19 Best 45 ACP 1911 Handguns Under $2000 in 2020

We love budget guns, but the $2000 mark is a real sexy price point when it comes to 1911s. It gives you access to some of the biggest names, the best finishes and a gun that could easily last you a lifetime.

This is a gun you’ll bond with. You’ll give her, or him, a name and you’ll spend hours days lovingly polishing and maintaining this luxury 1911. When you look back on the tapestry of your life, this designer gun could well be woven into your story.

Be aware, this turns into a Colt vs Kimber war. Even we didn’t realize quite how hard these two brands dominate the price range until we really went looking for guns for this list. We tried for variety, but those two names will crop up regularly…

There are so many options, and stock is crazy right now, too. So we recommend you check the latest sales at these dealers before you buy. You might spot a rare bargain:

• Sportsman’s Warehouse – Great supply of 1911s at low prices.
• Sportsman’s Guide – 1911s and other 45 ACP Auto Handguns.
• Rainier Arms – Custom handguns. Designer 1911s at outlet prices.

So what are the best 1911s for sale under $2000? Here are our picks.

1. Colt Gold Cup Trophy

• Price: $1,699
• Barrel length: 5 inch
• Total Length: 8.5 inch
• Weight: 2.38lb
• Capacity: 8+1

Is the Colt Gold Cup Trophy the best shooting 1911 in the business? It just might be you know.

Most of the world agrees that this Colt is pretty much the standard for a competition 1911, which is why so many competition shooters take them into battle. For home enthusiasts its basically a custom gun with the night sights.

Some people will always argue that the Colt Combat Unit Rail Gun is the definitive Colt 1911 and you may be right. It’s on the list, we like it a lot, but target shooters have taken the overall honors more than once with us.

Factory Custom Guns Are Just Cool

We like factory custom guns and that’s quite often what you get with the range specialist or 3-Gun stars. You will see a few more on this list…

You get the best designers and R&D departments in the firearms industry. Also, some of the best gunsmiths in the business take personal charge of your new handgun.

Because you don’t have to send them to a tuner who throws perfectly good parts in the metaphorical garbage, the price can be unbelievable considering the feature list.

Competition Colt 1911 Pistols: The Standard For 1911 Shooters

There is an even cheaper ‘entry-level’ Colt Performance model that is right up there in our list of the best $1000 45 ACP 1911s for sale. You can see that model on the sales page, but the more expensive gun is the one you want if you have 2K burning a hole in your pocket.

This feels like twice the pistol in your hand.

This is a true Colt competition handgun and a great price when you add up all the finishing touches.

Brushed Steel Sexier Than Other Colt 1911 Handguns

They include the brushed stainless steel finish on this single action semi-auto handgun. I think that is leagues better than the polished gun or even Colt’s brown Decobond Marine pistol that lost purely on looks.

25 LPI checkering on the front and back strap are just part of an ergonomic package aimed at weekend warriors and top level professionals alike. They include a beveled magwell for easy reloading, a Novak fiber optic front sight and adjustable Bomar style rear sight.

It’s a beautifully balanced gun that has felt the benefit of feedback from thousands of club shooters around the world that have adopted this as their go-to 1911 pistol.

Colt 1911 is the Flag-Bearer For This Price Range

The Colt Gold Cup Trophy is as near as you’ll get to a perfect 45 ACP 1911. Some would argue there are better 1911s these days, and you may have a point. But this is the absolute flagbearer for the industry when it comes to 45 ACP at a sane price.

Is the Colt Gold Cup Trophy the best 45 ACP 1911 for sale under $2000? If you’re looking at home defense, rather than a carry gun, then yes, it is…

Where to Buy Colt 1911 Handguns Online at Cheap Prices

Not every USA gun store carries Colt handguns. They can be a little on the pricey side, but they are beautiful handguns with engineering that should last a lifetime. Or thousands of rounds in any case…

If you’re looking to buy a cheap Colt 1911, well it’s possible. Bargain guns do come up and we keep an eye on the prices with these direct links to Colt handgun discounts online.

We’re sharing our favorite places to buy guns online and giving you direct links as we go. They have proved popular so far!

