The 1911 is one of the most legendary firearms in existence.
It’s been around since the year 1911 and found its way into wars and conflicts all across the planet.
Today, it remains one of the most popular firearms ever produced for a variety of uses.
You can find 1911s for $350 all the way to $4,000 custom guns. It’s truly mind-blowing to look and see how much the 1911 varies in price.
Many of us may not want to spend more than $500-$800 on a 1911. This article is for those people, the people looking for affordable, or dare I say, cheap 1911s?
Summary of Our Top Picks
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Best For CarryA commander length barrel and bobtail frame make this ideal for those who want to carry a 1911.
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Editor's PickSpringfield Garrison 1911 .45 ACP
The Garrison is slick, good-looking, and shoots great.
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Best 10mm 1911You get the hard-hitting 10mm and a long slide 6" gun for a very reasonable price.
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Table of Contents
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Why You Should Trust Us
Input into this article came from the PPT editorial team and our writers. Together we have a combined shooting experience of 30+ years, including instruction, competition, and multiple shooting disciplines.
We’ve spent countless hours researching and analyzing guns and gear to determine which is the best when it comes to features, reliability, ergonomics, and bang for your buck.
We had to make some tough calls. If you don’t see your favorite 1911, it doesn’t mean we hate it, just that we couldn’t include it this time.
What to Expect with a Wallet-Friendly 1911
The 1911 is a cranky platform. But can you blame it? It’s over a century old.
Its old-school design came from a time when craftsmanship was a thing. Guns were fitted together versus mass-produced on assembly lines.
Your standard, mass-produced 1911 can have issues…especially when it comes to tight tolerances. This can come in the form of jams, failures to extract, failures to feed specific ammo, and more.
Is this a more significant issue with cheap 1911s?
In our experience no, not really. Between the team here at Pew Pew Tactical, we have handled a good chunk of budget 1911s, and by in large, they run very well.
It used to be that most affordable 1911s were no-frills stripped-down models. But recently, nicer features such as Novak cut sights, ambi-safeties, adjustable triggers, nicer beavertails, and fancy grips are becoming more commonplace on budget 1911s.
Most will be chambered .45 ACP, but 9mm and 10mm options are becoming increasingly popular. You can usually expect to get a mag or two as well.
Best Sub-$500 1911s
1. Tisas 1911 A1
We are going to come out of the gate swinging with our favorite team pick here — the Tisas 1911 A1.
While Rock Island Armory long held the spot for the best bang-for-your-buck classic GI gun, Tisas has just upped the game.
For those that don’t know, many entry-level 1911s use the casting process to create their frames and use metal injection molding (MIM) to make small parts like control levers and triggers.
While you can have good casting and MIM parts, forged frames and machined steel parts are flat-out superior. Tisas forges all their frames, and they use zero MIM parts with the sole exception of the recoil spring plug.
Considering these guns only cost $300-$350, I didn’t believe it, but sure enough, it is right on their website!
Aside from that, these GI-style guns have excellent build quality, good triggers, nice finish, and they come with two sets of grips (one plastic, one wood), two magazines, and a barrel bushing tool.
These run exceedingly well and are the best value in 1911s right now and are perfect for those that just want to dip their toes in the pool. It even made it onto our overall best affordable handgun list!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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2. Rock Island Armory Standard FS
Rock Island Armory’s long-term commitment to providing quality 1911s at a reasonable price is a big part of the reason that other companies have followed suit and the market is as good as it is today.
For those wanting to step up from the small GI sights and older-style hammer and trigger, look no further than the RIA Standard FS.
This true “government” model features a skeletonized hammer and trigger, Novak-style sights, an ambidextrous safety, forward slide serrations, an extended beavertail, and G10 grips.
All of this comes in at around $375-$450, making this an excellent choice for those that want a more modern-optioned 1911 without breaking the bank.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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You can check our full review of the RIA GI 1911.
3. Tisas 1911 Devil Ray Carry
Tisas once again makes the list with a great offering in their 1911 Devil Ray Carry model.
You get nice, easy-to-see Novak-style sights, forward slide serrations, and the piece-de-resistance, an Ed Brown Signature bobtail frame cut to help with concealability at the grip.
Other features include an ambidextrous safety, extended beavertail, and textured grips with a relief cut for easier access to the magazine release.
Being a carry model means the barrel is 4.25 inches long (commander-length), and the frame is slightly cut with melted corners for easy, comfortable carry.
