I plan to purchase a 1911 soon…but don’t have thousands, or even a thousand to spend on it. I know that there are quite a few affordable models out there, but do not wish to be disappointed. I do not need every bell and whistle on it, just accuracy, dependability, and a smooth trigger. please make a suggestion.
Look for a used Colt Combat Elite !! Quality gun,has a couple bells and whistles and are dead nuts accurate !! Springfield Loaded models can be good also,although my Loaded it not as accurate as my Colt Combat Elite !! New Colt CE are around $1000,save a bit longer and get a quality pistol,you won’t be disappointed ! 
I agree. My Combat Elite is a great pistol and looks good, too.
A Springfield GI can be had for just under $1,000. You can make upgrades as your budget allows. If you go budget, make sure you get a rock solid platform. You will eventually get the bug to upgrade!
FWIW, I have a Dan Wesson Valor. I great semi-custom gun for thousands less, with nearly as many bells and whistles as high-end 1911’s. Give them a look. 
I think if you look around just a bit, you might find SA GI’s slightly cheaper than 1K (all day long under $650 ), used ones even under $500.
To me the statement “I plan to purchase a 1911 soon” has to be met with the Q “why?”
The answer to that, allows for useful recommendations and or the rec the person not get one at all.
What’s acceptable for plinking, competing, and maybe courses, may not be acceptable for CCW/Duty and so forth.
If the gun fails during the former category, death is not generally the result.
Guns considered acceptable for CCW/Duty by those who really know 1911s, are generally expensive guns, but that does not stop people from ignoring the advice at serious possible detriment to themselves.
Hilton Yam on the 1911:
“For a dedicated and knowledgeable end user, the 1911 has no equal. For non-dedicated personnel, they are better served by a modern, low maintenance weapon such as a Glock, SIG, or HK.”*
- = the above quote was prior to M&P, of which he was an early adopter of and fan of.
Larry Vickers on the 1911:
How do I know if a 1911 is the right choice for me?
“That is a tough question as I feel most people are best served NOT using a 1911 as a primary sidearm. Two criteria come to mind a) A passion for the 1911 platform and b) you are willing to be your own armorer and can fix relatively minor problems or fit certain parts yourself. If you are the kind of guy that doesn’t mind tinkering with your Harley Davidson motorcycle to keep it running then you are a candidate. If however you treat your pistols like we all treat our lawnmowers then don’t get a 1911 – use a Glock.”
Have to agree with what Will said. if I didn’t feel the way I do about the 1911 platform, I would be all over a Glock. Unfortunately for me, I have become addicted to the 1911 and I think it serves its purpose well for the educated ( that is 1911 educated ) civilian. JMHO
For a fun gun that is just a plinker, you can’t go wrong with the RIA tactical. Springfield Loaded and Ruger SR1911 start to increase your price range and the sky is the limit from there. David
SARangemaster $800
+1 this.
Your NOT going to beat or get equivalent of a 1911’s trigger.
Definitely look for just about any Springfield in your price range. Their customer service is second to none.
I do have a Glock 22 that I do carry as my primary. I am one of those guys that loves to fix and or adjust stuff…I personally think a 1911 is right up my alley
:rolleyes: Not all (in fact, most) 1911s don’t need any “fixing” or “adjusting” but you’ll find that out unless all you buy is junk.
Good 1911s don’t tend to need fixing or adjusting per se, but do require more attention and knowledge than more modern designs per comments by LAV and Yam. There’s no such thing as “drop in” part on a 1911 for example, as a general rule at least.
Enjoy.
Yeah… If you’re paying 1k for a Springer GI you’re a fucking idiot
The STI Spartan is another option. They come in 45 acp and 9mm and are available in a Government, Commander and Officers size. Guns are fit and assembled in the USA at STI and come with STI internals. The only minus being the STI spec’d, Armscor cast frame and I guess the average parkerized finish. Very accurate well built guns for the money. The Government comes with a standard bushing and FO front sight while the Commander and Officers come with fixed combat sights and have bull barrels. These can be found below $700 all day long.
I was in the same boat recently and picked up a colt rail gun. They are above your price point though and may not be exactly what you are looking for. I would check out a Springfield armory loaded model. The regular colt government models are where I would look as well. Do not mess with Taurus or Philippine manufactured cast guns unless you want to tinker or have a range toy. (I did both) If you can find a norinco 1911 they are solid and have quality forgings and parts . I think it mainly depends on what you want to use it for and for the right deal to come along. Again this is jmho and from experience I have had with these models.
STI, for the money there are none even close.
IMO, when it comes to1911’s, If you plan to lemon zest your mango salsa off the checkering, or want it put together so tight that you can’t even rack the the slide, there are others at 2x-4x the price… but if you’re mostly concerned about how it shoots/runs then STI is where it’s at.
Sorry, I’m not familiar with the “SARangemaster.” Could you possibly mean the Springfield Armory Range Officer? It’s around $800, and I’d consider it a good value. The only Rangemaster 1911 I could find was over four grand.
Thanks.
Any of the Colt offerings. I like my Combat Elite, it was reasonably priced and has a lot of features you would find on more expensive models. No problems with it in 7-800 rounds. Colt is bringing back the series 70 which might be an option as well.