[Nalajr]

Hey all.
I was loading around on YouTube watching different gun and hunting videos when I came upon a review video with a title something like “WW2 1911A1 Replica for $320”! I thought WHOA, I gotta see what this is about.

It turns out it’s a video on the Tisas 1911a1 replica of the pistols issued to our troops in WW2....or at least a close resemblance. This guy showed it off and talked about it. I was really kinda shocked. I have never seen a new 1911 that sold for what this one is selling for. The reviewer loved his and said it was well worth the price he paid. Granted, it’s not going to win any beauty contests, but it looked perfectly fine and functional. I have been reading a bit as of late about the Tisas made pistols and how they are of respectable quality. They come from Turkey.

I started looking on GB to verify the claims and I found several other Tisas 1911 models in addition to the WW2 replica. There looks to be 6-8 different models going for about $375 to about $525 or so.

I then started thinking about other low cost 1911’s and what all is out there. I know the basic Remington is always listed at around $500. I think the base Springfield is not much more. Auto Ordinance makes one too. I also believe there’s a brand AMERICAN Classic or some such. It’s imported by the same place that brings in the Bersa pistols. I can’t think of others, but I know they’re out there.

So, it looks like the 1911 is being made available to those on a tight budget or don’t want to spend a lot of money on one to try and see if they like them. Several companies testing the waters. I hope there’s more to come and the quality gets better and better.

Do any of you own one of these “entry” model or low cost 1911’s? If so, which one did you go with and why? If you are looking to possibly get one, which one would you like to have most?
What company in your mind makes the best bargain 1911? What about the best WWI or WWII replica 1911a1?

I’d like to hear what you think of these 1911’s and if you have any pics of yours....please post them so we too can see them.
Thanks all.

 

[StLRichard]

I bought Springfield Mil-Spec Defender for under $500. Comes with one magazine. American made. Quality internals.

 

[ACP]

I bought Springfield Mil-Spec Defender for under $500. Comes with one magazine. American made. Quality internals.

thought these were coming from Brazil?

 

[Gafanhao]

Bought a U.S.A made Springfield loaded for 650 couple months ago for a project gun, shot it a bit before sending it off and was presently surprised, can't wait to get it back.

 

[Colorado Sonny]

I would go for a Rock Island Arsenal, (RIA). I have one right now that seems pretty well made, although I haven't had a chance to shoot it. Bought it as a project gun as recommended by many Addicts. https://armscor.com/firearms/ria/gi-series/

 

[Joni Lynn]

RIA is one of the less expensive 1911's out there and is perhaps the best bang for the buck available. If needed, their customer service is top notch. They obviously aren't a SA, DW, LB or the like but for the price they're a idea.

 

[soverystout]

I think Rock Island makes a solid 1911 for folks who want to try one.
If I had a small budget, I would get a Springfield Mil Spec that were selling for the high $500s but have moved up slightly to $640 or so.

 

[swampgas]

I bought the RIA 22 mag, I like it. Couldn't find a U.S. maker who makes something close to 1911 in 22 mag.

 

[fieldgrade]

Rock Island makes a great 1911 for their price point.

 

[ReaperCustom45]

My experience with RIA has all been good. May not be the prettiest guns, but they seem to work well and have good customer service. I've heard good things about Tisas and Metro Arms as well. The Metro guns seem to have nicer finishes than some of the others.

 

[swampgas]

Rock Island makes a great 1911 for their price point.

Their quality has improved the last few years as well, to my eye anyway.

 

[swampgas]

I have a Tisa 20 guage side by side in my living room. Belongs to a friend, he wants to move it. I'm thinking 18.5" barrels and a new front bead. Name it JOE

Sorry, it's not a Tisa, it's a Yildiz...they all look alike LOL

 

[fieldgrade]

Their quality has improved the last few years as well, to my eye anyway.

I owned a 9mm Ultra earlier this year. Slide to frame fit was good, it locked up. I was pretty pleased with it.

 

[TheCollector]

My first .38 super was RIA. $4XX to see what .38 sup. was all about.... Into them about a ton of $$$$s now. I also bought a RIA .45 as my first take down to frame gun... in case I couldn't get it back together. Both have moved on and are being shot frequently.

 

[mbacker_99]

I don’t understand the fascination with the cheap imports. A Springfield can be had for less than $500 shipped.

American made
Lifetime warranty
Quality steel
The holes will be in all the right places
Resale

I don’t know if this applies to current RIA guns but there was a time when Barsto would not even fit a barrel to them.

 

[WC145]

I bought Springfield Mil-Spec Defender for under $500. Comes with one magazine. American made. Quality internals.

thought these were coming from Brazil?

The Springfield Defender Mil-Specs are the best 1911 deal going right now. Forged frames and slides, well built, and great shooters, I picked one up off gunbroker for $450 last year and it was an absolute bargain.

ACP- Springfield 1911s have been all American for several years now.

 

[fieldgrade]

I don’t understand the fascination with the cheap imports. A Springfield can be had for less than $500 shipped.

American made
Lifetime warranty
Quality steel
The holes will be in all the right places
Resale

I don’t know if this applies to current RIA guns but there was a time when Barsto would not even fit a barrel to them.

View attachment 459633

I’ve had Wilson and RIA and all in between. The recent RIA ran as well as any of them, and I run them all in matches. Just not as pretty.

 

[fatbaldguy]

All of my budget/value priced 1911's have been sent on down the road. They all worked. Some I put a bit into to see what options I like or dislike. I think I know what I want now, and the budget/value priced guns just don't have it. Spend 3 times more on a Dan Wesson and you are 90% there. With the cost of parts, you are money ahead. Then, IF, and I mean IF you need to sell it for any reason, you'll get most of your money back out of it.
Given the choice between a Tisas and RIA? RIA on any day that ends in Y.

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

I’d like to hear what you think of these 1911’s .

My time here is limited and I won't waste money or time on substandard dreck when I can afford quality.

 

[Babboonbobo]

I have a RIA mostly because no one else makes a 1911 pistol in 22tcm although it is a double stack.
Also had an ATI I purchased for $359 or something like that. Did my own machining on it and had Steve O finish it up and do all the internal work and I gave it to my son for his 30th birthday this year. His first 1911, it’s not a high priced one but one that I worked on so I hope that means something to him. He’ll get my Nighthawks, Guncrafters, Wilson’s, Baers, Browns etc when I die.o: but I personally hope the ATI will always mean more to him!