So where is the best place to buy Colt handguns online? Try here…

• Sportsman’s Warehouse – Amazing Colt pistols for sale at the right price.
• Brownells – Great selection of 1911 Colt pistols from $1000-$$2000+
• PSA – Small selection of cut price Colt 1911 pistols.
• Guns.com – Use Colt 1911 handguns and occasional new guns.

2. Dan Wesson Bruin

• Price: $1,999
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Barrel Length: 6.3 inch
• Total Length: 9.7 inch
• Weight: 2.75lb

Never underestimate the power of an extra inch…

The Dan Wesson Bruin has the 6 inch barrel that gives this 45 ACP an absolute hammer blow of an impact. It was designed around the 45 ACP and 10mm rounds and it’s an absolute handgun hunter at its core.

You get a long sight radius thanks to that longer slide and fully adjustable Tritium night sights, combined with a fiber optic at the front.

You still might opt for a proper optic up there and this gun has that kind of vibe, especially if you’re hunting. It wants an optic and the night sights are for the target shooters who want a challenge.

The Badge is a Guarantee of Excellence

Dan Wesson doesn’t have much left to prove to us. It’s basically a guarantee of a near perfectly engineered 1911 that is more accurate than most of us will ever be. It’s right on the $2000 mark cut off, but it is worth every cent.

This matte black gun is all business, but the detail work has to be seen to be believed and you will love the checkering on the front and back strap, those real wood grips and the skeletonized hammer, competition trigger and that elegant, long barrel all look fantastic.

It isn’t nearly as dramatic as a lot of other Dan Wesson guns in terms of design, but it is classy like a Swiss sports watch. And in terms of impact, this gun will get it done.

This video covers the 10mm auto version, but it’s the same gun…

Where to buy Dan Wesson handguns online

Dan Wesson 1911s are among the best of the best and some of them are more affordable than you might think.

That’s because they’re are awesome, but where do you buy them online?

Here are some places to buy Dan Wesson firearms online you might not know about.

3. Les Baer Custom Premier II

• Price: $1,999.99
• Caliber: 45 ACP Auto
• Barrel: 5 inch
• Weight: 2.37lb
• Capacity: 8+1

The Les Baer Custom Premier II is an ungainly looking gun from some angles. But the brand has established a fearsome reputation for pinpoint accuracy that has seen some serious love from the target shooting community.

It’s a popular marksman’s pistol, even though it looks roughly like a carry pistol. There’s a beavertail safety, low profile front and rear sights and checkered wood grips.

Nothing here looks especially flashy, until you get down to those minor details.

That’s where engineering excellence always shines through and you can see and feel the tolerances on this drum tight gun. It just feels right. There’s no shimmy, no drag from that stainless steel frame and slide. They just work together, perfectly, smoothly.

It’s a 2.4lb pistol with a simple blued finish. So you may be forgiven for checking out more exotic looking offerings. I wouldn’t blame you. But for some, nothing but a Les Baer will do, and you are also right…

4 Kimber 1911 Gold Combat II

• Price: $1,699.99
• Caliber: 45 ACP Auto
• Barrel: 5 inch
• Weight: 2.37lb
• Capacity: 8+1

Kimber has die-hard fans and just as many critics of its production line guns. But the Kimber Custom shop is a different story. These are the best of the best and the Kimber Custom Gold Combat II is only on this list at all because this gun is on sale.

It should be too expensive, so snap it up while you can.

Of course this gun is all go and almost no show. It’s a straightforward matte black finish that is known as KimPro II.

Essentially, though, this is a carry version of the Kimber Super Match II that you’ll find further down. It’s a more practical version with a beveled magwell, rounded heel and Novak sights.

These are slight concessions to everyday life, but they do turn the Kimber into one of the best fuill size 1911 pistols for everyday carry.

It won’t be this price for long and you get all the match-grade barrel and other parts contained within a durable package. This is a great gun and if you’re not part of the Colt cult, then you probably know this already.

