Topic: In love with the 1911, but need help

[onemountain]

I've been messing around with the idea of skipping the 22/45 and getting just a M1911. Up until this weekend, to my eternal shame, I hadn't handled one since my hands had gotten large enough to handle a full sized pistol.

Short story: screw the 22/45. I'm saving up extra and getting a 1911. However, I might be limited to the used market. The problem is that I don't know what all to look for in a used gun. I'm so afraid of getting one that looks good to my inexperienced eye but has some sort of problem.

So, what do you guys look for in a used handgun? Is there anything 1911-specific?

Thanks in advance,

o.m.

[J Mack]

I believe you can get the STI Spartan for just a couple hundred more than the 22/45 depending on the model you're looking at.
Most of the "Name Brand Quality" plain Jane .45's sell used for about $600. + - or about the same as a new Spartan.

Some good info here: http://www.boiseshooters.com/index.php/topic,12216.0.html

[Shade OGrey]

What to look for when buying a used firearm.
I stole this from another forum!
Quote:
Rack, put a pencil down the barrel and make sure it pops out. Easy way to check the firing pin function.
Check your decocker, should decock and disable the trigger but not lock the slide.
Check the barrel, are the gooves and lands sharp. Is the muzzle chipped?
Does the magazine drop free?
Does the magazine fully load?
Pull the trigger, hold it down, rack the slide. The trigger should reset with a little forward motion, if the trigger doesn't reset pass.
Does the double action trigger pull cock and drop the hammer.
Does the slide release lock the slide back?
Can you disassemble? If so make sure you have to push the little levers in back down to get the slide back on. If they don't pop up, pass.
Is the single action trigger too light? If it is the sear could be very worn and cause the gun to go full auto. I had a 6906 do this. Fun but I had the sear immediately replaced.
Can you test fire?
Unquote

On the matter of an inexpensive 1911, I have heard very good things about Rock Island Armory. One of the GI models is on my want list. I have seen them priced sub $500.

[Jaggy13]

its almost easier to inspect one than it is to describe the process.
If buying used, ask if you can have a smith check it out.
Thier answer will tell you a lot before you even touch the pistol.
I check for function, smooth/gritty slide trigger, inspect gritty feeling.
Look for gouges or pitting on rails, feel rail edges for sharpness. too sharp will tell you its been shot alot and may need some attention.

before taking it apart push down on the barrel where it's exposed in the ejection port. If spongy then it's not locking up well and in your budget not worth fixing.
If there are obvious signs of neglect pass. there are too many good pistols for a great price to buy a basket case.
FWIW I shoot a rock island in 9mm for competition.
as Jmack said the spartan is a great price point pistol. My advice would be make the spartan your #1 and unless you find a better deal, plan on that. It has all the features you will need to get started and will shoot great and last a very long time.

[jelo45110]

I would look at the Rock Island as well. I have one at the top of my wish list along with the Ruger SR1911.

[luvmy45]

What to look for when buying a used firearm.

Check your decocker, should decock and disable the trigger but not lock the slide.

If the decoker works on the 1911 your looking at... put it down and wait till your sober till pay for it. 

Come out to an IDPA match in Nampa or Parma... lot's of 1911's to look at we can tell you what look for. The STI is a great gun, the new Rugar looks promising, and there are Remington and Auto Ordnance 1911 out there for good price.

[birddog1989]

Check out http://www.americanclassic1911.com/

I have handled a few of them and like the fit a finish better than Rock Island 1911s.  They even have one in .22LR. 

[ballardw]

Do not forget that there are several makers of .22 conversions for 1911's. So you can get cheap practice as well for not that much extra $.