19 Best 45 1911s Under $2000 – Dec 2021

Covid-19 Update: Stock levels are insane right now. We’re trying to keep on top of it, but the simple way at this moment in time is just to see what’s in stock at our partners direct. So let’s do that…

These live links will always show you what you can buy right now, with your credit card. No store pick-up, no speak to customer service, no BS. Order online and pick up at your designated FFL dealer or store…

• Guns.com – A 45 1911 of your dreams, maybe.
• Sportsmans Guide – Nice selection of affordable firearms.
• Euro Optic – Incredible selection of custom, polymer, everything.
• Bass Pro: Good weapons in stock and more for back order.
• Sportsman’s Warehouse – Great supply at low prices.

The $2000 mark is a real sexy price point. It gives you access to some of the biggest names, the slickest finishes and semi-automatic handguns that could easily last you a lifetime.

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. We tried for variety, but those two names will crop up regularly…

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

1. Kimber Rapide

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

Another factory custom 1911 that combines mass manufacture and a serious amount of custom work to create an affordable custom gun.

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 and refined recoil spring system for a faster cycle time through to the aggressive serrations.

The cold hammer forged 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 to take in and it makes the Kimber Rapide seriously good for the money. It also looks cool, which counts for something. You know it does…

As with many others here, there’s a 9mm Luger version if you want more bullets and less recoil.

2. 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 top shooting 1911 45 in the business? It just might be you know and only the Kimber’s availability and sale price took the honors.

Most of the world agrees that this is pretty much the standard for competition.

Some people will always argue that the mil spec Colt Combat Unit Rail Gun is the definitive experience 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.

This is Just Cool

We like factory custom 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.

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 45: The Standard

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

This feels like twice the tool in your hand.

This is a great deal when you add up all the finishing touches. Right up to and including that swept and extended beavertail grip safety.

Brushed Steel Sexier Than Other Finishes

They also include the brushed stainless finish on this single action semi-auto pistol. I think that is leagues better than the brown Decobond Marine 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 is beautifully balanced and has felt the benefit of feedback from thousands of club shooters around the world.

The Flag-Bearer For This Price Range

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

Is the Colt Gold Cup Trophy the best 45 1911 for sale under $2000? It’s close…

3. Dan Wesson Bruin

• Price: $1,999
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Barrel: 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 it an absolute hammer blow of an impact. It was designed around the 45 ACP ammo, and 10mm, so it’s a hunter to its core.

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

You still might opt for a proper optic up there and this that kind of vibe, especially if you’re hunting. This Dan Wesson specialist pistol wants an optic.

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 45 that is more accurate than most of us will ever be. This Dan Wesson Specialist pistol is right on the $2000 mark cut off, but it is worth every cent.

This 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. So does the upswept beavertail grip safety.

It isn’t nearly as dramatic as some of the brand’s offerings in terms of design, but it is classy like a Swiss sports watch. And in terms of impact, this will get it done.

This video covers the Dan Wesson 10mm version, but it’s basically the same…

Where to buy Dan Wesson

Dan Wesson 1911s are more affordable than you might think.

But where do you pick up a Dan Wesson TCP or any of the other fine firearms, handguns, pistols, whatever you want to call them?

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

4 Kimber Custom Gold Combat RL II

• Price: $1,995.99
• 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 offerings. But the Kimber Custom shop is a different story. These are the top of the line and the Kimber Custom Gold Combat ii is only on this list at all because it is on sale.

It should be too expensive, so snap it up this top class centerfire pistol while you can.

Of course this 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 a real everyday carry. It’s basically Mil spec and beyond.

It won’t be this price for long and you get all the match parts contained within a durable package. Elite law enforcement officers love them for a reason, although you might be tempted by a Kimber Stainless option.

4. Les Baer Custom Premier II

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

The Les Baer Custom Premier II looks ungainly 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 weapon. And yet there’s a beavertail safety, low profile front and rear sights and checkered wood grips.