5. Colt Defender Combat Elite

• Price: $1,399.99
• Caliber: 45 ACP Auto
• Barrel Length: 3 inch
• Total Length: 6.75 inch
• Weight: 1.5lb
• Capacity: 7+1

The Colt Defender Combat Elite is the ultimate defensive carry version of the best subcompact 45 ACP 1911 on sale.

You can opt for a much cheaper, basic Colt Defender that starts from just $800. It’s a great daily carry pistol, but if you’re looking to in the $1000-$2000 price range then the Colt Defender Combat Elite is the 1911 handgun you want.

There’s a 9mm version, too, but we’re in 230gr hollowpoint territory here. That means a single stack with a 7 round magazine capacity. It means other stuff as well.

A Reliable Subcompact 1911 Handgun

A 3 inch barrel and shorter slide took Colt time to master and other 1911 pistols aren’t close to the company’s reputation for reliability and accuracy. This is the one.

A PVD black coating contrasts with the brushed stainless steel and covers all the curves and serrations. It takes the hard knocks.

You also get low drag Novak sights, a beveled slide and more to mark this apart from the stock Colt Defender line that offers far more alternatives for the finish.

Check the full line of Defender pistols, including the new Colt Defender Lightweight, here.

Want a Bigger Colt Combat Elite?

You can pick up a Colt Combat Elite Government or Commander frame, too, if you want a full size pistol, a compact gun for concealment or the subcompact Defender.

You can get them all in the signature two-tone matte stainless steel and black, and they are sexy guns. But the pricing is a basic admission that this gun isn’t a match for the Rail Gun or the chart topping Gold Trophy.

At $1,399, though, it’s a kind of custom 1911 for sensible money. Get yours here.

6. STI International 2011 Staccato R

• Price: $1,999
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Barrel Length: 5 inch
• Total Length: 8.6 inch

STI hit the headlines recently with a starring role in John Wick 3: Parabellum. Still, if you can’t quite afford the John Wick guns, and don’t feel bad, the STI International 2011 Staccato R might just be for you.

This isn’t an entry-level 1911 in anyone’s mind. But it is STI’s simple defensive 1911, which is inspired by the competition shooters that bear its name. In their eyes this is a basic competition cun, or even your new daily carry.

Staccato R is All-New For 2020

There’s an all-new gun for 2020 and Rainier Arms did have one in stock, but demand is going to outstrip supply for a while. If it’s in stock when you click the link, don’t miss your chance. It could be a while before you get another…

The STI Staccato R 2011 is a basic version, but you still get STI International’s obsessive attention to detail that ends with $4,000 handguns and endorsement deals with the world’s most famous contract killer.

Here you get a single stack 1911 45 ACP with great sights, a light and crisp slide and engineering tolerances throughout the gun that put it that little above the rest.

Just look at the details.

There are modern touches on the STI and the grip with integral finger groove is a world away from the classic G10 1911 grips. We like it, but you might not.

Everything else, from the grip safety to the skeletonized trigger, adjustable rear sight and fiber optic front, will put a smile on your face. It’s a perfectly weighted, Government sized 1911 that should stay with you for the rest of your days.

It’s still a pretty decent starter gun for single stack classic and other classes in shooting competitions too.

And if you like the John Wick guns as much as we do, well check out these two posts:

• The Guns of John Wick 3: All the John Wick guns and the ones aimed at him.
• John Wick 2 Guns: The guns from the second chapter of the John Wick franchise.

Where to Buy STI International Handguns

STI doesn’t just make the guns of John Wick. The company has some of the wildest competition handguns in 9mm and 45 ACP.

You have to see some of their open class 9mm handguns to believe them. We’re talking integrated compensators, side-mounted optics, even the legendary John Wick Combat Master 2011 herself.

Well, see for yourself…

Rainier Arms is a solid source of STI International 2011 pistols in various calibers. Check out their range, as well as a decent selection of new and used handguns on Guns.com.

• Rainier Arms: Awesome selection of custom pistols from STI International.
• Guns.com – Used STI pistols for discount prices. Get a custom gun for cheap 1911 money.

