[Tijeras_Slim]

Try to find a Colt series 70 or earlier. Classic lines and just cranky enough to have character.

Or one of the Springfield Armory Milspec (semi repro) guns.

[SVTCobra03]

You need to go to a gun store/indoor firing range that will allow you to fire several different models. I prefer the Kimber Warrior but YMMV.

[Wu]

Stay away from Auto-Ordnance...

[CarmichaelPatriot]

The purists would say to get a Colt...

I just shot my new (to me) Springfield 1911-A1 USGI model for the first time last night. Very nice piece.

If you’re just looking for a plinker, brand doesn’t matter too much. The Rock Island Armory models made by Armscor in the Philipines are pretty decent and the price is good at around $500. Get into a Colt or Kimber and you could be talking $2000 - $3000, depending on configuration and model.

Good luck

[blueunicorn6]

They were going to let you buy your issued pistol when the Army switched to 9mm, but I believe Clinton had them melted down.

[nerdwithagun]

I've never seen a used military 1911 at a store or gun show. Probably didn't look hard enough at the gun shows.

This probably isn't what your looking for, but Springfield makes original styled 1911A1s. The GI, Mil-Spec, and Loaded. Going from fewest to most features. I have a loaded Loaded strapped to my hip as I type this. For the features, a very nicely priced gun. Got it used for around $650.

[WayneS]

My father has a WWII vintage Remington-Rand 1911 that has always been incredibly reliable. Those, and some others made under contract by non-firearms manufacturers like Singer, etc. are a bit rare and kind of pricey, though.

[Jack Deth]

I’ve had several 1911s and the one that has the best ergonomics and handles best is the Colt Commander.

Same barrel length. Nice, heavy slide that eats up recoil. Same standard magazines. Great balance and a trigger that breaks nicely at just under a pound and a half.

Just sayin’.

[Chuckster]

I have found that most any 1911 pattern pistol will function reliably with round nose FMJ military style ammo. With a .45 I do not believe you really need any other. That is why the military chose it in the first place.

[grobdriver]

Kimbers aren't always pricy (>$1K).
I carry a Kimber Custom II and the wife-unit carries a Kimber Pro Carry II in 9mm (1911 frame).

I like that she can shoot the nine which is better suited for her frame, but she can pick up my .45 and be comfortable operating it if she needed to.

Neither pistol cost us more than $800.

[Hardraade]

All of them. Mine started out as a Springfield milspec, one of the first in their milspec batch. But if it is 1911, and 45, you basically can’t go wrong :).

[Lurker]

I have a Colt Combat Commander that I absolutely love. If you can find one in decent shape I’d recommend you take a good look at it.

[mrmeyer]

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=4

[Gaffer]

I have a cherry 1911A1 US Army made in 1943 - Colt all original. You wouldn’t want to pay for what I’d have to charge you for it. Whatever you buy, get some good mags for it. The cheapo 7 shot mags are crap. Get some good Combats, or similar...makes an old gun function like new if the firing pin works and it’ll recoil right....

[slouch-no-more]

When our soon graduated from Marine Basic 5 years ago, we presented him with a new Kimber Warrior. This is the civilianized version of the Special Operator’s weapon. He has put thousands of rounds through it with never a problem. Beautiful, tough, and accurate.

http://www.kimberamerica.com/1911/custom-ii/warrior

[Joe Boucher]

Check out the Kimber
I know i love mine

[archy]

I am looking to get a 1911 45 ACP for recreational shooting, home defense and sometimes Carry. I currently have a .357 Taurus snub nose that I carry with .38 +P Personal Defense Ammo.

I would like an older, used Military Pistol and am leaning toward a M1911A1. I am not interested in modern day knockoffs at this time.

Original WWII M1911A1s have become collectables that will likely run you well in excess of a $1000. The new Remington 1911R is a pretty credible 1911 available for a bit over half that, but if you really want a military 1911 that's a usable protection or field piece, there is a way.

The answer is the M1927 Argentine. Originally, Argentina ordered a production run of 10,000 Colt 1911A1s in 1927-28, then arranged with Colt to obtain the production machinery and build the guns under license in Rosario, Argentina, starting at first around 1936 with Colt employees assisting and supervising, then on their own.

They're collectable on their own, and there are those who would not trade a 1930's vintage Argie DGFM M27 *Systema*, with its original charcoal blue finish and machine-cut checkering, for a new production commercial Colt or Kimber. And I'm one of them.

You may have to look a bit to find an owner ready to part with one. And when you do, you'll likely pay about what you would for that Remmie R1. But it's likely worth it.

[JDoutrider]

My carry for the past three decades remains the same... Colt Commander.

Don't leave home without it! (Thanks AMX!)

[telebob]

I’ve got a Springfield GI with an after market trigger and guts I use as my house gun. Very reliable and accurate but I don’t think I’d use it for carry. I’d go with a shorter frame.

I also have a Colt and a Kimber but those are set up as target guns.

I don’t know why you’d want to conceal carry a military 1911 when there are so many good carry 1911’s out there for less cost.

[Mariner]

Colt Lightweight Commander.

Doesn't get any better.