Coming in at right around $500, the Devil Ray Carry offers a lot of features commonly found on high-end 1911s. Its commander-length slide and bobtail grip profile make this an appealing option for those looking to potentially concealed carry a 1911 on a budget.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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What do you think of the Tisas? Rate it below!
Best Mid-Range 1911s
4. Springfield Armory Garrison
So you want a bit of a step-up maybe in both name and quality, while still staying under a grand? Check out the Springfield Garrison.
The Garrison is available in either stainless or in an amazing hot salt-blued finish. Features include a 5-inch match-grade barrel, low-profile 3-dot sights, backstrap checkering, and a skeletonized trigger and hammer.
These guns feel more akin to a higher-end $1500 1911, yet they will only set you back about $750-$850 or so. They are available in 9mm and .45 ACP.
You are going to get a beautiful gun with a good trigger that runs well out of the box. This is one of our favorite picks overall.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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5. Fusion Freedom Reaction
Although you may not have heard of Fusion Firearms, they know their stuff.
The company was founded by the former president of Dan Wesson and has been producing frames, barrels, and other 1911 parts for some time.
Their Freedom Series Government model includes aggressive front strap checkering, front cocking serrations, fiber front sight, target crowned muzzles, and an excellent trigger.
Even though these do cost a bit more, coming in around $750, the build quality on these is outstanding, and it still very much represents a value-buy.
Tight fitment, smooth coatings, and a lack of machining marks give this gun more of a semi-custom feel rather than a production gun.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Best Non-.45 Budget 1911s
6. Girsan MC1911 S Hunter
Sometimes you just need to go bigger. And by bigger, I mean both in caliber and size.
Girsan has you covered with their awesome MC1911 S Hunter, a 6-inch barreled long slide 1911 in the heavy-hitting 10mm.
Despite its imposing presence, the price on the Hunter isn’t nearly as scary — clocking in at around $600-$650.
An ambi safety, fully adjustable rear “super sight”, forward serration, accessory rail, extended beavertail, and G10 grips ensure that the Hunter is ready for both the field as well as delivering a smooth-shooting time at the range.
The overall quality on these is solid, and if you want to get into a big-boy 1911, this is the cheapest way to do it.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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7. ATI GSG 1911-22
During ammo droughts, I lean a lot on .22 LR. I stock it throughout the year and always have a pile on hand, just in case.
.22 is a fun cartridge that’s easy to shoot; it’s perfect for training, new shooters, and young shooters. Obviously, 1911s in .22 exist, and one of the most affordable is the GSG 1911-22.
This little fella is a simple blowback firearm that tends to cycle reliably as long as it’s kept clean.
Unsurprisingly, .22 LR tends to be dirty, so CLP is required to keep the 1911-22 running.
Various models exist with fake suppressors, threaded barrels, rails, ambi safeties, extended beavertails, and more.
These little guys also tend to be extremely affordable, and affordable is the name of the game today.
It’s a great stand-in for your centerfire 1911 and grants the gun a much cheaper course of ammunition.
The little GSG 1911-22s are a blast to shoot, fit most standard 1911 holsters, and are compatible with a wide variety of 1911 parts like grips.
On top of that, the 10-round magazines are affordable and easy to find. This is perfect for a budget 1911 and a perfect choice as a fun .22 LR handgun for plinking.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Final Thoughts
The 1911 is a fun platform. An all-metal design, the single-action trigger, and the big ole’ .45 ACP (or other cartridges) all come together to make something uniquely American.
And the good news is 1911s don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. They certainly can, but you have a ton of different options at almost any price range.
If you are just looking for a fun gun for the range or the collection, I wouldn’t hesitate with a more affordable 1911 option.
Do you have any experience with any of these? Are there any we missed? Let us know in the comments! A gun is great and all, but don’t forget mags! See our top recommendations at the Best 1911 Mags: .45 ACP & 9mm.
