Used 1911's?

[Scout103]

Hey y'all

I'm wanting to look into getting a 1911, but can't get myself to justify getting a single handgun for over 900 dollars. So i figured I'd look for a used one, but is there anything I have to watch out for?

I don't plan on shooting it all the time, just enough to keep it familiar. I have a glock that I wear when working, so this would be an off the clock gun. Not looking for all the bells and whistles, the 1911 is beautiful anyway you look at it.

anything you 1911 guys want to tell me let it all flood in, any info is appreciated! Thanks

 

[rockhopper46038]

This article ain't bad.

Xavier Thoughts: Checking a used 1911 with a purchase in mind

There's another detailed checklist floating around that I have printed off in the past to take with me as well. I'll see if I can find it.

 

[rockhopper46038]

Here it is:

Function Check a 1911

 

[Colts]

Look around and determine the features you want or you will be back in the market sooner than you think for a second or third (this may happen anyway).

Best of Luck

 

[Lock n Load]

I usually purchase used handguns over new ones, except the G19 FDE that followed me home yesterday from Shooter521 @ Bradis....

Anyhow, I prefer used 1911s because I really like the pre series II Kimbers for the $600- $800 range vs $1K+ for a new one.

At most I have had to put in new springs and maybe swap the grips out due to personal preference, just do your homework concerning pricing, models, known issues and what to look for to determine honest wear vs abuse.

Lots of good deals out there in the used market.

 

[gregkl]

I usually purchase used handguns over new ones, except the G19 FDE that followed me home yesterday from Shooter521 @ Bradis....

Anyhow, I prefer used 1911s because I really like the pre series II Kimbers for the $600- $800 range vs $1K+ for a new one.

At most I have had to put in new springs and maybe swap the grips out due to personal preference, just do your homework concerning pricing, models, known issues and what to look for to determine honest wear vs abuse.

Lots of good deals out there in the used market.

Which a lot of people do even with a brand new one after 500 rounds or so.

 

[themadmedic]

Good info in links above. Would check to make sure it hasn't been attacked with a Dremel first and foremost!

 

[NHT3]

Ditto on what Lock n Load said.. IMHO the series I Kimbers are hard to beat for money invested.. Just be sure that it has an internal extractor. They dabbled in external extractors for a short time and it was generally considered a failed experiment.

[FONT=&quot]NRA Life member [/FONT][FONT=&quot]GSSF member[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Gunsite graduate Certified Glock armorer[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]1911 Mechanic[/FONT]

 

[Fordtough25]

I usually purchase used handguns over new ones, except the G19 FDE that followed me home yesterday from Shooter521 @ Bradis....

Anyhow, I prefer used 1911s because I really like the pre series II Kimbers for the $600- $800 range vs $1K+ for a new one.

At most I have had to put in new springs and maybe swap the grips out due to personal preference, just do your homework concerning pricing, models, known issues and what to look for to determine honest wear vs abuse.

Lots of good deals out there in the used market.

FDE G19, And back to the subject at hand I like used Springfields and Colt's.

 

[Scout103]

Thanks Y'all great info.

 

[joshualee49]

Taurus had some production issues when they first jumped into the 1911 market but, from what I hear these days, quality is a lot better. It might be worth checking out. You could probably get a very nice model used for cheap.

 

[bw210]

Springfield Armory used guns are a great buy! Their customer service will bend over backwards to fix any problem you might encounter whether your the 1st of 10th owner.

 

[drgnrobo]

Springfield Armory 1911's are pretty solid & have excellent customer service even if you arent the original owner & you talk with a real person if you have any issues or questions

 

[Packrat67]

For a nice reliable 1911 hard to beat a Springfield for the price