Nothing on this Les Baer 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. There’s no shimmy, no drag from that stainless steel frame and slide. They just work together, perfectly, smoothly.

It is 2.4lb, 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…

5. Colt Defender Combat Elite

• Price: $1,399.99
• Caliber: 45 ACP Auto
• Barrel: 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 legendary subcompact 45 ACP 1911.

You can opt for a much cheaper, basic Colt Defender that starts from just $800. It’s a great daily carry, but if you’re looking to in the $1000-$2000 price range then the Colt Defender Combat Elite is the Commander 45 ACP pistol you want.

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

A Reliable Subcompact 1911 Commander 45 ACP Pistol

A 3 inch barrel and shorter slide took Colt time to master and other 1911s 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 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 Defenders, including the new Ultra Compact and the new Colt Defender Lightweight, here.

Want a Bigger Combat Elite?

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

You can get them all in the signature two-tone matte forged steel and black. But the pricing is a basic admission that this isn’t a match for the Rail 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
• Cal: .45
• Barrel: 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 gun, or even your new daily carry. Look closer and you’ll see night sights, slide and custom stippling that are more than up to the job.

Staccato R is All-New For 2020

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 bills and endorsement deals with the world’s most famous contract killer.

Modern Finish on Old School Foundations

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

Everything else, from the grip safety to the skeletonized trigger, adjustable rear sight and fiber 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. Of course you can opt for a threaded barrel too.

It’s still a pretty decent starter for single stack classic and other classes in shooting competitions too. Because of the bespoke roots, the customer service is second to none too.

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

• The Guns of John Wick 3: All the John Wick firearms.
• John Wick 2 Guns: The weapons from the second chapter of the John Wick franchise.

Where to Buy STI International

STI doesn’t just make hardware for John Wick. The company has some of the wildest competition pistols in 9mm and .45.

You have to see some of their open class 9mm 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 2011s in various calibers. Check out their range, as well as a decent selection of new and used weapons.

• Guns.com – Used STI for discount prices.

7. Kimber Ultra CDP II (Custom Defense Package)

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

The Kimber Ultra 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 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.

The custom shop’s best work is 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

• Price: $1,549.90
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Barrel: 5 inch
• Total Length: 8.6 inch

On another day the Combat Rail Gun would be your outright winner. Perhaps it should be. This is certainly the better all-rounder.

That 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 for your gun safes. It’s the one you’d want in the trenches with you and the modern interpretation of John Moses Browning’s best work. It’s the actual everyday shooter thanks to slightly beefier construction, the accessory rail and combat sights.

Standard Issue For Just About Everyone

This Colt Government is an institution with special forces teams around the world. Most have made the jump to polymer pistols now. But these are listed as standard equipment for an insane number of elite military and law enforcement agencies.

9. Springfield Armory TRP

• Price: $1,399.97
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Barrel: 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 handguns that can hold its own with anything that its rivals can offer.

It’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. It’s certainly a step up from the best-selling Springfield Armory Range Officer.

Springfield vs Colt Government: FBI Chose This

You could certainly make a solid case for choosing the Springfield Armory vs Colt Government. 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 this centerfire pistol. As endorsements go, that’s not bad. Government agencies have continued to snap up the majority of Springfield Armory TRP Operator options. So you can have the same as the men in black, kind of…

Handbuilt Handgun With a High Spec

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

Starting with a National Match forged steel frame, they hand match the slide to the frame, cut the rails and drill the pin holes by hand. A match 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 stunner that could easily last you a lifetime.

Comp Spec Everything on this 1911 Handgun

You’ll get to know the custom gunsmiths over the years as they refresh your TRP from time to time. But treat it well and this will last longer than you.

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 models out there right now come with those trademark dirty olive grips.

• Check that and a number of other 10mm Auto pistol options 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.

The Range Officer is a solid contender in the $1000 1911 45 class. So to check out a Range Officer and others from this market leader, check here.

