Gwinny,
About a year ago I was looking for a 1911 .45. A Co worker is a big time "cheap gun guy" as well as a 1911 fan. He's got about 6 or 7 1911's.
He availed me to his collection of 1911 (high end he a Para Ord and a Springfield Carry Comp, and low end he had an IAI GAL 5000 and a Auto Ord .45).
After shooting them all, I went with the Springfield Armory in thier new "Loaded" version. Of the 1911's he owned, the Springfield was the only one that was reliable. The lower wnd pistols were really crappy, not something I would ever trust my life to. Feeding jams were the rule. On the Para Ordnance, I would say maybe, but a reliability package would be required.
I think that's rediculous. Have you seen the sticker prices on those things? They ought to work "out of the box".
I would say to answer your question, save up for a Springfield "Loaded". They are the most bang for your buck 1911s on the market. I love mine. 100% reliability so far.
If cash is an object (which I'm sure it is...I'm right there with you on this), go with the .357 wheel gun option. Not as sexy as an auto pistol, but you can get a quality .357 for what you would spend on a low end (junk) 1911.
Avoid Colts. Morons making crappy guns.
Just my opinion, FWIW.
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Dan
Si vis pacem para bellum!
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