what is an estimate on a used 1911

im looking for what i can expect to pay for a used, entry level 1911.
probably in about 90% shape.
please give my about how much this should put me down.
thanks

That's a loaded question right? (pun intended)
For what a good used one would cost take a look at the Para Odinance GI Expert. It has descent sights shoots good and is about $529 brand New. From there you can customize to your hearts content. The new Taurus 1911's are about the same price, and I'd personally rather have the Para. As far as a used one is concerned it would depend on what you get and what features it has.

My rule of thumb is that any decent semiauto will set you back around $450 to $550.

Obviously you can spend much more or a little less, depending on brand, condition, etc.

Also depends on how bad the owner wants to get rid of it. Pawn shops and gun shows are often pricy.

A face to face deal with someone local on a gun forum will save you shipping, FFL fee, sales tax, etc.

You can get a new Rock Island 1911 for $350-400. I have always heard your can get a new Springfield base model for $400-450 but I have never seen that mystical 1911, they are always $500+

haha. i saw a springfield for 579. never seen a 400 dollar one.

They're all $400, they just didn't stop there!

jbpmidas wrote:They're all $400, they just didn't stop there!

true

jbpmidas wrote:They're all $400, they just didn't stop there!

True, but go over to the 1911 forum, when someone ask about a 1911 and people tell them to get a Rock Island, High Standard, etc all the gun snobs chime in with "You can get a Springfield for around $400, buy it." I haven't seen one that low in 15 years.

Yup, and despite the bashers, the RIAs and other Armscor pistols have gone up a little in price...word is getting around. I've noticed a lot of places that usually stock them are "out of stock" a lot LOL

Have 2 Tactical RIAs and a High Standard in my 1911 stable, and they run just as well as all my others.

I can't remember what I payed for my mil-spec but it was under $480 NIB. Than I sold it to buy a TRP.

I wish I knew you could get a Springfield for $400 before I bought mine ...

i just want a good reliable dependable car gun.

Don't think you'll find a used one any cheaper, I wouldn't sell mine for that price anyways. Good basic starter.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_876/products_id/411539079

thanks

Yeah, but that $399 gun on the internet will cost him close to $500 before he has it in hand. Still a good price, but it adds up.

For new guns, I typically get an FFL friend to order whatever I want.

True NRA_guy, I just posted that link to show the days of cheap 1911s is over. When I was a dealer shotgun news was full of milsurp. 45s for cheap, or I could buy frames, slides, and parts kits galore. I could build and make a profit selling them for $400, last one I built on Essex frames and slides cost me about $430 in parts.

I stopped because by the time you add labor, customers can buy NIB from several brands. I agree, best bet is to find someone local selling a used one...still don't think many folks will sell a reliable 1911 for under $400, but I've been wrong before. LOL

Re: More on the RIA 1911’s


I made a similar post to the “Different 1911s” thread 3/3/10. As the RIA type 1911’s have come up I thought I’d re-post part of it.

This is my RIA 1911A1 CS.

Was out to the range that morning, 3/3/10.

This 5-shot group – 4 of which in about 1 ½ inches with a 5th flyer low and to the left (can just hear Carly Simon in the background, “Anticipation”).

Consider that this is from a 3 ½” bull barrel, from the bench, at 50 feet (see the Aside below), with a temperature in the high 30’s, chilling north wind – cross range (yuck!).

An Aside: “Fifty feet?” you exclaim, adding, “Whatsa matta with ya? Why not the routine 25 yards?” To which I reply, “At 73 I figure I’m entitled to a little handicapping.”

Not bad for an old guy!

Thanks, but I sure wish I could tame the 'wobble'!