25 Best 45 1911s Under $2000 – September 2022

Stock levels just getting back to normal and some guns are just not available. 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…

• Palmetto State Armory – Great 45 selection.
• Euro Optic – Incredible selection of custom, polymer, everything.
• Guns.com – The best 1911 pistols, in stock.

The $2000 mark is a real sexy price point. It gives you access to some of the biggest names, the slickest finishes and 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 top picks.

1. Colt Combat Unit

• Price: $1,857.00
• 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 and one of the best 1911 pistols in the world.

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. It’s the one you’d want in the trenches with you and the modern interpretation of the best work of John Moses Browning. 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.

2. Kimber Rapide

• Price: $1,399.99
• 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.

Super Fast Cycling and Accurate Too

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. With this many features at a mid-range price, this might be the best bang for buck here.

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. There are also a couple of sexy limited editions.

The Kimber Rapide Scorpius joins the Kimber Rapide Black Ice in the polished Stainless Steel department. It looks fantastic, of course, and costs just a little more. Get your Rapide Scorpius here.

3. Dan Wesson Valor

• Price: $1,939.99
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Barrel: 5 inch
• Total Length: 8.75 inch
• Weight: 2.48lb

The Dan Wesson Valor is the flagship of the range and it has cvome in for a number of minor tweaks for 2022.

New features include a Stan Chen SI magwell, a tactical ambidextrous safety and tapered grips. That changes the way this Dan Wesson Valor sits in the hand. And the experts say these are small increments, but they are steps forward.

You get a long sight radius thanks and Tritium front sights with a dayglo orange ring.

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 Valor 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.

Where to buy Dan Wesson

The best 1911 pistols from Dan Wesson 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.

• Dan Wesson – The best 1911 pistols online now.

4. Springfield Armory TRP

• Price: $1,683.99
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Barrel: 5 inch
• Total Length: 8.6 inch

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

It’s ‘almost pro-grade’ weaponry, but it’s not quite as pricey as the Springfield Custom guns that can comfortably top $3,000. So, 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. 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.

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 them up. 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 carbon 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.

Adjustable sights with Tritium inserts on the rear is low profile and all part of the TRP combat ready package.

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.

5. Rock Island Armory BBR3.1

• Price: $549.99
• Barrel: 3.1 inch
• Total Length: 6.5 inch
• Weight: 2lb
• Capacity: 10+1

Now I know this will be controversial. But this Rock Island is a 10 shot 45 ACP 1911 that fits into an IWB holster. If this was any other brand, you’d already be smashing the buy button.

Another fact to consider is that RIA have never had a bad reputation for reliability. So although it is a double stack magazine and thgat sounds like a risk, the owner reviews rave about the Rock Island Armory BBR 3.1.

It’s a proper 1911, shrunk down to CCW size, and then thanks to that fat grip module you somehow get 10 shots. This is a packaging marvel like the Sig P365 and Glock 43x, and we should salute it.

You should probably buy one, too. This is the first Rock Island Armory that isn’t just a cheap gun, it’s damned near the perfect concealed carry gun.

Would you trust the Rock Island more than the best handguns in your life? It’s cheap enough to send 1000 rounds down range and see if this double stack 1911 chambered in 45 ACP is your new everyday carry. Even if it isn’t, man, 10 rounds in a sub compact 1911 is pretty sweet.

6. Colt Gold Cup Trophy

• Price: $1,933.99
• Barrel: 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 Combat Unit’s versatility meant it took the overall honors. If it didn’t, this would be your winner.

Most of the world agrees that this is pretty much the standard for competition. And a lot of people have them at home too.

This is Just Cool

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

You get the best designers and R&D departments in the firearms industry. And a better frame and slide fit thanks to the work that goes in and you get the best gun.

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 as well.

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 stack semi-auto pistol.

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.

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

This 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 1911 under $2000? We think so, yes…

7. Smith & Wesson Performance Center SW1911

• Price: $1,772.99
• Barrel: 4.25 inch
• Total Length: 8.5 inch
• Weight: 1.85lb
• Capacity: 8+1

This is basically a custom 1911, built to carry 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. 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 with one of the best 1911 pistols out there.

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.

8. 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 and price points to prove it.

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. A lot of gun enthusiasts care about that.

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…

9. Springfield Loaded Operator

• Price: $1,031.99
• Caliber: 45 ACP Auto
• Barrel: 5 inch
• Total Length: 8.6 inch
• Weight: 2.5lb
• Capacity: 7+1

The Springfield Loaded Operator is a relative budget offering in this company. But it is 95% of the pistol for 50% of the cost in many cases. In others, it’s better than that.

We have been singing this gun’s praises for years.

This is a performance bargain with low drag sights, G10 grips and a matte stainless steel finish that belies its best budget roots. We like the Springfield Loaded Operator and new Target a lot, just not quite as much as the TRP.

10. Colt Defender Combat Elite

• Price: $2,040.99
• 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 the option to buy this chambered in 9mm or 45 ACP, 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.

It’s a kind of custom 1911 for sensible money. Get yours here.

11. 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 SR1911 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 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. 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.

12. Remington 1911 R1 UltraLight Executive

• Price: $1,275.99
• Barrel: 3.5 inch
• Overall: 7
• 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 frame, together with a forged stainless steel slide and wide 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.

13. Kimber 1911 Pro Covert

• Price: $1,474.99
• Barrel: 5 inch
• Total: 8.7
• Weight: 1.75lb
• Capacity: 7+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.

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.