10. Dan Wesson 1911 Eco 3.5

• Price: $1,537.99
• Caliber: 45 Auto
• Barrel: 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. And a killer sense of style.

It’s a fresh alternative to the likes of the Colt and 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 story.

Eastern European Foundations, American Craftsmanship

The end result is top quality, right down to 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 piece 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. Some early issues with the mags have been worked out.

Everything about the ECO, even down to the 25LPi checkered frontstrap and undercut trigger guard, are amazing. Get one.

11. Smith & Wesson Performance Center SW1911

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

This is 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 at Smith & Wesson, so they have a big budget, and intimate knowledge of the best-selling base firearms from the design phase.

Competition Spec Parts For a Little More

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

The results speak for themselves.

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, or just a general personal defense handgun with the best night sights. The Smith & Wesson 1911 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: 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 SR1911 is one of our favorite 1911s under $1000 .

Only diehard enthusiasts think the Ruger has the cache, though. This, 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 hand-picked 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. So the Ruger SR1911 is a solid package.

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 a Ruger SR1911 into battle with Colt and Tanfoglio, 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
• 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. Aside from going bankrupt…

The R51 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, handguns collectors and people that just like to be different. Not Edgelords, just different.

A lightweight alloy frame, together with a forged stainless steel slide and flared ejection port, keeps the weight to a respectable 1.75lb. The night sights, the heel, it’s all top stuff. We like it.

The 3.5″ barrel is just long enough to keep muzzle rise from being a real issue. 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. 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 design.

This Sig 1911 goes through the in-house custom engineers and is, to all intents and purposes, a custom 1911. You get a 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.

Then there is the flared Magwell, a simple add-on part that really is a performance boost, and a bevelled and flared ejection port. You get a cut down ambidextrous thumb safety and 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 shooter 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

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…

Sig marksman Max Michel Jr, World Speed Shooting Champion 4 times in a row and the former IPSC Handgun World Champion, leant his name to the project.

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 red dot sights on top if you want. It’s all fine.

16. Colt 1911 CMC Marine

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

This is another one 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, and possibly deserves better treatment in a meritocracy.

Let’s face it, the Marines opted for this 1911 M45A1 as their official service weapon, 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 a collector’s edition, the US Marine Corps’ formal gear, which also happens to shoot great. It’s a high price, high spec gun.

Brown is the Right Color For Your Colt M45A1

You don’t have to go for the Desert Sand Decobond finish. There’s a black one, but this is the more readily available handgun at the right price. It’s also the right color for military firearms enthusiasts, and hearing aids. It is what it is and even the thumb safety gets a coat.

In truth, only top shooters could tell the difference between this and the top tier. This is 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 competition spec, it’s more of a tac 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.

17. Kimber Stainless Raptor II

• Price: $1,299
• 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 of your dreams.

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

This is a full a Kimber Custom Shop 1911, it’s the cream of the production line stuff taken to an unhealthy level of obsession. The Kimber Raptor II is also designed with notional carry features.

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 is the 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. It’s cheaper than a lot of them here, it’s a more cohesive design and a happy ownership experience.

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 Model

• Price: $1,402.99
• 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 are pretty much what you’re looking for too. The Colt Mfg Series 70 1911 Government Model makes them happy and it can do the same for you.

Reliable, Consistent, Super Accurate

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

A pronounced beavertail and a 25LPI checkered front and back strap mean you can get a real solid hold on those rosewood grips.

The Upswept Beavertail Safety joins forces with a Single Side Safety, so there’s no real excuse for accidental discharges. The thumb safety is shorter than most, but that’s OK.

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

This is the classic M1911 for sale and it’s still one of the premier single-action handguns, semi-automatic out there for a reason.