84 Leave a Reply
I grew up shooting a 1911 45 and until a couple years ago, I never even considered carrying a 1911 or a wheel gun for my CCW. I love the list and have been looking at TISAS, there's two budget 1911's that I didn't see on the list, the Taurus PT1911, and oddly enough the PSA 1911 at Palmetto State Armory,their GI Model is under 350, though I haven't had one before they're definitely base model mil spec 1911's. The gun I carry daily now is a Beretta 92X 18+1 round 9mm. Unlike most people I prefer a heavy full size pistol, because a heavy old 1911 shoots much easier for me than a polymer anything. The 1911 absorbs a lot of recoil without much transfer to my wrists...I've shot a few different polymer guns and they're just ridiculous, i tried a compact 9mm sig and it was crazy how much felt recoil I was getting. For me personally I wouldn't stake my life on one if I had a choice to take a 1911 instead. My bud let me try out his old Beretta 92FS when we were target shooting a couple years ago. He said he had a 9mm he wanted me to try, I wasn't interested because I thought it was gonna be a glockenspiel, but he handed me that steel frame 92 and said the first pull was double action, but then was single action for the rest of the shots. That first pull felt like a mile long but I pinged my plate target on the first shot and told him that was a long pull, the single action trigger was nice and crisp though just like a 1911. People say that the 1911 is obsolete in the ccw world today but l don't believe that for a second. They say the capacity is too limited, and they weigh a ton. I don't see the capacity as an issue, I always have an 8 round in the pistol for ease of concealment, and always have a round chambered, then I got three 10 round backup mags. I see the point in more bullets is better, but personally not if it comes at sacrificing my accuracy being a cost to get more rounds. The 1911 will always be my hands down favorite pistol platform and I'll take a heavy ass, limited capacity, time tested, World War Winning 45acp that I can run ten times more effectively than anything else. I handload all my target and SD Loads, and in the 45 I always have my Federal Hydra-Shok 235 grain HP's, if I can't find those I got Hornady Critical Duty in my 1911's.
Not even close. By far the best entry level 1911 you can buy right now is the Charles Daly built by Brixia in Italy it has the proof marks for over pressure testing every barrel. They are built on the same machinery used to built the Valtro 1989.
I am not a pistol person but I recently purchased a tisas 1911 carry ($329 +tax)in 45 acp
And the gun is tight but runs great and is easy to control. Still in the break-in count but have only 1 failure and that was 1st or 2 nd shot it eats fmj and self defense ammo. I would like to find a commander in same price range in 9mm.
Ahhhhhhhhhh, yet another recycled old article. What's the ratio of new to old/barely updated piece's? 1:20? 1:30?
We regularly update older content and push it to the top to allow newer readers to have an opportunity to catch up. We do update these with newer recommendations or models we've tested. Thanks for reading.
I have owned 1911 models from Colt, Ruger, Springfield, and Kimber. In 45, 9mm, and in 10mm. They are heavy, low capacity, and not super reliable. Nothing however shoots like a 1911. Its like driving an old car or truck with a manual transmission. Something satisfying about it. While my other 1911 models eventually got sold, I love and frequently shoot my gsg in .22 lr. It goes bang every time, very accurate out to 35+ yards and eats supermaximum ammo. Love it.
Glad to hear your GSG runs well! .22s can be a little finicky, but that is awesome that you have one that works so well.
When I retired last year, the officers at my agency gifted me a Garrison. They had a gunsmith install an ambi safety and had it engraved (name, rank, years of service). It is such a nice handgun, and it shoots really nice. You can't beat that 1911 trigger. I recommend it to anyone interested in getting a 1911.
Sean, I completely agree. The Garrisons look amazing, especially given the price. Glad you enjoy yours!
A friend of mine bought a Tina's 1911 in 9mm for a little over $300.00.
Frankly, when he told me what he paid for it, I wasn't expecting much. But, much to my surprise, it was one nice gun. While I didn't have a chance to live fire it, I did rack the slide and pull the trigger. Both were smooth; very nice. For $300+, this is a great 1911.
I was in the same boat, I didn't expect that much. Like you, I was surprised by the quality and the fitment. If you have a chance to shoot it, you should give it a go!
The Friend I referred to is a "Collecter" of sorts. He has almost 50 guns in his collection but only 5 or so has he live fired. But he does a lot of dry firing. :)
I had always wanted a full size .22 / 1911. First time I tried to order an ATI GSG, the order was rejected. The state of Illinois deemed the firearm unsafe because of the poor quality alloy the gun was made of. Apparently, there was some history of them blowing up. This was some years back, but I don’t think it has been taken off the prohibition list. Since then, I purchased a Colt Ace .22 conversion unit for my Colt Govt. model. Works great, but I can’t find any extra mags for it that don’t cost an arm or other body part.
