Hello all, Im in the market for a good 1911 full size in .45ACP
Ive been looking at the Springfield Mil Spec models specifically in the $700 range.
Anything wrong with that model?
Anything in a similar price range that is better?
As much as Id love to get a fully spec’d out Operator model, I dont have $2500 to spend on any firearm.
Thanks in advance 
What is the intended use?
we have a tarus 1911 thats I love. we haven’t had any problems with it but not sure exactly how reliable they are as we baby it
http://www.taurususa.com/pdf/Taurus_Rebate_Flyer.pdf
reliable plinker
I have no intentions of taking it into harms way or carrying it as a PDW, however I would like something that is capable of doing so should the situation arise.
Basically Im looking for a quality sidearm that is good to go.
And I know Its cheesy and not what you should base a firearm purchase on, but I really like the looks of the Springfield Mil Spec 1911.
I also know they are capable of building a quality product.
You get what you pay for when it comes to 1911’s. Be it a base gun sent to a smith or a quality production gun you will pay for quality and reliability.
If its only going to be a range gun then the milspec should do fine for your needs.
If it is going to double as a HD/CCW weapon then I would skip the 1911 and get a G19 with a bunch of mags and ammo. If you already have the HD/CCW covered then I have no problem recommending the Springfield.
1911’s are very tempermental and do not consist of drop-in parts. Unless someone is well versed in the maintenance and upkeep I do not recommend a 1911 especially as a 1st handgun.
If you just want one for the gun collection, IMHO everyone needs one! 
Just save up a little longer and get a SA Operator.
$372 from a shop in February '07:
gunbroker $760 for SA loaded parkerized.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=156309833#PIC
It depends on the features that you want.
I would have no issue getting a Springfield Mil Spec or Loaded as a plinker. They are a good base to build on if you want to upgrade anything in the future. Their customer service is excellent in case you have any issues.
SA GI or Loaded
Colt Series 70 or 1991A1
Remember to use QUALITY magazines. I have tried them all and have found that McCormick PowerMags work better for longer, than any other type of 1911 mag.
For range plinking/general use go for the Mil Spec Springfield…no need to spend more. You can always send it out later and have it customized should you have the desire to do so. Plenty of Smiths use this model as a base gun for some excellent projects. If you want the next level (night sights, ambi safety etc.) go for the Loaded model.
I own a SA GI Model and a TRP. IMHO, they are a lot of gun for the money. 
BTW, the first (and only) thing I did to by GI Model is buy a set of brown plastic grips like sinister has on his. Having carried the ‘real deal’ in the Army, my GI Model just didn’t look right until I installed the right grips.
I think the Springfield WWII GI and Mil-Spec are the best choices for a sub $1K M1911A1 pistol.
Thanks for the info guys, I think Im gonna pick one up real soon.
And like you said, I can always send it out for upgrades if I feel the need to.
I just picked up the SA milspec in dec its a great gun I have about 700 rounds through it so far. The only complaint I have with it is being it dosent have a extended gripsafty the hammer bites me between my index finger and thumb. Its somthing to think about if you have big hands. Another buget 1911 i would recommend is the Para GI Expert there a little tougher to find.
Colt Series 70 repro.
No frills 1911 that should be very reliable stock. Colt comes the closest to the “TDP” of a 1911 if you will, and they are usually very reliable stock out of the box. Most of the complaints on Colt’s are purely cosmetic in nature.
The only box stock guns I trust are Colts. Otherwise get a custom 1911 from Wilson, Les baer etc. I do recommend 1911’s for people willing to perform normal mantance that want the best fighting pistol design currently made. (my bias of course) In my opinion there is no easier gun to shoot well under stress.
Pat
Check out the STI Spartan
I’ve owned a Springfield Mil-Spec and GI model.
As mentioned before, the Mil-Spec is a great base to build on. My only issue with my mil-spec was the handguards, they are pretty cheesy to be honest. The first thing I did with mine is buy a nice set of Kimber rosewood grips to put on it. That helped the pistol’s looks tremendously. Mine was mainly a plinker, so I was more concerned about the looks than the function of the grips.
Also, invest in good mags for the pistol. I like the 8 rd. Wilson Combat mags pretty good.
If I were using it for a personal defense pistol, I would recommend a trigger upgrade, beaver-tail grip safety, better sights, checkering the front strap, better bbl bushings, recoil spring guides, ambidextrous safety, etc.
Most of the upgrades listed above are fairly reasonable and easy to find at your local gunshop.