I paid $700 many years ago.

 

[oldag]

An old Colt Series 70 would not be a bad option, but I have no idea what premium the Series 70 carries these days.

 

[DGW1949]

Spending $2000 to get a "good gun" may not get you you one...Depends on your definition of "good". Myself, if I knew that I had a gunfight coming, I'd walk past a table full of high-dollar boutique guns in order to get to one of my $400 RIA's because both of mine have proven to be good guns...But if you just gotta have bling, RIA markets some rather fluffy pimp-guns too:

GI Standard FS Nickel Gold 38Super 10rd Lipseys Exclusive

The M 1911 GI standard is a great representation of the original US GI combat issue 1911 and is chambered in 38 Super and built with our exacting engineering standards. Fixed, low profile sights and traditional smooth slim design are perfect for quick pull holster use. A bright nickel finish...

www.armscor.com

GI Standard FS Matte Nickel 45ACP 8rd

The GI Matte Nickel FS is chambered in 45 ACP with Pearl Grips, fixed, low profile sights and a traditional smooth slim design perfect for quick draws.

www.armscor.com

GI Standard FS Nickel 45ACP 8rd

The M 1911 GI standard represents the original US GI combat issue 1911 and is chambered in 45 ACP and built with RIA and Armscor engineering standards.

www.armscor.com

DGW

 

[MitchSC]

I'm more in the $800-$1200 range mill spec 1911 Ruger, Colt and Kimber. If I were going to buy something special it would be a Les Baer or Ed Brown but that's out of your budget. You can get a really nice Colt for 2k and no one is going to turn their nose up at a Colt.
I bought one of the first Tisas 1911 A1s since than I've bought 2 more, a Tanker and Service 9mm. In my research and experience they can't be beat for the price, less than $1200 for the 3 I own. You're not going to buy a Tisas but my point is you can get a good quality 1911 with the options you want for 2k. Look at manufacturer's websites and read/watch unbiased reviews. I don't have one with a bottom rail or threaded barrel but the bottom rail would be nice if you ever wanted to add a scope.
This is my favorite 1911. It is a Tisas Service 9m complete lower with a Para/Remington slide w/ Ed Brown internals, 38 Super custom barrel, Kensight adjustable rear and homemade brass beaded front sights and Ed Brown magazines. Some day I'll get around to making some grip panels.

Of course it is still a Government model 9mm also by swapping the complete uppers.

Edited to add 9 mm option

 

[Najataagihe]

...You can get a really nice Colt for 2k and no one is going to turn their nose up at a Colt...

No one is going to turn their nose up at ANY .45, when they are looking down the barrel.

They can't see the bling or lack thereof.

All they can see is that big, honkin' hole...

 

[LarryNBoise]

While many more people carry 9mm as opposed to other calibers for self defense, the fact remains that studies of fatality rates show lethality is much higher for 45acp, 40 cal, and 357 over .380 and 9mm. More people are killed by 9mm these days because of the prevalence of more 9mm gun involved shootings.

• Larger caliber, higher per-shot lethality: A 2018 study in Boston found that large-caliber shootings (.45, .40, .357) had a significantly higher likelihood of being fatal compared to medium calibers (9mm, .38, .380). One source reported a 67% higher fatality rate for .45 ACP compared to non-fatal shootings, while a .357 had an 88% higher rate.

Based on the OP's expected predominant use of a 1911, if for self defense.......45 all the way if one becomes proficient at placing shots where intended..

When I travel close to home, convenience of micro 9 is my choice on my motorcycle. When travelling to places far from home, 45 ACP baby.... Last time I rode through Denver at 3AM after arriving on my motorcycle to visit my daughter and family, I was followed by a carload of bangers probably looking to jack me and my bike.... Car vs bike..... they never had a chance of staying up with me. They tried....

 

[Najataagihe]

…I was followed by a carload of bangers probably looking to jack me and my bike.... Car vs bike..... they never had a chance of staying up with me. They tried....