19. Kimber 1911 Master Carry Custom

• Price: $1,247.45
• Barrel: 5 inch
• Total: 8.7 inch
• Weight: 1.94lb
• Capacity: 8+1

Kimber’s consumer grade stuff looks good, but they don’t always have a perfect reputation for quality control. This, though, is a Kimber Custom and that is a different ballgame entirely.

This is more or less what the LAPD SWAT team takes into action, with a Crimson Trace grip added on, or not.

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.

A match grade Kimber is about the same money, but this 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 4 inches up front, or the 3 inch CCW version.

Lightweight 1911 With Aluminum Frame

The alloy frame saves weight, the rounded heel is a classic carry pistol flourish, there’s a match grade trigger and the stainless 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.

It’s properly lightweight for a full-size 1911 thanks to that alloy frame and that alone could be the USP you’re looking for. It might just turn you into a Kimber convert, along with the LAPD SWAT team.

20. Sig Sauer We The People

• Price: $1279.99
• Barrel: 5 inch
• Total: 8.7 inch
• Weight: 2.6lb

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 good value.

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

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 slide and frame is certainly unique and it gives this a designer feel.

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

• Check the full Sig 1911 line-up here.

With this the features list includes a checkered front and back strap and an ambidextrous thumb safety rather than competition spec parts. That ambidextrous thumb safety is the smaller Sig offering too.

It isn’t going to win any sharp-shooting competitions anytime soon, but it is a looker that will serve you well. It’s a Sig Sauer too, so it should stand the test of time.

 

Where to Get Deals Online

Not every store carries Colt and certainly Colt Custom Shop firearms, handguns and the occasional rifle. They can be a little on the pricey side, but they should last a lifetime. Or thousands of rounds in any case…

If you’re looking to buy cheap Colts, well it’s possible. Bargains do come up and we keep an eye on the prices with these direct links discounts online.

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

So where can you find Colt online? Try here…

• Sportsman’s Warehouse – Amazing Colts for sale at the right price.
• Brownells – Great selection from $1000-$$2000+
• PSA – Small best-selling selection.
• Guns.com – Used and new.

Do You Want a Cheap 1911 45 Instead?

Yes, this is a list of expensive fare, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love the likes of Rock Island Armory and Auto Ordnance. They are just different, without a match grade barrel, but they work great for home defense and more.

If you are part of the Auto Ordnance, Metro Arms and RIA crowd then we got you covered as well. Just head to these posts and stay connected to the lower price brackets.

You will find the Mil-spec Rock Island Armory Tac II, which we love, the basic single-action Auto Ordnance M1911 and even the DA/SA Rock Island Armory MAPP Series. That’s not quite a 1911, it’s more of a hammer-fired Glock, but we love that RIA all the same. Especially the hand fit.

Check these posts for cheaper alternatives today.

• $500 1911s. Buy a semi-auto pistol today, including Rock Island Armory and Metro Arms firearms, handguns, semi-automatic handguns, rifles, G10 grips for improved hand fit etc. Get the best pistols for the money.
• $1000 .45 1911s, awesome products. Micro compact and ultra compact 45 ACP pistol selection and G10 grips too.
• Next Gen 1911 products. Double stack 9mm 1911s, Striker fired Hudson H9 and more.

Want to Spend a Little More?

Just a little more than $2000 gets you into serious custom guns and you can start shopping the likes of the Wilson Combat CQB, even better Kimber Custom offerings and Colt’s best work.

Wilson Combat produces some beautiful shooting guns for less than $2,500, maybe the best for the money, and you can see the whole Wilson Combat CQB and more line at Brownells.

Buy Gun Accessories, And Other Stuff

If you’re looking for random things like shotgun ammo, 45 ACP ammo, a threaded barrel, a firing pin, full-length guide rod or even a micro compact 9mm, we can fix you up. Gun safes, a pure competition pistol, handgun ammo or personal protection. We got you.

Check out these parts, barrels and other options:

• Brownells – 1911 Parts, barrels, frames, rosewood grips, handgun ammo, full length guide rod and more.

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