Hey all. I was looking into getting an 1911 in 45acp for my wife and I to share. She fell in love with the Les Baer 1911that we rented at our range. I recently found one at a LGS in my area for an affordable price, but it appears to be made in Turkey and imported by a company called SDS Imports out of Knoxville, TN. Obviously, the difference in quality between this one and the Les Baer is going to be huge, but I don't have a couple grand to drop on one. I've never used a Turkish firearm before, so I am a little concerned about reliability. Should I just pay more and hold out for a Kimber,  Ruger or one of the other big name manufacturers? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! 

 

SDS Imports are on par with the Rock Islands. Affordable and reliable. 

Look at Dan Wesson.  Quality at a more affordable price. Most consider them semi custom. I have a Baer as well as some lesser priced 1911’s. Now days I prefer to save my pennies and buy quality over quantity.

 

Hickok45  tested the SDS 1911s and was impressed with its build quality at that price point. I would not discount his opinion.

 

 

 

 

Ruger 1911s are pretty affordable too.

5 hours ago, 15636215 said:

Ruger 1911s are pretty affordable too.

The Rugers I've seen are all pretty much north of 1k. I'm looking in the 600-800 dollar range.

5 hours ago, GDITurbo77 said:

The Rugers I've seen are all pretty much north of 1k. I'm looking in the 600-800 dollar range.

One thing to consider is a few hundred dollars is nothing compared to the price of ammunition you will put through it.  I bought a slightly used Colt Combat Commander in 1974 for $125.  Keep in mind I was making a bit more than $200 a week.  I've easily put more 40,000 rds thru that gun.  Rebuilt once.

What about a Springfield 1911, should be able to get a basic one for under 1k.

14 hours ago, GDITurbo77 said:

The Rugers I've seen are all pretty much north of 1k. I'm looking in the 600-800 dollar range.

Damn.  You are not incorrect.   Just looked up SR1911 prices on Gun Genie.  Least expensive one is $1130.

Of course that is MSRP.  They "generally" sell for much less.  If the market is still hot that may not be the case currently.

I paid around $650 for my SR1911 a few years ago.  I should have purchased a two of them!

Maybe wait until prices come down some?  If they ever do?

Look at the Springfield Armory Ronin, I just bought one for under $900 after tax & FFL transfer was added. All steel .45 & 9mm full size, I got a .45 Commander size, forged aluminum frame steel slide. 

Ended up getting a Kimber Custom LW Shadow Ghost in .45 ACP. She absolutely loves it!