7. Kimber Ultra CDP II (Custom Defense Package)

• Price: $1,349.99
• Barrel Length: 3 inch
• Total Length: 6.8 inch
• Weight: 1.6lb
• Capacity: 6+1

The Kimber CDP II Custom Defense Package really couldn’t finish that far behind the subcompact Colt 1911, politically or objectively. It’s pretty much as good and it just comes down to your personal preference.

Again, we’re not talking about production line Kimbers here. They are a different animal. No this Kimber was built in the custom shop and comes with a whole new level of engineering.

The two-tone finish means this gun qualifies as a fashion statement, as well a very effective subcompact carry pistol. Contrasting slides and grip safeties cost money, but they do look good.

You have to admit it’s sexier than a Glock, and largely better looking than the immediate competition.

It’s relatively lightweight, designed for ease of concealment and a quick draw and you still get 6+1 rounds of 230gr.

For most concealed carry permit holders, that’s enough…

8. Colt Combat Unit Rail Gun

• Price: $1,494.90
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Barrel Length: 5 inch
• Total Length: 8.6 inch

On another day the Colt Combat Rail Gun would be your outright winner. Perhaps it should be. This is certainly the better all-round pistol if you’re looking for a nightstand pistol, truck gun or just an all-round EDC.

The Colt Rail Gun would certainly be the safe option, but then we like to spring the odd surprise and the competition mods on our winner won the day. It’s different.

But this is the most practical sidearm out of the two. It’s the one you’d want in the trenches with you. It’s the actual everyday shooter.

The Colt Rail Gun is an institution with special forces teams around the world. Most have made the jump to polymer pistols now. But this gun is still listed as standard equipment for an insane number of elite military teams and law enforcement agencies.

9. Springfield Armory TRP

• Price: $1,399.97
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Barrel Length: 5 inch
• Total Length: 8.6 inch

This isn’t just a great 1911, the Springfield Armory Tactical Response Pistol is a great semi-automatic handgun that can hold its own with anything that its rivals can offer.

It’s Springfield Armory’s ‘almost pro-grade’ weaponry. It’s not quite as pricey as the Springfield Custom guns that can comfortably top $3,000, but this is basically as good as a mass-produced 1911 can get.

Springfield vs Colt: FBI Chose This Gun

You could certainly make a solid case for choosing the Springfield Armory vs Colt. The FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team made that very call in the 1990s, after inviting proposals for a new service 1911.

Springfield’s Professional model swept the board and won the deal after one of the most exhaustive group tests in living memory. In fact, the Springfield Armory 1911 that spawned the TRP and its brethren was the only gun left standing.

Over the course of the next few years the FBI’s regional SWAT teams turned to the Springfield Armory TRP Pistol. As endorsements go, that’s not bad. Government agencies have continued to snap up the majority of Springfield Armory TRP Operator pistols. So you can have the same gun as the men in black, kind of…

Handbuilt Handgun With a High Spec

The TRP isn’t quite a custom product, but it is handbuilt by the most skilled gunsmiths at the Illinois company.

Starting with a National Match steel frame, the gunsmith hand-laps the slide to the frame, cuts the rails and drills the pin holes by hand. A match-grade bull barrel and zero play in the slide makes for an accurate and reliable handgun for sale.

The proprietary black Armory Kote finish and snakeskin effect G10 grips complete a stunning looking gun that could easily last you a lifetime.

Match-Grade Everything on this 1911 Handgun

You’ll get to know the folks at Springfield Armory’s custom gunsmiths over the years as they refresh your TRP from time to time. But treat it well and this match grade gun will last longer than you will.

A Bomar style adjustable sights with Tritium inserts on the rear is low profile and all part of the TRP combat ready package.

There’s a 6 inch barrel version in 10mm aimed at handgun hunters and virtually all TRP Operator guns out there right now come with those trademark dirty olive grips, a 6 inch barrel and 10mm Auto ammo.

• Check that and a number of other 10mm Auto firearms here.

But the 5 inch package is considered the combat package and it’s probably the one you’ll enjoy the most. At the moment that isn’t the TRP Operator, just the ‘stock’ TRP. It works.

