SR1911, good first handgun?

[ichris93]

I have shot a few different guns. A couple glocks, a few revolvers (including an SP101), and a couple 1911s. I was most accurate with the 1911s I shot and felt most comfortable shooting them so I began my search for the best first 1911 and my search lead me to the SR1911. I am looking for a 5" barreled version and I found I could get a new one, fairly locally, for $700 OTD. There is also a large gun show this weekend and I was thinking about bringing cash to see if I could motivate a seller for a lower price.

My question is, is $700 too much to be spending when I am just beginning gun ownership? I also know shooting the gun would be more expensive because of the prohibitive cost of 45s.

Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[loaded round]

A good quality 1911 of any persuasion (read SR1911 Govt. or Cdr.) would make an excellent first handgun to own especially if you feel comfortable with a large bore pistol. $700.00 is not a extremely high price to pay for a SR1911, but with some judicious shopping you may find one for about 25.00-30.00 less. Check the Gun Broker website to see exactly what buyers are actually paying for these fine pistols. I've had one for a year now and I'm extremely pleased with it.

 

[ichris93]

A good quality 1911 of any persuasion (read SR1911 Govt. or Cdr.) would make an excellent first handgun to own especially if you feel comfortable with a large bore pistol. $700.00 is not a extremely high price to pay for a SR1911, but with some judicious shopping you may find one for about 25.00-30.00 less. Check the Gun Broker website to see exactly what buyers are actually paying for these fine pistols. I've had one for a year now and I'm extremely pleased with it.

I had been looking on this forum a lot and found this post where the poll showed most people paid $676-$700 before taxes and fees so I thought $700 with taxes and fees was pretty good. But believe me, I would like to find the best deal.

 

[loaded round]

I paid 650.00 + 6% sales tax for mine OTD.

 

[ichris93]

I just went to a local range and rented one. It felt like a 1911 but I did not shoot as well as I had with the others I have shot. Could it be because it is a range gun? The other's I shot also had flat triggers, which is different.

 

[rugnelli]

$645 around here...

 

[TucsonDirt]

My SR1911 is my first and only .45 so far. I shoot 9mm a lot since it's cheaper, however, my SR1911 is my favorite and most accurate gun to shoot.
As far as a first handgun goes, the only downside is you'll be spoiled with a 1911, since they typically have the best trigger feel of any handgun. :D

There are nicer 1911's out there, and there are pistols that may have better ergonomics (individual results may vary).
If you can afford to shoot it, get it, you won't regret it.

If you want to shoot cheaper, then .22lr or 9mm is the way to go, or learn to handload (probably not for beginner shooters though!).
You can get 1911's in 9mm, but unfortunately Ruger doesn't make one (yet) :(

 

[Shooter973]

I think you may be going to far for a first handgun. The SR1911's are terrific guns, but a 45 is a bit to big to start out with. I'd suggest getting a Ruger 22/45 as a first handgun.The grip angles and mag release are the same as on a 1911. The cost with a 45acp is pretty steep. I know 22lr is hard to find but it's starting to show up more and more. You'd get 500 rounds of 22lr for approx. the same cost as 50 rounds or 45. This would allow you to gain a lot more experiance at less cost than the 45. Or there are 22lr versions of the 1911 that are good handguns. My self and my youngest son (32) own 3 of the GSG1911-22's . They are very good handguns. The full size ones are the exact same size and configuration as the 45acp's. The cost is 1/2 of the cost of a SR1911. Ours have been nearly 100% reliable right out of the box. A couple of drops of oil and it's off to the races.There are several 1911-22 makers on the market now, mos have very good reviews. Just something to think about. :wink:

 

[dakota1911]

Since you have already shot 1911s then one of them would be great. Down here that is often the 1911 that ranges rent. That is not a bad price. I have seen lower and higher at gun stores down here.