I have carried and shot my ATI 4" 1911 GI for a few years now and it has never failed me. I have put a Wilson Combat firing pin,extended slide release and safety lever and done a trigger polish. I run Wilson Combat mags too. It has always gone bang when i press the trigger
That was built by SAM they build in house now the moxie it is a poly frame. They don't build steel frame anymore
I can’t believe Bul Armory isn’t part of this discussion they are setting the new standard for 1911’s under $1000
John, BUL armory makes some great guns. Their base models start at about $750, which was about our max for this article. As always, to keep the list short, we had to make some tough cuts. Hopefully we can get a SAS II UL in for review sometime soon.
Wyatt, that is true. The Sas2 UL has been reviewed to death. If you want to have some fun try getting the SAS 2 TAC 4.25 pro model that is ported with a steel frame. That would be a lot more fun to shoot. I’m still waiting for mine. It’s in jail in New York. There is not one review out yet for that model. John
Own Tisas 1911A1 .45acp, Girsan 6in long slide 10mm and a ATI 1911A1 .22LR. I love 1911s. IMO best pistols ever make. Also own Glocks, Berettas and several revolvers. I carry either the .45 or 10mm everyday. I don't buy over priced, expensive pistols because I don't treat them like a princess or have them as cabinet candy. I buy pistols that are reliable, 1911s have proven that. May be a little bias, 23year retired Navy and the 1911 was my sidearm.
I have a RIA 3.5 inch barrel in GI Series. Changed out the grips with a set of rosewood with a grim reaper motif, and added a dab of white nail polish to the front sight. I run Monarch steel 230 grain ammo. I keep it lubed with CRC Powerlube so far so good. Over 500 rounds no malfunctions. It is my truck gun. I like this basic setup a lot.
I've owned an Rock Island armory GI edition 1911 probably 10 years now I probably put more than a 1000 rounds through it I've only had one issue and that was on a fairly hot day and the friend I was with knocked a cannon monster over and it won't up in the gun. Very reliable wouldn't say I'd ever win any competitions putting a tight group together but I'm gonna Put a hole in what I want to put a hole in. Recently stepped up and bought a Rock Island armory 1911 a2 chambered in 10 mm I live in a state that brown black and polar bears are a possibility the last one only if I go to the north end. 10 is a bit better in stopping them 45 great self defense not nessasarily that great of a bear country sidearm.
This 1911 is really special carried one for 10 yrs in the army Lots of memories and never let me down. I will get one for Xmas from me to me. Great informative article one of the best I ve read. Thanks
So this article is for those looking to spend $500 or less yet over half of these are closer to $1000 than they are to $500....thanks...thanks a lot.
My wife and I each have an ATI 1911 (she has a Military Model and I have a Commander style) and we love them. They shoot great and are very reliable. We also have an ATI GSG 1911-22 that is a joy to shoot for inexpensive target practice. All three are excellent guns that didn't cost an arm and a leg.
I own the Tisas(not Tisa sir) Carry and their M1911 A1 Service models,both in .45 acp,recently bought the Carry new(Commander is the common name for a 4.25" 1911).Bought the Service model,a Colt "Black Army" clone,used Ive put 3,800+ rounds thru ut since buying it,zero failures,accurate,smooth.Both guns as accurate as the hands shooting them.Imo Tisas makes a better 1911 in any model than RIA,who I agree make very good ones.Tisas has the best at budget prices,and then some.
......tisas doesnt have a ''2011" like RIA with the TAC ultra. they also dont have the B3-10 or what ever its called a 3 inch 10 round .45 mini 1911... nore do they have double stacked 1911... RIA wins in my opinion bro
Girsan 1911's have triggers that rival expensive 1911's. I have customized one and it now will shoot with top grade 1911's and looks the part. I know the tisas is turkish made as well and likely is very similar or perhaps the same gun as the girsan. I have a charles daly field grade as well and have shot many a ria. Ria may make a bunch more options but i'm yet to shoot a ria thats a better gun than the turkish made 1911's.
anyone have feeding issues with their budget 1911? Buy sig sauer mags(trim base if necessary) and be amazed the problem is solved, the sig mags keep the bullets from nosing down and tilt the rounds at a slightly higher angle. My girsan (customized) Tuned 24lb wilson spring with the sig sauer mags eats all and every ammo type with zero failures to feed and zero ejection problems even with the stock ejector. My barrel is a rock river arms stainless, a stainless slide stop, a stainless bushing a number 2 wilson combat barrel link and soon a custom cerakote two tone finish with night sights and g10 grips will be added. The pistol is now just past the 700 dollar mark and i shoot round for round with several high dollar 1911's every bit as accurately.
SIG C3 ...... Enough said.