10. Dan Wesson 1911 Eco 3.5

• Price: $1,537.99
• Caliber: 45 ACP Auto
• Barrel length: 3.5 inch
• Total Length: 7.25 inch
• Capacity: 7+1
• Weight: 1.7lb

The Dan Wesson Eco is one of the few subcompact 1911s with a stellar reputation for reliability. it can also mix it with the very best when it comes to the sense of style.

It’s a fresh alternative to the likes of the Colt and this gun has quickly become a fan favorite. The Eco is famous for the amazingly flat shooting experience for a compact 1911 with this power. That’s thanks to an advanced recoil spring that is just part of this gun’s intense story.

Eastern European Owners, American Craftsmanship

CZ now owns Dan Wesson and this Officer sized 45 ACP is a collaborative effort between the engineers and R&D department.

The end result is a match grade barrel and top quality components, right down the steel slide and the Nitride coated alloy frame. The frame and slide are different materials, and yet perfec

Everything is slimline, right down to the grips, and that results in a gun that’s very easy to conceal without printing.

A 4lb super crisp trigger pull is as good as anything here, although pretty much all single action 1911s worth their salt have a good trigger. The dot sights work and some early issues with the mags have been worked out.

Everything about the ECO, even down to the 25LPi checkered frontstrap and undercut pistol guard, are amazing. It’s a great small gun. Get one.

11. Smith & Wesson Performance Center SW1911

• Price: $1,449.99
• Barrel length: 5 inch
• Total Length: 8.7 inch
• Weight: 2.53lb
• Capacity: 8+1

This is a stunning gun isn’t it? It’s basically a custom 1911, to competition specification, that hasn’t been sent off to a third party tuner along with a blank check.

Smith & Wesson Performance Center engineers are effectively the skunkworks of S&W, so they have a big budget, the best tools and intimate knowledge of the base firearms from the design phase. A Smith and Wesson custom gun, then, was always going to be good.

Competition Spec Parts For a Little More

Essentially they are providing the finishing touches to the iconic SW1911 that just wouldn’t be cost effective in the mass market guns, for those that want to pay for them.

The results speak for themselves. The gun reviews online for the SW1911 Performance Center handgun are absolutely incredible and it’s a five-star gun in more than one store.

The three slide ports look the absolute business and they probably do confer a small performance advantage. There’s a throated barrel, a precision crowned muzzle, a polished feed ramp, a spherical barrel bushing and a skeletonized trigger to complete the lightweight look.

It’s an awesome handgun that you might even be tempted to carry as an EDC thanks to the manageable weight. It’s still cumbersome and all those slide cuts might bite you at some point, but it’s lighter than some on this list.

All-Round Star, Not Just a Target Shooter

You can also use it as a competition shooter, a nightstand pistol or just a general personal defense 45 ACP handgun. The S&W1911 Performance Center is awesome at all of those things.

Any way you use it, you will not be disappointed. You might spend a little more time cleaning those ports after practising shooting technique at the firing range. But that’s a price you will probably be happy to pay for the performance of this almighty 1911 for sale.

12. Ruger SR1911 Competition

• Price: $1,709.99
• Caliber: 45 ACP Auto
• Barrel Length: 5 inch
• Total Length: 8.67 inch
• Weight: 2.5lb
• Capacity: 8+1

The Ruger SR1911 Competition could easily top this list. It’s that good and there’s no real reason beyond subjective intuition that keeps the Colt at the top. Well that and the crowd.

Ruger is an iconic brand in its own right and the Ruger SR1911 is one of our favorite 1911s under $1000 .

Only diehard enthusiasts think it has the cache of the Colt, though. This gun, then, is still a niche choice in this company, but it’s an almighty value proposition for the same reason.

Doug Koenig Shooting Sports Parts & Upgrades

Essentially this is a custom 1911 using the very best Ruger SR1911 frames, taken off the line by one of the in-house gunsmiths. They hand-fit the perfect slide and then add the Koenig Shooting Sports trigger and hammer.

These are serious performance boosts and a Doug Koenig Shooting Sports Low Mass Hammer is a $100 part on its own if you go shopping in the 1911 parts & accessories store.

Fitted Barrel Lug and Match Grade Barrel

The barrel is beyond match-grade, with a target crown, forged slide release, fitted barrel bushing.

