Been doing the polymer pistol thing for a while, still like them. I want to get a 1911, for range and plinking. I have around 1500.00 to spend on pistol, holster and mags. Seeking advice on best bang for my buck?
Stick with quality companies that build on good frames and slides with a usable customer service. Colt, Springfield, Smith & Wesson, and Wilson Combat. These all fit that bill and will serve you well. My only reasons for not wanting the Colt or the S&W would be the firing pin block mechanisms that they each use (I prefer the original design that does not have one) but both Colt and S&W offer versions without it. Look for the Series 70 and the E series, respectively, if you go that route. I would steer clear of Taurus, Para, Kimber.
the 1500 range is a very nice spot to be. You could get a DW Valor, SA TRP, Colt, or used higher end if you look around (Baer)
Given your stated applications and the fact that you want the $1,500 to cover more than just the gun itself, it probably makes the most sense to just shop around for a box-stock Colt. It is a fairly easy process to upgrade over time as your needs and interests grow with the gun, but in terms of initial investment, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a 1911 that holds its value as well, carries the cachet of 100 years of continuous production or lives up to the quality standards of the newest Colts.
AC
AC has a good idea. You might try out the newest Colt Rail gun in that price range. A couple of others that might be worth checking out in that price range. Search on Gunbroker or check the Equipment Exchange on this and other forums such as TOS (AR15.com), and you might find some good prices on barely used models of the following:
- Springfield TRP Operator.
- Springfield MC Operator.
- Dan Wesson Valor (prices have gone up, but you can still find a few in the $1500 range, maybe a barely used one).
If I were trying to decide among the above, I’d probably favor the Springfield TRP Operator. To help out :-), here’s a link to a brand new Springfield TRP Operator for $1369 on Gunbroker:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=252008983
One other thing to add: you mentioned mags. Make sure you don’t cut corners on mags. In my experience, cheapo mags are the number one cause of problems in new 1911’s. Best mags out there? Chip McCormick Power Mags, Wilson Combat, or Tripp Research. There are probably some others, but get one of those 3 brands, and you won’t go wrong. With McCormick, make sure you specifically get the Power Mags line, they have others that are not as good.
Thanks, I was leaning towards the springfield line
at 1500 I’d want a completely U.S. made 1911. that throws all SA’s out of the picture. for 1500 a lightly used les baer is within reach- you’ll never regret it!
SA MC operator
I prefer the Colt series 70 reproduction. Mainly because it is the only stock 1911 I’ve owned that has not had any stoppages. I love how loose the Colts are, and the arched mainspring housing fits so nice in my hand. They do require new sights though. Oh it’s also accurate.
…Combat Elite
:big_boss:
Around $900 (give or take) and you’ll have some money left for ammo ! 
( Grips are not stock.)
How do you figure?
Either the SA TRP, or MC Operator is a great way to go.
Apologies, I should not have stated that as fact. It is my opinion that the repro sights are too low/small, at least on the one that I have.
I much prefer a better set for my bad eyes to pick up.
These are too small ? 
I could understand a preference for a different style but you must have REALLY bad eyes.
[b][u]Colt S70 Repro[/u][/b]
As a proud CE owner myself, yes, this is the pistol I would be looking for to have as my first 1911. I got mine for $950. It does not have night sights (if that is important to you) and has sharp edges (easy to have someone do a dehorn). You will not be disappointed with your purchase.
Yes I do actually.
That’s too bad. 
This is a great pistol the op would do well with.
I would like to further reiterate this point. If you’re going to spend over a grand on a gun get good mags to reduce stoppages. I agree with the McCormick mags as well. I have A few and they are quality.
I also bought a Kimber instead of a Colt. I love my Kimber. Its tight as hell, and more accurate than I am, but my next sub $3000 1911 will be a Colt Rail Gun. They are very nice. If you’re going to carry it a lot and don,t want the full light setup on there go with the XSE. Best bang for your buck out there and made in USA!
So far there have been many fine suggestions for you, I must side with the Colts. I have two one a rg the other a semi-custom gi 80s. One thing I may add is to get a book, take a class, talk to your smith and learn as much as you can. These are all fine guns but shit happpens and knowing how to tune your own extractor can prove to be invalueable.