Like they had a chance!

 

[Daryll55]

Sounds to me after reading your response to others; you are looking for an upscale "all-around" 1911. Some bling, but not over the top, and a bit traditional. Also accurate and something to be proud to own. Sounds like you don't want a "transformer" type pistol. something not too bulky for carry and yet accurate as a range toy.
Here's my answer: A Fusion Riptide in 45ACP. This pistol has a LOT going for it. Black oxide finish akin to a matte Colt 1911. Platform is based on the 70 series Colt Gov't model, BUT with modern improvements. Combat hammer, Skeletonized trigger with trigger action BETTER than the Gov't 70 series. Crisp, glass-like break and a quick reset. Premium wood grips. very smooth action. Accepts a Novak rear sight. Has a short pic rail for a light. Premium mags.
Pistol: 900-1000
Add a S/S KKM Match barrel: 200
Novak Iron sight: 200
Dot optic: 300-500
Decent light: 300
this is a RUGER Forum, so I won't post the pic, you can do a search.
Fusion is no slouch "B" class gun Man'ferer. The owner was President of CZ and left after he turned them around.
$2000 objective met.

Custom? I'd do a good condition used Les Baer.
Factory big brand? A SIG P220 Legend.

 

[sgcardinal]

Sounds to me after reading your response to others; you are looking for an upscale "all-around" 1911. Some bling, but not over the top, and a bit traditional. Also accurate and something to be proud to own. Sounds like you don't want a "transformer" type pistol. something not too bulky for carry and yet accurate as a range toy.
Here's my answer: A Fusion Riptide in 45ACP. This pistol has a LOT going for it. Black oxide finish akin to a matte Colt 1911. Platform is based on the 70 series Colt Gov't model, BUT with modern improvements. Combat hammer, Skeletonized trigger with trigger action BETTER than the Gov't 70 series. Crisp, glass-like break and a quick reset. Premium wood grips. very smooth action. Accepts a Novak rear sight. Has a short pic rail for a light. Premium mags.
Pistol: 900-1000
Add a S/S KKM Match barrel: 200
Novak Iron sight: 200
Dot optic: 300-500
Decent light: 300
this is a RUGER Forum, so I won't post the pic, you can do a search.
Fusion is no slouch "B" class gun Man'ferer. The owner was President of CZ and left after he turned them around.
$2000 objective met.

Custom? I'd do a good condition used Les Baer.
Factory big brand? A SIG P220 Legend.

Awesome response - I will research based on what you provided. Thanks!

 

[LoProfile]

Should be able to find a used Wilson Combat for right around $2,000 ..... I have two I paid less for, and 2 I paid more for

 

[jiokirk]

I have a few months of planning to do before my year-end bonus arrives, but it has been a good year for my employer and I'm gearing up for a 1911 in .45.

I love everything Ruger I've bought, and most everything I've read is that the SR1911 is well-made and reliable, but hardly feature rich. So I'm in a bit of analysis paralysis and would love people's opinions and experiences.

I'm not looking for a carry weapon - I mostly want to have fun shooting it and fill the yawning gap in my small but growing collection. I much prefer stainless, so the well-regarded Springfield Armory TRP is out (though there's a gray one I might be convinced will work). I'm also looking at some Dan Wessons, which may push me a hair over my $2,000 budget, but I can deal with that. if it's something I will love (for certain values of love).

I'd really like a threaded barrel (or the ability to add one) and a rail for a light would be nice, but neither of those are showstoppers. I'm right-handed, so ambi controls aren't necessary.

All that said, I don't have to spend the full 2k, but I'd hate the leave a great option off the table. And I've shot a friend's Kimber and liked it plenty (though I've heard some quality complaints online, which make me a bit nervous), so I'm not going into the 1911 blind.

So, Collective Wisdom of the Forum, what should my first 1911 be? (Yes, there may be others in the future, cuz... guns).