You get a two-tone nickel and black nitride finish that we kinda love. The extended magazine release, integral plunger tube and ambidextrous safety are all top drawer. Even the sear spring is hand-tuned by the engineers and master gunsmiths at Ruger.

Seasoned shooters take these into battle with Colt and Tanfoglio pistols each and every week. It’s a great 1911 for the money and may well climb the list before long. It feels wrong that it’s down here, but there are others you could say that about.

13. Remington 1911 R1 UltraLight Executive

• Price: $1,068.99
• Caliber: .45 Cal ACP
• Barrel: 3.5 inch
• Overall: 7 inch
• Weight: 1.75lb
• Capacity: 7+1

Most of the Remington 1911 handguns on sale are just too cheap to make it into this $1000-$2000 price range. But the Remington 1911 R1 UltraLight Executive sneaks in. And we’re glad to have it…

Remington doesn’t get much press when it comes to handguns and that is a shame, because the company does interesting things with pistol designs.

The R51 concealed carry is a real technical tour de force, but people just don’t buy enough of them for that to really matter. They remain a very fringe choice for firearms collectors and people that just like to be different. Not Edgelords, just different.

A lightweight alloy frame, together with stainless steel slide, keeps the weight to a respectable 1.75lb.

The 3.5 inch barrel is just long enough to keep muzzle rise from being a real issue. If you look at the pistol design then you see Remington went for the longest possible barrel with the shortest possible frame. That’s good for recoil control and accuracy.

14. Sig Sauer 1911 MAX Nitron

• Price: $1,399
• Barrel: 5 inch
• Weight: 2.6lb
• Capacity: 8+1

Look at any stock 1911 handgun and see the things you’d change to turn it into a sharper, better gun. Now look at the Sig Sauer 1911 MAX and see how much time you just saved.

There’s a deliberate aftermarket tuner vibe with the Sig 1911 MAX. The parts look like off the shelf add-ons from the upgrades store. But they’re all fitted factory fresh and come with the same guarantee, ambidextrous controls and fit and finish.

It’s just a racier kind of semi-automatic pistol design.

This Sig 1911 goes through the in-house custom engineers and is, to all intents and purposes, a custom 1911. You get a stainless steel frame and slide, hand matched by a master gunsmith.

Upgrades on the Sig 1911 MAX Nitron

A straight cut 5lb trigger gives an even cleaner break, the rear sights are adjustable and the fiber optic night sights up front are useful anytime of day. As is the match grade barrel.

Then there is the flared Magwell, a simple add-on part that really is a performance boost in any gun. Together with a sizeable memory bump on the beavertail grip safety. The only thing this messes up is concealment, and this was never really a carry gun.

Now it’s an all-round sport gun that isn’t too specific. It’s a great general race gun platform for enthusiastic range shooters to take the next step into competition, without driving you too far down one road in terms of rules and regulations.

Simple, Useful Mods For a 1911 Pistol

In plain English that means you get a few choice mods and Sig 1911 upgrades. The kind of stuff you might do anyway. It also means it’s eligible for a lot of different classes, which could help you find your niche…

The gun is named after Sig’s marksman Max Michel Jr, World Speed Shooting Champion 4 times in a row and the former IPSC Handgun World Champion.

Owning it won’t make you him, but it might start you on the road to some form of competition. Even if it doesn’t, you’ll have a 1911 at home with some pretty sweet mods. Put a red dot on top if you want. It’s all fine.

15. Kimber Rapide

• Price: $1,824.99
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Barrel Length: 5 inch
• Total Length: 8.5 inch
• Weight: 2.2lb
• Capacity: 8+1

Another factory custom 1911 that takes the best of mass manufacture and a serious amount of custom work to create an affordable custom gun that some people rate as their best 1911.

The feature list is insane. This video is a little cheesy and self-serving, but it does show you the additional work that goes into this Kimber limited edition.

There is a lot of ground to cover on the Kimber Rapide, from the lightening cuts on the slide for a faster cycle time through to the aggressive serrations.

