I'll add a vote for the Kimber Custom II. You can't really make a wrong choice though with the usual suspects in that price range, STI etc. I really like the SIG 1911, there is a blackwater on the ee that is drool worthy, but out of the price range.
best 1911 for under $1200
- Thread starter ongaro
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They go over each 1911 and make sure it's running smoothly before sending it out.
NAA.
STI Trojan goes for just under $1200 and is a step up from the Spartan IMHO. Personally I would buy a Norinco Police Model before the Spartan and spend a few dollars for new sights and a trigger job. You will still hve money left over for cartridges.
Take Care
Bob
Take Care
Bob
(yeah, sorry to confuse, that is $1330 with AB tax, and correction, Ranger II is 4.15")
Nice thing is, there are a lot of ways you can go with your $1200 and not go wrong. You can get a nice quality new or used gun or a lower priced decent shooter and a reloading setup or lots of ammo. You really have to try to pick a few up and handle some at least if you can't shoot them. And if you have it narrowed down, check out the 1911 forums to see what others' experiences have been with them. Once you get a 1911, you're going to want another one anyways, so don't sweat your first purchase too much!
Cheers!
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Correct. The ONE gun I suggested was $69 more plus tax.
You're very astute.
Back to point - you cant go wrong with the Spartan either.
Like I mentioned, do a search on the 1911 forums before you jump on anything. One thing to consider with 1911's is do you want to go with a "Series 70" or "Series 80" setup? Or does it matter to you? It's good to go into it with the knowledge beforehand than to research it after you've made your purchase.
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No manufacturers aside from Colt ever adopted the Series 70 barrel/bushing arrangement, so technically there are no "Series 70" clone guns.
if this is true( the quote on the previous link)
i would have to get a colt if i decide on a 70 model
an 80 is available in many makes
are their any advantages to the 80
howabout if i want to get into competition shoting
if this is true( the quote on the previous link)
i would have to get a colt if i decide on a 70 model
an 80 is available in many makes
are their any advantages to the 80
howabout if i want to get into competition shoting
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$1200 will get you into a lot of different 1911's, depending on new or used'
Taurus SS cost me $750 new 2 years ago, only complaint...I hate the Heine sights
New Colts can be had for that price. I have 3 and like them all.
Para's are okay. I really dig them for the double stack, have 2.
STI are sweet and tight, I willnever sell my 9mm SS trogan. It was around the $1200 mark.
My Dan Wesson is over that price limit at $1350. Most accurate gun I have ever owned out of the box, next to.....? Well, I'll keep you guessing.
Point being, you have a lot of options. If you can spend extra past a Norc get the Taurus, great quality. Otherwise a great investment is the STI or Kimber.
Taurus SS cost me $750 new 2 years ago, only complaint...I hate the Heine sights
New Colts can be had for that price. I have 3 and like them all.
Para's are okay. I really dig them for the double stack, have 2.
STI are sweet and tight, I willnever sell my 9mm SS trogan. It was around the $1200 mark.
My Dan Wesson is over that price limit at $1350. Most accurate gun I have ever owned out of the box, next to.....? Well, I'll keep you guessing.
Point being, you have a lot of options. If you can spend extra past a Norc get the Taurus, great quality. Otherwise a great investment is the STI or Kimber.
thanks for all the info
Is their any way i can try differnt 1911s before buying
It seams like alot of money to spend without trying them
I was thinking different shooting lanes their rentals?
joining clubs and other members letting me try ?( if they would) but this seams like a long process or do I just take a chance. because as far as advice (many good examples )it looks like everyone has a personal fav .
Is their any way i can try differnt 1911s before buying
It seams like alot of money to spend without trying them
I was thinking different shooting lanes their rentals?
joining clubs and other members letting me try ?( if they would) but this seams like a long process or do I just take a chance. because as far as advice (many good examples )it looks like everyone has a personal fav .
Correct. The ONE gun I suggested was $69 more plus tax.
You're very astute.
Back to point - you cant go wrong with the Spartan either.
and how much are those taxes? All together its gonna be closer to $1400, and that's if you can find one for as low as you quoted (Armco seems cheaper than ive seen em, maybe not). After I read the OP wants a 1911 under 1200 I used deductive reasoning to suggest the cheaper STI spartan. Maybe you should be more astute like me.
You might learn to count. 
BUt again, back to point - Id rather have the ranger II as well, but I still stick with my original answer to the OP. Spartan, Nork, or colt from EE. and you have enough left over for a trigger job and/or ammo. Best option for under 1200 in my humble opinion