Had a similar situation. Although not my first 1911, I was in the market for a custom build. A friend of mine is a GS with a long history with the 1911 both building and servicing/modifying. Told him I had a $2000 budget and what I wanted. i.e. commander length, full frame, 38 super, night sights, all SS. Below is what I had built. Not saying this is the way to go, just my current acquisition. I also own Tisas, Springfield, RIA, and Ruger. All have their pluses and minuses. My Ruger is the lightweight in 9mm. Plenty accurate and a joy to shoot. I imagine the 45 ACP would be the same. One of my Tisas is the Nightstalker in 45 ACP. Pretty much has all the bells and whistles one could want. Shoots very well and runs flawlessly. The newer model even has a threaded barrel. In the end, it is a matter of taste and desire.

 

[MitchSC]

No one is going to turn their nose up at ANY .45, when they are looking down the barrel.

They can't see the bling or lack thereof.

All they can see is that big, honkin' hole...

That's funny. 🤣 😂
But you know I was referring to not wanting to hear any at the range or within your circle of friends. And there is nothing wrong with that.
Personally I have my own range, very few friends and am to old to care but I get it.

 

[THinckley]

But you know I was referring to not wanting to here any at the range or within your circle of friends

I think that would immediately disqualify them from that particular "circle", depending on how serious they were about it....

 

[MitchSC]

I think that would immediately disqualify them from that particular "circle", depending on how serious they were about it....

I used the term friends lightly.

 

[dhorn52]

I have a few months of planning to do before my year-end bonus arrives, but it has been a good year for my employer and I'm gearing up for a 1911 in .45.

I love everything Ruger I've bought, and most everything I've read is that the SR1911 is well-made and reliable, but hardly feature rich. So I'm in a bit of analysis paralysis and would love people's opinions and experiences.

I'm not looking for a carry weapon - I mostly want to have fun shooting it and fill the yawning gap in my small but growing collection. I much prefer stainless, so the well-regarded Springfield Armory TRP is out (though there's a gray one I might be convinced will work). I'm also looking at some Dan Wessons, which may push me a hair over my $2,000 budget, but I can deal with that. if it's something I will love (for certain values of love).

I'd really like a threaded barrel (or the ability to add one) and a rail for a light would be nice, but neither of those are showstoppers. I'm right-handed, so ambi controls aren't necessary.

All that said, I don't have to spend the full 2k, but I'd hate the leave a great option off the table. And I've shot a friend's Kimber and liked it plenty (though I've heard some quality complaints online, which make me a bit nervous), so I'm not going into the 1911 blind.

So, Collective Wisdom of the Forum, what should my first 1911 be? (Yes, there may be others in the future, cuz... guns).

The only 1911 I have is a Remington R1S (stainless). I have had it for 12 years and it has performed flawlessly. The only after market mod, a set of Hogue hard rubber grips......dh

 

[mrbillh]

My very first pistol is still one of my favorites. I carried it everywhere, shot competition, and it something I can give my wife to shoot without question… Colt Combat Commander in 9mm. I know,I know, the sights are too small and it only holds 9+1 but it was the first handgun I bought when I turned 21. Lots and lots of mags were needed for the old days of USPSA1

 

[LarryNBoise]

My very first pistol is still one of my favorites. I carried it everywhere, shot competition, and it something I can give my wife to shoot without question… Colt Combat Commander in 9mm. I know,I know, the sights are too small and it only holds 9+1 but it was the first handgun I bought when I turned 21. Lots and lots of mags were needed for the old days of USPSA1

My first 1911 was a Colt Officers ACP Lightweight. I spent a few weeks practicing draw and doubletap at 7 yrds never using the sights. After a few hundred rounds doing 100 per session, I was string touching rounds in the x of a silhouette.

I let that gun go shortly after a divorce, but have one I picked up in 2008. It ain't goin nowhere but with me or to my daughter.