The stainless steel barrel, match level of course, gets a TiN coating that does look cool, and super gold. You get the KimPro II powder coat finish, Stiplex front strap stippling, TruGlo TFX Pro sights and an aluminum trigger set for a clean 4-5lb break.

It’s a lot tot ake in and it makes the Kimber Rapide a seriously good gun for the money. It also looks cool, which counts for something. You know it does…

16. Colt 1911 CMC Marine

• Price: $1,824.99
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Barrel Length: 5 inch
• Total Length: 8.5 inch
• Weight: 2.2lb
• Capacity: 8+1

This is another gun that could be way higher up the list if it wasn’t for the success of its stablemates. The Colt 1911 CMC Marine is basically the ultimate incarnation of the Colt 1911 Rail Gun, and possibly deserves better treatment in a meritocracy.

Let’s face it, the Marines opted for this 1911 M45A1 as their official service pistol, even though a lot of actual soldiers will pack a striker-fired HK or Glock when they’re not on parade.

That’s really the USP here. This is the dress version of the Rail Gun you should really buy if you just want to shoot it. This is a collector’s gun, the US Marine Corps’ dress gun, which also happens to shoot great.

Brown is the Right Color For Your Colt M45A1 Rail Gun

You don’t have to go for the Desert Sand Decobond finish. There’s a black gun, too, but this is the more readily available handgun at the right price. It’s also the right color for military firearms enthusiasts.

Aesthetics aside, this is a hell of a gun. The trigger is the stuff of legend and this is simply Colt’s best work, aside from the full custom guns that can run cost double or more.

In truth, only the very best shooters could tell the difference between this and the very best 1911 pistols in the world. Colt has combined master craftsmanship with just enough mass manufacturing to ensure the tolerances are tight, everywhere, and the price is just good enough to feature here.

Service Pistol Not a Target Shooter

This isn’t a competition spec gun, it’s more of a tactical service pistol or sidearm for those that want an old-school 1911 on their hip. The Picatinny rail down below and Novak 3-dot sights are all aimed at a quick draw and tactical gear like weapons lights.

These are things you might want to use on a nightstand pistol, so consider this or the cheaper Colt Combat Unit Rail gun. If you want a top line Colt 1911 pistol, but you don’t want to go full target shooter spec, look closely at the 1911 CMC Marine.

17. Kimber Stainless Raptor II

• Price: $1,299
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Barrel Length: 5 inch
• Total Length: 8.6 inch

You can spend a lot more on a Kimber 1911, but why would you when the Kimber Raptor II 1911 is pretty much the semi auto single-action pistol of your dreams.

I mean look at it. You don’t need to spend more and on a pure value for money competition this gun might just be the winner.

This is a full a Kimber Custom Shop 1911, it’s the best of the production line stuff taken to an unhealthy level of obsession. The Kimber Raptor II is also designed with notional carry gun features and people really do use this big custom gun as a carry pistol.

If you really want to conceal your Kimber, then maybe look at the $1000 Ultra Carry Raptor II, which is awesome in its own special way.

Low Drag Sights and Serrations

But you can see nods to concealment in the low-drag Tactical Wedge Tritium sights and the simply brilliant Raptor serrations on the slide and grip that are the gun’s signature.

You get an extended beavertail, together with a significant memory bump to force your hand into position. The grip safety, skeletonized trigger and checkered front strap, again in the Raptor serrations, add to the sense of occasion.

This is, quite simply, a beautiful 1911 pistol. It’s cheaper than a lot of them here, it’s a more cohesive design and you’ll love owning this gun.

And we’d still say that if it cost hundreds more.

The Kimber Tactical II is cheaper. But this is prettier, Get the Raptor, you know you want to…

18. Colt MFG M1911 Government

• Price: $1,402.99
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Barrel: 5 inch
• Total Length: 8.5 inch
• Weight: 2.2lb
• Capacity: 8+1

Combat match shooters are a demanding bunch, but basically the features they want on their pistol are pretty much what you’re looking for in a defensive handgun. The Colt Mfg Series 70 1911 Government makes them happy.

So if your gun’s main job is guard duty on the nightstand, then you still want the same qualities as a match shooter goes looking for.