Lightweight 1911 With Aluminum Frame

The alloy material 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 thanks to that 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.

14. Sig Sauer Emperor Scorpion

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

There’s a definite fashion label feel to the full size Sig Sauer Emporor, but this is a solid stock 1911 that has been dressed to the nines. That’s not a terrible thing….

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 forged frame and slide and a budget friendly gun with a sexy finish.

Upgrades on the Sig Emperor Scorpion

Then there is the flared Magwell, a simple add-on part that really is a performance boost, and a bevelled, lowered 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 shooter that isn’t too specific. There’s a place for that in this world…

17. Kimber Stainless Raptor II

• Price: $1,299.99
• Barrel: 5 inch
• Total Length: 8.6 inch

You can spend a lot more on a full size 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 isn’t a full a Kimber Custom Shop 1911, it’s the cream of the production line stuff presented supremely well. 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 with a 3 inch barrel, which is awesome in its own special way. They are all great guns.

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

• Price: $1,836.99
• 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. 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 carbon steel frame and slide. They just work together, perfectly, smoothly and the slide to frame fit would make a Saville Row tailor happy.

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…

20 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. 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.

21. Dan Wesson 1911 ECP

• 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 ECP is one of the few compact 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 Dan Wesson ECP 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 slide and the Nitride coated alloy frame. The forged frame and slide are different materials, and yet a perfect match.

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

22. Springfield Armory Mil Spec

• Price: $699.99
• Cal: .45
• Barrel Length: 5 inch
• Total Length: 8.5 inch
• Weight: 2.2lb
• Capacity: 8+1

The Springfield Armory Mil Spec used to be our favorite 1911 for $500 and topped the charts in our cheap 1911s piece for a looooong time.

It has crept up in price, but it’s still worth it at $700. In fact this is still a performance bargain and one of the best pistols for the money in 2022.

So if you want a cheap 1911, we still think the Springfield Armory Mil Spec is one of those hidde gun deals you’re looking for.

By the way, check out the Springfield Armory EMP if you’re looking for a 9mm 1911. We love that little Springfield Armory EMP, and you should own one…

22. 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.

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.

23. STI Trojan

• Price: $1,000
• 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 Trojan 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.

STI Trojan is hard to find

If it’s in stock when you click the link, don’t miss your chance. It could be a while before you get another and gun deals are rare with STI International…

The STI Trojan 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 upper tier guns come with grips with integral finger grooves and other weird touches. It is a world away from the classic G10 1911 grips and flat mainspring housing here.

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 and the best gun deals.
• 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…

• Guns.com – Used STI for discount prices.

24. Palmetto State Armory Custom 1911

• Price: $799.99
• Barrel: 5 inch
• Total: 8.7 inch
• Weight: 2.6lb

PSA Custom is a bold new move by Palmetto State Armory, which has long built its reputation on cheap and cheerful rifles and great AR pistols for the money.

By raiding the parts bin at its disposal, PSA has created a series of more expensive weapons with massive customization options and a solid spec sheet. The prices are higher but the idea is the same, great pistols for the money.

It has done the same here with a 1911 that punches well above its weight. At least on paper. We’d take one of the options, but everybody is different.

25. Sig Sauer STX

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

Sig produces a series of solid, affordable handguns based on this Sig Sauer STX foundation.

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

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.

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 Gun Deals Online

Not every store carries Colt pistols, and certainly not Colt Custom Shop handguns.

If you want to buy cheap Colts do come up, of course, well it’s possible and easier at these links.

• The best Colt Handguns of 2022
• Guns.com – A Great selection of Colt 1911 handguns.
• PSA – A great selection of 1911s, and some special edition Donald Trump guns.

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 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 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 buyers guide posts for cheaper alternatives today.

• $500 1911s. Buy a semi-auto pistol today, including Metro Arms firearms, 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 Tactical, even better Kimber Custom offerings and Colt’s best work. Don’t forget Nighthawk Custom too.

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 and more line at Brownells.

We covered some of the wilder Nighthawk Custom offerings before. But if you don’t know about the American Nighthawk Custom company, check them out. It’s cool stuff. Expensive, but cool.

What About a 10mm Pistol?

There are some really cool pistols chambered in 10mm that are serving as hunting handguns and they’re also reappearing in the real world as bear defense and even home handguns.

A long time ago the FBI began to doubt sidearms chambered in 9mm Luger, during the infamous Dade shootout. The Colt Delta Elite 10mm was the gun that emerged from that particular epiphany. You can still buy that same Colt Delta Elite today, and people do.

Kimber has some awesome 10mm options and we’re starting to see great guns from all the main players and some niche ones. Is 10mm the best bang for your buck? Definitely not, but it is kind of wild.

Check out the Colt Delta Elite and other 10mm pistols here.

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.

Also, if you can’t quite afford the sweet trigger pull of a Wilson Combat CQB Tactical, but you really want to look like you can, then you can buy Wilson Combat parts. You can get that classic Starburst grip, an ambi safety and just about every other major part from Wilson Combat.

It’s an expensive way to build a gun if you use them throughout. But the odd Wilson Combat part can make the world of difference to an otherwise best budget 1911 build.

Check out these parts, barrels and other options:

• Brownells – 1911 Parts, barrels, frames, rosewood grips, handgun ammo, full length guide rod and more.
• Primary Arms – Wilson Combat, and many other top suppliers. Rifles, shotguns etc.
• Palmetto State Armory – A great selection of parts and accessories, red dot sights, a recoil spring and more.

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