 

[ichris93]

I think you may be going to far for a first handgun. The SR1911's are terrific guns, but a 45 is a bit to big to start out with. I'd suggest getting a Ruger 22/45 as a first handgun.The grip angles and mag release are the same as on a 1911. The cost with a 45acp is pretty steep. I know 22lr is hard to find but it's starting to show up more and more. You'd get 500 rounds of 22lr for approx. the same cost as 50 rounds or 45. This would allow you to gain a lot more experiance at less cost than the 45. Or there are 22lr versions of the 1911 that are good handguns. My self and my youngest son (32) own 3 of the GSG1911-22's . They are very good handguns. The full size ones are the exact same size and configuration as the 45acp's. The cost is 1/2 of the cost of a SR1911. Ours have been nearly 100% reliable right out of the box. A couple of drops of oil and it's off to the races.There are several 1911-22 makers on the market now, mos have very good reviews. Just something to think about. :wink:

Funny you mention that. I was at a gun show today and looking for something less expensive to shoot. I found a Chiappa 1911-22 for a great price and picked that up. (three day wait without CWP) But I am still looking for an SR1911. The 22 would be a range gun and should be pretty similar to the 1911 so I can get more comfortable shooting with less expensive ammunition.

 

[loaded round]

I have the best of two worlds for my SR1911. A while back a bought a 22LR Ceiner Platinum Model Conversion Kit for my several 1911's. Upon using, I found it is one of the most accurate target handguns I own and is certainly a keeper. I don't believe Ciener is in business any longer, but there are used units on the market plus other brands available new. A 1911 of any make plus a 22 LR conversion kit make for a nice system for learning shooting basics and inexpensive practice. JMHO.

 

[ichris93]

I have the best of two worlds for my SR1911. A while back a bought a 22LR Ceiner Platinum Model Conversion Kit for my several 1911's. Upon using, I found it is one of the most accurate target handguns I own and is certainly a keeper. I don't believe Ciener is in business any longer, but there are used units on the market plus other brands available new. A 1911 of any make plus a 22 LR conversion kit make for a nice system for learning shooting basics and inexpensive practice. JMHO.

Do you think having 2 1911s, one in a 22LR and the SR1911, for about the same price is better than having just a conversion kit?

I can think the conversion kit would let you get used to the trigger on the particular 1911. But having two guns also has its advantages.

 

[loaded round]

That's why we have both vanilla and chocolate...to each his own.

 

[revhigh]

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=216652

A good quality 1911 of any persuasion (read SR1911 Govt. or Cdr.) would make an excellent first handgun to own especially if you feel comfortable with a large bore pistol. $700.00 is not a extremely high price to pay for a SR1911, but with some judicious shopping you may find one for about 25.00-30.00 less. Check the Gun Broker website to see exactly what buyers are actually paying for these fine pistols. I've had one for a year now and I'm extremely pleased with it.

I had been looking on this forum a lot and found this post where the poll showed most people paid $676-$700 before taxes and fees so I thought $700 with taxes and fees was pretty good. But believe me, I would like to find the best deal.

That was probably 3 years ago.

A good price now is 600-625.


http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=216652
I've seen several in the classifieds for 625 shipped.

 

[ichris93]

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=216652

A good quality 1911 of any persuasion (read SR1911 Govt. or Cdr.) would make an excellent first handgun to own especially if you feel comfortable with a large bore pistol. $700.00 is not a extremely high price to pay for a SR1911, but with some judicious shopping you may find one for about 25.00-30.00 less. Check the Gun Broker website to see exactly what buyers are actually paying for these fine pistols. I've had one for a year now and I'm extremely pleased with it.

I had been looking on this forum a lot and found this post where the poll showed most people paid $676-$700 before taxes and fees so I thought $700 with taxes and fees was pretty good. But believe me, I would like to find the best deal.

That was probably 3 years ago.

A good price now is 600-625.


http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=216652
I've seen several in the classifieds for 625 shipped.

Is $625 shipped new or used?

 

[revhigh]

New

 

[DA_TriggR4Ruger]

I'm not sure I could classify any 1911 as a good first handgun... They are GREAT guns though.

 

[ichris93]

I picked my 22 1911 up yesterday and put 100 rounds through it. It has a pretty heavy trigger but it is a great gun for its price.

I am looking forward to getting my SR1911 in.