1911 replica recommendation

[toad]

I have previously posted a topic in which I had expessed the desire to purchase a Govt. issue 1911 .45 . Upon doing some research I have come to the conclusion that for my purposes , an original Colt 1911 was way out of my price range for use as a "shooter". This then begs the question : What recommendations would be made for purchasing a replica 1911 which would look and be as functionally correct as possible to an original ? I have just returned from a local gun shop that recommended to me a Para-Ordinance 1911 replica . Any thoughts ? ;I highly value the opinions expressed by my fellow Milsurp enthusiasts on these forums.


----Thank You

----Toad

Information

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[browningautorifle]

They're great but I think the Springfield is closest mechanically. The Auto Ord has the series 70 or 80 safety and firing pin blocks the original doesn't. Also stripping isn't the same because of those small parts.

[Wulf]

I think the Rock Island is the best for the money. The are very affordale tight accurate guns. I have many Colts and two Rock Islands. The Colt never leave the safe. I will also add that SARCO has the best prices that I have seen on them.

[jdmcomp]

I assume that you mean a 1911a1. You require one that looks like the original and that limits the field quite a bit. Most of the newer 1911 clones have the ejection port lowered quite a bit and that is a dead giveaway. I bought the Springfield Armory 1911a1 for my self and was looking for the same specs you quote. I have replaced the trigger (folded sheet metal type), hammer (checkered wide), safety and slide release (checkered type also) and installed a mainspring housing with the lanyard loop to complete the look. Yep, they are all different from the late 1911s. One last item, replaced the grips also.

[TDH]

ParaOrdinance GI Expert MSRP $600. I got mine for $500 but i had the rear sight replaced with an adjustable.
Taurus PT 1911. This one has a full length guide rod but is well made and accurate. Average price $600 and it has a lot of the same features of a custom gun.

[Buntlineguy]

Springfield.
B

[toad]

Do you mean the Springfield Armory model ??

[robertb6112]

What do you guys think of the auto-ordnance? I was thinking about getting one in the near future.

[browningautorifle]

I have the Auto Ord and it's rock solid and failure free. It's standard without fancies and add on's. I'm using lead bullets but at the end of a session I finish with ball to remind myself of the recoil. No rattles or problems. BUT, it has the series 70 or 80 safety in the firing pin block so it doesn't strip like the Springfield. They both LOOK G.I.

[imarangemaster]

I vote RIA. Mine is an awesome shooter, and all I had to add were GI grips and an arched MSH with lanyard. I paid $400 out the door. See my pic in the below thread. Off hand at 10 yards I kept 9 rounds in about 2 inches. And that is after not qualifying (or shooting more than a few rounds through) a 1911 in 12 years.