Reliable, Consistent, Super Accurate

What are they? Reliability, consistency, accuracy, great balance, reduced felt recoil and a solid grip high up on the gun. These all sound like pretty good traits in any handgun to be honest.

A pronounced beavertail and a 25LPI checkered front and back strap mean you can get a real solid grip on this real solid gun.

The Colt Upswept Beavertail Safety joins forces with a Colt Single Side Tactical Safety, so there’s no real excuse for accidental discharges. Aside from that, this gun will be a sweet-shooting 1911, possibly for the rest of your life.

The Colt Series 70 Government M1911 is a great all-round gun, even if you’re not going to enter shooting competitions. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it.

This is the classic M1911 pistol for sale and it’s still one of the best single-action handguns out there for a reason.

19. Kimber 1911 Master Carry Custom

Kimber’s consumer grade handguns are works of art that don’t always have the best reputation for reliability or functionality. This, though, is a Kimber Custom and that is a different ballgame entirely.

This is more or less the service pistol that the LAPD SWAT team takes into action, with a Crimson Trace grip added on.

If your testing regime consists of some steel-cased ammo at the range, then rest assured that LA’s finest have done that for you and more. This is a gun you can rely on and it has been put together by Kimber’s absolute best.

A match grade Kimber is about the same money, but this is a tactical response pistol and is aimed at open carry and personal defense. You can’t really say it’s a convenient concealed carry, but you could just about do it. You could also buy the shorter versions with a 4 inch barrel, or the 3 inch CCW version.

Lightweight 1911 Pistol With Aluminum Frame

The frame is aluminum to save weight, the rounded heel is a classic carry gun flourish, there’s a match grade trigger and the stainless steel slide is coated in KimPro II, which doesn’t need lubrication and should last basically forever.

The bi-tone finish looks the business, especially in combination with the real wood grips that give a touch of gravitas to this gun.

It’s properly lightweight for a full-size 1911 handgun hammering out 45 ACP and that alone could be the USP you’re looking for. it’s also a beautifully put together handgun that might turn you into a Kimber convert, along with the LAPD SWAT team.

20. Sig Sauer We The People

Sig’s We The People is a limited edition that you can still buy. It isn’t cheap, and it’s a very definite look that you either love or, well, don’t, but the Sig Sauer We The People is a great value 1911 that you can carry with pride.

Now there are better guns on this list if you want that last nth degree of accuracy. There is no match grade bull barrel here, or billet frame washed down with unicorn’s tears. This is basic engineering, done well.

It was designed as a tribute to America and as a pro Second Amendment statement. The grips are adorned with 50 stars. The all over distressed look on the stainless steel slide and frame is certainly unique and it gives this designer 1911 a custom handgun feel.

The company has a massive selection of full-size 1911s in limited run designs. Yes, it’s kind of a fashion label gun, big box brands with mass produced guns with a bespoke finish. But it’s a recipe that works pretty well.

• Check the full Sig 1911 line-up here.

With this gun the features list includes a checkered front and back strap and an ambidextrous manual safety rather than competition spec parts. It isn’t going to win any sharp-shooting competitions anytime soon, but it is a great looking gun that will serve you well. It’s a Sig Sauer too, so it should stand the test of time.

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Do You Want a Cheap 1911 Instead?

Yes, this is a list of expensive guns, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love the likes of Rock Island Armory and Auto Ordnance. They are just different guns, for a different crowd.

If you are part of the Auto Ordnance and Rock Island Armory crowd then we got you covered as well. Just head to these posts for some of the best 1911 pistols on a budget.

You will find Rock Island Armory’s Tac II, which we love, the basic Auto Ordnance M1911 45 ACP and even the DA/SE RIA MAPP Series. That’s not quite a 1911, it’s more of a hammer-fired Glock, but we love it all the same.

Check these posts for cheaper 1911 handguns to buy today.

• $500 1911 handguns. Cheap 1911s to buy today.
• $1000 .45 ACP 1911 handguns
• Next Gen 1911 Pistols. Double stack 9mm 1911s, Striker fired Hudson H9 and more.