MD Vickery...I was "jus finna" say.... I have 1.5 words.... PARA.ORDNANCE. Son. Son son. Son son son. Mane.
I am a 1911 fan. I have had several and finally tried and purchased a Kimber Pro 4" 9mm. Fantastic tigger pull, nice balance, fits great. It has the Crimson Trace Laser Grips - FANTASTIC option for self defense. Allows me a view of what is around the target plus I do not need to line up the sights - the laser shows me what the gun is aimed at. I keep a look out for good deal on a Sig P220 in 9mm to purchase - I have been told they are FANTASTIC.
Interesting that you would include both Remington and Para Ordnance. Especially since Para is no more (purchased by Remington, now who knows the result.) Plus the link provided is to an online used gun marketer. I cast NO aspersions on the gun, but question why it was included here.
Apparently article was regurgitated from 2019. Para has been out of business for several years. They are nice firearms, however. Waste of time reading outdated material.
Rock Island 10mm, STI Trojan .38 Super. Excellent values
I love my rock island armory 1911!
You have a cool job testing and reviewing firearms I am slightly envious .. thanks for the article . I was shopping for a budget 1911 to build as I wished for a daily carry piece . Was seriously considering a RIA, locally none were available , always sold out . Before I was able to source one I was offered a Remington R1 enhanced , Alabama built. Used but like new . I bought it and do not regret it .everything I wanted in a 1911 under 1,000 dollars . The only issue ive had is that the factory mag will not allow JHP ammo to feed . Picked up a couple Kimber pro tactical mags and problem solved . Thanks for the time you take in writing your articles I may not agree with you on a few things but I support you 1st amendment rights by exercising my 2nd . Keep it up looking forward to more of your reviews.
I have walther colt 1911 22 lr it was so cheap and itz so much fun to shoot I got it at a gun show for around 140 bucks along ti.e ago still shoot it almost every week
I have Taurus PT1911 in 45 and the gun feels really well made. I found the factory mags to be unreliable but once I swapped them for Wilson Combat mags the gun has been 100 percent reliable. I have a two tone version that I paid $600 for and IMHO that's hard to beat.
I have a Taurus PT1911 .45cal, an ATI 1911 Titan .45cal, and a Colt Gold Cup 1911 .22cal made by Walther Arms under license from Colt. I put Hogue rubber finger grove grips on all three and I love the way they feel in my hand and are comfortable to shoot. I did a trigger job on all three. The Taurus is a nail driver and an absolute dream to shoot. Those of you that are "gun snobs" and won't try one because of the Taurus name, need to take another look. Taurus quality has greatly improved over the last few years. The ATI Titan which is an Officer size was bought to fiddle around with (changing to a colt guide rod and spring and other things) to see how they worked. The .22cal was something I thought would be fun for me (and especially my wife) to shoot and it has been that. It is also a good training gun, being the same size but a little lighter than a full sized .45.
My Iver Johnson Eagle is my favorite 1911 I currently have. I had my gunsmith do a trigger job on it and it is very accurate. Shoots RN, SWC, and hollow points without any issues.
I have a RIA 1911 GI FS, a RIA Compact Officers 1911 (it came with skelotinized trigger), a Colt 1911 Government Combat with all the bells & whistles in stainless steel, 2 SR 1911's one in 9mm & one in .45acp. They're all great shooters surprisingly the RIA's function as well as any. To Alex: I believe Armscor makes RIA's.
fuck this I want a Armscor 1911 GI 9mm pistol but don't have the monet
I'm surprised that ATI FX45 1911s weren't brought up since, based on pricing I've done for a while, they're a tad bit cheaper than Rock Islands. There was a review I came across where a brand new ATI FX45 Military was shot-for-shot compared to a literal WWII surplus Colt 1911A1. The review actually had them pretty even in quality and performance, but the ATI was favored slightly for the larger rear sight than the OG 1911.
Btw I just bought an ATI and the first mod I did was the Magpul grips like in this review. I do have a quality issue with a crooked front blade sight, but I was already planning to replace that with a white dot. I just have to find a gunsmith to do it since I don't have the tools or faith in myself to do it right.
ATI is a very good 1911. They are slightly less expensive than RIA & both are made in the Philippines, I put white fingernail polish on the front sight. It works great for me!
Nice article, in my experience a fair look at the market as of 2019, for those of us with limited funds. I appreciated that you covered models that are actually available ( with the exception of the Palmetto (PSA) guns.) I want to pass along just my feeling that eve